What is further education?

Last updated: 04/05/2022

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.

It covers qualifications at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6 and below such as standard grades, highers, intermediates and some access courses. It also covers advanced highers, vocational and leisure courses including some apprenticeships.

The 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.