Pursuing a postgraduate journey is undoubtedly an exciting option, especially when considering the wide variety of opportunities Canada offers. When students are at this crossroads and try to pick between a Masters or PG Diploma, it’s a critical point in their decision-making process.
Taken in stride, both paths have some valuable benefits, but one needs to know if a master’s degree is more advantageous than a PG Diploma to ensure the proper academic selection. In this article, we will discuss how a Master’s degree in Canada is better than a PG diploma to help students realize their educational and professional goals quickly.
Latest Updates for Students Planning to Pursue Higher Education in Canada
At the beginning of 2024, the Canadian Government presented some changes in the student study permits. According to that, the study permits in Canada (also called student visas) will be limited to 360,000 in 2024 and 2025 for diploma and bachelors’ courses. Regarding this, k-12, masters, and doctoral degrees are an exemption, meaning this cap does not affect these courses.
With this update, pursuing a master’s degree in Canada is more advantageous than pursuing a PG diploma during this time as it offers better chances of getting a study permit in the country.
Now that we know that masters’ courses are the way to achieve your dreams of excellence, let us explore the list of top universities in the country.
Top Universities to Explore
Numerous top-tier universities in Canada are celebrated for their academic distinction, pioneering research, and dynamic campus atmosphere. These institutions boast state-of-the-art amenities, esteemed faculty, and an encouraging educational milieu, drawing students globally to pursue superior learning experiences and exceptional avenues for individual and career development.
Here are some of the best universities in the country.
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- University of Calgary
- Dalhousie University
- York University
If your targeted university is missing from the list, you can also explore other options online. Now, we will highlight the popular courses offered at the masters level so that you will get an idea about Canada’s educational offerings.
Popular Masters Courses
If you are wondering what your choice as a master’s pursuit should be, you should look at the popular programs listed below to get started.
- Masters in Computer Science
- Masters in Business Administration
- Masters in Law
- Masters in Finance
- Masters in Management
- Masters in Public Health
- Masters in Psychology
- Masters in Economics
- Masters in Marketing
These are some of the leading courses in Canada. However, if you need a detailed list, you can visit the official website of the university you are targeting.
Cost to Study
What will cost you as a masters pursuit depends upon your chosen course option and institution. However, the tentative range to study at this academic level is between Can$ 9653 and Can$ 64701. There will also be an added expenditure of cost of living that again depends on your lifestyle choice.
Career Prospects in Canada for Masters Graduates
In Canada, graduates with Master’s degrees are the starting point for the hiring process of leading companies from various industries. Due to students’ highly advanced skills, knowledge, and awareness of the industry they specialize in. i.e., Shopify, RBC, Deloitte, and Bombardier, who recruit world-class talent from Canada’s top institutions to fulfill the roles of technology, finance, consulting, engineering, etc.
These companies value the critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership potential that Master’s graduates bring. Also, Canada is known as a land of plenty of jobs and a good economic climate and for those wanting to climb the career ladder, this is an excellent place to achieve this aim.
In conclusion, opting for a Master’s degree over Diploma Courses in Canada presents numerous advantages, particularly in light of recent updates to student study permits. With Master’s degrees exempt from the cap on study permits, pursuing a Master’s program in Canada offers better prospects for securing a study permit and subsequently realizing academic and professional aspirations.
Moreover, Canada boasts a plethora of esteemed universities renowned for their academic excellence and vibrant campus life, providing an ideal environment for pursuing higher education. If you need guidance and assistance in choosing the right institution, you may book a consultation with the study abroad consultants in your area!
