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?"Sir, I am a graduate, but when I applied for higher studies in Finland, it was indicated that my graduation did not meet the eligibility criteria. As a result, my application was rejected during the preliminary review."

💦💧You mentioned a common mistake related to studying abroad and evaluating foreign degrees in India.
Let’s first understand the difference between "graduation" and "undergraduate" degrees.
In India, "graduation" usually means a bachelor's degree, while in western countries, "graduation" often refers to completing a master's or doctoral degree.

👝Undergraduate Degree:
•    An undergraduate degree is the first level of college education that students pursue.
•    It’s usually a bachelor’s degree, like BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, etc., and typically takes three to four years to complete.
•    These programs focus on building a strong foundation in a specific subject.
•    Students typically start undergraduate degrees after finishing high school.

👝Graduate Degree:
•    A graduate degree is earned after completing a bachelor’s degree and usually takes two to three years to complete.
•    It’s typically a master’s or doctoral degree, like an MA, MSc, MBA, or PhD.
•    These programs offer specialized knowledge and involve in-depth study and research in a specific field.

Key Differences:

    Education Level: Undergraduate programs provide basic education, while graduate programs offer advanced, specialized learning.

    Admission Requirements: To enter an undergraduate program, you usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. For graduate programs, a bachelor's degree is required, and sometimes entrance exams like the SAT, GRE, or GMAT are needed.

    Curriculum: Undergraduate programs include general education and courses in the main subject. Graduate programs focus on specialized courses and research in a specific area.

    Duration: Undergraduate programs usually take 3-4 years to complete, while graduate programs take 1-2 years for a master's degree or 3-5 years for a doctoral degree.

    Career Opportunities: An undergraduate degree prepares you for entry-level jobs, while a graduate degree can lead to specialized positions, management roles, or careers in research and academia.

Key Point to Remember:
•    The meaning of these terms can differ depending on the country.
•    In India, saying "I have completed my graduation" means you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree.
•    In the U.S., Canada, or Europe, saying "I completed graduation" usually means you’ve earned a master’s or doctoral degree.
•    So, when dealing with foreign universities or exploring international education opportunities, it’s crucial to understand these differences and communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team