Junior College

Junior College is an educational institution that offers post-secondary education in vocational courses which are designed for helping students learn skill sets required for different kinds of professions. The meaning of these institutions differs from country to country. However, the objective of such colleges remains the same in every country. Read this blog further, to get a better understanding of what these colleges are, how they are perceived around the world and more!

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What is Junior College?

A Junior college is a post secondary educational institution which is attended by the students before going off for a degree program at a four year university.

For example- India follows the procedure of schooling till 12th grade, however, some states like Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam etc. only provide schooling till the 10th standard and the students are admitted in junior colleges after that for their further education. They can also refer to pre-university colleges and many are even co-located with degree colleges, thus varying from one country to another.

In many countries, these colleges are the same as community colleges i.e. it offers different kinds of programs which take two years to complete and provides an associate degree or diploma. So, no matter which country but the objective behind junior college remains the same which is providing students with the relevant skills and preparing them for higher education.

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Why Study at a Junior College?

Here are the top benefits of studying at a Junior College:

Unique Learning Experience: Generally, a junior college provides students with a great learning environment and a unique learning experience which you will cherish for the rest of your life. The number of students in such colleges is generally less which gives students a better opportunity of learning with a more personal touch from the teachers.

Flexibility: Choosing a career path is a major decision which should be taken after some serious consideration. These type of colleges provides you with enough time as well as exposure to try out different things at the same time and then pursue what you think might be best for yourself.

Effectiveness: These colleges are really effective in helping students develop the right mindset as well as skills which align with their goals and purposes in life. The purpose of such colleges is to make students more knowledgeable so that they can significantly contribute to society for the greater good. The framework followed by these colleges is becoming more relevant in society day by day.

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Junior Colleges Around the World

There are different purposes for junior colleges in countries. Let’s take a look at how they are perceived in various countries.

USA

• A postsecondary educational institution established in order to provide students with vocational, academic and professional education.
• They offer associate degrees to the students.
• Also called community colleges in the USA as they serve in a particular local community.

United Kingdom

• These institutions are known as sixth form colleges.
• It is an educational institution where students ranging from the age of 16-19 study for advanced school-level qualifications.
• Students in these colleges study for two years and are known as year 12 and year 13.

Netherlands 

• These colleges are equivalent to MBO (middle level applied education)
• MBO offers 4 levels of education to the students.
• They offer two types of learning i.e. a school-based education wherein more emphasis is given on theoretical knowledge and the other one is apprenticeship education where in more emphasis is given on practical education by making students work in real working companies. 
• After completing MBO, students can either go for higher professional education or they might enter the job market as well.

India

• In most states, schools provide education till Class 12th.
• However, states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, and Andhra Presh have junior colleges where after taking 10th, students have to apply to junior colleges also known as pre-university colleges. 

Japan

In Japan, junior colleges offer two-year or three-year courses of study that are compulsory for admission to receive associate or diploma degrees.

South Korea

• In Japan, junior colleges offer two-year or three-year courses of study if permitted by the presidential decree.
• Students who complete the course of study are entitled to a diploma or associate degree. 

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Difference Between Junior College and University

Here are the key differences between a junior college and a university to make your understanding a bit more clear.

Junior College	University
Offers post-secondary education and provides basic education.	Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to students.
Two-year college programs	Three-four year degree programs
Costs much less than a regular university.	More expensive
The classes are usually less in size.	The class sizes in universities are usually in a large bunch.

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Junior Colleges in India & Abroad

Here are the major Junior Colleges in India and abroad:

India	Abroad
Tejmal Gandhi Junior College Shankarrao Patil Junior College Dayanand Balak Junior College of Commerce M.D Naik and A.M Naik Junior College Maulana Azad Abdul Kalam Junior College English Medium High School and Junior College St. Joseph Convent JuniorCollege	London Community College American River College Valencia College DeAnza College Andrew College

We hope that this blog was able to help you get familiarized with the concept of junior colleges. Confused about choosing the right career path for yourself. Get in touch with Leverage Edu experts to get complete guidance in choosing the right course for yourself and getting admission in your dream university. Sign up for a free session with us now!