Latest release

Education and training

Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Reference period
2021
Mnemonic VariableRelease 
EETPEngagement in employment, education and trainingOctober 2022
HEAPLevel of highest educational attainmentOctober 2022
HSCPHighest year of school completedJune 2022
QALFPNon-school qualification: field of studyOctober 2022
QALLPNon-school qualification: level of educationOctober 2022
STUPFull-time/part-time student statusJune 2022
TYPPType of educational institution attendingJune 2022
TYSTAPEducational institution: attendee statusJune 2022

Engagement in employment, education and training (EETP)

Definition

This variable indicates whether a person is engaged or not engaged in work and/or study. Data can be used to better understand groups of interest, such as youth, or people approaching retirement age, by analysing by age cohorts.

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over

Categories

CodeCategory
1Fully engaged
11Fully engaged - Engaged through full-time study and full-time employment
12Fully engaged - Primarily engaged through full-time study
13Fully engaged - Primarily engaged through full-time employment
14Fully engaged - Engaged through part-time study and part-time employment
15Fully engaged - Engaged other
2Partially engaged
21Partially engaged - Engaged in part-time study only
22Partially engaged - Engaged in part-time work only
3At least partially engaged
31At least partially engaged
4Not engaged
41Not engaged
&Engagement status undetermined/not stated
&&Engagement status undetermined/not stated
@Not applicable
@@Not applicable
VOverseas visitor
VVOverseas visitor

Number of categories:

  • One digit: 7
  • Two digit: 12

Not applicable (@@) comprises:

  • Persons aged under 15 years

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the person’s date of birth and age?

What is the person’s date of birth and age?
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information Day Month Year OR Don't know date of birth Age

Example

Example response to the question: What is the person’s date of birth and age? Don't know response selected
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information Day Month Year OR Don't know date of birth (selected response) Age years

Example

Age example
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information Day Month Year 18 March 1993 OR Don't know date of birth Age 28 years

More information

Additional information relating to the question: What is the person’s date of birth and age?
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information It is important to note: •Date of birth is the date that the person was born. •Age is required only if the person's date of birth is not known. Please report age at Census night – Tuesday 10 August 2021. If the person is less than one year old and their date of birth is not known, enter '0' in the age box.

Is the person attending a school or other education institution?

Is the person attending a school or other education institution?
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Person's school attendance No Yes, full-time student Yes, part-time student

More Information

Additional information relating to the question on: . Did the person actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks?
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Select full-time student or part-time student based on whether the institution considers the person to be a full-time or part-time student. For a person who attends only hobby or recreational courses, select 'No'. If the person is currently studying at home because of lockdowns or other COVID-related reasons, but usually attends a school or other education institution, select one of the 'Yes' options.

Last week, did the person have a job of any kind?

Last week, did the person have a job of any kind?
Last week, did Person 1 have a job of any kind? A ‘job’ means any type of work including casual, temporary, part-time or full-time work, if it was for one hour or more. More information Person's job last week Yes, worked for payment or profit Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down Yes, unpaid work in a family business Yes, other unpaid work No, did not have a job

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: Last week, did the person have a job of any kind?
Last week, did Person 1 have a job of any kind? A ‘job’ means any type of work including casual, temporary, part-time or full-time work, if it was for one hour or more. More information Last week refers to the week before Census night – Tuesday 10 August 2021. People who did some work for which they will receive some payment (including casual, temporary or part-time work) and it was for one hour or more in the last week select the 'Yes, worked for payment or profit' response. People not working due to a COVID lockdown... • who worked at all in the four weeks before the current lockdown, select 'Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down'. • who did not work in the four weeks before the current lockdown, select 'No, did not have a job'. People on paid leave, for example holiday leave, maternity leave or sick leave, should select 'Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down'. People who have been on unpaid leave... • for less than four weeks and are not being paid, select ‘Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down'. • for four weeks or more and are not being paid, select 'No, did not have a job'. People who are on workers' compensation and... • are planning to return to work, select ‘Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down'. • won't be returning to work, select 'No, did not have a job'. People working for the dole are considered not to be in paid work and should select 'No, did not have a job'. People who are casual or freelance workers and... • worked in the week before Census night, select 'Yes, worked for payment or profit'. • did not work last week but worked at some stage in the four weeks before Census night, select ‘Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down'. • did not work in the four weeks before Census night, select 'No, did not have a job'. People who work from home and... • get paid, select the appropriate 'Yes' response. • do not get paid, select 'No, did not have a job'. Retired people should select 'No, did not have a job'. This also applies to people who have never had a job.

