What is the difference between a University and a TVET College?
Tuesday, 04 July 2023
Deciding what to do after high school is hard, and all options have to be considered. For those who are still deciding what they want to do and are considering all the alternatives, we discuss the difference between a university and a TVET college
When we are young, we have lots of dreams and wishes that are waiting to be fulfilled. During high school, some of us are sure about what we want to be when we grow up, but others don’t. The world is full of different professions and careers that might make our lives simpler and more successful, you just have to know which is the best for you. Once you have decided which profession you want to pursue, the first thing you have to do is choose an institution that meets all of your requirements. It could be a university, a university of technology, a TVET, or an online college. However, how do you know what is the difference between a university and a TVET college? In this article, we will show you the similarities and differences between these two institutions.
University vs. TVET College
On the one hand, universities are the most common higher education institutions that students choose to study. The entrance requirements are a little bit stricter than any other institution and the degrees usually last three to four years. On the other hand, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are vocational institutions that offer certificates or diplomas in more technical fields. They usually last from months to three years.
University
The first characteristic that makes universities different from other institutions is that their degrees usually take three to four years to complete. They might last longer if the qualifications are combined with others. At this institution, you can earn an Associate, Bachelor, or Master in any field of your preference.
Another characteristic is that the requirements for admission are stricter than any other institution. For example, you should have completed your matric. The requirements might vary depending on the university you choose, so you will have to go deep through all your options.
At the same time, universities offer a wider range of degrees that are difficult to find in other institutions. Here, you can become a professional in engineering, medicine, business, law, humanities, and more. You should investigate the number of degrees available to you.
TVET College
To begin with, TVET colleges are shorter in duration. They might last a couple of months to three years, depending on the degree you want to pursue. Besides, these colleges are way more affordable than universities, which makes them more accessible to students.
Another characteristic is that the requirements are simpler. In order to enter this institution, matric is not required. They only ask you to have a grade 9 certificate. Of course, other requisites might be needed, but it depends on the place you study.
Different from universities, TVET colleges have a limited number of degrees available. The focus of these institutions is to educate and train students to work in technical and vocational fields. Thus, they aim at providing degrees in the technological field. Thanks to the practical training offered, students can be strongly connected to local industries, which will give them the opportunity to find a job right after they have gotten their degree.
To find out more about the different degrees available, you can read the following articles:
Top 3 Masters in Computer Science in South Africa
Top 3 best Computer Science universities in South Africa
Information Technology Vs Computer Science: Which is better?
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