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 Rockhampton (R), accounting for 44.4% (29,006 people). This share was higher than Regional Qld (39.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in vocational, which increased by 1,564 people and 1.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Rockhampton (R) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Rockhampton (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Rockhampton (R), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
8,973
% of total
13.7%
Change from 2016
+1.8pp
8,973
13.7%
+1.8pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
4,315
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
4,315
6.6%
+0.6pp
Vocational
2021 count
15,960
% of total
24.4%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
15,960
24.4%
+1.6pp
No Qualification
2021 count
29,006
% of total
44.4%
Change from 2016
-3.0pp
29,006
44.4%
-3.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
7,071
% of total
10.8%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
7,071
10.8%
-1.1pp
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+1,485
+1.8pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+508
+0.6pp
Vocational
+1,564
+1.6pp
No Qualification
-950
-3.0pp
Not Stated
-429
-1.1pp
Data table
Qualifications for Rockhampton (R). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 8,973 | 13.7% | 17.1% | 7,488 | 11.9% | 14.0% | +1,485 | +1.8pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 4,315 | 6.6% | 9.1% | 3,807 | 6.0% | 8.3% | +508 | +0.6pp |
| Vocational | 15,960 | 24.4% | 24.1% | 14,396 | 22.8% | 23.1% | +1,564 | +1.6pp |
| No Qualification | 29,006 | 44.4% | 39.2% | 29,956 | 47.4% | 42.4% | -950 | -3.0pp |
| Not Stated | 7,071 | 10.8% | 10.5% | 7,500 | 11.9% | 12.1% | -429 | -1.1pp |
| Total | 65,325 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 63,147 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,178 | 0.0pp |