Undergraduate – Bachelor’s degree –
The first stage of higher education in any countries. When they talk about higher education, most often under it imply just undergraduate. Masters and doctoral programs are called postgraduate or postgraduate education.
The bachelor degree is designed for school leavers who want to get a higher education in a particular specialty. The bachelor’s degree is determined by the number of study hours. They are usually measured in educational credits (ECTS), where 1 credit is equal to 25-30 academic hours depending on the country. Self-study at the undergraduate will take 3-4 years, with the exception of medical and legal specialties, where the study takes 5-6 years.
Types of bachelor degree
There are several varieties of undergraduate degree. On the websites of universities, abbreviations such as BA, BSc, BAS, BFA and others may appear next to the name of the educational program. They indicate the type of undergraduate.
Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Arts (BA)-
BA degree is issued in the humanities. The exception is the United Kingdom: in this country a BA degree is awarded in all disciplines. Bachelor of Arts studies takes 3 or 4 years. In most European countries, it will take 3 years to complete a BA, while in the United States and Canada it will take 4 years. The main feature of BA’s educational programs is an emphasis on gaining theoretical knowledge.
Bachelor of Science – B S Degree (BSc)-
Unlike BA, education under the Bachelor of Science ( b s degree) program involves not only the development of theoretical material, but also research practice. Generally BSc degree is awarded in natural sciences, computer science and mathematics. But it can also be found in the social sciences and psychology – in this case, the theoretical content of the humanities will be supported by a strong natural science base. For example, a bachelor of science degree in psychology, besides acquaintance with basic theories, will involve the study of biology, chemistry, and even computer science. BSc training, as well as BA programs, takes for 3-4 years.
Bachelor of Technical Sciences – Bachelor of engineering (BEng)-
The degree of BEng is awarded in technical disciplines. Training on the BEng program will take 3-5 years. In some countries, this degree is equivalent to BSc. The main difference between a bachelor’s degree in technical sciences is a strong emphasis on practical work and subsequent employment in the relevant field. Most graduates of technical faculties quickly find work in their specialty, and if they continue their studies in the magistracy, then they do it simultaneously with their professional activities.
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)-
BFA is issued in the field of visual and performing arts. The main emphasis in the learning process is on the development of artistic skills, scientific disciplines are taught in a much smaller volume. The training program is designed for 4 years. Depending on the country, this degree may have a different name: BFA is common in the USA and Canada, in many countries this degree is called Bachelor of Creative Arts (BCA).
Most Popular Bachelor Degrees
| Popularity | Degree Name | Abbreviation | Time Required |
| 10.40 % | bachelor of science | BSc | 3-4 |
| 8.83 % | bachelor of arts | BA | 3-4 |
| 6.37 % | bachelor of business administration | BBA, B.B.A. | 3-4 |
| 4.31 % | bachelor of engineering | B.Eng. | 3-5 |
| 2.55 % | bachelor of education | B.Ed | 3-4 |
| 1.71 % | bachelor of law | LL.B. | 3-4 |
| 1.26 % | bachelor of nursing | BN, BSN, BScN, BSc Nursing | 3-4 |
| 1.22 % | bachelor of computer science | BCompSc, BCS, BS CS | 3-4 |
| 1.12 % | bachelor of medicine | BM, BMed | 5-6 |
On Arrival-
The below listed documents required for admission to the bachelor’s program:
- Certificate of secondary education
- The results of the language test
- Certificate of financial solvency.
Depending on the country and the university below document may also require:
- Letter of intent
- Letters of recommendation
- Test results (for example, TestAS or SAT), which simultaneously checks the level of a foreign language and subject knowledge of an applicant
- Portfolio (for creative specialties)
Before submitting the documents to the university, it is necessary to find out whether the certificate of the incoming qualification of secondary education is equivalent in its chosen country for study. In countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic and Japan, the Russian certificate does not allow entering the university after school. In this case, the applicant may resort to one of the following options:
- to unlearn a few years in a Russian university
- to complete preparatory courses at a foreign university, which the applicant intends to enroll, or at state educational centers (for example, Studienkolleg in Germany);
- Successfully pass the Nostrification Exam, which will prove the conformity of the applicant’s knowledge of schooling with a foreign country.
The selection of applicants at the university can pass on the average score (GPA) certificate or the results of entrance examinations. The format of the test is different and depends on the country: the exam may be written work, a test or an interview.
Learning process-
Of course, each country has its own special educational atmosphere, which may or may not please a foreign student. Despite this, there are two main trends in the educational process. The first is the maximum freedom for the student. The student chooses the subjects himself (with the exception of three or four compulsory) teachers, and forms his own schedule. This can be found, for example, in educational institutions in England, Norway and Italy. The second trend is a more classic version of learning. Almost all subjects are compulsory, the university offers only a few courses of choice. Students do not participate in the selection of teachers and the preparation of the training schedule. This approach is common in many countries, such as Poland, Japan, and South Korea.
Many universities provide students with the opportunity to simultaneously study two undergraduate specialties (double degree programs or Joint Degree), which allows them to receive two bachelor’s degrees (for example, bachelor of technical sciences in education) at the end of the school.
Cost of education-
Prices for training vary. According to the 2016 rating of THE 2016, the most expensive countries for obtaining a diploma are the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Hong Kong. Budgetary education can be obtained in Hungary, India and other countries. In some countries, for example, in France, Germany and Sweden, higher education is absolutely free even for foreigners (students only pay an entrance fee, which is about € 150).
The applicant has the opportunity to receive a scholarship, which often covers the costs not only for training, but also for living in the country. Financial assistance to the student can be provided by the government, public organizations or even the university itself. Also in some countries, for example, in the United States and Norway, you can study for a government loan, which must be subsequently repaid (as a rule, several years after graduating from university).
Post-Bachelor Perspectives-
Bachelor’s degree is enough to start building a career. In many countries, the last year of study is a student practice in large companies, which can last from two weeks to a whole semester, which gives the student the necessary work experience and helps him find a job after graduation. However, there are exceptions everywhere. For example, in France and Norway, a bachelor’s degree will not allow you to reach incredible heights in your career. To continue the career path, you must obtain a master’s degree.
Master’s degree is the second level of higher education. It can be focused on research activities or on the receipt of practical specialty. Master programs last from one to two years. In most cases, the selection of applicants is based on the GPA diploma.
Interesting Facts-
The history of the concept of “bachelor”. In the 12th century, a young or poor knight was called a bachelor in England who could not gather his army. By the beginning of the 14th century, this word was used to designate a novice in a guild or at a university, which ultimately gave the name to the first stage of higher education.
To date, there are only 48 countries that have supported the Bologna system. Nevertheless, many states not participating in this process have adopted the division of higher education into three levels: bachelor, master and doctoral studies.
Assistance in entering abroad-
For more detailed information on possible options for undergraduate programs, admission requirements and to plan your admission, you can contact our expert.
