Post-secondary education is any formal education after secondary (high) school. It is also called tertiary education or higher education, although “post-secondary” is broader and includes vocational training.
Types of Post-Secondary Education
| Type | Examples | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| University | Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees | 3–4 years for a bachelor’s |
| Community or junior college | Associate degrees, transfer programmes | About 2 years |
| Vocational / technical school | Electrician, nursing assistant, IT support, culinary | Months to 2 years |
| Apprenticeship | Skilled trades with paid on-the-job training | 1–5 years |
| Polytechnic / diploma | Engineering and applied diplomas | 2–4 years |
| Online programmes | Certificates and degrees | Varies |
Why It Matters
- Many careers require a degree, diploma or licence.
- On average, people with post-secondary qualifications earn more and face lower unemployment.
- It builds specialised skills, networks and independence.
How to Choose
- Start with career goals: what qualification does the job require?
- Compare total costs and funding: see where to find scholarships.
- Check accreditation and graduate outcomes.
- Consider learning style: academic study, hands-on training or a mix.
- Think about flexibility: full-time, part-time or online.
See also: how long general education takes in college and how many years of schooling.
