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, bachelor degree or higher was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Burnley, accounting for 57.4% (401 people). This share was higher than Yarra (C) (56.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in bachelor degree or higher, which increased by 62 people and 7.7 percentage points.

Section overview

Highest qualification achieved

Burnley - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)

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

Highest qualification achieved snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Burnley, with comparison markers for Yarra (C).

Burnley
Yarra (C)

Bachelor Or Higher Degree

2021 count

401

% of total

57.4%

Change from 2016

+7.7pp

Advanced Diploma Or Diploma

2021 count

41

% of total

5.9%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Vocational

2021 count

60

% of total

8.6%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

No Qualification

2021 count

136

% of total

19.5%

Change from 2016

-7.0pp

Not Stated

2021 count

60

% of total

8.6%

Change from 2016

+1.3pp

Data table

Qualifications for Burnley. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Yarra (C).

Qualifications for Burnley. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Yarra (C).
Qualifications for Burnley. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Yarra (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Yarra (C)%Count%Yarra (C)%Countpp
Bachelor Or Higher Degree40157.4%56.1%33949.7%48.2%+62+7.7pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma415.9%7.7%558.1%7.7%-14-2.2pp
Vocational608.6%7.8%578.4%8.1%+3+0.2pp
No Qualification13619.5%21.5%18126.5%24.9%-45-7.0pp
Not Stated608.6%6.9%507.3%11.2%+10+1.3pp
Total698100.0%100.0%682100.0%100.0%+160.0pp