Higher education,
post-secondary education, or
third level education is an optional final stage of
formal learning that occurs after
secondary education. Often delivered at
universities,
academies,
colleges,
seminaries, and
institutes of technology, higher education is also available through certain college-level institutions, including
vocational schools, trade schools, and other career colleges that award
academic degrees or
professional certifications.
Tertiary education at non-degree level is sometimes referred to as
further education or
continuing education as distinct from higher education.