tertiary education

USAGE SUMMARY

'tertiary education' is a perfectly acceptable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to education beyond secondary school, including post-secondary education such as college or university. For example: "The government has promised free tertiary education for all its citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its report recommended a massive expansion of tertiary education.

The Guardian - Arts

Nor will the losers be those with tertiary education.

The Guardian - Opinion

In tertiary education, that figure drops to 4%.

The Guardian

Participants were in their first year of tertiary education.

Learning and Instruction

American tertiary education dominance may not last forever, though.

The New York Times

The 1960s was the golden age for tertiary education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More children of foreign-born parents complete tertiary education.

The Economist

If their purpose is infotainment, that hardly threatens tertiary education.

The Economist

Use of these platforms is now widespread in tertiary education.

Nurse Education Today

Start from there, and universal free tertiary education suddenly looks perfectly affordable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even free tertiary education, the idea with the leftiest pedigree, does not go against established thinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tertiary education" when specifically referring to the stage of education that follows secondary education, encompassing universities, colleges, and vocational schools.

Common error

Avoid using "tertiary education" interchangeably with vocational training. While vocational training can be a part of tertiary education, it doesn't represent the entirety of it. Tertiary education includes academic degrees as well.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tertiary education" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific stage of learning, as Ludwig examples demonstrate. For instance, "In tertiary education, that figure drops to 4%" shows it as the subject of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tertiary education" is a widely accepted and grammatically sound term referring to post-secondary education, encompassing universities, colleges, and vocational schools. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use is correct and common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While often interchangeable with "higher education", "tertiary education" specifically denotes the stage following secondary education. To ensure clarity, avoid using it as a direct substitute for vocational training, though vocational training can be a part of the broader tertiary system. Remember also that there are alternatives that you can use based on the specific nuances you want to address, such as "higher education" or "post-secondary education".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

higher education

Focuses on the level of education rather than the specific stage after secondary education.

post-secondary education

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of education following the secondary level.

university education

Specifically refers to education received at a university, a common form of tertiary education.

college education

Similar to university education, but can also include other forms of higher learning institutions.

academic studies

Broader term referring to formal study at an advanced level.

further education

Emphasizes the continuation of education beyond compulsory schooling.

advanced learning

Highlights the advanced nature of the educational pursuits.

higher learning

A general term for education beyond the secondary level.

undergraduate studies

Refers to the first level of tertiary education, typically leading to a bachelor's degree.

graduate studies

Focuses on advanced studies pursued after completing an undergraduate degree.

FAQs

How is "tertiary education" different from "higher education"?

"Tertiary education" is often used synonymously with "higher education", but "tertiary" specifically denotes the level of education following secondary school, while "higher" is a more general term.

What are the main types of institutions that provide "tertiary education"?

"Tertiary education" is typically provided by universities, colleges, and vocational schools, offering a range of academic and professional programs.

What are some of the benefits of pursuing "tertiary education"?

Pursuing "tertiary education" can lead to increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and personal development.

Is "tertiary education" always a four-year degree program?

No, "tertiary education" includes a variety of programs, from short vocational courses to four-year bachelor's degrees and postgraduate studies.