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What is further education?

Last updated: 02/04/2025

Further education is studied by students aged 16 and over. The courses can lead to specific employment or on to higher education. It is usually completed in school or college.

Further education covers qualifications up until Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6. This includes Standard Grades, Highers, Intermediates and some access courses. It also covers Advanced Highers, vocational courses and leisure courses, including some apprenticeships.

Your college can tell you if a course is counted as further or higher education, full-time or part-time.

Further education does not include HNCs, HNDs, degrees or postgraduate level courses.

Further education also offers 3 types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds:

  • level 3 tech levels focus on a specific technical job
  • level 2 technical certificates help with getting a job or moving on to a higher tech level
  • applied general qualifications let students continue with their education at a more advanced level through practical learning

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Further education and training

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