Buzz
1. College and University Admission
Getting into university requires undergoing a rigorous entrance exam. Unfortunately, despite extensive preparation, many students cannot overcome this challenge. Additionally, university education often spans from 4 to 7 years, potentially impacting your family's financial situation. So, is there any other option to shorten study time and reduce the financial burden on your family?
College admission is the best solution with numerous advantages:
- Suitable for the majority of students' abilities.
- Shorter training duration, typically two to three years. After graduation, students can progress to university or even higher.
- Job opportunities, both domestically and internationally, continue to expand.
Currently, there are many colleges to choose from. However, it's essential to focus on institutions that provide practical-oriented education, closely linked with businesses to accumulate knowledge, skills, and receive employment support—such as FPT Polytechnic.
2. Educational Costs
Opting for University education is a substantial investment in both time and money. It takes 4 to 7 years to obtain a university degree, accompanied by significant financial expenses. In contrast, studying at a College or Vocational College often takes only half the time of university education, with lower associated costs.
High school graduates often struggle to identify their preferred field of study. Consequently, choosing a university is driven by trends, parental expectations, or simply selecting a university that meets the admission criteria. In developed countries, the decision between university and college is a serious consideration for students, independent of the perceived difficulty of admission. Each option has its advantages, and the optimal choice depends on individual circumstances and context.
3. Educational Programs
At universities, alongside specialized courses, students must dedicate an entire year to study general academic subjects. According to Associate Professor Nguyễn Văn Nhã, university education consists of four knowledge blocks, including General Knowledge (Politics, Ideology, Foreign Languages, Basic Mathematics...), totaling approximately 30 credit hours. Almost all institutions follow this common knowledge block, consuming about a year of study. In essence, a 4-year university education involves only 3 years of specialization and preparation for graduation.
In contrast to universities, the curriculum at colleges places a strong emphasis on practical aspects, closely aligned with businesses to meet their hiring needs. Consequently, during their studies, students actively develop and master vocational skills. This proactive approach enables college students to seamlessly integrate into practical work immediately after graduation.
4. Employment Opportunities and Advancement
Colleges often focus on training professional skills in a specific industry. Graduates possess solid expertise and adapt quickly to work, resulting in higher starting salaries. On the other hand, university graduates have a broader foundational knowledge, increasing their long-term potential for career advancement compared to college graduates.
However, nowadays, companies no longer overly emphasize qualifications but rather prioritize the ability to approach and handle tasks. Therefore, studying at a College can lead to successful career progression. Moreover, many individuals, after working for a period, choose to continue their education for the remaining 2 years to obtain a university degree, and even further, pursuing a master's or higher, when they have better financial conditions and more favorable time. A case in point is FPT Polytechnic Vocational College.
