Is the PG certificate course equivalent to a master's degree and is it offered by universities or colleges?

No, a PG certificate is generally not considered equivalent to a master’s degree. PG certificate programs are usually more skill-focused and career-oriented, whereas master’s degrees are academically more advanced and research/theory-oriented. There are many PG certificate or PG diploma programs in Canada that may be 2 years in duration, but they are still considered a qualification level below a master’s degree. This distinction can matter both while applying for jobs and for immigration (PR), where a master’s degree may receive higher recognition or points compared to a PG certificate/diploma. Average salaries of Master’s degree holders too is slightly higher than PG graduates. In Canada, PG certificate programs are most commonly offered by colleges, but some universities also offer certain postgraduate diploma or certificate programs. Master’s degrees, however, are primarily offered by universities. That said, PG certificate programs can still provide strong practical training, industry exposure, and employability benefits, especially in technical or applied fields.