Higher education in Asian countries and the role of international ...

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institution: a college, polytechnic or university. Tertiary education may be delivered formally,
virtually or at a distance (Analytic Quality Glossary, 2009).
The definition given by the World Bank is confusing and contrasts to the definitions of
Encyclopedia Britannica, UNESCO and other sources. According to the World Bank “tertiary
education broadly refers to all post-secondary education, including but not limited to universities,
it also include colleges, technical training institutes, community colleges, nursing schools,
research laboratories, centers of excellence, distance learning centers and many more.”
UNESCO has given very comprehensive definition, which is based on standard classification.
According to UNESCO “tertiary comprises on the programs with an educational content more
advanced than what is offered at International Standard Classification of Education ISCED levels
3 and 4. The first stage of tertiary education is ISCED level 5 and it is followed by the second
stage ISCED level 6. Where higher education starts after ISCED 3 and covers ISCED 4, 5 and 6
levels also (UNESCO, 2004).
3.6.1 International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) is a yardstick that is helpful in
comprehending complicated and diversified education systems followed by
different countries. ISCED was the first instrument designed and
created by UNESCO in the 1970s and later on revised in 1978
and 1997. It will be again revised in the near future.
Higher education = ISCED 4 and onward
Tertiary education = ISCED 5 and onward
3.6.2 ISCED 4
Higher Education
Tertiary
Education
This Post secondary, non-tertiary level consists of pre-degree foundation courses or short
vocational or technical programs etc. These programs are considered as “higher education” but
cannot be regarded as tertiary programs on the bases of content and knowledge that is covered by
them. They are often not significantly more advanced than programs at ISCED 3. Its basic
purpose is to broaden the knowledge of participants who have completed ISCED 3 but did not
follow a curriculum, which would allow entry to level 5. Programs at level 4 are designed to
provide access to ISCED 5. Entrance age cannot be precise for this level of education, because
many of the programs that fall under this heading are open at all stages of life i.e. on services
professional trainings and courses, computer education etc. But minimum age required can be