Here's why a precise number is difficult:
* Varying Definitions: Some countries include community colleges, technical schools, and vocational institutions under "higher education," while others only consider universities and colleges.
* Data Collection Challenges: Accurate and consistent data collection across the world is difficult. Some countries may have better data systems than others.
* Constantly Changing Landscape: New institutions are founded, others merge, and some close down. This makes a static number outdated quickly.
However, here are some estimates:
* UNESCO: In 2021, UNESCO reported that there were approximately 21,000 universities and other tertiary institutions worldwide. This is a broad estimate and may not include all types of higher education institutions.
* Other Sources: Different sources may provide varying estimates depending on their inclusion criteria.
To find more specific data, you should:
* Specify your region of interest: Are you looking for institutions in a particular country or continent?
* Define "higher education institution": What types of institutions are you interested in (e.g., universities, colleges, community colleges, technical schools)?
By specifying your criteria, you can find more accurate and relevant data on the number of higher education institutions.