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A comprehensive exploration of tertiary education, covering its definition, historical evolution, global enrollment trends, societal impact, institutional providers, and statistical data.

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Defining Tertiary Education

Post-Secondary Learning

Tertiary education, also known as higher education or post-secondary education, represents the educational level that follows the completion of secondary education. It is an optional stage of formal learning, encompassing institutions like universities, colleges, and polytechnics that offer formal degrees beyond secondary school.

Formal Classification

The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) categorizes tertiary education. In its 2011 version, higher education at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels correspond to ISCED levels 6, 7, and 8, respectively. Non-degree tertiary education is classified under level 5, while further or continuing education is often considered level 4.

Historical Context

Historically, the term "higher education" was sometimes used to refer to secondary education in eras when few progressed beyond primary schooling. This linguistic evolution is the origin of terms like "high school" for institutions serving adolescents.

A Journey Through Time

Ancient Foundations

The earliest institutions of higher learning trace back to Dynastic Egypt with "houses of life" serving as libraries and scriptoriums. In the classical world, Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum in Greece set models for later establishments. South Asia saw centers like Taxila and Nalanda, while China's Han dynasty established the Taixue for training administrators.

Medieval Universities

The Byzantine Empire's Pandidakterion in 425 CE was an early innovation. In the Muslim world, Madrasahs evolved from mosque schools to higher learning centers. Western Europe saw the rise of the *Universitas Studiorum* from the 12th century, characterized by independent corporations of students and teachers. Institutions like the University of al-Qarawiyyin (Morocco) and the University of Bologna (Italy, founded 1088) are recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating higher education institutions.

Modern Expansion

Since World War II, tertiary education participation has dramatically increased globally, shifting from elite to mass and then to open access models. This expansion is vital for national economies, providing skilled personnel and contributing to economic growth, with graduates typically commanding higher wages and experiencing lower unemployment.

Contemporary Trends

The 21st century sees universities facing criticism for grade inflation and debates around widening participation's impact on graduate employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated discussions on the obsolescence of traditional models, while geopolitical funding influences on campuses remain a subject of scrutiny.

Global Enrollment & Access

Participation Growth

Globally, the gross enrollment ratio in tertiary education surged from 19% in 2000 to 38% in 2017. Notably, female enrollment has surpassed male enrollment by a significant margin in recent years.

Access Disparities

Enrollment ratios vary considerably by economic status, ranging from 9% in low-income countries to 77% in high-income nations. Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) emphasizes providing lifelong learning opportunities, including tertiary education for all.

Inclusive Education

International human rights instruments affirm the right to higher education. However, completion rates for students with disabilities remain notably lower compared to their non-disabled peers, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving equitable access.

Societal & Economic Impact

Worldviews and Values

Tertiary education graduates tend to exhibit broader worldviews and moral values, often showing greater acceptance of cultural and ethnic diversity and more positive attitudes towards minority groups.

International Relations

Graduates are more inclined towards openness in international affairs, typically favoring policies such as free trade, open borders, and more liberal approaches to international migration.

Economic Advancement

Higher education significantly boosts human capital and fosters economic growth. The skills and knowledge acquired through tertiary studies are directly linked to increased earning potential and greater job security in the labor market.

Institutions of Learning

Diverse Offerings

Tertiary education is delivered through a variety of institutions, including universities, colleges, polytechnics, seminaries, conservatories, and institutes of technology. These institutions offer academic degrees and specialized training.

US System Structure

In the United States, the higher education system is decentralized, with state-level regulation and accreditation bodies ensuring quality. Institutions range from large public universities to small private colleges, some with religious affiliations, catering to diverse student needs.

Essential Skills

Beyond specific subject knowledge, employers highly value critical thinking, analytical reasoning, teamwork, information literacy, ethical judgment, decision-making, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities cultivated through tertiary education.

Data & Demographics

Educational Expenditure

Tertiary education expenditure as a percentage of GDP varies significantly by country. High-income nations generally invest more, reflecting the sector's importance to their economies. For example, in 2020, countries like Australia and the United States reported expenditures around 2.5% of GDP, while others like Luxembourg reported 0.5%.

Tertiary Education Expenditure as % of GDP (2020):

CountryExpenditure (% of GDP)
Australia1.9
Austria1.8
Belgium1.6
Canada2.4
Chile2.7
Denmark1.9
Finland1.6
France1.6
Germany1.3
Iceland1.4
Ireland0.8
Israel1.4
Italy1.0
Japan1.4
Netherlands1.8
New Zealand1.6
Norway2.0
Sweden1.6
United Kingdom1.5
United States2.5

Attainment Rates

Tertiary education attainment varies widely. For adults aged 25-64, countries like Canada, Japan, and New Zealand show high rates of overall tertiary attainment, often exceeding 50%. Specific degree attainment (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral) also shows distinct national patterns.

Ages 25-64: % attaining a tertiary degree course (Selected Countries):

CountryAny TertiaryBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
Australia51.539.410.91.9
Austria35.620.414.81.2
Belgium45.845.020.11.1
Canada62.7
Chile31.4
China18.5
Czech Republic26.726.519.70.7
Denmark42.137.016.31.5
Estonia42.136.521.80.8
Finland42.635.117.31.3
France41.627.215.21.0
Germany32.531.913.61.9
India12.912.93.43.4
Ireland54.444.316.61.7
Israel50.639.615.21.2
Japan56.1
Luxembourg51.546.631.42.9
New Zealand39.835.86.31.1
Norway48.136.515.41.5
Poland33.933.826.20.8
Portugal31.531.221.70.9
Slovenia40.131.720.13.7
South Korea52.8
Spain41.128.517.20.8
Sweden48.538.718.72.0
Switzerland44.744.720.03.2
United Kingdom51.342.315.81.7
United States50.039.414.42.1

Challenges in Higher Education

Grade Inflation

Some tertiary institutions face criticism for permitting or encouraging grade inflation. This phenomenon can arise from institutional incentives to attract students and boost rankings by awarding higher grades, potentially compromising the academic rigor and perceived value of degrees.

Educational Inflation

In certain fields, the supply of graduates may outpace the demand for their skills. This can lead to issues such as graduate unemployment, underemployment, and overqualification, where individuals possess higher educational qualifications than their job requires, diminishing the return on educational investment.

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References

References

  1.  OECD.stat Educational Finance Indicators Indicator C2: Total expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP, 2020
  2.  OECD.stat Educational attainment and labour-force status, Educational attainment of 2-64 year-olds, 2022
A full list of references for this article are available at the Tertiary education Wikipedia page

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