Short degrees
Short degrees last three years or less, and there are options in many fields and in different countries.
If you want to start working or specialize sooner, or you prefer to try out a field before committing to longer studies, they are an option worth considering.
What short degrees have in common
The actual length depends on the institution and the country, and the qualification may be university, tertiary or another type. Confirm both details in the program you are interested in.
In many cases you can keep studying afterwards; it depends on each institution, so ask before enrolling.
Short degrees
Business and economics
Business, taxes, sales, insurance and auctions: degrees for those who enjoy organizing, calculating and negotiating. For example, Business Management or Sales Techniques.
Technology and computing
Programming, creating software and designing three-dimensional experiences, for those who spend hours building things on the screen.
Communication
Speaking, writing, recording and telling stories for an audience, on radio, television, sports or social media.
Tourism and gastronomy
Cooking, serving, organizing events and looking after people on trips and celebrations.
Aviation and transportation
Flying, looking after passengers and organizing how people and cargo move.
Beauty and wellness
Caring for skin, body and wellness, with technique and practice.
Other fields
Editorial design, surgical nursing, educational management, graphology and occupational health and safety: short degrees in very different fields.
If you still don't know what you like, read about several degrees from different fields and stick with the ones that make you curious.
Where to study short degrees
To see all institutions, check the institution directory.
Universidad Nacional de La Matanza (UNLaM)San Justo · Public
Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI)Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires · Private
Universidad del Salvador (USal)Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires · Private
Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)La Plata · Public
Universidad Católica Luis Amigó (Luis Amigó)MedellÃn · Private
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO)Bogotá · Private
Corporación Universidad de la Costa (CUC)Barranquilla · Private
Universidad Nacional de José C. Paz (UNPAZ)José C. Paz · PublicHow to choose between them
Think about what you do when no one asks you to: if you cook for your friends, if you edit videos, if you take charge of organizing the class trip, if you fix all your family's devices.
Then compare. Two degrees with similar names can have different subjects, and the same degree can last longer or shorter depending on where you study it. Look at the curriculum and admission requirements for each program.
If you are torn between Pastry and Sommelier, or between Announcing and Community Manager, the career test is a good starting point to sort out your ideas.
To read before choosing
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a short degree?
Those that last three years or less. The exact length depends on the institution and the country.
Is a short degree diploma worth the same as a long one?
They are different diplomas, and the type varies by degree, institution, and country. Check what diploma the program awards and what recognition it has where you are going to study it.
Can I keep studying after a short degree?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on each institution and each country. Ask before enrolling if you can continue with another degree and if they will recognize your subjects.
Are short degrees easier?
Not necessarily. It depends on the degree and the institution: length says little about how demanding it is. Look at the curriculum to find out what is required of you.
Which are the shortest of all?
The virtual reality and real-time development courses, and training programs such as Pastry, Community Manager, Insurance Advisor, or Flight Attendant. Software Development or Business Management are close to the limit of what is considered short. The actual length is defined in the program of the institution you choose.