post secondary level education definition

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Post-Secondary Education

• By Emily Summers
• December 10, 2019

Are you about to graduate high school or have already graduated but are considering further studies for better employment opportunities? If so, then you might have heard the term “post-secondary education” every now and then.

As the name goes, post-secondary education takes place after you finish high school. And while most people see it as a stepping stone towards better employment opportunities in the future, this isn’t always necessarily the case. Also, contrary to popular belief, post-secondary education isn’t limited to college, so if money is a hindering factor for taking post-secondary education, you might want to consider the other options aside from college.

In this article, we define post-secondary education, what it means, and the various options available for you after your graduate high school (or high school equivalent). And then we tackle whether or not taking a post-secondary education really is important in the career path you want to take.

What Is Post-Secondary Education?

Secondary vs. post-secondary education, vocational schools, non-degree students, community colleges, colleges & universities, do i need post-secondary education for work.

Post-secondary education is also known as “higher education,” “third-level education,” or “tertiary education,” which all roughly mean the same thing. Its subtypes that don’t result in degrees like certificate programs and community college are also called “continuing education.” These refer to the educational programs you can take after graduating high school, get your GED, or anything similar to these in your country.

Unlike primary and secondary school that are mandatory for children under the age of 18, post-secondary education is completely optional. It is the final stage of formal learning and leads towards an academic degree. Post-secondary education is defined in the International Standard Classification of Education as levels 6 through 8. Post-secondary education also includes both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

In the United States, plenty of high school students opt to take post-secondary education , with over 21 million students attending after high school. This is because many people see this as a ticket to economic security as having a higher education degree can be the key to opening more job opportunities in the market. While college is a type of post-secondary education, it is not the only form of tertiary education, though. And just because someone has completed their post-secondary education does not necessarily mean there will be job offers lined up for their choosing. Nor does it mean that they automatically earn more than a person who chose not to attend post-secondary education.

Secondary education is more commonly known as high school, but it can also refer to people who have taken their GED (General Education Development) tests or any equivalent around the world. Unlike post-secondary education, students are required to attend secondary school (or at least they are, until they turn 18 and can opt to drop out).

There are a number of people who choose to drop out ( around 527,000 people from October 2017 to October 2018). While it is possible for them to find work (around 47.2 percent of them), they cannot attend post-secondary education unless they finish high school or earn a secondary education diploma.

And while there are jobs available for those who didn’t get to finish secondary school or finished high school but opted not to attend post-secondary education, this closes some doors for them. For example, if you want to become a medical doctor , you cannot enter medical school until you earn a Bachelor’s degree by attending four years of college under an appropriate pre-med program. So, even if you got high grades in high school biology, no medical school is going to accept a student without a bachelor’s degree.

Post-Secondary Institutions

Contrary to popular belief, the term “post-secondary education” and its other similar terms aren’t limited to just earning a bachelor’s degree in high school. Colleges and universities are the most popular choice, but they may not be the most financially possible choice for everyone, especially if you consider that plenty of college graduates in the US are struggling to pay off student loan payments years after they’ve graduated college.

If you’re open to the idea of further education after high school but want to consider other options, here are your possible choices.

Also known as trade or tech schools, vocational schools teach it students on the technical side of certain crafts or skills of a specific job. Unlike colleges where its students receive academic training for careers in certain professional disciplines, vocational school students do job-specific training where certain physical skills are needed more than academic learning.

These are available in almost every country, though they may go by different names. In some countries, there may be both vocational schools run privately or public vocational school that are either fully or partially subsidized by the government for people who want to learn skills for better employment opportunities.

Some vocational courses include:

• Health care for nursing (for people who want to work as caregivers)
• Computer network management
• Word processing application (secretarial positions)
• Food and beverage management
• Fashion designing
• Electrician
• Commercial pilot
• Catering and hotel management
• Daycare management
• Hairstyling, cosmetics, and beautification
• Paralegal studies
• Massage therapy
• Pharmacy technician
• Travel agent

Take note that there are a lot more vocational courses than the ones provided, but not all vocational schools provide all types of courses. Some vocational schools may also specialize in certain industries, so it’s best to do your research on vocational schools in your area .

Completion of any of these courses provide you with a certificate that shows you have completed and trained for the skill of your choice. This gives you a competitive advantage in the job market compared to other high school graduates who do not have the same training for the skillset you have.

It is also possible to have multiple certificates for different courses if you think this will give you a further advantage, such as getting certified for Electrician, Plumber, and Carpentry courses if you intend to work in the construction industry. This also applies to college graduates who think they can get a leg up with both a college degree and a vocational school certificate on their resume.

There are two definitions of non-degree students . The first is a student who attends a college or university and attends undergraduate, master, or doctorate classes but not for the sake of earning a degree. These are people who may be interested in learning for specific classes and want to pursue academic interests but do not see the need to earn the full degree. These can be simply because they want to learn a certain field or who want to add to their resume that they took classes for a specific subject.