In the main job held last week, was the person: Working for an employer; Working in own business

This question is only applicable for people aged 15 years and over who responded 'Yes, worked for payment or profit' or 'Yes, but absent on holidays, on paid leave, on strike, or temporarily stood down' to the previous question, 'Last week, did the person have a job of any kind?'

In the main job held last week, was Person 1: Working for an employer, Working in own business
In the main job held last week, was Person 1: If the person had more than one job last week, then ‘main job’ refers to the job in which the person usually works the most hours. For all persons conducting their own business, including those with their own incorporated (e.g. Pty Ltd) company, as well as sole traders, partnerships and contractors, select ‘Working in own business’. Person's type of employment Working for an employer Working in own business

Last week, how many hours did the person work in all jobs?

Last week, how many hours did the person work in all jobs?
Last week, how many hours did Person 1 work in all jobs? Add any overtime or extra time worked and subtract any time off. More information Hours worked

More information

Additional instructions relating to the question on: Last week, how many hours did the person work in all jobs?
Last week, how many hours did Person 1 work in all jobs? Add any overtime or extra time worked and subtract any time off. More information Include all hours the person worked for all jobs, even if those hours are not the hours they usually work. Include any overtime and hours spent working at home. Do not include time off work, for example, sick leave or annual leave. If the person did not work any hours, please enter '0'.

Did the person actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks?

Did the person actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks?
Did Person 1 actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks? Full-time work means 35 hours or more per week. Examples of actively looking for work include: • Writing, telephoning or applying to an employer for work • Having a job interview • Checking or registering with an employment agency • Taking steps to purchase or start a business • Advertising or tendering for work • Contacting friends or relatives in order to obtain work • Answering an advertisement for a job More information Whether person looked for work No, did not look for work Yes, looked for full-time work Yes, looked for part-time work

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: . Did the person actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks?
Did Person 1 actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks? Full-time work means 35 hours or more per week. Examples of actively looking for work include: • Writing, telephoning or applying to an employer for work • Having a job interview • Checking or registering with an employment agency • Taking steps to purchase or start a business • Advertising or tendering for work • Contacting friends or relatives in order to obtain work • Answering an advertisement for a job More information All people who are not looking for work, including retired people, should select 'No, did not look for work'. Select 'No, did not look for work' if the person only looked in newspapers, on the internet or checked notice boards, and did not take any of the active steps listed in the question.

If the person had found a job, could the person have started work last week?

If the person had found a job, could the person have started work last week?
If Person 1 had found a job, could they have started work last week? Whether person could have started work last week Yes, could have started work last week No, already had a job to go to No, temporarily ill or injured No, other reason

This question is only applicable to people aged 15 years and over who responded 'Yes, looked for full-time work' or 'Yes, looked for part-time work' to the previous question, 'Did the person actively look for work at any time in the last four weeks?'

How this variable is created

Data is derived from the following variables:

  • Labour force status and hours worked not stated (LFHRP)
  • Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)
  • Age (AGEP)

The variables are cross tabulated to identify the type of engagement in work and/or study. Further information is shown in the matrix in the Data downloads section below. 

History and changes

This variable was first reported in 2016.

In 2021, the categories have been expanded to provide a more detailed breakdown for 'fully engaged' and 'partially engaged'. This is required for several national reporting measures and allows for more complex analysis.

Data use considerations

For the 2006 and 2011 Censuses, data for this variable can be derived based on existing data items.

People are included in the variable categories according to the criteria below:

Engagement in Employment, Education and Training categoriesPeople included in this category

Fully engaged

People engaged in full-time work or study

People engaged in both work and study (regardless of hours for each)

Partially engaged

People employed or studying part-time (and not engaged in both work and study)

Examples:

  • Employed part-time and not attending an educational institution
  • Studying part-time and either unemployed or not in the labour force

At least partially engaged

People engaged in study or in the labour force, but did not provide enough information to determine if they were fully or partially engaged.

Example:

  • Person who was studying part-time but who did not state their labour force status

Not engaged

People who are unemployed or not in the labour force (and not attending an educational institution)

Engagement status undetermined/Not stated

People who did not state their student status and who were either unemployed or not in the labour force.

This category also includes persons who were non-responding (not stated) for both their student status and their labour force status

This variable does not have a non-response rate as it is created during Census processing by using responses from more than one question on the Census form. 

Related variables and glossary terms

Useful links

Downloads

National reporting indicators 2021

Data files
Download xlsx [337.6 KB]

Level of highest educational attainment (HEAP)

Definition

This variable records a single measure of a person’s overall highest level of educational attainment, whether it be a school or non-school qualification. It helps to build a picture of educational attainment and qualifications across Australia and can be used to:

  • compare with data collected in previous Censuses to help understand the changes of educational achievement in Australia over time
  • determine the general level of educational achievement of the Australian population and of specific groups in Australian society
  • investigate the relationship between levels of education and employment outcomes, income and other socioeconomic variables.

