Factsheet
Educational Attainment in Australia
Educational attainment in Australia has risen significantly over recent decades. Australians are completing Year 12 at higher rates than ever before, and more people hold university or vocational qualifications. However, attainment varies considerably by gender, age, Indigenous status, and geographic location.
Key Figures
86%
of Australians aged 20 to 24 have completed schooling to at least Year 12 (or equivalent)
68.1%
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 20 to 24 have completed schooling to at least Year 12 (or equivalent)
Certificate III/IV
is more commonly the highest qualification for Australian men than women
Bachelor degree
is more commonly the highest qualification for Australian women than men
69.4%
of Australians aged 15 to 74 completed schooling to at least Year 12 in 2025
Educational Attainment
Highest level of education attainment by age and sex, 2025 (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025, May). Education and Work, Australia. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/education/education-and-work-australia/latest-release
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Education of First Nations people. AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/indigenous-education-and-skills
