Study in Canada: Masters or PGDM?

A Master’s in Canada is a professional degree of 1-2 years. It is a thesis and curriculum-based program. Some Canadian universities even provide a combination of the best of these two. 

A PGDM (Post-Graduate Diploma) is considered below the master’s degree. One can apply for it just after graduation. The course duration is generally less than a year or a year in Canada.  

Many guardians share this confusion- “Should my Child consider a Master’s or PGDM to enroll in Canada?”  

You being on the page and reading this blog means that you are one of the guardians. So, read the full piece below and get answers to all of your questions.

Excel in Canada: Masters or PGDM?

Parameters	Masters	PGDM
Course duration	1-2 years	0-1 year
Eligibility criteria	6.5 bands in each module; overall, 7 bands	6 bands in each module, 6.5 in the overall module
Letter of Recommendation	2 letters	None
Fees	Around 15-20 Lakhs	7-15 lakhs
Academics	It has more value than PGDM	Share less value than Masters
Work-Permit	3 years	1 year
Bachelors’ qualification	70% in graduation, 3-GPA (Grade Point Average)	Undergraduate degree of 3 years and work experience
English Proficiency test	TOEFL and IELTS	TOEFL and IELTS
Intakes	September and January	September, January, and May
Top Courses To study in Canada	Computer Science, Public Health, Human Resource Management, Civil Engineering	Nursing, Pharmacy, Business Management, and Engineering
Top Universities in Canada with the highest acceptance rates in 2022 (Above 70%)	Lakehead, Thompson, Brock, Yorkville, Ryerson, University of Toronto	Seneca, Royal Roads, Centennial College, University of Winnipeg, Humber College
Average Salary (per year)	$ 47,000-$ 71,000  (INR 29,12,274.16 - INR 43,37,257.16)	$ 25,000- $ 50,000 (INR 14,71,464 – INR 29,42,928)

Who is a PGDM in Canada suitable for? 

• Who wishes to lead the corporate world? 
• Wishes to improve leadership and team-building skills. 
• Wants to learn about effective resource management. 
• Wants to excel in communication skills as a leader. 
• Wants to have a tab over strategic and planning principles. 

Who is a Master’s in Canada suitable for? 

• Wants to pursue a career in the graduation subject. 
• Wants to know more about a specific field. 
• Wants to improve career and employment prospects. 
• Progressing to a higher level of education (Ph.D.). 
• Develops interest in a single niche, for example – choosing content writing after a Master’s in English. 

By now, you must have got halfway through your answer to – Should your child enroll in master’s or PGDM in Canada? 

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Is PGDM the same as MBA? 

No, PGDM is different from MBA. Both of these courses are management courses offered by Canada. A PGDM diploma is for 1-2 years, while MBA is for a 2–3-year program. 

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Why apply for PGDM in Canada?  

• It provides various career opportunities for HR professionals, Marketing Managers, consultants, accountants, and Financial Managers. 
• Diplomas from Canada are highly-valued 
• PGDM students earn more salary than Indian Courses. Students make 17% more than in India after completing PGDM. 
• Good increment percentage 
• Big recruiters: Accenture, Deloitte, Tim Hortons, Royal Bank of Canada 
• Pursuing a course in Canada is more economical than in other countries. 
• Provide better employment opportunities. The country shares a high employment rate. 
• Great immigration opportunities for academically-good students 
• The country provides post-study opportunities. 
• The country is safe for students, ranking 8th on the Global Peace Index. 

Why apply for Masters’s in Canada?  

• The country is a host to the top Master’s universities like the University of Toronto and McGill 
• Opportunity to work with the world-leading experts 
• Provide a personalized institutional model to align with the student’s goal 
• The universities host discussion-based and seminar classes 
• 28 Canadian universities rank in QS World University Rankings 2022 
• 7 Universities Rank in World University Rankings 2022 
• The country provides growth opportunities for the research and development field. If you are an R&D student in Medicine, telecommunication, environmental science, agriculture, and technology, Canada is the place to be.  
• In Canada, a student can work to earn an extra every week during breaks (summer and winter breaks).  

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Can your child apply for a master’s after PGDM in Canada?  

Yes. Most universities create a course structure to prepare students for their master’s.  Here are the eligibility criteria: 

Parameters	Eligibility Criteria for Masters	Eligibility Criteria for PGDM
GPA (Grade Point Average)	16years of education, 3.0 /4 in Bachelors, Students with 15 years of experience would have to enroll in a course at a Canadian university	An undergraduate degree with a minimum of 60%
IELTS/TOEFL score	6.5, Some Canadian universities allow one to pursue without one	6.0-6.5
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)	7.0-7.5	6.0-6.5
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score	140 in verbal, 150 in quantitative.	N.A. (not applicable)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test Score)	550	N.A.
Work experience	1-3 years	2 years

PGDM Vs Master’s in Canada – Important documents for application 

Documents Required:  

• Proof of funds as a fee affordability factor 
• ID proof 
• A valid passport 
• Passport-size photographs 
• IELTS/TOEFL scores 
• Statement of Purpose- It states the purpose a student applies for a particular course in Canada 
• Letter of Recommendation- It is provided by a past university and states the applier’s experience and conduct 
• Academic Transcripts 
• University Degrees 

What are some important documents requirements for a Canadian study visa?  

Documents Required:  

• A valid passport 
• Visa application form 
• Application Fee Receipt 
• University admission proof 
• Colored photograph 
• Health insurance (If any)  
• Financial statements 
• English Language Proficiency Test Proof 

So, should your child consider a master’s program or prepare for PGDM in Canada? You must have cracked it by now.