How to enter the university from a Higher Vocational Training Degree

Access to higher education is a goal shared by many students seeking to broaden their academic and professional horizons. Although the traditional pathway to university is secondary education and high school, there is an equally valid alternative pathway: the transition from a vocational training cycle, an approach that offers students a specific route to continue their academic training and explore new opportunities.  

Requirements for university entrance from a higher education degree 

To gain access to university from a higher vocational training (VET) degree, it is essential to understand the specific requirements and procedures established by each country and educational system. In general terms, these requirements are as follows:  

Higher Vocational Training Degree 

Students must have successfully completed a higher education cycle related to the area of study they wish to pursue at the university.  

Specific entrance exams 

In some countries, specific entrance tests may be required to assess the student's readiness in subjects related to the desired university studies. These tests may vary and may cover areas such as mathematics, science or languages depending on the university program.  

Additional interviews or evaluations 

Some universities may require additional interviews or evaluations to assess the student's skills and motivations in relation to the chosen studies.  

Meet language requirements 

In cases where the language of instruction at the university is different from that of the VET degree, proficiency tests in the relevant language, such as TOEFL or IELTS in English, may be required. 

Priority access to certain branches 

If we complete our studies in vocational training, we can continue our training in higher studies, although not in any, but in those related to the studies we have already completed. Here are some examples of how you can continue your education: 

1. Superior degree in administration and finance 

With this course, you can continue your training in different branches: 

• Degree in Business Administration and Management (ADE) 

• Degree in economics 

• Accounting and finance degree 

• Marketing degree 

• Degree in labor relations and human resources 

• Degree in international trade 

2. Higher degree in marketing and advertising 

With this course, you can continue your training in different branches: 

• Degree in Business Administration and Management (ADE) 

• Degree in digital business 

• Degree in journalism 

• Marketing degree 

• Degree in Public Relations and Advertising 

• Degree in psychology 

• Degree in event management and protocol 

3. Superior degree in international trade 

With this course, you can continue your training in different branches: 

• Degree in economics 

• Degree in international trade 

• Degree in Business Administration and Management (ADE) 

• Marketing degree 

• Degree in international business 

• Law Degree 

• Degree in tourism 

4. Superior degree in multiplatform application development. 

With this course, you can continue your training in different branches: 

• Degree in computer engineering 

• Mathematics degree 

• Degree in information systems engineering 

• Degree in video game design and development 

• Cybersecurity degree 

• Degree in artificial intelligence 

• Degree in telecommunications 

• Degree in graphic design and web programming 

• Degree in digital business management and development 

5. Higher degree in web application development 

With this course, you can continue your training in different branches: 

• Degree in computer engineering 

• Mathematics degree 

• Degree in information systems engineering 

• Degree in video game design and development 

• Degree in digital marketing 

• Degree in artificial intelligence 

• Degree in multimedia and digital communication 

• Degree in graphic design and web programming 

• Degree in digital business management and development 

Validate credits 

The validation of credits depends on the university you want to attend. It is not necessary to take the university entrance exam that high school students must take, but it is an option if you want to improve your grade and, therefore, your chances of being admitted.  

You will have to submit the VET curriculum, the subjects taken, the skills developed and the hours of training. The university will be in charge of evaluating this information and validating it with the credits it considers relevant according to the training completed during the VET. That is to say, there will be some credits that you do not have to take because you have already taken them in this training.  

Advantages of accessing university through a higher vocational training program 

There are many advantages to having studied a higher vocational training degree before graduating, but without a doubt the practical specialization stands out, since students who complete it obtain practical and specialized knowledge in their area of study that provides them with a solid foundation for university studies. In addition, as we have discussed throughout this article, another of the great advantages derived from this action is the work experience acquired, as many VET programs include internships in companies, which allows students to gain direct work experience and establish valuable connections in the professional world.  

Many students choose this path because at the age of 18 they are still not sure which university career to choose, and the fact of studying a higher cycle before entering the university degree offers a very advantageous flexibility when choosing a career, since they can change direction if they discover new areas of interest during their technical training. Finally, it should be noted that, for students in higher VET degrees, university studies are likely to be of shorter duration, as most universities recognize and value prior technical training, which may reduce the time needed to complete a university program.  

However, despite all the advantages of entering university from an advanced VET degree, it can also present challenges. For example, some students have not studied theoretical aspects in depth for some time and may therefore face the need to catch up with the theory or dynamics of the studies. Undoubtedly, adapting to a different academic environment and managing expectations are key factors in overcoming these challenges.  

If you are interested in studying quality vocational training before going to university, you cannot miss ESIC's wide offer, with different higher education courses that will help you get the necessary practical experience to access later to the career with a unique and valuable experience in that field.