Expanding Global Educational Horizons

Working with an international leader in qualifications development like Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is one way a university can open its doors to international students and help them to choose where to study their undergraduate degree.

How It Works

When admitting a student to a course of study, a university considers a student’s entry-level qualifications and identifies relevant undergraduate programs that align with those qualifications. One of those qualifications could be the SQA Advanced Diploma, which is recognized by university partners as typically equivalent to the first two years of university study—meaning graduates of this qualification could enter into the third year of a related undergraduate degree program at one of SQA’s 50+ university partners.

This provides a pathway for students from “Diploma to Degree” that supports them in continuing their learning journey and helps them realize their potential. It also provides access to international study opportunities that may have otherwise not been available to students.

Institutional entry criteria with an SQA Advanced Qualification (at certificate and diploma level) varies depending on the degree programs. Entry is at the discretion of the college or university delivering the program, giving them the opportunity to widen access to further education and offer flexibility to school leavers, adult returners, employees seeking to enhance their skill sets, and even start-up entrepreneurs.

SQA’s use of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) eases transferability and recognition across different education systems around the world, which is vital as the level of development of a qualifications framework for different countries varies.

Delivery Models

There are also various delivery models to suit different student and university needs and to make Diploma to Degree as widely available as possible. With all of the models, the student first completes an SQA Advanced Diploma in their home country then progresses to an undergraduate degree in one of the following ways.

• With the main campus model, which is the most common way SQA qualifications are delivered, progression then takes place at an international university campus in a student’s home country or overseas.

• With the university affiliate model, the student progresses to an international university affiliate campus overseas.

• With the online delivery model, the student remains in their home country and studies at an international university online.

Benefits of University Partnerships

These collaborations attract a diverse pool of international students, enriching the cultural diversity on campus. Moreover, progression partnerships provide universities with cost-effective pathways for students seeking international exposure and degree attainment. This can lead to new enrollment and revenue streams for the university. Additionally, partnering with leading educational organizations fosters collaborative opportunities for research, faculty exchange programs, and curriculum enhancement. Overall, these partnerships contribute to the advancement of global learning and promote a culture of innovation and excellence in higher education.

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Alex Holyoak, senior progression officer at De Montford University-Leicester, shares his experience as an SQA progression partner:

“Our relationship with SQA is an excellent, long-standing relationship,” he says. “This relationship brings students, international students in particular, the opportunity to come to the United Kingdom and gain a full UK bachelor’s degree while only studying here for one year. SQA do a fantastic job preparing their students via various modules and modes of study, and these students are well prepared to be successful in their level 5 or level 6 course at De Montford University.”

Each articulation agreement is unique. For example, the SQA Diploma to Degree program has been successfully delivered in China for more than 20 years. Approximately 60 percent of students graduating with the SQA Advanced Diploma in China will continue onto a pathway to higher education, underscoring the significance of the Diploma to Degree program in facilitating academic progression for Chinese students. Moreover, around 40 percent of graduates opt to stay in China to pursue further education, either another undergraduate degree or a master's program. This dual trajectory reflects the versatility of the SQA Advanced Diploma in catering to diverse educational aspirations, whether within China or internationally.

Student Experience

SQA Advanced Diploma graduate Sun Yuyin studied in her home country then progressed on to a leading Canadian university, where she earnedan accounting degree.

Reflecting on the Degree to Diploma program, she comments that “…the SQA program is appealing to students seeking opportunities for studying abroad…fortunately, my transfer credits seamlessly facilitated my transition into this new academic journey.”

About SQA

SQA is the national awarding and accreditation body in Scotland and a global leader in developing and providing internationally recognized and respected qualifications and assessment services.

Many students across the world have successfully completed SQA qualifications, some of whom have then progressed through SQA’s Diploma to Degree program to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

At a Glance: SQA Advanced Qualifications and Progression Pathways

• 40+ subjects, from accounting and tourism to business and beauty

• Well-established pathway to international, degree-level study

• SQA Advanced Certificate: one year

• SQA Advanced Diploma: two years

• 50+ progression partners

Interested in finding out more? Explore SQA’s Diploma to Degree pages to read case studies and more.