Why Most Students Prefer Diploma Courses Over Degrees
Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu made the observation when he opened the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) application portal: “A growing number of students are choosing diploma courses.”
Despite being eligible for bachelor programs, the students chose to enroll in diploma programs provided by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes, according to Machogu.
Dr. Caroline Kokeyo, an expert in education, spoke with our team about why students are increasingly choosing diploma programs over degrees.
Funding
The former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration’s decision to finance TVET colleges, according to Dr. Kokeyo, changed the game for the education ministry.
Since it was the only way they could get government money, many students enrolled in the degree programs offered by KUCCPS.
Many students were now able to pursue occupations of their choosing after TVET institutes began receiving funding from the government, she said.
Employability
Dr. Kokeyo observed that students were increasingly looking for programs that offered a more direct route to employment as a result of rising unemployment rates in Kenya.
“Many of the diploma programs available give students the expertise they need to start their own businesses.
She said, “For instance, after two years of studying for a diploma in electrical engineering, someone can launch their own business, but most degree programs require four years to complete, after which you must wait for a formal job.
Price of Programs
Dr. Kokeyo predicted that more students will choose diploma programs as a result of President William Ruto’s new funding scheme.
Most students with grades of C+ and higher will no longer get government money as a result of the new funding scheme.
Dr. Kokeyo stated why the tendency will persist: “This will mean that it would be cheaper for parents to enrol their kids in diploma courses instead of a degree.”
According to a spot check by Kenyans.co.ke, undergraduate courses range in cost, with some charging as much as Ksh612,000, while most diploma programmes have a single annual tuition of Ksh67,000.
Why Most Students Prefer Diploma Courses Over Degrees
