"Higher education (HE) is defined by the Education Reform Act 1988 as education provided by means of a course of a standard higher than the standard of courses leading to the GCE A Level or Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) National Diploma or Certificate. This definition embraces Levels 4 to 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), including short-cycle qualifications below the level of a bachelor’s degree. Higher education can be provided in different types of institution: in higher education institutions directly funded by government through the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE); in further education institutions; and by alternative providers". (Eurydice - European Commission)