And to choose the right course to follow after matric can be very hard when you are only 18 years old.
“The chances are that vocational knowledge and skills gained when studying a diploma may help you achieve your goals effectively,” says Riaan Loubser, principal of Unigrad College in Mbombela.
Loubser gives us a few reasons why many people prefer to register for a diploma instead of a degree:
- Study duration
Most diplomas are two years of full-time or three years of part-time studies as opposed to most degrees being three years of full-time or four to six years of part-time studies. Diplomas are often focused on specific skills and knowledge and by completing your studies sooner, you have the opportunity to enter the workforce at an earlier stage.
- Diplomas make you job-ready
There is a shortage of skilled workers. Many diploma courses require students to do both simulated and actual work practicals. The skills gained during your studies and practicals give diploma graduates an advantage over students who only did theoretical studies, thus diplomas make you job-ready.
- Diploma studies are often more affordable
Academic institutions charge different fees for different courses, but often the cost of a diploma is less given the shorter study time and various other factors.
Speaking of study fees, potential students must ensure that they are aware of what is included and excluded from college fees. Some institutions require you to purchase your own textbooks or pay extra for exams or external institution fees. On the other hand, others such a Unigrad College INCLUDE all textbooks and study material, internal and external exams, and professional-body fees in their course fee.
- Many diplomas have flexible / open entry requirements
A large number of school leavers do not qualify to study for a degree because they do not meet the entry requirements. Universities are also very strict on the points you need to score to be accepted for degree studies. Many diploma courses are not as reliant on these scores as the minimum entry requirement for a National N Diploma is a pass in grade 12 or relevant N3 qualification.
