
Your Journey. Your Future
For many students, the journey to higher education can feel like climbing a mountain. But what if you knew that you were just one step away from a diploma and only two steps from earning a degree? At IBS College of TVET, we make it simple and achievable, turning that daunting climb into a manageable ascent. Whether you’re starting with a Certificate III or a Certificate IV, you’re already on a clear path to bigger and better opportunities, a pathway designed to fit your life’s goals and ambitions.
Step One: Certificate III – The Foundation
Your journey starts with a Certificate III in areas like Business, IT, Accounting, or Human Resource Management. This qualification gives you the basic knowledge and skills you need to start working or go on to more study. Think of it as your starting point, launching you into the world of business and technology. It helps you build a strong foundation so you can learn even more.

Why Start with a Certificate III?
- It builds confidence by teaching industry-relevant skills, giving you a tangible sense of accomplishment.
- You get real-world skills and experience, making you ready for work from day one.
- It prepares you for the next level: Certificate IV, creating a natural progression in your learning.
Step Two: Certificate IV – Closer to a Diploma
After finishing Certificate III, you’re ready for Certificate IV. This is where you’ll learn more specialized things, developing the knowledge and skills you need for mid-level jobs or further study. It leans more towards building on what you already know and getting even better.
Benefits of a Certificate IV:
- Expands your technical expertise, making you more competitive in the job market.
- Opens doors to higher-paying jobs, representing your increased skills and knowledge.
- Leads directly to a Diploma qualification, streamlining your path to higher credentials.
Step Three: Diploma – The Bridge to a Degree
After finishing Certificate IV, you’re just one step from a diploma. A diploma program builds on what you learned in earlier certificates, concentrating on skills for your industry and training you to be a leader. A diploma can help you get a job faster, and it also gets you much closer to a bachelor’s degree, often meaning you won’t need as much time to finish it.

- Universities, like IBSUniversity, recognize diplomas. This means you can easily go on to get a degree, and sometimes you can even skip some classes.
- A diploma makes you stand out when you’re looking for a job. It shows you’ve learned a lot and are serious about your career.
Some people with diplomas start their careers in higher-level jobs because of their advanced skills.
The Final Step
With a diploma in hand, you’re now only one step away from earning a degree. Many universities, including IBSUniversity, recognize diploma qualifications and allow students to continue directly into a bachelor’s degree program, often with credit for prior learning. This is the culmination of your hard work, opening doors to even greater opportunities.
This streamlined process means that if you started with a Certificate III, you are only two steps away from getting your degree! Two manageable steps that build upon each other, creating a solid foundation for your future.
Why This Pathway Works

- It’s Flexible – You can enter the workforce after any stage or continue studying, adapting your journey to your needs.
- It’s Faster – Instead of waiting years to accumulate separate qualifications, you can earn a diploma and degree in a shorter, more efficient timeframe.
- It’s Affordable – Each step is a cost-effective way to build your education and career, allowing you to invest in your future incrementally.
Bottom Line
Your dream career is closer than you think. At IBS College of TVET, we provide the education and skills to help you take those steps—those important steps—toward success. Whether you start at Certificate III or jump straight into Certificate IV, you’re already on the right path, a path designed to lead you to a brighter future.
IBSU Media Team
IBSUniversity
PO Box 5181, Boroko, NCD,
Papua New Guinea
M: +675 7028 8030 | 7411 4100
Editing & Narrative Direction: IBSU Library & Information
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is meant to guide prospective students about their academic and career pathways at IBS College of TVET. For detailed course requirements, credit transfer options, and university articulation agreements, please contact IBS College of TVET directly. Specific program requirements and articulation agreements may vary and are subject to change.