Education

Qualifications

About this topic

Qualifications records the highest non-school qualification completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes post-school educational attainment such as certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.

This topic is a key indicator of skill level and socio-economic opportunity within an area. It is most useful when read with employment status, occupation, and income, which show how qualifications relate to labour market outcomes.

Interpretation notes

  • This topic uses highest completed non-school qualification, so incomplete study and current enrolment do not count as attained qualifications.
  • It applies to people aged 15 years and over and should be read with schooling for the full education profile.

Key insight

In 2021, no qualification was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Clarence Valley (A), accounting for 41.4% (18,831 people). This share was higher than Regional NSW (39.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in vocational, which increased by 1,213 people and 1 percentage point.

Section overview

Highest qualification achieved

Clarence Valley (A) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)

This table summarises qualifications for Clarence Valley (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.

Highest qualification achieved change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Bachelor Or Higher Degree

+1,159

+1.9pp

Advanced Diploma Or Diploma

+478

+0.6pp

Vocational

+1,213

+1.0pp

No Qualification

-28

-3.1pp

Not Stated

+276

-0.4pp

Data table

Qualifications for Clarence Valley (A). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.

Qualifications for Clarence Valley (A). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
Qualifications for Clarence Valley (A). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional NSW%Count%Regional NSW%Countpp
Bachelor Or Higher Degree5,36711.8%17.8%4,2089.9%14.5%+1,159+1.9pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma3,4897.7%8.7%3,0117.1%8.2%+478+0.6pp
Vocational11,71025.8%24.4%10,49724.8%23.6%+1,213+1.0pp
No Qualification18,83141.4%39.1%18,85944.5%41.7%-28-3.1pp
Not Stated6,06513.3%10.0%5,78913.7%12.1%+276-0.4pp
Total45,462100.0%100.0%42,364100.0%100.0%+3,0980.0pp