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What / Why / How
Q.1. What is a Community College? How is it different from
university or career college?
Community colleges are government-regulated post-secondary
institutions offering 6 months - to 1-year academic and pre-professional
Certificates, Diplomas, 2-year associate's Degrees.
Community colleges differ from universities in their smaller class size
and focus on a combination of academic and industry-centred programs and
co-op/internship opportunities. The academics are generally more
comprehensive than in the shorter and more vocationally-oriented programs
at career colleges, and community colleges offer specific university
transfer programs that allow students to transfer credits toward
university programs
.
Q.2. What
kinds of programs and credentials do Community Colleges offer? How long
will they take?
Community colleges offer 2-year associate's Degrees, 1 to 2-year Diplomas,
and Certificates that run from 06 weeks to 1 year. The length of your
study depends on the credential you take and whether you take it on a
full-time or part-time basis.
Q.3. Do Community College offer distance
programs?
Often, yes, but
not always. Community colleges aim to make learning accessible to as many
communities in India as possible, including remote communities. Check with
the College you are interested in.
Q.4. Will there be other international students at Community
College?
Generally,
yes. Different Community Colleges have different international enrolment
numbers. Some colleges have several thousand international students, while
others may have only some. Some colleges have specific exchange programs
for students from particular countries
.
Q.5. Are
Community Colleges less expensive for the students than
universities?
Tuition and other fees
vary from school to school but on an average Community Colleges charge
less for tuition fee than
universities.
Q.6. How
big are the classes at Community
Colleges?
This
depends on the school and the program. Some Community College programs
have extremely limited enrolment, while others accept more students.
Unlike universities which can end up with classes of several thousand
students, most Community Colleges have a cap on class size.
Generally, Community
College class size average is between 50 and 70
students.
Q.7. What if the program I want to apply is full? What is a
"waitlist"?
Community
Colleges often have limited class sizes; therefore, it sometimes happens
that a program has more applicants than available spaces. If a program you have applied for
is full, you may be placed on a waitlist. A waitlist means that if a seat
becomes available at a later date (if a student drops out or decides not
to attend), you will be contacted. Waitlists may not carry over to the
next academic year, so if you are not offered a seat in the year for which
you applied, put in a new application early for the next academic
year.
Q.8. How
do I know if my credentials will be accepted at a Community College in
other Universities?
Community
Colleges in India (each) set their own admission requirements; therefore,
you should contact the registrar or admissions office at each college to
find out what they require in terms of assessing credentials. The purpose
is informative only and does not guarantee recognition of your credentials
by the other University.
Q.9. Can I
transfer my Community College credits to a University in India
?
Most
community colleges have transfer agreements with various universities
within India and abroad. Credit transfer between institutions within India
is usually possible, but it depends on the program. In terms of
transferring credits to a university in your home country, it depends on
your home country. IGNOU credentials are often accepted and recognized
around the world. It's a good idea to check with universities in your home
to confirm acceptance of IGNOU community college or credentials before you
leave.
Q.10. What are
the benefits of Community Colleges for
students?
Community
Colleges offer affordable tuition fees, the option of taking a degree or
transferring credit toward a University program, small classes, a safe and
close community environment, programs partly designed by industry leaders,
bridging programs to help you meet institution and program requirements,
employment training and work opportunities, industry connections, and
extensive language and personal support for international students.
Community colleges boast high employment rates for their
graduates.
Q.11. Where
can I go/ who can I talk to if I have questions or
problems?
There are a number of resources if you have questions or problems,
depending on the type of question or problem you're dealing with. Some
people and offices which can offer help to students at community colleges
are: Academic Counselling, Personal Counselling, Student Services, Student
Council, Student Services, Student Ombudsman.
We are always there to assist you .