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 Upper Hunter Shire (A), accounting for 43.6% (5,050 people). This share was higher than Regional NSW (39.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in vocational, which increased by 362 people and 2.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Upper Hunter Shire (A) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Upper Hunter Shire (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Upper Hunter Shire (A), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
1,389
% of total
12.0%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
1,389
12.0%
+1.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
831
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
831
7.2%
+0.2pp
Vocational
2021 count
3,105
% of total
26.8%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
3,105
26.8%
+2.3pp
No Qualification
2021 count
5,050
% of total
43.6%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
5,050
43.6%
-0.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,212
% of total
10.5%
Change from 2016
-3.8pp
1,212
10.5%
-3.8pp
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+225
+1.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+44
+0.2pp
Vocational
+362
+2.3pp
No Qualification
+140
-0.2pp
Not Stated
-391
-3.8pp
Data table
Qualifications for Upper Hunter Shire (A). 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 | 1,389 | 12.0% | 17.8% | 1,164 | 10.4% | 14.5% | +225 | +1.6pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 831 | 7.2% | 8.7% | 787 | 7.0% | 8.2% | +44 | +0.2pp |
| Vocational | 3,105 | 26.8% | 24.4% | 2,743 | 24.5% | 23.6% | +362 | +2.3pp |
| No Qualification | 5,050 | 43.6% | 39.1% | 4,910 | 43.8% | 41.7% | +140 | -0.2pp |
| Not Stated | 1,212 | 10.5% | 10.0% | 1,603 | 14.3% | 12.1% | -391 | -3.8pp |
| Total | 11,587 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,207 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +380 | 0.0pp |