Generally, A-Levels or CAPE examinations are required to enter the nation's universities. One may also qualify after having earned a 3-year diploma from an accredited post-secondary college. The word college usually denotes institutions which do not grant at least a bachelor's degree. Universities are typically the only degree granting institutions; however, many colleges have been creating joint programs with universities, and thus are able to offer some students more than a college diploma.
A few universities in the United States have extension programs in various parts of Jamaica. Most of the students who enroll in these part-time programs are working professionals who want to continue their education without having to relocate closer to the nation's universities.
Tertiary education is offered by the following institutions:
University of the West Indies at Mona (a regional institution)
University of Technology (U-Tech)
Excelsior Community College (EXED)
Northern Caribbean University (NCU)
International University of the Caribbean (IUC)
University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC)
Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (an artistic conservatory)
College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)
G. C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports
Moneague College
All American Institute of Medical Sciences, Black River, St. Elizabeth (AAIMS)
Teacher training colleges
The Mico University' College, Cross Roads, Kingston
Shortwood Teachers' College, Shortwood, St. Andrew
Bethelehem Teachres' College, Malvern, St. Elizabeth
Moneague College, Moneague, St. Ann
Church Teachers' College, Mandeville, Manchester
Sam Sharpe Teachers' College, Montego Bay, St. James
St. Joseph's Teacher's College, St. Andrew
Catholic College of Mandeville, Mandeville, Manchester
Saint John's College (school of nursing)
14 community colleges
1 dental auxiliary school
1 vocational training development institute
29 vocational training centres, and
6 human employment and resources training (HEART) vocational training institutions