Another type of non-degree student are online or classroom programs on specific topics that can be used for resume-building skills or personal enrichment. You won’t earn a diploma, but you earn a certificate of completion. It’s similar to what you earn from tech school, but more academic than in terms of skill.

Community colleges are also known as “junior colleges” or “two-year colleges.” As its name goes, instead of earning a Bachelor’s degree after four years, community college students earn associate degrees after just two years . Some community colleges also offer non-degree certificates and vocational courses, though not all colleges do. Aside from academic classes, community colleges offer other programs for the community.

The reason why community colleges take half the time to earn a diploma is because it only offers the general education requirements taken by all college students. In regular colleges and universities, you spend four years studying: the first two years are dedicated to general education requirements, while the next two are for your specialized classes depending on your major.

Community college can be a step towards employment, but it can also be a step towards entering university. With the classes you’ve taken in community college, you can proceed to a university and major for two more years to work towards a bachelor’s degree. But if you think you don’t need one and intend to enter the workforce after attending community college, you’ll be given an associate’s degree after completion.

The most popular choice for post-secondary education, colleges and universities not only provide bachelor’s degree for high school students, but also post-graduate degrees for college students. Some examples of post-graduate degrees that fall under this bracket include graduate school, law school, medical school, dental school, and business school.

Some people attend post-secondary education institutions like graduate school and business schools for a master’s degree that will give them a leg-up in the job market for higher-ranking positions. However, for other institutions like law school and medical school, you need to enter and finish your education if you want to achieve a certain job role. For example, paralegals may need certification or even a bachelor’s degree, depending on how competitive a paralegal position in a law firm is, but if you want to become a lawyer, you need to finish to law school and pass the bar exam in your jurisdiction.

It’s relatively the most expensive form of post-secondary education, but there are several options on how to get in. There are several scholarship and grant programs that can provide you with partial to full scholarships (some even provide stipends or allowances for expenses like food, books, and other necessities) without having to go into debt. However, a lot of scholarship programs are extremely competitive and are usually awarded to students who show a lot of academic or athletic promise or require the most financial aid.

Getting post-secondary education is not necessary to land a job in the future, nor is there any assurance that getting further education will get you a job right after completing your education. If you feel like none of the options mentioned above can help you towards the career you want or see yourself doing in the future, then you don’t have to take any of them. Unlike elementary and secondary school in your younger years, post-secondary education isn’t mandatory – whether you attend school after high school or after the age of 18 is still your choice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 70% of high school graduates in 2018 between the ages of 16 to 24 enrolled to colleges or universities. And out of the 20 to 29-year-olds who received a college diploma, around 72% were employed. However, 74% of high school graduates were in the labor force (meaning they were working or actively looking for work), while 42% of high school drop outs were working.

This means that regardless of your educational attainment, there will be a position in the job market that will suit your educational attainment. However, depending on what that is, the job market could be competitive.

Also, take note of the salary difference. One of the possible reasons why over half of high school graduates opt to attend post-secondary education is because the average annual salary of a college graduate is over half the average annual salary of a high school graduate – and the gap between the two educational attainments is only growing wider.

However, some people don’t work for the paycheck alone and work because it’s something they want to do or they’re content with their job and the salary they earn. There is nothing wrong with this, especially if this means they choose a career path or job that allows them to do what they want.

Whether or not you should pursue post-secondary education is ultimately up to you. If you want a career that doesn’t necessarily fall under the available institutions or you feel like continuing education will do little to help your career, then it’s OK to skip this altogether and pursue a career or track that you want. But if you want to pursue continuing education but feel like you can’t afford to take four years of college, then you know that you have other options available that may help you.

About the Author

Emily summers.

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What Is Post-Secondary Education?

In this post, we outline the most common post-secondary education options available after high school. 

But first things first: What exactly is post-secondary education?

Written by Tilting Futures

Your education is a journey to prepare you for the life you want to lead, and there are many possible paths to explore after graduating high school. Post secondary education opportunities can allow you to dive deeper into your interests and discover your true passions. Many post secondary education programs offer more hands on learning experiences that provide clarity about what you want to do with your life. 

Post Secondary Education: Meaning and Definition

As one might expect, post-secondary education comes after secondary education (also known as high school, which is the final phase of basic education). Post-secondary education is also known as third-level education , higher education , or tertiary education , and is an optional educational path for those who have completed their high-school or GED requirements. The goal of a post-secondary education program is to further train students in specialized skills, preparing them for more advanced career and life opportunities. 

Post-secondary education programs generally (but not always) culminate in a degree or other form of certification, verifying that the student has completed all associated requirements and is ready to graduate from the program. Post-high school education options that do not award degrees are usually called continuing education  and may include workshops, seminars, and other supplemental opportunities. That said, both of the terms “continuing education” and “post-secondary education” may also be used to describe any form of education available after secondary education.

