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 Northern Areas (DC), accounting for 46.9% (1,755 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (47.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in no qualification, which decreased by 105 people and 3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Northern Areas (DC) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Northern Areas (DC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northern Areas (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
451
% of total
12.0%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
451
12.0%
+1.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
287
% of total
7.7%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
287
7.7%
+0.4pp
Vocational
2021 count
911
% of total
24.3%
Change from 2016
+2.4pp
911
24.3%
+2.4pp
No Qualification
2021 count
1,755
% of total
46.9%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
1,755
46.9%
-3.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
340
% of total
9.1%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
340
9.1%
-1.4pp
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+63
+1.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+16
+0.4pp
Vocational
+93
+2.4pp
No Qualification
-105
-3.0pp
Not Stated
-51
-1.4pp
Data table
Qualifications for Northern Areas (DC). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 451 | 12.0% | 11.3% | 388 | 10.4% | 9.3% | +63 | +1.6pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 287 | 7.7% | 7.3% | 271 | 7.3% | 6.8% | +16 | +0.4pp |
| Vocational | 911 | 24.3% | 24.3% | 818 | 21.9% | 23.0% | +93 | +2.4pp |
| No Qualification | 1,755 | 46.9% | 47.1% | 1,860 | 49.9% | 48.7% | -105 | -3.0pp |
| Not Stated | 340 | 9.1% | 10.1% | 391 | 10.5% | 12.1% | -51 | -1.4pp |
| Total | 3,744 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,728 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +16 | 0.0pp |