Difference Between Postgraduate and Masters
Dr. Karan Gupta is a Harvard Business School alumnus and career counsellor with 27+ years of experience and 160,000+ students guided. His insights on Postgraduate come from decades of hands-on experience helping students achieve their goals.
What is a Master’s Degree?
- Definition and academic level
- Types (MA, MSc, MBA, MEng, etc.)
- Duration and structure
- Admission requirements
- Benefits of pursuing a master’s degree
What is a Postgraduate Diploma?
- Definition and academic scope
- Common fields offering PG Diplomas
- Duration and structure
- Admission criteria
- Benefits of a PG Diploma (cost, time efficiency, skill focus)
Difference Between PG Diploma and Master's
| Feature | PG Diploma | Masters |
| Duration | 1 year (in most cases) | 1–2 years |
| Qualification Level | Postgraduate certificate |
Full academic degree |
| Focus | Practical and skill-based learning |
Research and theory-based learning |
| Career Opportunities | Mid-level roles |
Advanced roles, research, teaching |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | More expensive |
| Thesis/Dissertation | Usually not required | Often required |
Popular Master’s and PG Diploma Degrees
| Master’s Degree | PG Diploma |
|
MBA (Master of Business Admin.) |
PGDM (Postgraduate Diploma in Mgmt.) |
| MSc in Data Science |
PG Diploma in Data Analytics |
| MA in Psychology |
PG Diploma in Counseling Psychology |
| MEng in Mechanical |
PG Diploma in Industrial Engineering |
| Master in Computer Science |
PG Diploma in IT Management |
Top Universities for Postgraduate for Indian Students
| University | Avg. Fees (INR) |
| University of Toronto | ₹12–15 Lakhs per year |
| University of Melbourne | ₹11–14 Lakhs per year |
|
London School of Economics (LSE) |
₹13–16 Lakhs per year |
|
University of British Columbia |
₹10–13 Lakhs per year |
|
National University of Singapore |
₹9–12 Lakhs per year |
Top Universities for Masters for Indian Students
| University | Avg. Fees (INR) |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Tech (MIT) |
₹30–40 Lakhs per year |
| Stanford University | ₹28–35 Lakhs per year |
| University of Oxford | ₹25–30 Lakhs per year |
| ETH Zurich | ₹10–12 Lakhs per year |
| University of Cambridge | ₹27–32 Lakhs per year |
Jobs After Pursuing Postgraduation
Jobs After Pursuing Masters
Explore Related Resources & Tools
Free tools and expert services from Karan Gupta Consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
What should Indian students know about difference between postgraduate and masters?
What GRE score do I need for studying abroad?
Is it worth doing an MBA abroad for Indian students?
How can Indian students afford to study abroad?
Why Choose Karan Gupta Consulting?
- 27+ years of expertise in overseas education consulting
- 160,000+ students successfully counselled
- Personal guidance from Dr. Karan Gupta, Harvard Business School alumnus
- Licensed MBTI® and Strong® career assessment practitioner
- End-to-end support from career clarity to visa approval
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Dr. Karan Gupta
Founder & Chief Education Consultant
Harvard Business School alumnus and India's leading career counsellor with 27+ years guiding 160,000+ students to top universities worldwide. Licensed MBTI® practitioner. Managing Director of IE University (India & South Asia).
