Vocational Training or University Degree: Differences

Those who wish to begin university studies will have to choose between two options, which leads them to a crossroads: studying a Vocational Training or a University Degree. In view of this, here we will briefly explain some of the most notable differences. In this way, you will be able to determine which of these two options is best for you.

Job placement

The main and most important thing to bear in mind as students is which of these two options offers the best job opportunities. In this case, vocational training is the most recommendable, because it offers greater job placement compared to university degrees.

It is estimated that companies are looking for more vocational training graduates, and proof of this is that unemployment is only 7.5%. On the other hand, those who have obtained a University Degree and cannot find employment have a percentage of at least 37%.

Therefore, if you want to secure a good job as soon as you finish your studies, it is better to opt for a Vocational Training degree.

Duration

Another aspect to consider when choosing between one form of qualification and another is the duration. In the case of vocational education and training, the cycles are designed for a period of approximately two years. On the other hand, studies for a university degree can take up to 6 years.

As you may have noticed, if you want to graduate quickly, it is best to opt for a short degree or a two-year vocational training course. In this way, you will be prepared more quickly to enter the labour market. However, if the period of time it takes to prepare for a degree does not interest you, you can simply choose to study a 6-year Bachelor’s Degree.

Differences in teaching

Work experience is a very important aspect of Vocational Education and Training programmes. This is a great advantage, because it prepares graduates better for the world of work.

On the other hand, theory is the main focus of the degree programmes that focus on the University Degree. This is in fact the biggest difference between the two systems of studies, as vocational training was specifically designed to meet the immediate needs of the market. However, universities provide the theoretical knowledge which, without practice, does not prepare the student for the real labour market.

This is precisely the major difference between the two systems and they make the biggest difference with marked advantages pointing towards Vocational Education and Training.

Cost

The tuition fees between the two systems is another aspect that makes a big difference. In case you decide to study a VET or Vocational Training, you should know that the cost of tuition is approximately 400 euros. With this amount of money you will be able to complete all the subjects.

This amount is quite low and very far away in comparison to the tuition fees for university degrees, which are between three and eight thousand euros. However, it all depends on the degree and university you decide to study.

Access

In terms of entry requirements, it is easier to enter a Vocational Training cycle than a University Degree. This is because for the former, you only need to have Compulsory Secondary Education. On the other hand, to enrol in a University Degree, you must have completed the Baccalaureate.

In addition, to enter university, you are required to pass the University Entrance Examination and have a grade higher than the entrance exam. Therefore, it is slightly more complicated to access a University Degree, compared to Vocational Training.

Bear in mind that if you are a technician from a vocational training course that you have taken before, you can also choose to study in either of the two systems.

Thanks to these two systems, there are more opportunities for studies and professional insertion in Spain. However, choosing which one suits you best is a completely personal decision. However, in terms of advantages, it is more convenient to study vocational training, as it is cheaper, shorter and offers more job opportunities.