Types of Post Secondary Options 

While for many, “post-secondary education” is synonymous with college , the truth is that high school graduates have a number of different options to choose from for structured learning after high school. Consider these different types of post-secondary education programs: 

Vocational Schools

Vocational schools (also called trade schools or technical schools ) offer specialized education designed to prepare students for specific lines of work. Compared to a college education, which is usually more academic-focused, vocational programs tend to be more hands-on, experience-oriented, and tailored toward practical career knowledge. Additionally, by eliminating many of the general education and liberal arts requirements found in colleges, vocational schools may offer a more direct route into the job market. This is the result of job-specific training opportunities and shorter completion times.

Vocational schools typically funnel students directly into careers in skilled trades. Examples of vocational courses include: healthcare and home caregiving, plumbing, electrical services, hairstyling, carpentry, computer network management, paralegal studies, massage therapy, and more. 

Community Colleges

Community colleges are shorter-duration alternatives to the traditional four-year university experience. Most community colleges allow students to earn an associate degree over the course of two years, focusing primarily on the general education classes required by accredited universities. They sometimes also offer non-degree certification and vocational training.

Most community colleges are open admission , meaning that the admission process is non-exclusive, and not dependent on any academic factors other than a high school diploma or equivalent certification. After earning their associate degree through the community college, students may either enter the job market with increased training and certification, or choose to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a specific major and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities are generally what first come to mind when people think of post-secondary education. These higher-education institutes offer bachelor degree (four-year) programs. Additionally, students may choose to continue their education past the BA/BS level; colleges and universities tend to offer post-graduate programs, allowing dedicated individuals to earn master’s degrees or doctorates.

Completing a four-year college program may make some graduates more appealing to job interviewers, and there are a number of companies that won’t even consider applicants unless they have at least a bachelor degree. On the other hand, colleges and universities are usually the most-expensive post-secondary education options — averaging approximately $28,000 in tuition annually. However, many different scholarship and grant programs exist to help offset some of these costs; prospective students should research these possibilities while considering post-secondary options. 

Gap Year and Immersive Learning Programs

Many post-secondary students want to take the time to travel, see the world, and enjoy the freedom that comes from having completed their high school education. At the same time, many feel the desire to use this time to better themselves, learn valuable leadership skills, and give something back. For these students, immersive learning programs abroad may be the answer they’re looking for.

Gap years and travel abroad programs offer experiential learning, hands-on training, and real-life opportunities to help and connect with individuals around the world. Students often pursue these opportunities during a ‘gap year’ (either after high school and before college, or between college years). Many gap year programs combine education and service, and are designed to produce well-rounded, socially conscious individuals who are ready to excel in whatever careers or life paths they choose.

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Get the Most out of Your Post-Secondary Opportunities 

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postsecondary

Definition of postsecondary

Examples of postsecondary in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'postsecondary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1920, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near postsecondary

Cite this entry.

“Postsecondary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postsecondary. Accessed 16 May. 2024.

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Postsecondary Education

Postsecondary Education , also known as tertiary education, is the education level that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. Postsecondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Postsecondary education usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree.

Postsecondary education is decentralized from regulation by the federal government and is essentially independent from it. Postsecondary education is often diverse because there are private and public institutions. Some institutions are small and affiliated with religious organizations, while others could be secular, rural, urban, or suburban.

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Tertiary Education

Tertiary Education is instrumental in fostering growth, reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity. It benefits not just the individual, but the entire educational system.

Tertiary education refers to all formal post-secondary education, including public and private universities, colleges, technical training institutes, and vocational schools. Tertiary education is instrumental in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting shared prosperity. A highly skilled workforce, with lifelong access to a solid post-secondary education, is a prerequisite for innovation and growth: well-educated people are more employable and productive, earn higher wages, and cope with economic shocks better.

Tertiary education benefits not just the individual, but society as a whole. Graduates of tertiary education are more environmentally conscious, have healthier habits, and have a higher level of civic participation. Also, increased tax revenues from higher earnings, healthier children, and reduced family size all build stronger nations. In short, tertiary education institutions prepare individuals not only by providing them with adequate and relevant job skills, but also by preparing them to be active members of their communities and societies. 

The economic returns for tertiary education graduates are the  highest in the entire educational system  – an estimated 17% increase in earnings as compared with 10% for primary and 7% for secondary education.   These high returns are even greater in Sub-Saharan Africa, at an estimated 21% increase in earning for tertiary education graduates.

As the youth population continues to swell and graduation rates through elementary and secondary education increase dramatically, especially in regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa, there is an intensifying demand for expanded access to tertiary education of good quality. Diversification of institution types and delivery modalities will become increasingly more central to meeting this expanded demand. Tertiary technical and vocational education and training, as one example, can provide an effective and efficient complement to traditional university studies in providing students with skills and knowledge relevant to the labor market. 

Governments are increasingly recognizing that the entire educational system – from early childhood through tertiary education – must reflect and be responsive to rapidly evolving social and economic demands and needs within an expanding globalized knowledge economy, which increasingly demands a better-trained, more skilled, and adaptable workforce. 