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over

Categories

Categories for Level of highest educational attainment (HEAP)

1Postgraduate Degree Level
 10Postgraduate Degree Level, nfd
  100Postgraduate Degree Level, nfd
 11Doctoral Degree Level
  110Doctoral Degree Level, nfd
  111Higher Doctorate
  114Professional Specialist Qualification, Doctoral Degree Level
 12Master Degree Level
  120Master Degree Level, nfd
2Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level
 20Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level, nfd
  200Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level, nfd
 21Graduate Diploma Level
  211Graduate Diploma
 22Graduate Certificate Level
  221Graduate Certificate
3Bachelor Degree Level
 31Bachelor Degree Level
  310Bachelor Degree Level, nfd
4Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level
 40Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, nfd
  400Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, nfd
 41Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree Level
  411Advanced Diploma
  413Associate Degree
 42Diploma Level
  420Diploma Level, nfd
  421Diploma
5Certificate III & IV Level
 51Certificate III & IV Level
  510Certificate III & IV Level, nfd
  511Certificate IV
  514Certificate III
6Secondary Education - Years 10 and above
 61Secondary Education - Years 10 and above
  611Year 12
  613Year 11
  621Year 10
7Certificate I & II Level
 72Certificate I & II Level
  720Certificate I & II Level, nfd
  721Certificate II
  724Certificate I
8Secondary Education - Years 9 and below
 81Secondary Education - Years 9 and below
  811Year 9
  812Year 8 or below
Supplementary Codes 
9Supplementary Codes
 90Level of education inadequately described
  001Inadequately described
 91No educational attainment
  998No educational attainment
&Not stated 
 &&Not stated
  &&&Not stated
@Not applicable 
 @@Not applicable
  @@@Not applicable
VOverseas visitor 
 VVOverseas visitor
  VVVOverseas visitor

Not applicable (@@@) comprises:
• Persons aged under 15 years 

Number of categories:
• 1 digit - 12
• 2 digit - 20
• 3 digit - 31

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Person's highest year of school completed Year 12 or equivalent Year 11 or equivalent Year 10 or equivalent Year 9 or equivalent Year 8 or below Did not go to school

More information

Additional information relating to the question: What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Select 'Year 12 or equivalent' if the person has completed: • Year 13 • 6th form • Matriculation • Highest year of school available. If the highest year of schooling the person has completed was in primary school, select 'Year 8 or below'. For persons who left school and then returned after a break, select the highest year of schooling they have completed irrespective of when it was completed. Include school level education undertaken at other institutions (e.g. at a TAFE).

Has the person completed any educational qualification?

Has the person completed any educational qualification?
Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? More information Person's completed qualification No No, still studying for first qualification Yes, trade certificate/apprenticeship Yes, other qualification (certificate, diploma or degree)

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: Has the person completed any educational qualification?
Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? More information If the person completed any vocational qualifications as part of their secondary schooling, select 'Yes, other qualification'. If the person has completed any other qualifications, select the appropriate 'Yes' response. Non-school or higher education qualifications include Certificates I-IV; Trade Certificates; Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas; Bachelor Degrees; Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas; and higher degrees such as a Masters or Doctorate.

What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?

What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?
What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. More information Level of qualification

More information

Additional instructions relating to the question on: What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?
What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. More information If the person has two or more qualifications, only state the highest qualification obtained. For example, if the person has a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Bachelor Degree in Economics, the Graduate Diploma should be reported as the higher qualification. Qualification levels listed from highest to lowest: • Doctorate • Master Degree • Graduate Diploma • Graduate Certificate • Bachelor Degree with Honours • Bachelor Degree • Associate Degree • Advanced Diploma • Diploma • Associate Diploma • Advanced Certificate • Certificate IV (or Post-trade) • Certificate III (or Trade) • Certificate II • Certificate I

What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?

What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?
What is the main field of study for Person 1's highest qualification completed? For example: Plumbing, Primary school teaching, Accounting, Hairdressing, Psychology, Hospitality. More information Field of study

More information

Additional instructions relating to the question on: What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?
What is the main field of study for Person 1's highest qualification completed? For example: Plumbing, Primary school teaching, Accounting, Hairdressing, Psychology, Hospitality. More information The main field of study is in relation to the highest qualification entered in the previous question. If the person has two or more qualifications and they are at the same level, provide the field of the one obtained most recently. If the person has two qualifications of the same level, completed at the same time (for example, double degrees), select the qualification considered the most important to them.

