Isced-t 2021 unesco

Entrance requirements.
Specific minimum knowledge, competencies, and conditions that need 
to be fulfilled before admission to a programme for a specific qualification or part-qualification 
can be granted.
Formal education.
Education that is institutionalised, intentional and planned through public 
organizations and recognised private bodies and – in its totality – constitutes the formal 
education system of a country. Formal education programmes are thus recognised as such by 
the relevant national education authorities or equivalent authorities, e.g. any other institution in 
cooperation with the national or sub-national education authorities. Formal education consists 
mostly of initial education. Vocational education, special needs education and some parts of 
adult education are often recognised as being part of the formal education system.
General education.
Education programmes that are designed to develop learners’ general 
knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, often to prepare 
students for more advanced education programmes at the same or higher ISCED levels and to 
lay the foundation for lifelong learning. General education programmes are typically school- or 
college-based. General education includes education programmes that are designed to prepare 
students for entry into vocational education but do not prepare for employment in a particular 
occupation, trade, or class of occupations or trades, nor lead directly to a labour market-relevant 
qualification. At tertiary education levels, the term ‘academic’ is used in place of ‘general’. 
Informal learning.
Forms of learning that are intentional or deliberate but are not 
institutionalised. It is consequently less organized and structured than either formal or non-
formal education. Informal learning may include learning activities that occur in the family, 
workplace, local community and daily life, on a self-directed, family-directed or socially-directed 
basis.