The article analyzes the definitions of "formal" and "non- formal" education as varieties of lifelong learning in the context of foreign and Ukrainian scholars. The meaningful field of "lifelong education" in the coordinates of interdisciplinary research and basic approaches and interpretations of scientists is outlined. The essential characteristics of formal, non-formal and informal education are determined; their priorities and key differences that distinguish them from one another: formal education from non-formal education (alternative to formal education). The difference between information education is that it is not institutionalized, but also in terms of: term of study, age, gender, regional, religious, as well as the right to choose an educational institution or educational institution, field of training and specialty, educational and educational - professional programs.