How this variable is created

Level of highest educational attainment (HEAP) is derived using a combination of two variables:

  • Highest year of school completed (HSCP)
  • Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP)

These variables are sourced from the Census questions.

The derivation process determines which of the 'non-school' and 'school' attainments will be regarded as the highest. Usually the higher-ranking attainment is self-evident, but in some cases Secondary education is regarded as higher than some Certificate level attainments. The following decision table describes how Certificate levels and Highest year of school completed are coded.

Table 1. Derivation of level of Highest educational attainment decision table
Highest year of school completed (HSCP)Certificate nfd*
(500)		Certificate III & IV nfd*
(510)		Certificate IV
(511)		Certificate III
(514)		Certificate I & II nfd*
(520)		Certificate II
(521)		Certificate I (524)Level of education inadequately described
(011)		Level of education
not stated
(&&&)

Year 12 (1)

Inadequately described

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Year 12

Year 12

Year 12

Inadequately described

Not stated

Year 11 (2)

Inadequately described

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Year 11

Year 11

Year 11

Inadequately described

Not stated

Year 10 (3)

Inadequately described

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Year 10

Year 10

Year 10

Inadequately described

Not stated

Year 9 (4)

Inadequately described

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Certificate I & II nfd

Certificate II

Certificate I

Inadequately described

Not stated

Year 8 or below (5)

Inadequately described

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Certificate I & II nfd

Certificate II

Certificate I

Inadequately described

Not stated

Did not go to school (6)

Inadequately described

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Certificate I & II nfd

Certificate II

Certificate I

Inadequately described

Not stated

Not stated (&)

Not stated

Certificate III & IV, nfd

Certificate IV

Certificate III

Not stated

Not stated

Not stated

Not stated

Not stated

Note: the number in brackets refer to the classification code used for Highest year of school completed (HSCP) and Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP).

*nfd: not further defined

History and changes

While questions regarding educational qualifications in general have been asked for every Census since 1911, Level of highest educational attainment, which combines measures of school and non-school education, was first reported in 2006.

In 2011, people in the following categories were assigned a Level of highest educational attainment the same as their highest year of school completed:

  • Highest Year of School Completed of Year 8 or below to Year 12
  • Certificate not further defined

In 2016, people with ‘Highest Year of School Completed of Year 8 or below to Year 12’ and a ‘Certificate not further defined’ were assigned a Level of highest educational attainment as 'Inadequately described'.

For 2021, Undergraduate certificates are a new qualification and will be coded to category '420 Diploma level, nfd'. In previous Censuses, nothing has been coded to this category. See also Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP).

Data use considerations

This variable can be used to provide data on Target 6 for the National Agreement for Closing the Gap.

  • By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed a tertiary qualification (Certificate III and above) to 70 per cent.

This variable does not have a non-response rate as it is created during Census processing by using responses from more than one question on the Census form.

Related variables and glossary terms

Useful links

Highest year of school completed (HSCP)

Definition

This variable records the highest level of primary or secondary schooling completed. The data is used to help build a picture of the education levels attained in each area of Australia and to assist in the planning of educational facilities.

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over

Categories

CodeCategory
1Year 12 or equivalent
2Year 11 or equivalent
3Year 10 or equivalent
4Year 9 or equivalent
5Year 8 or below
6Did not go to school
&Not stated
@Not applicable
VOverseas visitor

Coded using the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001.

Number of categories: 9

Not applicable (@) category comprises:

  • Persons aged under 15 years

See the Glossary for further information about the meaning of ‘or equivalent level of education’.

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Person's highest year of school completed Year 12 or equivalent Year 11 or equivalent Year 10 or equivalent Year 9 or equivalent Year 8 or below Did not go to school

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Select 'Year 12 or equivalent' if the person has completed: • Year 13 • 6th form • Matriculation • Highest year of school available. If the highest year of schooling the person has completed was in primary school, select 'Year 8 or below'. For persons who left school and then returned after a break, select the highest year of schooling they have completed irrespective of when it was completed. Include school level education undertaken at other institutions (e.g. at a TAFE).

How this variable is created

This variable is sourced directly from the highest year of primary or secondary school question on the Census form. The responses are captured automatically from mark box responses. Respondents are asked to only mark one response. Where respondents provided more than one response, the responses are accepted in the order they appear on the form and extra responses are rejected.

History and changes

The question relating to Highest year of school completed where respondents reported their highest level of educational attainment was first asked in the 1911 Census. In 2016 some minor adjustment to the wording of the question instructions was made for the purposes of clarity.

No changes have been made for 2021.