There are around 222 million students enrolled in tertiary education globally, up from 100 million in 2000. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of students in tertiary education programs has increased since the early 2000’s, but quality concerns remain . In Sub-Saharan Africa, enrollments have doubled every twenty years since the late 1970s. This massive growth remains critical as a student with a tertiary education degree in the region will earn more than twice as much as a student with just a high school diploma over a lifetime, though, of course, a variety of factors such as social capital and networks, institution quality, and academic program selection are among the factors that lead to notable heterogeneity of outcomes at for individual students in every country. 

Across the expanding pool of graduates of tertiary education, matching the skills developed today to the needs of the labor market of both today and of the future remains a major challenge. At the same time, expanded enrollments increase the strain on publicly funded institutions of higher learning, and many countries with limited resources are struggling to finance the growing needs of a larger student body, without compromising the quality of their educational offerings. Tertiary education also remains out of reach for many of the world’s poorest and most marginalized. In Latin America and the Caribbean, on average, the poorest 50% of the population only represented 25% of tertiary education students in 2013.  In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 9% of the traditional aged cohort for tertiary education continues from secondary to tertiary education – the lowest regional enrollment rate in the world.

Countries all over the world have undertaken major restructuring of their tertiary education systems to enhance their reach and effectiveness. However, progress has been uneven. All countries engaging in strategic reforms of their tertiary sectors benefit from ensuring that their national strategies and policies prioritize equitable access, improved learning and skills development, efficient retention, and considerations of the employment and education outcomes sought by graduates and the labor market.  Both policies and academic degrees need to be strategically tailored to fit the needs of the local society and economy.  Only then can governments realize the gains in primary and secondary school attainment through tertiary education access and progression and turn these successes into increased and sustained economic and social development.

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2024

STRATEGIC POLICY ADVICE

As the world seeks to build back better into a new era of green and equitable economic growth, tertiary education systems are at the heart of the big transformations required throughout economies and societies. Tertiary education is vital for the development of human capital and innovation. Strategic and effective investments in tertiary education can serve every country – from the poorest to the richest – by developing its talent and leadership pool, generating, and applying knowledge to local and global challenges, and participating in the global knowledge economy. Effective tertiary education systems ensure that countries have well-trained doctors, nurses, teachers, managers, engineers, and technicians who are the main actors of effective education and health service delivery and public and private sector development. 

The imperative for investing in tertiary education derives from two major questions: What are the benefits of investing, and what are the consequences of not investing? The benefits include higher employment levels (that is, lower levels of unemployment), higher wages, greater social stability, increased civic engagement, and better health outcomes. Even more significant and, perhaps, revealing, is examining what happens when countries underinvest in their tertiary education systems. The consequences of underinvestment include brain drain and talent loss, limited access to applied research capacity for local problem solving, limitations to economic growth due to low levels of skills in the workforce, low-quality teaching and learning at every level of education, and, perhaps most glaringly, expanded wealth inequality within and among nations, with those investing proportionately more experiencing resultant growth rates far outpacing those with lower levels of investment and strategic development.

Key elements of strategic policy advice for tertiary education

Decades of insufficient and ineffective investment in postsecondary education and the advanced skills developed through higher learning opportunities have only exacerbated global equity gaps. The World Bank’s STEERing Tertiary Education: Toward Resilient Systems that Delivery for All  policy approach paper describes the approach of the World Bank to support the development of effective, equitable, efficient, and resilient tertiary education systems and institutions. 

The paper seeks to: (i) reinforce the imperative that every country – regardless of level of development – invest thoughtfully and strategically in diversified, well-articulated, and inclusive tertiary education systems; (ii) provide a framework for policymakers and other tertiary education stakeholders to examine critical traits responding to the needs for advanced skills and lifelong learning in support of growth and development and key interventions for tertiary education systems in the decades ahead; (iii) examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global tertiary education sector and share ideas that promote a resilient recovery from the crisis; and (iv) provide key information about the decades of commitment the World Bank has shown to utilizing tertiary education for sustainable development, including context, concepts, and scale of the World Bank’s operational and analytical work.

Within this steering framework and with a view to turning the challenges wrought by the COVID-19 crisis into opportunities for impactful reforms, this paper encourages tertiary education policymakers and stakeholders to STEER their tertiary systems and institutions toward greater relevance and impact, utilizing five framing principles:

I.  Strategically diversified systems  — supporting all postsecondary institutions, ensuring agile, articulated pathways and diversity of forms, functions, and missions

• Developing  future-oriented strategies  that center on a strong contribution of tertiary education not only to growth and competitiveness but also to social cohesion and human development more broadly for the tertiary education sector, subsectors, and institutions. This is an agenda for high- and middle-income countries but is particularly important for fragile and low-income countries that need to kick-start the technological innovation and adaption engine and provide the young generation a productive and peaceful future.
• Positioning tertiary education in a  lifelong learning  context with flexible pathways, second-chance options, and greater adaptability to the needs and opportunities afforded by employers, civil society, and governments. This means permeability across pathways and providers, modularization of learning offers, and student-centered credit systems to allow for flexible pathways as well as bridging and mentoring programs to boost tertiary remedial education to give everyone a good start and adequate support in tertiary education.

