Study Abroad | Choosing Between College Or University? Here Are 4 Things To Consider!

While many students traditionally pursue a degree when it comes to higher education, there are other types of academic qualifications that you should be aware of.

Namely, the certificate and diploma! But first, let’s define what they are.

A Certificate

A certification program requires professional training and can be taken directly after graduation from post-secondary programs.

They can be offered by both colleges and technical institutions and tend to last from a few weeks to a year while focusing on hands-on learning and practical experiences.

The qualifications can be as diverse as certificates in programming, marketing, web development and photography.

A Diploma

A diploma programx is more intensive than a certification course and will require around 2 years, effort and dedication to complete.

You can think of a diploma as a kind of mini-degree. It covers broad topics that are similar to a degree’s curriculum while offering practical experiences as well. .

A diploma can be diverse and range from various subjects from accounting and chemistry to business and information technology.

In Taiwan, students graduate from Junior College with a Certificate of Graduation or Diploma comparable to a U.S. associate degree.

While a US degree matches the equivalency of a full degree in Taiwan.

The certificate and diploma we are discussing fit somewhere between both a junior college certificate of graduation (or diploma) and a full degree.

In this article, we will take you through why you should pursue them, the various advantages they bring and which might be more suitable for you

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3 Benefits To Study For A Diploma

1. It Prepares You For A University Degree Program

One key advantage a diploma program brings is the ability to allow your course credits to count towards a degree program in a related field.

For example, if you are pursuing a diploma in business, certain classes and modules’ credits are transferable to a degree program.

This allows you directly progress towards a degree while cutting down on the time and tuition fees which are typically much higher than that of a diploma program.

2. It Equips You With Specialised Skills

Because a diploma program can be a standalone program that can unlock new career opportunities, the curriculum is usually more in-depth in both theory and practical learning.

While not as rigorous as a degree program, you will be equipped with specialised skills that you can take immediately to the workplace.

For example, if you are learning accounting, you will be taught both the basics as well as practical applications of accounting. In addition, you will also likely be sitting for your license, allowing you to practice accounting as a professional.

3. It Lets You Dive Deeper Into Your Field Of Study

One advantage of a diploma is allowing you to dive deeper into your field without being too overwhelmed.

This gives you several advantages. The first being able to discern if this career path is something that you want to pursue in the future, if so, then pursuing a degree makes sense.

Secondly, a diploma is highly recognized by employers, entitling you to apply for entry-level positions in various fields.

3 Benefits To Attain A Certificate

1. It Can Be Completed In A Shorter Amount Of Time

Sometimes, it pays to pursue a certificate instead of a diploma. One key advantage is that certifications can be completed in a significantly shorter amount of time.

This is important as it gives you the flexibility to tailor your own learning path and is perfect for working adults or even students looking to stack more certifications to beef up their skills and resume.

Certification can be completed within a matter of months from start to finish, making it less rigorous and taxing on your time and obligations.

2. It Enables Professional Growth

While a certification won’t open as many opportunities as a degree or diploma, it is still an excellent avenue to spur professional growth within your current industry.

A certificate unlocks new opportunities in your current organisation, for example, you will be able to enter a new managerial position as well as take on more responsibilities that allows you a greater chance of advancement.

A certification allows you to build up more skills in your own time and stride.

3. It Is More Affordable

Because it is less rigorous, a certification is normally less costly and this can be a determining factor.

Compared to a diploma, there will be less coursework and certifications can be done much easier on a part-time basis as well.

This allows you to continually bring in income while educating yourself and picking up a new skill. In addition, depending on your organisation, you might be eligible for subsidies or sponsorship from your company if you decide to pursue a certificate as compared to a diploma.

Take The First Step & Study Abroad With IDP Today!

Still deciding between diploma or certificate? Let us help you begin your study abroad adventure!

At IDP, our education counsellors can provide you with tailored advice on whether a diploma or certificate is the right choice for your budget, study goals and career aspirations.

Plus, we can help guide you through the application process, from selecting the right universities to getting your student visa settled.

Get started with a free counselling session today.
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