Data use considerations

The 'Still at school' category has been excluded from the classification since 2006. It allowed the level of highest educational attainment to be determined for people still at school. From 2006 onwards, those still studying at school and the year level they are currently in can be identified by cross-classifying Highest year of school completed (HSCP) and Type of educational institution attending (TYPP). Full-time/part-time student status (STUP) may also be used.

The non-response rate for Highest year of school completed (HSCP) was 6.6% in 2021. This is a decrease from 8.6% in 2016. 

Related variables and glossary terms

  • Type of educational institution attending (TYPP)
  • Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)
  • Level of highest educational attainment (HEAP)
  • Attainment of Year 12 or Certificate II or higher (YR12C2P)
  • Attainment of Year 12 or Certificate III or higher (YR12C3P)

Useful links

Non-school qualification: field of study (QALFP)

Definition

This variable describes the field of study of a person’s highest completed non-school qualification. Qualifications data is used to:

  • help build a picture of the different non-school qualifications undertaken in Australia and how this has changed over time
  • assess the skill level of the labour force, and potential labour force
  • understand the characteristics of Australia’s workforce when compared with occupation and industry of employment.

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over who stated a completed qualification

Categories

Non-school qualification: field of study (QALFP) is coded using the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001. The categories are listed in groups below. The full list is available from the Data downloads on this page.

01 Natural and Physical Sciences

 01 Natural and Physical Sciences
  0100Natural and Physical Sciences, nfd
   010000Natural and Physical Sciences, nfd
  0101Mathematical Sciences
   010100Mathematical Sciences, nfd
   010101Mathematics
   010103 Statistics
   010199Mathematical Sciences, nec
  0103Physics and Astronomy
   010300Physics and Astronomy, nfd
   010301Physics
   010303 Astronomy
  0105Chemical Sciences
   010500Chemical Sciences, nfd
   010501 Organic Chemistry
   010503Inorganic Chemistry
   010599Chemical Sciences, nec
  0107Earth Sciences 
   010700Earth Sciences, nfd
   010701Atmospheric Sciences
   010703Geology
   010705Geophysics
   010707Geochemistry
   010709Soil Science
   010711Hydrology
   010713Oceanography
   010799Earth Sciences, nec
  0109Biological Sciences
   010900Biological Sciences, nfd
   010901Biochemistry and Cell Biology
   010903Botany
   010905Ecology and Evolution
   010907Marine Science
   010909Genetics
   010911Microbiology
   010913Human Biology
   010915Zoology
   010999Biological Sciences, nec
  0199Other Natural and Physical Sciences
   019900 Other Natural and Physical Sciences, nfd
   019901 Medical Science
   019903 Forensic Science
   019905 Food Science and Biotechnology
   019907Pharmacology
   019909 Laboratory Technology
   019999 Natural and Physical Sciences, nec

02 Information Technology

 02 Information Technology 
  0200Information Technology, nfd
   020000 Information Technology, nfd
  0201 Computer Science
   020100 Computer Science, nfd
   020101 Formal Language Theory
   020103Programming
   020105Computational Theory
   020107Compiler Construction
   020109Algorithms
   020111 Data Structures
   020113Networks and Communications
   020115 Computer Graphics
   020117Operating Systems
   020119Artificial Intelligence
   020199 Computer Science, nec
  0203Information Systems
   020300 Information Systems, nfd
   020301Conceptual Modelling
   020303Database Management
   020305Systems Analysis and Design
   020307Decision Support Systems
   020399Information Systems, nec
  0299Other Information Technology
   029900Other Information Technology, nfd
   029901Security Science
   029999Information Technology, nec

