A local degree refers to an academic title that is offered by a university or college located within the country or area of residence of the student. This is a commonly used phrase purposely to distinguish these degrees or diplomas from international degrees or qualifications that are earned when studying outside the borders of the country or at foreign institutions.
Local Degrees’ Important Characteristics
Domestic Institutions Grants:
These degrees are types of tertiary education which are offered by universities, colleges or other institutions located in the home country of the student.
Comply with National Standards:
Local degrees are usually crafted for local or regional markets regarding employment generation.
These comply with the accreditation requirements set by the national or regional education organisations.
Affordable:
Local degrees are cheaper than those originating from other nations or even foreign universities due to lower tuition fees, travel costs and cost of living.
Student friendly:
Local institutions are mostly accessible to the region in terms of distance, culture and language barriers.
Acceptance:
Local degrees have wide acceptance by the majority of the population in the country of origin. The international acceptance is however determined by the recognition or accredited status of the institution that awarded the degree.
Advantages of a Local Degree:
Inexpensive: Tuition fees and other cost of living expenses are very high while studying abroad.
Culturally And Linguistically Relatable: The courses are conducted in the native language and are culturally and economically well within the country.
Networking Opportunities: Students will be able to build a professional network within the country that will be useful for employment prospects even after they graduate.
Less Hassle: Understanding the local higher education regime may not be as challenging as adapting to a foreign educational regime.
Disadvantages of a Local Degree:
Limited International Exposure: The degree might fail to allow international exposure that will be helpful in fostering global networks in the specific industry.
Weak Global Market Presence: In the same way, the relevance of a local institution of learning does not seem to have much appeal for global market engagements.
Narrow Curriculum Coverage: There are areas of specialisation which are not provided in some local institutions but are available in global institutions.
Local Degree Example
A Malaysian student graduated from the University of Malaya, the top university located in Malaysia for a bachelor in business administration.
International Degree Example
Consider also a case when the same student pursues a degree in business administration at Harvard University, USA. Enrolling in an American university will assure him of obtaining a qualification abroad.
While a Local Degree Could be the Best Alternative Degree
Conducting Practice in the Country of Origin: If a job offer is for a person who seeks local education, legislative framework or knowledge about the market environment, then a local degree will be the most suitable option.
Higher Costs: For students, on the other hand, who do not have that many resources when they are travelling abroad.
Family Relations and Friendship: People who will be willing to go and study and do their studies within the borders of their countries.
Specificity of Education: Some fields (such as medicine or law etc.) require a person to have a degree which is region-based or country-based.
Do you want to study local degrees of a certain country in more depth or assess them in comparison to other worldwide degrees?