II.  Technology  — designed and applied in a purposeful and equitable manner

• Harnessing  the power of technology  to improve teaching and research capacity while simultaneously acknowledging and countering the impact of expanding digital divides. With tertiary education sectors massively expanding across the globe and low-income groups and countries trailing behind, technology might be the only way to effectively ensure equity and resilience.
• Building a digital ecosystem with the help of  National Research and Education Networks (NRENs)  and effective collaboration across government portfolios. Harnessing the power of technology means that tertiary education institutions not only profit from digitalization but also advance digitalization through the development of digital skills, and application of digitalization across its functions and related research and development.

III.  Equity  — a universal approach to the benefits and opportunities of postsecondary learning

• Acknowledging that  inequity is a form of injustice .
• Acting to ensure that  equity and inclusion in access and success  are a driving ethos for an effective and relevant tertiary education system.

IV.  Efficiency  — a goal-oriented, effective use of resources

• Improving  information systems  so that sectors, subsectors, and institutions can be managed and enhanced utilizing evidence and sound information.
• For  financing , this means, for example, that systems and institutions diversify their funding base and reduce dependency on a single income source (which will require revisiting questions of cost-recovery and are thinking of student grant and loan schemes in many countries) and use innovative funding mechanisms.
• For  quality  assurance, this means that remote options for accreditation and evolution are established and applied when the environment requires such agility in ensuring quality under all conditions.
• For  governance , this means ensuring the external governance — legislative and ministerial oversight — and institutional governance — boards and oversight bodies — are developed and operated in such a manner that promotes effective connections with external actors and the world of work and allows for rapid innovations to be tested and embraced in such a way that institutions can continue their operations within the scope of their charters and missions.

V.  Resilience  — the ability to persist, flourish, and deliver agreed goals despite adversity

• Acknowledging the need for  resilience planning , by taking stock of the successes and failures of the COVID-19 response at the systems and institutional levels and analyzing options that would have mitigated the failures.
• Utilizing  adaptive governance frameworks  to embed immediate, strategic resilience interventions to address significant short- and long-term challenges facing tertiary education systems and institutions as a result of the shocks brought on by the pandemic, including diminished resources for institutions, personal and academic challenges for institutions and students, demand for improved infrastructure to support continued distance and blended learning models, reduced mobility placing pressures to improve regional and local tertiary institutions, questions of sustainability of funding models, and much more.

These five priorities present critical building blocks with which leaders and institutions can reframe and strengthen their tertiary education systems for greater impact on learning, growth, innovation, and social development.

The World Bank Group (WBG) has a highly diversified portfolio of lending and technical assistance projects in tertiary education, which deal with a variety of specific areas, including quality assurance, performance-based funding schemes, alignment of academic offerings with market needs, public-private partnerships, and governance reform, among others. The tertiary education portfolio represents approximately 25% of the total WBG investment in education.

Tanzania : The  Higher Education for Economic Transformation project  aims to strengthen the learning environment, ensure greater alignment of priority degree programs to labor market needs, and improve the management of the higher education system . HEET will achieve its objective by (i) strengthening and building the capacity of 14 public higher education institutions in both Mainland and Zanzibar to become high quality centers of learning, focusing on areas with the greatest potential for growth over the coming decade; and (ii) enhancing the management of the higher education system through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and subsidiary agencies. Expected results include the addition of over 260 academic programs within priority areas at participating universities, and over 100,000 students benefiting from direct interventions to enhance learning. 

Colombia : Since 2017, the WBG has been supporting the  Program for Higher Education Access and Quality  (PACES, in Spanish) project, which works to enhance the quality of tertiary education , while also improving access for economically and regionally disadvantaged students. PACES provides loans for poor students, as well as grants for master’s and doctoral programs in the world’s leading universities, while giving priority to victims of the country’s armed conflict.

Vietnam : The WBG’s  Vietnam University Development Project , financed through a US$295-million credit, will improve teaching and research capacity at Vietnam National University-Hanoi, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City and the University of Danang. Through investments in modern infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, and knowledge transfer, it will help accelerate the transformation of these three universities into regionally competitive institutions with advanced teaching and research capabilities.

Africa :  The Africa Centers of Excellence project (ACEs) is Africa's first large-scale regional and groundbreaking higher education initiative funded by the World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). It addresses higher-level skills development needs and research and innovation requirements for the continent’s priority sectors in five main areas: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); agriculture; health; environment; applied social sciences; and education. Since its start in 2014, the program has supported over 80 centers in more than 50 universities across 20 countries across the continent . Under the program, thousands of students –more than one-third of whom are female-- have enrolled in postgraduate programs that meet international standards in delivering quality training and regional specializations to fulfill labor market demands on the continent.

