An institute of technology is a higher education or vocational education institution similar in concept to a polytechnic and specialises in technical education, some institutes of technology are universities and award their own academic degrees.

Australia

1970's-1990's

During the 1970's to early 1990's, the term was used to describe state owned and funded technical schools that offered both vocational and higher education. They were a part of the College of Advanced Education system. In the 1990's most of these merged with existing universities, or formed new ones of their own. These new universities generally took the title University of Technology, for marketing rather than legal purposes. This usage of the term "Institute of Technology" is now historical.

1990's-Today

Since the mid 1990's, the term has been applied to some technically minded TAFE institutes. These offer low-level vocational education only, not higher education. This practice is most prevelent in NSW, SA and the ACT. This usage is not widely known in Australia outside these areas, and in such places the older meaning is much more likely to be understood.

India

India has a "Institute of Technology" system referred to as Indian Institutes of Technology. These institutions specialise in science and technology. There are currently seven such institutions.

Ireland

The Republic of Ireland has an "Institute of Technology" system, formerly referred to as Regional Technical College (RTCs) system - the latter term is still the correct legal term for the colleges when used generically or collectively. These institutions have a similar number of students attending as at Irish universities.

United States

The United States has several institutions called "Institute of Technology" that are research intensive universities with a focus on science and technology. They are generally seen as elite universities.