Standard reference

UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) 2011 (https://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/international-standard-classification-education-isced)

ISCED 2011 is the authoritative international framework for classifying education levels. Codes here are the ISCED level integers 0-4. Many national school systems map directly to these levels (e.g., primary = ISCED 1, lower secondary = ISCED 2, upper secondary = ISCED 3). Tertiary levels 5-8 are outside the scope of this vocabulary.

Values

Code Label Standard code Definition
isced_0 Early childhood education (ISCED 0) Programs providing holistic early childhood development and education for children below the age of entry into primary education, typically ages 0-5. Includes crèches, nurseries, kindergartens, and pre-schools.
isced_1 Primary education (ISCED 1) Programs designed to give students a sound basic education in reading, writing, and mathematics, along with an elementary understanding of other subjects. Typically ages 6-11, duration of 4-6 years.
isced_2 Lower secondary education (ISCED 2) Programs completing the lower phase of secondary education, building on primary education and preparing for upper secondary or vocational pathways. Typically ages 12-14.
isced_3 Upper secondary education (ISCED 3) Programs providing more subject- or skill-specific instruction than lower secondary, often leading to tertiary education or direct entry to employment. Typically ages 15-17.
isced_4 Post-secondary non-tertiary education (ISCED 4) Programs positioned between upper secondary and tertiary education, providing knowledge and skills below degree level. Includes vocational preparation programs and bridging courses. Typically delivered at technical colleges or vocational centers rather than universities.

Referenced by this vocabulary