Tertiary education

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Students attend a lecture at a tertiary institution.

Tertiary education, also referred to as third stage, third level, and post-secondary education, is the educational level following the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school, secondary school, or gymnasium. Higher education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, while vocational education and training beyond secondary education is known as further education.

Colleges, universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics are the main institutions that provide tertiary education for (sometimes known collectively as tertiary institutions). Tertiary education generally culminates in the receipt of certificates, diplomas,or academic degrees.

Usage in varying national contexts

United Kingdom

"Tertiary education" includes further education (FE), as well as higher education. A "tertiary college" is a college offering courses such as A Levels, that allow progression to HE, alongside vocational courses.

See also

• Education by country
• List of colleges and universities by country

 Stages of formal education   (Portal)  

Preschool →	Kindergarten →	Primary →	Middle →	Secondary →	————— Tertiary —————
					Vocational, Further	—— Higher education ——
						Undergraduate →	Postgraduate
Also: Early childhood education, Alternative education (Homeschooling), Adult education