03 Engineering and Related Technologies

 03Engineering and Related Technologies
  0300 Engineering and Related Technologies, nfd
   030000Engineering and Related Technologies, nfd
  0301 Manufacturing Engineering and Technology
   030100 Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, nfd
   030101Manufacturing Engineering
   030103Printing
   030105 Textile Making
   030107Garment Making
   030109 Footwear Making
   030111 Wood Machining and Turning
   030113Cabinet Making
   030115Furniture Upholstery and Renovation
   030117 Furniture Polishing
   030199 Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, nec
  0303 Process and Resources Engineering
   030300 Process and Resources Engineering, nfd
   030301 Chemical Engineering
   030303 Mining Engineering
   030305 Materials Engineering
   030307 Food Processing Technology
   030399 Process and Resources Engineering, nec
  0305 Automotive Engineering and Technology
   030500 Automotive Engineering and Technology, nfd
   030501 Automotive Engineering
   030503 Vehicle Mechanics
   030505 Automotive Electrics and Electronics
   030507Automotive Vehicle Refinishing
   030509Automotive Body Construction
   030511 Panel Beating
   030513 Upholstery and Vehicle Trimming
   030515 Automotive Vehicle Operations
   030599Automotive Engineering and Technology, nec
  0307Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology
   030700Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology, nfd
   030701Mechanical Engineering
   030703 Industrial Engineering
   030705Toolmaking
   030707 Metal Fitting, Turning and Machining
   030709Sheetmetal Working
   030711Boilermaking and Welding
   030713Metal Casting and Patternmaking
   030715Precision Metalworking
   030717Plant and Machine Operations
   030799 Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology, nec
  0309 Civil Engineering
   030900Civil Engineering, nfd
   030901Construction Engineering
   030903 Structural Engineering
   030905 Building Services Engineering
   030907 Water and Sanitary Engineering
   030909Transport Engineering
   030911 Geotechnical Engineering
   030913Ocean Engineering
   030999Civil Engineering, nec
  0311 Geomatic Engineering
   031100 Geomatic Engineering, nfd
   031101Surveying
   031103Mapping Science
   031199 Geomatic Engineering, nec
  0313 Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology
   031300Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology, nfd
   031301 Electrical Engineering
   031303 Electronic Engineering
   031305 Computer Engineering
   031307 Communications Technologies
   031309 Communications Equipment Installation and Maintenance
   031311 Powerline Installation and Maintenance
   031313 Electrical Fitting, Electrical Mechanics
   031315 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
   031317 Electronic Equipment Servicing
   031399 Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology, nec
  0315Aerospace Engineering and Technology
   031500 Aerospace Engineering and Technology, nfd
   031501 Aerospace Engineering
   031503 Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
   031505 Aircraft Operation
   031507 Air Traffic Control
   031599 Aerospace Engineering and Technology, nec
  0317Maritime Engineering and Technology
   031700Maritime Engineering and Technology, nfd
   031701 Maritime Engineering
   031703Marine Construction
   031705 Marine Craft Operation
   031799 Maritime Engineering and Technology, nec
  0399Other Engineering and Related Technologies
   039900Other Engineering and Related Technologies, nfd
   039901 Environmental Engineering
   039903 Biomedical Engineering
   039905 Fire Technology
   039907 Rail Operations
   039909 Cleaning
   039999 Engineering and Related Technologies, nec

04 Architecture and Building

 04 Architecture and Building 
  0400 Architecture and Building, nfd
   040000 Architecture and Building, nfd
  0401Architecture and Urban Environment
   040100 Architecture and Urban Environment, nfd
   040101 Architecture
   040103Urban Design and Regional Planning
   040105 Landscape Architecture
   040107Interior and Environmental Design
   040199Architecture and Urban Environment, nec
  0403 Building 
   040300 Building, nfd
   040301 Building Science and Technology
   040303Building Construction Management
   040305Building Surveying
   040307 Building Construction Economics
   040309 Bricklaying and Stonemasonry
   040311 Carpentry and Joinery
   040313 Ceiling, Wall and Floor Fixing
   040315 Roof Fixing
   040317 Plastering
   040319 Furnishing Installation
   040321 Floor Coverings
   040323Glazing
   040325 Painting, Decorating and Sign Writing
   040327 Plumbing
   040329 Scaffolding and Rigging
   040399Building, nec

05 Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies

 05Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
  0500 Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, nfd
   050000 Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, nfd
  0501Agriculture 
   050100 Agriculture, nfd
   050101Agricultural Science
   050103 Wool Science
   050105Animal Husbandry
   050199Agriculture, nec
  0503 Horticulture and Viticulture
   050300 Horticulture and Viticulture, nfd
   050301 Horticulture
   050303 Viticulture
  0505 Forestry Studies
   050501Forestry Studies
  0507 Fisheries Studies
   050700 Fisheries Studies, nfd
   050701 Aquaculture
   050799 Fisheries Studies, nec
  0509 Environmental Studies
   050900Environmental Studies, nfd
   050901 Land, Parks and Wildlife Management
   050999 Environmental Studies, nec
  0599 Other Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
   059900Other Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, nfd
   059901Pest and Weed Control
   059999Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, nec

