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.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, no qualification was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Dubbo Regional, accounting for 38.4% (16,660 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (39.1%).
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Dubbo Regional - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Dubbo Regional in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Dubbo Regional, with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
7,398
% of total
17.0%
Change from 2016
-
7,398
17.0%
-
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
3,264
% of total
7.5%
Change from 2016
-
3,264
7.5%
-
Vocational
2021 count
10,152
% of total
23.4%
Change from 2016
-
10,152
23.4%
-
No Qualification
2021 count
16,660
% of total
38.4%
Change from 2016
-
16,660
38.4%
-
Not Stated
2021 count
5,940
% of total
13.7%
Change from 2016
-
5,940
13.7%
-
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Qualifications for Dubbo Regional. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 7,398 | 17.0% | 17.8% | - | - | 14.5% | - | - |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 3,264 | 7.5% | 8.7% | - | - | 8.2% | - | - |
| Vocational | 10,152 | 23.4% | 24.4% | - | - | 23.6% | - | - |
| No Qualification | 16,660 | 38.4% | 39.1% | - | - | 41.7% | - | - |
| Not Stated | 5,940 | 13.7% | 10.0% | - | - | 12.1% | - | - |
| Total | 43,414 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |