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 Palmerston (C), accounting for 34.9% (9,712 people). This share was higher than Greater Darwin (32.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in bachelor degree or higher, which increased by 1,379 people and 3.6 percentage points.

Section overview

Highest qualification achieved

Palmerston (C) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)

This table summarises qualifications for Palmerston (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Darwin and change since 2016.

Highest qualification achieved change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Bachelor Or Higher Degree

+1,379

+3.6pp

Advanced Diploma Or Diploma

+355

+0.3pp

Vocational

+440

-1.2pp

No Qualification

+464

-2.0pp

Not Stated

+133

-0.7pp

Data table

Qualifications for Palmerston (C). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.

Qualifications for Palmerston (C). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
Qualifications for Palmerston (C). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Darwin%Count%Greater Darwin%Countpp
Bachelor Or Higher Degree4,89417.6%26.0%3,51514.0%20.4%+1,379+3.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma2,6289.4%8.9%2,2739.1%8.4%+355+0.3pp
Vocational7,41426.6%21.2%6,97427.8%22.3%+440-1.2pp
No Qualification9,71234.9%32.6%9,24836.9%33.3%+464-2.0pp
Not Stated3,19511.5%11.3%3,06212.2%15.7%+133-0.7pp
Total27,843100.0%100.0%25,072100.0%100.0%+2,7710.0pp