To inform about the completion of first degree programmes in tertiary education.

Number of graduates in the first degree programmes (ISCED 6 and 7) in tertiary education, population of the theoretical graduation age of the most common first degree programme in tertiary education.

By sex.

Number of graduates from first degree tertiary programmes (at ISCED level 6 and 7) expressed as a percentage of the population of the theoretical graduation age of the most common first degree programme.

Number of graduates from first degree tertiary programmes (at ISCED level 6 and 7) irrespective of age, expressed as percentage of the population of the theoretical graduation age of the most common first degree programme.

Data on population used in deriving this indicator should refer strictly to the theoretical graduation age in the most common first degree programmes in tertiary education.

The calculation of this indicator should be based on graduates in first degree programmes (ISCED 6 and 7) from all fields of education, from all types of higher education institutions, including public and private, and from all sessions of the reference academic year.

Graduates should refer to successful completion, which can be accomplished through passing (i.e. succeeding in) a final curriculum-based examination or series of examinations; or accumulating the specified number of study credits throughout the programme; or a successful formal assessment of the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the programme.

All graduates in first degree programmes that can be attributed to the reference academic year should be included in the calculation of the indicators. Although some graduates may complete their final examinations or programme requirements only after the academic year ends, they should still be included.

The UIS sets standards, develops questionnaires and quality control protocols for country data reporting, and maintains the global database on the structure of education, and graduates data in tertiary education, by programme (including first degree programmes), fields, and level of education. The United Nations Population Division (UNPD) produces and maintains population data. National population data that comply with UIS quality standards can also be used.

Interpretations

A high ratio denotes a great degree outputs from current first degree programmes (ISCED 6 and 7) in tertiary education. It also indicates the efficiency of the higher education system of the country.

Limitations

As this calculation includes all graduates (regardless of age), the ratio can exceed 100%. In some countries, the results of graduation might be driven by the availability of data from private tertiary institutions, so care should be taken in making cross-national comparisons.