Distribution of graduates in tertiary education by field of education

Definition

Number of graduates at the tertiary level from each field of education, expressed as a percentage of the total number of graduates in tertiary education.

Data source

Census, surveys or records of tertiary educational institutions and programmes.

Source definition

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Calculation method

Divide the number of graduates in each field of education by the total number of graduates in tertiary education, and multiply the result by 100.

Data required

Graduates in tertiary education by field of education.

Interpretation

Relative concentration of graduates in particular fields of education depicts high preference and capacity in these programmes as well as related job opportunities.

Limitations

Inter-country comparisons rely heavily on how far countries have used consistent field definitions. Cross-country comparisons rely heavily on how far countries have used consistent field definitions. Detailed or aggregated information may not be fully comparable at the international level due to exclusions, double counting of students, partial data, etc. Also, differences in duration, intensity and degree of theoretical and applied content can bias comparisons between countries.

Purpose

To show the distribution of tertiary graduates over different fields of education. It also reflects the development of tertiary education in terms of the range of fields offered as well as the supply of qualified human resources in different specializations.

Quality standards

This indicator requires complete and reliable data on the number of graduates by field of education in tertiary level and clear distinction between different fields of education. The percentage in all fields of tertiary education must sum up to 100.

Types of disaggregation

By sex and ISCED levels of tertiary education.