G u I d e L i n e s m a n u a L s a n d g u I d e L i n e s

(d) Hierarchy level-grade structure: 

‘The notion of ‘levels’ of education is represented by an 

ordered set, grouping education programmes in relation to gradations of learning experiences, as 

well as the knowledge, skills and competencies which each programme is designed to impart. The 

ISCED level reflects the degree of complexity and specialisation of the content of an education 

programme, from foundational to complex

’.

28

 According to the ISCED definition, formal education can 

be seen as a complex ladder of education where recognised completion of one level gives access to 

another higher level of complexity.