Programmes at ISCED level 8, or doctoral or equivalent level, are designed primarily to lead to an advanced research qualification. Programmes at this ISCED level are devoted to advanced study and original research and are typically offered only by research-oriented tertiary educational institutions such as universities. Doctoral programmes exist in both academic and professional fields. (see ISCED 2011 Manual, paragraph 259)
ISCED 2011
http://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/international-standa...