Romania : The  Romania Secondary Education Project  (ROSE) supports 80% of Romania’s public high schools and 85% of tertiary education faculties in addressing factors preventing Romanian students from successfully transitioning from upper secondary to tertiary education and completing the first year of university. ROSE targets support to address both academic and personal factors that lead students to drop out of tertiary education, supporting interventions such as: remediation and socialization activities and supports, tutoring, counseling, extracurricular activities, internships, summer bridge programs and on-campus learning centers.

India : The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project  through a $255.5 million loan, sets out to help India improve the quality of its technical education and provide more career opportunities to students. Over the next five years, the project will support around 275 government-run technical institutions in selected states across the country, benefitting more than 350,000 students each year.

Tertiary education in India has been growing steadily from 29 million enrolled students in 2011-12 to 39 million enrolled students across 40,000 institutions in 2019-20. While India’s tertiary education sector is among the largest in the world, recent studies note increased gaps in both technical and non-technical skills such as reasoning, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution.

The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project will support improving student skills and employability by focusing on better research, entrepreneurship, and innovation; and improve governance in technical institutions. As part of the project, students will get access to upgraded curricula including emerging technologies in communication and climate resilience. They will also benefit from better internship and placement services, including opportunities to network with professional associations.

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Secondary School Education: Preparing Your Child for the Future

Understanding the educational system's various terms can often lead to confusion, particularly when they seemingly change from one country to another.

The definition of secondary school is a prime example of this variability, and its relationship to other educational institutions like high school and college is frequently misunderstood.

At its core, a secondary school is an educational stage following primary education and preceding tertiary education. Across the globe, the term has broad applications but generally reflects a stage where students are prepped for either higher education or vocational opportunities.

In different regions, secondary education encompasses various names and forms, such as high school, preparatory school, or senior secondary school.

Despite the nomenclature differences, the common thread worldwide is that completing this level signifies a readiness to take the subsequent steps in life, be it further education or entering the workforce.

Each country might present a different framework for what secondary education entails, but the underlying objective remains consistent – to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for adulthood.

Key Takeaways

• Secondary school serves as the bridge between primary education and higher education or vocational training.
• The terminology and structure of secondary education vary internationally but maintain a core purpose of preparing students for future endeavors.
• Completion of secondary education is universally recognized as a milestone indicating readiness for the next life phase.

Secondary Education Overview

• Secondary School : Follows primary education; precedes tertiary education.
• Levels : Separates into lower and  Upper Secondary .
• Curriculum : Encompasses  language arts ,  social studies , etc.
• Duration : Typically mandatory to a certain age, varies by country.
• Advanced Education : Prepares for college or vocational training.
• Assessment : Involves  grading  and  standardized tests .
• Features : May include  libraries ,  counseling ,  extracurricular activities .

Understanding U.S. Middle and High Schools

In the United States,  secondary education  typically encompasses the years following elementary school.

This phase is broadly divided into two categories:  middle school  or  junior high school , covering  grades 6-8 , and  high school , which includes  grades 9-12 .

While the term 'secondary school' is not commonly used to describe these institutions, they collectively serve the educational stage after elementary school.

Secondary School Versus High School

In the U.S.,  secondary school  includes grades 6-12, but  high school  specifically refers to grades 9-12.

In many English-speaking regions, these terms are synonymous, both representing the educational stage following elementary school.

High School Education in North America

• In the  U.S. , high school typically encompasses  grades 9-12 . Attendance is mandatory.
• Post-secondary  paths in the U.S. include college, university, military service, or direct entry into the workforce.
• Canada  mirrors the U.S. structure, with high school generally spanning  grades 9-12 .
• Exception to note: Quebec's high school system ranges from  grades 7-11 , with post-secondary options following.

Educational Pathways in Australia and New Zealand

• Australia & New Zealand : Mandatory education concludes after Year 10.
• Secondary Education : Post-Year 10 options include entering the workforce or starting an apprenticeship.
• Senior Secondary Education : Years 11 and 12 serve as a bridge to university or vocational training.

U.K. Secondary Education Overview

• Lyceum and Grammar Schools : Students attend from ages 12-16.
• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) : Key qualification obtained after lower secondary.
• Post-GCSE Education : Optional upper secondary education, for ages 16-18, geared towards university preparation.

Secondary Education Overview in South Africa

• Level:  Grades 8-12
• Compulsory:  Up to Grade 10
• Terminology:  Known interchangeably as secondary school, high school, or college

College Versus Secondary Education

• Secondary School:  Pre-university educational level.
• Tertiary Education:  Refers to college and beyond.
• Terminology Variance:  Some nations equate 'college' with high school.

Paths to Take Post-High School or Secondary School Education

Pursuing further academic studies.

For those looking to delve into academic theory and gain  advanced knowledge , pursuing a  diploma  or a degree at  vocational schools  or traditional universities may be the choice. By engaging in further education, students can connect with peers, grow personally, and pave the way for a career in a field they are passionate about. For those concerned about costs or  schedule flexibility , numerous institutions offer  online degree programs , some even providing tuition-free options.

