Traditionally, higher education institutions required formal school leaving certificates to attend their courses. Although the school leaving examinations, usually taken at the age of 17-19 or at adult education centres, are still an accepted gateway to higher education, institutions are becoming more flexible and informal as well as formal learning is often accepted. Prior learning – whether formal or informal – may be accepted too.
There are no discriminatory restrictions to students entering higher education such as religion, political beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, etc. However, overseas students may need to obtain a visa. Please refer to the separate FAQ about this.
Special provisions are usually made for students with disabilities but the institution itself should be consulted about this.
Some countries (e.g. Germany, UK) have an “elite” university system, whereby students need to obtain certain grades to get into certain universities.
A further barrier may be funding. Please refer to the question “what is the system of payment/fees”.