Difference Between College and University

Difference between University and College: As students start to explore their postsecondary education options, they often tend to wonder about the difference between a college and a university. While most of the time, the two are confused by most students and parents alike, we have brought you a comprehensive list of how a college is different to a university. The article will help you understand the difference between university and college. Colleges are usually smaller in size as compared to universities. Due to their small size, colleges provide limited research options for students wanting to pursue their higher education. On the other hand, a university could be home to multiple colleges functioning on or off campus. They are vast in size and offer a number of choices to their students. 

A college typically offers its students undergraduate and associate degrees due to the availability of limited courses in the college. A university, on the other hand, is home to various departments and faculties that provide students with all major degrees including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees leading to a master’s degree or a PhD. It is also important to note that due to limited resources provided in a college, it is comparatively cheaper to enrol into a college than compared to a university where the fee structure is much higher due to the number of facilities and programs available to the students.

Not all colleges provide students with professional degrees, however, all universities are integrated with medical or law schools for students wishing to pursue professional degrees. Many a time universities also offer special programs, where a student can pursue an undergraduate degree along with a graduate degree in a reduced amount of time, a facility that is rare to find in a college.  In short, we can conclude, by saying, universities have a more diverse offering of classes and programs than a college because of the larger number of enrolled students.

Difference between University and College: At a Glance

Important Colleges Abroad

Some of the important colleges and universities abroad are mentioned in the points below. Their importance is on the basis of various factors such as their rankings, admission policies, etc.

SPP Colleges in Canada

Student Partners Program or SPP is meant for Indian students looking to develop practical and technical skills. These institutes mainly offer certificates and diplomas, with a few offering degrees as well. SPP was developed in partnership between the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). It is an arrangement between selected Canadian educational institutions and the Canadian High Commission in India to provide quick and easy study visas for the prospective students of participating institutions in Canada.

• Algonquin College
• Bow Valley College
• Cambrian College
• Camosun College
• Canadore College

TAFE Institutes in Australia

TAFE institutes or Technical and Further Education Institutions offer students a wide range of Vocational and Educational Training courses which range from 3 months to over 3 years. These courses are administered by Registered Training Organizations which can be both private as well as government funded. Australian Education System is, broadly speaking, more focused on skill development.  So if you are looking at Australia for employment opportunities after your education, TAFE institutes are an excellent alternative path and opportunity to achieve the same.

• South Metropolitan TAFE
• Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE
• William Angliss Institute of TAFE
• Central Regional TAFE
• Hunter Institute of TAFE

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) in New Zealand

In New Zealand, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are government-owned and funded polytechnics that provide cost-effective education. For applied courses, polytechnics are preferred over university education as they place more importance on preparing students for joining the workforce. Because of their emphasis on practical learning, a lot of international students who wish to gain employment right after graduating, prefer enrolling at ITPs.

• Eastern Institute of Technology
• Manukau Institute of Technology
• Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
• North Tec
• Otago Polytechnic

Top Universities

These universities have consistently been ranked highly in various world universities rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. However, it is important to note that the definition of "top universities" can vary based on different factors such as location, the field of study, and individual preferences.

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• California Institute of Technology
• University of Cambridge
• Princeton University 

Now that you have understood the difference between university and college, you can take a well-informed decision before selecting an educational institution.

Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.

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