Undertaking Vocational Preparation

Apprenticeships  provide practical, hands-on experience and are ideal for individuals eager to step into the workforce with guidance from experienced professionals. These programs are quite prevalent in the trades, healthcare technology, and other skilled labor sectors, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and gain valuable industry insights.

Engaging in Specialized Training Courses

For careers requiring focused knowledge without the breadth of a college degree,  training programs  in  vocational education  are an excellent alternative. They offer a quicker pathway to employment in specialized roles, such as dental hygienists, IT support, web development, or legal assistants. These courses are often shorter and more skill-specific compared to a four-year degree.

Directly Entering the Labor Market

Starting a career immediately after  graduation  is an option for those ready to leap into employment. This route suits individuals who have a clear career goal in mind, wish to gain work experience before committing to further studies, or plan to accumulate savings. It also gives space for those who might want to take some time to explore the world or their personal interests.

Enlisting in the Armed Forces

For those with a strong desire to serve their country, joining the military can be a fulfilling endeavor. The military provides structured career paths, valuable life experiences, and educational benefits. Enlisting opens up opportunities to receive training in various areas and can include financial support for future educational pursuits.

By weighing these options, individuals can choose the path that aligns with their aspirations and circumstances. Each choice offers unique opportunities and challenges, and it's essential to consider personal goals, interests, and values when making a decision. Whether it's through further education, apprenticeships, training programs, immediate employment, or military service, success can be achieved with dedication and a strategic approach to one's future.

Secondary School: Common Inquiries

Ages typically enrolled in secondary education.

Secondary school traditionally encompasses the educational stage following primary school. This period often sees students ranging in age from approximately 12 to 18 years old. This range can differ by country or education system.

Curriculum: Secondary vs. Primary Schools

The curriculum in secondary schools marks a shift from the often broad and foundational subjects of primary school to a more in-depth and specialized approach. Secondary education may introduce:

• Advanced mathematics and sciences
• Literature and advanced language arts
• Foreign languages
• Social studies, including history and geography
• Electives tailored to student interest, such as arts, technology, or vocational training

Middle School vs. Secondary School: Distinguishing Features

While terms and structures vary, the distinction between middle school and secondary school typically lies in educational progression. Middle school generally serves as a transitional phase between elementary and secondary education, focusing on:

• Grades 6-8 (ages 11-14 approximately)
• A generalized curriculum bridging elementary and high school

In contrast, secondary school consists of later grades where the education concentrates on:

• Preparation for higher education or vocational pursuits
• Specialized subjects for career or college readiness

Variations in Secondary Education Among Different Nations

Across the globe, secondary education systems reflect diverse structures, curricula, and graduation requirements. Factors influencing these differences include:

• Cultural values
• Economic factors
• Educational philosophies
• Government policies

Grade Levels Constituting Secondary Education

Secondary education typically includes the final years of compulsory education. Grade levels may be delineated as:

• Junior high or middle school grades (6th to 8th or 7th to 9th)
• High school grades (9th to 12th or 10th to 12th)

Examples of Secondary Educational Institutions

Educational institutions considered as secondary schools can range from general public high schools to more specialized types such as:

• Technical or vocational high schools
• Private preparatory academies
• Magnet or charter schools focusing on specific disciplines
• Religious-based institutions offering secondary-level education

Secondary Schools - Frequently Asked Questions

What does being a secondary school mean?

A secondary school is an educational institution that follows primary (elementary) education and precedes tertiary (higher) education. It typically caters to students who are preparing for higher education or vocational training, generally ranging in age from approximately 12 to 18 years.

Is a secondary school the same as a high school?

In many countries, the terms "secondary school" and "high school" are used interchangeably. However, in some regions, "secondary school" can include both middle school/junior high (covering earlier grades like 6-8) and high school (covering later grades like 9-12).

What is secondary school in the USA?

In the USA, secondary education typically encompasses middle school or junior high (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). While the term "secondary school" is less commonly used, it generally refers to the entire span from grades 6 through 12.

What is an example of a secondary school?

An example of a secondary school could be any institution that offers education to students typically between the ages of 12 and 18. This could be a public high school in the United States, a grammar school in the United Kingdom, or a gymnasium in Germany.

What is an example of a secondary education?

Secondary education can be exemplified by the curriculum and learning experiences designed for high school students in the United States, which includes courses in mathematics, sciences, English, social studies, and electives in areas like arts and technology.

Is higher education the same as secondary education?

No, higher education is not the same as secondary education. Higher education refers to the level of learning that follows the completion of secondary education, such as programs offered at universities and colleges leading to degrees or other qualifications.

What is level of education?

The level of education refers to the staging of learning that a person has completed. The typical progression includes primary education (elementary school), secondary education (middle and high school), and tertiary education (college or university).

What is secondary level education in Nepal?

In Nepal, secondary level education includes grades 9 to 12, divided into lower secondary (grades 9-10) and upper secondary (grades 11-12). Students in these grades typically prepare for the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) exams at grade 10, followed by the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) exams at the end of grade 12.

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postsecondary

[ pohst - sek - uh n-der-ee ]

She completed her postsecondary education at a two-year college.

