PG Diploma vs Masters (MS) in Canada

Choosing a field of study or specialisation to pursue after graduation is something that puts most study abroad aspirants in confusion. It might not be rocket science for those who have already decided on the specialisation in which they wish to broaden their knowledge but the ones who are still in dilemma suffer most. If you aspire to pursue your higher education in Canada, the primary confusion might be whether you should opt for a PG diploma or masters in Canada. Both degrees have their own charm, but deciding which one is best suited for you is quite difficult.

This article will provide you with all the information you shall need while deciding which is better, masters or PG diploma in Canada. There is a very small difference between these two options, hence you should know all the pros and cons of each programme before deciding on one. Let us first take a brief understanding on what is the difference between a post-graduate diploma and masters in Canada.

Understanding Post Graduate Diploma

Simply put, a Postgraduate Diploma is an academic programme that you can enrol in immediately after earning your Bachelor's degree. For those looking to receive professional training in a particular subject, this course is ideal. PG Diplomas are only a few months long and do not need a dissertation assignment or project work. A short-term PG Diploma in Canada usually offers a minimum of 120 credits.

Understanding Masters Degree

A master's degree in Canada is a professional and demanding academic degree that needs a minimum of one to two years of work experience. It lasts longer and usually includes a required dissertation assignment or project work. In Canada, master's degrees usually include at least 180 credits. For individuals who want to pursue a PhD and enter academia, this degree becomes the next optimal step.

Confused about pursuing a PG diploma vs masters in Canada? Or, you might need expert help to decide which Canadian university and specialisation are best suited for you. Discuss your profile with our experts!

PG Diploma Vs Masters in Canada Comparison

Canada has emerged as one of the favourite study abroad destinations among Indian as well as international students. Canada is home to some of the top-notch universities in the world offering high-quality education with an affordable fee structure. With all the available scholarships to study in Canada offered to international students, the country has emerged as one of the best affordable choices for the international student community.

After completing a bachelors degree, some students choose to continue their journey in academics and choose higher studies. Given the option of choosing a PG diploma or a masters programme, students often choose a PG Diploma as it is relatively cheaper. On the other hand, students aspiring to obtain a professional degree or earn practical experience choose a masters programme. Thus, it is important to know the difference between the two and choose a course that is most suited to your situation and future plans. The table below serves as a comparison tool between pursuing a PG diploma and masters in Canada and to help the students better understand and make an informed choice accordingly.

A PG diploma is a good option for students with a low GPA or low budgetasa PG diploma allows a student to get a certification in their field of interest and get a job quickly.On the other hand, students withgood scores and decent budgets choose a master's programme to get in-depth knowledge and earn practical experience before entering the workforce.

Differences Between a PG Diploma Vs Masters in Canada

While making a decision on the type of post-graduation courses there are a few points that should be kept in mind. These include:

Duration: One should have an idea of the amount of time they are ready to commit in their post-graduation. If they have sufficient time, like 1.5 to two years, then only they should opt for masters in Canada. The duration of a PG diploma in Canada is shorter than that of a master's.

Grades: Grades are another aspect that one should necessarily keep in mind while deciding to opt for a PG diploma vs masters in Canada. The grades or Grade Point Average (GPA) play a vital role in the type of programme a university is offering to a student.

Affordability: Pursuing masters in Canada is costlier than a PG diploma. So, it is necessary to have an idea about the overall budget and one should plan accordingly.

Career opportunities: One should have an idea about career prospects after the completion of a particular course. It would be a total waste of money if there are limited opportunities, so proper research is needed before making a decision.

Credibility: This is another aspect that must be kept in mind. A master's degree always provides more credit than a PG Diploma degree. A PG diploma degree offers a minimum of 120 credits, while on the other hand, a master's degree offers a minimum of 180 credits.

Top Universities for PG Diploma Vs Masters in Canada

As discussed, Canadian universities are known for their excellent education system variety of programmes they offer to international students with affordable budgets. Following is a list of some popular universities offering PG diploma in Canada and masters in Canada :

Popular Specialisations for PG Diploma Vs Masters in Canada

There can be no denying that international students studying in Canada receive a world-class education and get the liberty to choose the most popular specialisations to study at top universities in Canada. Following is the list of some of the top specialisation courses offered under the PG diploma in Canada and masters in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for PG Diploma Vs Masters in Canada

The eligibility criteria are something that varies from one course to another, one university to another, and one applicant to another. It even changes based on the nationality of an international student. Therefore, it is advisable for the students to go through the official website of their desired university in order to check whether they are eligible or not.

The eligibility criteria may vary according to the specialisation courses or the university, however, it is often the same for both PG diplomas and masters, grades being the exception in the list. Master's degrees usually require higher grades to gain acceptance as compared to a PG diploma course that requires lesser marks. The following table provides the basic information on the eligibility criteria for PG Diploma in Canada and masters in Canada:

Cost of Study for PG Diploma Vs Masters in Canada

One of the basic things that come to mind while thinking about studying abroad is the associated cost. While studying abroad is quite heavy on the pocket, Canada offers some affordable courses as well as an affordable cost of living in Canada. The cost of studying majorly includes tuition fees, living expenditures, miscellaneous expenditures, etc. The cost of studying in a master's program is generally higher than a PG diploma program, because of lesser tuition fees and the course duration.

Tuition fees for different specialisations for PG diploma in Canada vs masters in Canada may vary depending upon the types of courses and universities, and the living expenditures vary from person to person. The average estimated cost of studying for a PG diploma in Canada is CAD 41,000 to 93,000. On the other hand, the average estimated cost of studying masters in Canada is CAD 43,000 to 101,000.

We hope this article has clarified all of your concerns and queries about pursuing a PG diploma in Canada vs masters in Canada. There is no right or wrong or even ideal specialisation to choose between the two. Depending upon a candidate's personal preferences, grades, and financial background, one should make an informed decision. They should research a variety of aspects, such as time commitment, educational expense, eligibility, work or career opportunities, etc., before selecting the right option.

Still unable to decide whether a PG diploma or masters in Canada is better for you? Drop us all your queries in our email box at abroad@collegedekho.com. and get them resolved as soon as possible.