Can't you get a degree by studying online and studying abroad? Universities Respond to Master's Degree | Degree | Study Online
Recently, Pengpai News published a report stating that 60 students claimed to have spent 100000 to 200000 yuan on a master's program at a university in Portugal without obtaining a certified graduation certificate. On July 7th, the domestic responsible person for the master's degree program at the University College of Lisbon responded to Pengpai News, stating that the programs they applied for were actually "non degree master's degrees," not "master's degrees," and therefore they were unable to obtain a master's degree after graduation. The University College of Lisbon is not clear about how study abroad institutions make promises to students.
Pengpai News previously reported that a student claimed to have registered for the one-year Master of Management program at the University of Lisbon represented by Chengdu Keshijie Overseas Service Co., Ltd. in November 2021. According to the promise made by the study abroad agent during the consultation, there is no need to go abroad during the epidemic period. Completing studies online can earn a master's degree and certification of academic qualifications in the Chinese study abroad service.
However, after completing the course and passing the graduation exam, the students only received an electronic version of their graduation certificate. When they went to the Ministry of Education's Study Abroad Service Center for academic authentication, they were told that the certificate was obtained from a non degree education course and did not belong to the official higher education degree certificate recognized by Portugal.
Nearly a year after graduation, students learned through communication with the University College of Lisbon that the program they applied for was not a "master's degree" program, but a "non degree diploma" program, and they were unable to obtain a master's degree. According to the measures proposed by the University College of Lisbon, if students want to obtain a master's degree, they need to pay an additional 5000 euros in tuition fees, register for a master's degree program, and attend seminars and defenses abroad.
According to the leaked student introduction, this project involves 60 students, with payments ranging from 150000 to 230000 yuan. One of the students stated that the study abroad agency promised a "master's degree" program, but in reality, they registered for a "non degree diploma" program, which resulted in the inability to obtain a master's degree after completing their studies. "We have graduated for a year now, and we have to resign and study abroad to obtain a degree. Why do we have to bear the consequences of the agency's problem?"
The study abroad agency involved, Chengdu Keshijie Overseas Service Co., Ltd., explained that the program registered by the company for students is a "master's degree" program. However, because the students did not attend seminars and defenses in Portugal according to the school's requirements, they were unable to obtain a master's degree. For the issue of additional fees, the institution stated that Lisbon University College charged students without prior knowledge from the study abroad agency.
In response to the above situation, on July 7th, Shi Wei, the domestic person in charge of the Master's degree program at the University of Lisbon College, responded to the surging news.
He stated that after the report was released, the University College of Lisbon attached great importance to it. After investigation, it was found that the above-mentioned students have applied for the "Graduate Diploma in Advanced Management" program, which is actually operated by the Senior Management Education Center of the University of Lisbon College. This program is a "non degree diploma program" and not a "master's degree program".
He introduced that the project consists of two semesters with a total of 200 hours of courses, and can receive EU certified credits. After completing the courses, he will receive a Master's degree in Administrative Management from the University College of Lisbon. The paper version of the diploma was sent to the student organization in October 2022, and the electronic version was also sent to the student email in November 2022.
"At this point, the students' courses and completion procedures have been completed. However, they have contacted the University College of Lisbon again and requested to obtain a master's degree. Shi Wei told The Paper that" non degree diploma "and" master's degree "are actually two different programs. After completing the courses and assessments, the" non degree diploma program "can obtain a graduate diploma, but the diploma is a non degree graduation certificate, so it is currently not possible to obtain degree certification from China University of Hong Kong.".
The "Master's degree program" requires students to register as master's degree applicants in accordance with the Portuguese DL 27/2021 law while obtaining a pre degree non degree diploma. They must also go to Portugal, participate in research methodology seminars and thesis writing under the guidance of their supervisor, and complete on-site master's thesis defense at the University College of Lisbon before they can obtain a master's degree.
"After learning about the situation of the students, the University College of Lisbon also stated that with the diplomas currently obtained by the students, they can directly register and obtain a master's degree in management according to Portugal's DL 27/2021 law, but they need to pay the remaining seminar and defense fees of 5000 euros, and go to the University College of Lisbon to participate in seminars, graduation thesis writing, graduation thesis defense, etc. After obtaining the master's degree, they can apply for degree authentication in the China International Student Service." Shi Wei pointed out that the above-mentioned students have applied for a "non degree diploma" program, and the program has been completed. ". If obtaining a master's degree certificate is the ultimate goal, it is necessary to follow the requirements of the "master's degree" program and participate in seminars and thesis sections abroad. This is the necessary way to apply for a master's degree certificate and obtain certification from the Chinese study abroad service.
In addition, several students told Pengpai News that the study abroad agency had promised during the registration process that the program "does not require going abroad", and most of the applicants for the program were working personnel. If they knew in advance that they needed to study abroad, they would not choose this program.
This issue editor Zou Shan
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