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), with "part-time" noted on the diploma.

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

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

• Equivalent Degree Application

  • Features: No entrance exam required; study first, then apply for the degree. After passing the May Unified Exam and thesis defense, a master's degree certificate (single certificate) is awarded.

  • Suitable for: Individuals focused on academic improvement without the need for a diploma (e.g., teachers, researchers).

  • Examples of Majors: Education, Psychology, Economics, etc.

• International On-the-job Master's

  • Features: Joint programs with foreign universities or overseas online programs, some exempt from national exams, awarding foreign degree certificates (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 (with at least 2 years of work experience, longer for some majors).

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

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

3. Learning Methods

• Schedule: Weekend classes, intensive sessions during holidays, online + offline hybrid models.

• Duration: Typically 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 + thesis defense fee).

• International Master's: 100,000 - 300,000 RMB (varies by university 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 professional title evaluation and 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%).

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

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

7. Suitable Candidates

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

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