To know the difference between a certification, diploma or degree in Canada you have to understood the Canada’s education system first.

You can see by the graphic of the CICIC (Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials) that Quebec has a complete different system that the 13 other provinces in Canada.

A certificate can be a 1 to 3 years program, a diploma is 2 to 3 years program, degree is 4 years and master can be from 1 to 2 years. Canadians or International students right after finish high school can do a Vocational Trade certificate program, Diploma in a College or Bachelor degree in a University in Canada.

Universities are the only ones that can offer Master and PHD programs and required to hold a bachelor degree.