06 Health

 06 Health  
  0600 Health, nfd 
   060000Health, nfd
  0601 Medical Studies
   060100 Medical Studies, nfd
   060101 General Medicine
   060103Surgery
   060105Psychiatry
   060107Obstetrics and Gynaecology
   060109Paediatrics
   060111 Anaesthesiology
   060113 Pathology
   060115 Radiology
   060117Internal Medicine
   060119 General Practice
   060199Medical Studies, nec
  0603Nursing 
   060300 Nursing, nfd
   060301 General Nursing
   060303 Midwifery
   060305Mental Health Nursing
   060307Community Nursing
   060309Critical Care Nursing
   060311 Aged Care Nursing
   060313 Palliative Care Nursing
   060315 Mothercraft Nursing and Family and Child Health Nursing
   060399 Nursing, nec
  0605 Pharmacy 
   060501 Pharmacy
  0607 Dental Studies 
   060700Dental Studies, nfd
   060701 Dentistry
   060703Dental Assisting
   060705Dental Technology
   060799Dental Studies, nec
  0609Optical Science 
   060900Optical Science, nfd
   060901Optometry
   060903 Optical Technology
   060999 Optical Science, nec
  0611 Veterinary Studies
   061100 Veterinary Studies, nfd
   061101Veterinary Science
   061103Veterinary Assisting
   061199Veterinary Studies, nec
  0613 Public Health 
   061300 Public Health, nfd
   061301 Occupational Health and Safety
   061303Environmental Health
   061305Indigenous Health
   061307Health Promotion
   061309 Community Health
   061311 Epidemiology
   061399 Public Health, nec
  0615 Radiography 
   061501Radiography
  0617 Rehabilitation Therapies
   061700 Rehabilitation Therapies, nfd
   061701 Physiotherapy
   061703Occupational Therapy
   061705 Chiropractic and Osteopathy
   061707 Speech Pathology
   061709Audiology
   061711 Massage Therapy
   061713 Podiatry
   061799 Rehabilitation Therapies, nec
  0619 Complementary Therapies
   061900 Complementary Therapies, nfd
   061901Naturopathy
   061903 Acupuncture
   061905 Traditional Chinese Medicine
   061999 Complementary Therapies, nec
  0699 Other Health 
   069900Other Health, nfd
   069901 Nutrition and Dietetics
   069903Human Movement
   069905Paramedical Studies
   069907First Aid
   069999 Health, nec

07 Education

 07 Education 
  0700 Education, nfd 
   070000 Education, nfd
  0701 Teacher Education
   070100Teacher Education, nfd
   070101Teacher Education: Early Childhood
   070103Teacher Education: Primary
   070105 Teacher Education: Secondary
   070107Teacher-Librarianship
   070109 Teacher Education: Vocational Education and Training
   070111 Teacher Education: Higher Education
   070113 Teacher Education: Special Education
   070115 English as a Second Language Teaching
   070117 Nursing Education Teacher Training
   070199 Teacher Education, nec
  0703Curriculum and Education Studies
   070300 Curriculum and Education Studies, nfd
   070301 Curriculum Studies
   070303 Education Studies
  0799 Other Education 
   079999Education, nec

08 Management and Commerce

 08Management and Commerce
  0800 Management and Commerce, nfd
   080000 Management and Commerce, nfd
  0801 Accounting 
   080101Accounting
  0803 Business and Management
   080300 Business and Management, nfd
   080301 Business Management
   080303 Human Resource Management
   080305 Personal Management Training
   080307Organisation Management
   080309 Industrial Relations
   080311 International Business
   080313 Public and Health Care Administration
   080315 Project Management
   080317 Quality Management
   080319 Hospitality Management
   080321 Farm Management and Agribusiness
   080323 Tourism Management
   080399 Business and Management, nec
  0805 Sales and Marketing
   080500 Sales and Marketing, nfd
   080501Sales
   080503 Real Estate
   080505 Marketing
   080507 Advertising
   080509 Public Relations
   080599 Sales and Marketing, nec
  0807Tourism 
   080701 Tourism
  0809 Office Studies 
   080900 Office Studies, nfd
   080901Secretarial and Clerical Studies
   080903 Keyboard Skills
   080905 Practical Computing Skills
   080999 Office Studies, nec
  0811 Banking, Finance and Related Fields
   081100Banking, Finance and Related Fields, nfd
   081101Banking and Finance
   081103 Insurance and Actuarial Studies
   081105 Investment and Securities
   081199 Banking, Finance and Related Fields, nec
  0899 Other Management and Commerce
   089900 Other Management and Commerce, nfd
   089901 Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution
   089903 Valuation
   089999 Management and Commerce, nec

