highest level of formal educational qualification achieved achieved doctoral or equivalent level education Published A highest level of formal educational qualification achieved after participating in an education process devoted to advanced study and original research that led to the award of a PhD or equivalent level qualification. A highest level of formal educational qualification achieved that is a doctoral or equivalent level education.  Entry into doctoral (ISCED level 8) programmes or junior research positions normally requires the successful completion of specific ISCED level 7 programmes. Programmes at ISCED level 8, or doctoral or equivalent level, are designed primarily to lead to an advanced research qualification. Programmes at this ISCED level are devoted to advanced study and original research and are typically offered only by research-oriented tertiary educational institutions such as universities. Doctoral programmes exist in both academic and professional fields.