Tertiary education

Tertiary education (/ˈtɜ:(r)ʃɪəri: ˌedju:ˈkeɪʃən/) is education that follows secondary education and occurs at universities and colleges with adult learners. It is an important phase of education, as it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue advanced careers and succeed in the global marketplace.

English as a Foreign Language is important in tertiary education because English is the language of international communication, commerce, and science. Many academic disciplines, such as business, engineering, and medicine, use English as the medium of instruction and research. Therefore, proficiency in EFL is often essential for students who wish to study at a tertiary level and pursue a career in these, and many other fields.

In addition, many tertiary institutions require a certain level of English proficiency for admission. These requirements are often measured through standardised tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.

Moreover, tertiary education involves interaction with diverse groups of people from different cultures, and proficiency in EFL enables students to communicate effectively with their peers, instructors, and colleagues from around the world.