An on-the-job postgraduate refers to a graduate education model where individuals pursue master's or doctoral degrees without leaving their jobs. This flexible learning approach (e.g., weekend classes, intensive sessions, online courses) is designed for working professionals aiming to enhance their academic qualifications, professional skills, or career competitiveness. Below is detailed information about on-the-job postgraduate studies:

1. Main Types

• Part-time Postgraduate

  • Features: Requires passing the national entrance examination (December Postgraduate Exam) and university interviews. Graduates receive a dual certificate (diploma + degree certificate) marked "part-time".

  • Suitable for: Individuals seeking academic advancement and dual certificates (e.g., civil servants, state-owned enterprise employees).

  • Examples: MBA, MPA, Engineering Management, Juris Master, etc.

• Equivalent Degree Application

  • Features: Admission without examination, study first then apply for the degree. After passing the May national exam and thesis defense, a master's degree certificate (single certificate) is awarded.

  • Suitable for: Individuals focusing on academic improvement without needing a diploma (e.g., teachers, researchers).

  • Examples: Education, Psychology, Economics, etc.

• International On-the-job Master's

  • Features: Joint programs with foreign universities or online programs from overseas institutions, some do not require entrance exams. Graduates receive a foreign degree certificate (requires certification by the Ministry of Education).

  • Suitable for: Business managers needing quick background enhancement and international perspective expansion.

2. Application Conditions

• Part-time: Bachelor's degree or college diploma (requires 2+ years of work experience, some majors require longer).

• Equivalent Degree: Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of holding the degree (no strict年限要求 for研修班 study).

• International Master's: Bachelor's degree or above, some institutions require work experience or English proficiency scores.

3. Study Methods

• Time Arrangement: Weekend classes, intensive sessions during holidays, online + offline hybrid mode.

• Duration: Usually 2-3 years (part-time); equivalent degree application generally 3-5 years (including thesis phase).

4. Cost Reference

• Part-time: 30,000-200,000+ RMB (higher for management majors like MBA).

• Equivalent Degree: 10,000-50,000 RMB (tuition + defense fee).

• International Master's: 100,000-300,000 RMB (varies by institution and major).

5. Value and Recognition

• Part-time: Dual certificates have the same legal effect as full-time, but social recognition varies by industry (high in government sectors).

• Equivalent Degree: Single certificate can be used for title evaluation, doctoral studies, but may be limited in job hunting.

• International Master's: Choosing programs registered with the Ministry of Education can be certified as equivalent to domestic dual certificates.

6. Notes

• Exam Difficulty: Part-time requires national exam, highly competitive; equivalent degree application has higher pass rate (about 60%-70%).

• Institution Selection: Prefer 985/211 or industry-leading schools, avoid "diploma mills".

• Work-Life Balance: Coordinate study and work time in advance to ensure thesis progress.

7. Suitable Candidates

• Recommended for: Those facing academic bottlenecks in career advancement, needing industry network resources, planning to change careers or prepare for civil service exams.

• Caution for: Those under heavy financial pressure, with extremely irregular working hours, or simply following trends.