Students can begin coursework in aircraft maintenance at the high school level and complete it at a post-secondary institution.

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Word history and origins.

Origin of postsecondary 1

Example Sentences

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She also received support from the Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund, which offers financial aid to low-income women older than 35 pursuing postsecondary education.

A third problem was the intense competition for places in higher education and other postsecondary institutions.

Between secondary and higher technical schools fall the advanced technicums, which function on a postsecondary level.

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Education in Canada: Post-secondary

Table of contents, on this page.

• Universities
• Colleges and institutes
• Educational credential recognition
• Financial help

Registered Education Savings Plans

Part-time and distance education.

• Government ministries in charge of post-secondary education by province and territory

Types of post-secondary schools

In Canada, there are 3 different types of post-secondary schools

• universities

At most post-secondary schools, the school year is divided into 2 main terms and an optional summer term.

• Term 1: September to December
• Term 2: January to April
• Optional summer term: May to August

Each province and territory makes sure each school and its programs meet a certain set of standards. Schools aren’t officially recognized until they’re certified.

A recognized school can grant

• certificates
• other qualifications

If you’re not sure if a school is officially recognized, contact your ministry or department of post-secondary education.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) also maintains a directory of recognized schools in Canada.

Study at a university

Universities offer programs on a wide range of topics at different levels of difficulty and complexity. When you successfully complete a university program, you’re awarded with a university degree that reflects the type of program you completed. There are 3 types of degrees.

• Bachelor’s degree : This is the simplest degree offered by Canadian universities. It typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
• Master’s degree : This is a more advanced degree that usually takes 1 to 3 extra years of study after you get a bachelor’s degree.
• Doctoral degree : This is the most advanced degree offered by Canadian universities. It can take another 3 to 4 more years of study and research following a master’s degree.

In regulated professions, students must complete an internship or pass a standardized test (or series of tests) after getting the degree. You can’t work in these professions until you get the degree and pass the tests. Regulated professions include

Get help choosing a program

Universitystudy.ca can help you plan for your education. Learn about

• universities in Canada
• programs of study
• how to choose a program
• application and admission requirements
• financial planning information

Study at a college or institute

There are many types of colleges and institutes recognized by provinces and territories, including

• community colleges
• colleges of applied arts or applied technology
• institutes of technology or science
• collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEPs) in Quebec
• career colleges

More about “career colleges”

These institutions are privately owned and run. They offer programs that focus on specific careers like

• personal support workers
• early childcare assistants
• estheticians

While they’re reviewed and recognized by the provinces and territories, they’re not publically funded. They’re entirely funded through tuition fees.

Learn more about regulated career colleges.

Colleges and institutes usually offer shorter programs than universities (1 to 3 years). Instead of degrees, they issue diplomas and certificates that qualify graduates to do specific jobs in different industries.

These industries can include

• computer and mechanical technologies
• health care
• social services
• agriculture
• trades (such as carpentry, electrical or plumbing)

Many colleges are also starting to offer bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in certain industries.

Find out more about the available degrees .

Get your educational credentials recognized

To study at post-secondary school in Canada, you need to have your existing level of education assessed. The assessment verifies your foreign degree, diploma or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one.

Contact the post-secondary schools you are interested in to find out what kind of educational assessment they accept.

The costs of post-secondary education

All post-secondary schools charge tuition fees for their programs. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, tuition fees are between $2,500 and $11,400 a year, depending on the school and program you’ve chosen. Tuition fees can be much higher for international students.

Students will also have to pay for

• course materials, like textbooks and supplies
• transportation
• other expenses

Many students depend on financial support programs to help them cover these costs.

Get financial help

The federal and provincial/territorial governments all have programs that provide low-cost loans, grants and scholarships for students.

There are 2 main types of financial help for students:

• Student loans from a bank or the federal government: These need to be repaid according to the terms of the loan.
• Grants, scholarships or bursaries, which you don’t have to repay.

You can get information from

• National Student Loans Service Centre
• The university or college you plan to attend

Student financial help by province and territory

• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan

A  Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-free education savings account that lets parents, family members and friends save money for a child’s post-secondary education.

When you open an RESP account, the Government of Canada will help you save by adding money to your RESP through special programs. This encourages people to save more money for their child’s education.

These programs include

• Canada Education Savings Grants (for children aged 17 or younger)
• Canada Learning Bonds  (for children aged 15 or younger)

Find out how to open an RESP account

Many post-secondary schools offer part-time programs and distance education . These programs can help you get an education if you have limited time or can’t attend the school in person.

Contact schools directly to learn about their part-time study and distance education options.

Ministries of post-secondary education

• Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education
• British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education
• Manitoba Advanced Education
• New Brunswick Ministry of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
• Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
• Northwest Territories Ministry of Education, Culture and Employment
• Nova Scotia Department of Education
• Nunavut Department of Education
• Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development
• Prince Edward Island Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning
• Quebec – Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur
• Saskatchewan—Ministry of Advanced Education
• Yukon Department of Education

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