Difference between vocational training cycle and higher degree

If you are thinking about studying vocational training, it is very common to wonder what the difference is between a training cycle and a higher degree. Are they the same thing? Is one better than the other? And what role do university and higher education play in all this?

The confusion is normal, as these terms are often used interchangeably when, in reality, they do not mean the same thing within the education system and training institutions. In this article, we explain clearly and simply what a vocational training course is, what an advanced vocational training course is, and what the differences are between them, so that you can choose the right education for your academic and professional goals.

This difference is key to understanding how vocational training works, the training options available, and what type of training cycle best suits each academic stage.

At Unihabit, we support students enrolled in vocational training and university studies, offering them a comfortable and well-located environment where they can focus on their education and improve their future employability.

A higher degree is a specific type of training cycle, specifically the highest level within Vocational Training. Its official name is Higher Degree Training Cycle (CFGS), one of the main routes to higher education outside of traditional university degrees.

Upon completion of a higher degree, students obtain the title of Senior Technician, one of the official qualifications recognised throughout Spain and the European Union, with high employability in technical and specialised sectors.

This type of training is aimed at people who:

• Have completed secondary school
• Or have completed an Intermediate Vocational Training Course
• Are seeking greater technical specialisation, to develop advanced professional skills and to access jobs with more responsibility

In addition, the higher degree also acts as a route to university, allowing students to continue their academic training in related university studies and facilitating the validation of modules in certain degrees.

A higher degree is a specific type of vocational training cycle, specifically the highest level within Vocational Training. Its official name is Higher Vocational Training Cycle (CFGS).

Upon completing a higher degree, the student obtains the title of Higher Technician, an official qualification recognized throughout Spain and the European Union.

This type of training is aimed at people who:

• Have completed Upper Secondary Education (Bachillerato)
• Or have completed an Intermediate Vocational Training Cycle
• Seek greater technical specialization and access to jobs with higher responsibility

In addition, the higher degree also serves as a pathway to university, allowing students to continue their academic education in related university studies.

The main difference between vocational training and higher education is that they aren’t equivalent concepts. Vocational training is the general framework for professional training, while higher education is one of the levels that form part of that system, along with basic and intermediate vocational training.

No, a vocational training course and a higher degree are not the same thing, although they are closely related.

Vocational training is the general concept that encompasses all vocational education studies, while a higher degree is a specific level within that system, geared towards more advanced training, with greater emphasis on technical skills, administrative management in some sectors and a clear future outlook.

This comparison helps to visually understand why these terms often cause confusion within vocational training programmes.

Another common dilemma is deciding between vocational training and university. It is not a question of choosing which is better, but rather which is best suited to your profile, your professional goals and your need to refresh your knowledge over time.

A vocational training cycle, especially a higher degree, may be the most suitable option if:

• You are looking for quick entry into the job market.
• You prefer training with a strong practical component.
• You are clear about your professional vocation.
• You want to specialise in a specific sector.
• You value obtaining a Professional Certificate or Specialisation Courses after completing your vocational training.

In addition, many students use this route as a first step before entering university.

University may be the best option if:

• You want to practice a regulated profession (medicine, law, architecture, etc.)
• You are interested in more theoretical and academic training
• You are certain that you want to pursue master or doctoral studies
• You are looking for a longer-term educational pathway

Both options are not mutually exclusive and can be combined over time.

Regardless of the path chosen, having student-adapted and well-located accommodation can make a difference during this educational stage.

Yes, it is possible to enter university with a higher education diploma, and this is becoming an increasingly common route into higher education.

Higher education graduates can:

• Enter university directly
• Improve their entry grade through specific tests
• Apply for module validation
• Complement their profile with specialisation courses

This makes higher education a very flexible option, with multiple professional and academic opportunities.

Is a higher degree the same as Vocational Training?
No. Vocational Training is the educational system, while the higher degree is one of the levels that form part of Vocational Training, along with the basic and intermediate levels.

Which offers better job opportunities, a higher degree or university?
It depends on the professional sector. In many technical fields, higher degrees offer high employability thanks to their practical approach and training in companies.

How long does a higher vocational training cycle last?
The usual duration of a higher degree is two academic years, including theoretical training and mandatory internships in companies.

Can you study a higher degree without completing upper secondary education (Bachillerato)?
Yes. It is possible to access a higher degree if you have previously completed an intermediate vocational training cycle or by passing a specific entrance exam.

What is better for entering the workforce sooner, a vocational training cycle or university?
Vocational training programmes usually enable faster entry into the labour market, as they are shorter than university studies and are geared towards professional practice from the outset.

Understanding the difference between vocational training and higher education is essential for building a coherent educational path with future prospects. Vocational training allows you to acquire professional skills, improve your employability, and adapt to an ever-changing job market.

Choosing between a vocational training cycle, a higher degree, or university does not mean giving up any future option, but rather building a flexible educational pathway adapted to each profile.

If you want to learn more about the advantages of this educational pathway and understand why more and more students choose it as an alternative to university, we recommend reading our article on why study Vocational Training, where we expand on this information in more detail.

And if you need more information or advice about accommodation during your studies, you can contact the Unihabit team and resolve all your questions.