The options for higher education in Cambodia have grown exponentially over the past decade. There are now nearly 100 higher education institutions, all of which have different programmes, priorities and practices built into their academic and business plans.

While growth is a good thing, it also makes for an extremely difficult decision as graduates decide where they should pursue further studies. Many private schools in Cambodia and high schools overseas have faculty whose job is to guide students in making this decision, but in Cambodia students are often left to make this choice on their own.

The truth is, some schools in Cambodia have good programmes and are working to make them better, while other schools exist mainly as a business – with little attention paid to the quality of their academic programmes.

This issue will focus on the quality of education, giving you a framework by which to judge your own school or to begin looking for a school if you haven’t begun or want to continue your post-secondary studies (see our quality guide on the back page of this issue).

Striving to get a degree is a worthwhile effort, but all degrees are not the same, and if you do not have the skills to go along with the paper, it will not get you far. Highly skilled jobs require highly skilled people. Employers are not just looking for graduates they are looking for graduates with the practical knowledge to jump into the workplace with minimal additional training.

The amount of work you put in will inevitably reflect the amount of skills you take away from college, regardless of the school you choose. However, if you select the best university for you, not only will you enjoy your collegiate experience more, you will be better fit to join the work force upon graduating.