09 Society and Culture

 09 Society and Culture 
  0900Society and Culture, nfd
   090000 Society and Culture, nfd
  0901 Political Science and Policy Studies
   090100Political Science and Policy Studies, nfd
   090101Political Science
   090103 Policy Studies
  0903 Studies in Human Society
   090300Studies in Human Society, nfd
   090301Sociology
   090303Anthropology
   090305History
   090307Archaeology
   090309 Human Geography
   090311 Indigenous Studies
   090313 Gender Specific Studies
   090399Studies in Human Society, nec
  0905 Human Welfare Studies and Services
   090500Human Welfare Studies and Services, nfd
   090501 Social Work
   090503Children's Services
   090505Youth Work
   090507 Care for the Aged
   090509Care for the Disabled
   090511 Residential Client Care
   090513 Counselling
   090515 Welfare Studies
   090599Human Welfare Studies and Services, nec
  0907 Behavioural Science
   090700Behavioural Science, nfd
   090701 Psychology
   090799Behavioural Science, nec
  0909 Law 
   090900Law, nfd
   090901Business and Commercial Law
   090903 Constitutional Law
   090905 Criminal Law
   090907 Family Law
   090909 International Law
   090911 Taxation Law
   090913 Legal Practice
   090999Law, nec
  0911 Justice and Law Enforcement
   091100Justice and Law Enforcement, nfd
   091101 Justice Administration
   091103 Legal Studies
   091105 Police Studies
   091199Justice and Law Enforcement, nec
  0913 Librarianship, Information Management and Curatorial Studies
   091300 Librarianship, Information Management and Curatorial Studies, nfd
   091301 Librarianship and Information Management
   091303 Curatorial Studies
  0915 Language and Literature
   091500Language and Literature, nfd
   091501 English Language
   091503 Northern European Languages
   091505 Southern European Languages
   091507 Eastern European Languages
   091509 Southwest Asian and North African Languages
   091511 Southern Asian Languages
   091513 Southeast Asian Languages
   091515 Eastern Asian Languages
   091517 Australian Indigenous Languages
   091519 Translating and Interpreting
   091521Linguistics
   091523 Literature
   091599Language and Literature, nec
  0917Philosophy and Religious Studies
   091700 Philosophy and Religious Studies, nfd
   091701 Philosophy
   091703 Religious Studies
  0919 Economics and Econometrics
   091900 Economics and Econometrics, nfd
   091901 Economics
   091903 Econometrics
  0921 Sport and Recreation
   092100 Sport and Recreation, nfd
   092101 Sport and Recreation Activities
   092103Sports Coaching, Officiating and Instruction
   092199 Sport and Recreation, nec
  0999 Other Society and Culture
   099900 Other Society and Culture, nfd
   099901 Family and Consumer Studies
   099903Criminology
   099905 Security Services
   099999Society and Culture, nec

10 Creative Arts

 10Creative Arts 
  1000 Creative Arts, nfd
   100000 Creative Arts, nfd
  1001 Performing Arts
   100100 Performing Arts, nfd
   100101 Music
   100103 Drama and Theatre Studies
   100105 Dance
   100199 Performing Arts, nec
  1003 Visual Arts and Crafts
   100300 Visual Arts and Crafts, nfd
   100301 Fine Arts
   100303 Photography
   100305 Crafts
   100307 Jewellery Making
   100309 Floristry
   100399Visual Arts and Crafts, nec
  1005 Graphic and Design Studies
   100500 Graphic and Design Studies, nfd
   100501 Graphic Arts and Design Studies
   100503 Textile Design
   100505 Fashion Design
   100599 Graphic and Design Studies, nec
  1007Communication and Media Studies
   100700Communication and Media Studies, nfd
   100701Audio Visual Studies
   100703Journalism
   100705Written Communication
   100707 Verbal Communication
   100799Communication and Media Studies, nec
  1099 Other Creative Arts
   109999Creative Arts, nec

11 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services

 11 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services
  1100Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, nfd
   110000Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, nfd
  1101Food and Hospitality
   110100 Food and Hospitality, nfd
   110101 Hospitality
   110103 Food and Beverage Service
   110105Butchery
   110107 Baking and Pastrymaking
   110109Cookery
   110111 Food Hygiene
   110199 Food and Hospitality, nec
  1103 Personal Services
   110300Personal Services, nfd
   110301 Beauty Therapy
   110303 Hairdressing
   110399Personal Services, nec

12 Mixed Field Programmes

 12 Mixed Field Programmes 
  1200 Mixed Field Programmes, nfd
   120000Mixed Field Programmes, nfd
  1201 General Education Programmes
   120100 General Education Programmes, nfd
   120101 General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes
   120103 Literacy and Numeracy Programmes
   120105 Learning Skills Programmes
   120199General Education Programmes, nec
  1203 Social Skills Programmes
   120300 Social Skills Programmes, nfd
   120301Social and Interpersonal Skills Programmes
   120303 Survival Skills Programmes
   120305Parental Education Programmes
   120399 Social Skills Programmes, nec
  1205Employment Skills Programmes
   120500 Employment Skills Programmes, nfd
   120501 Career Development Programmes
   120503 Job Search Skills Programmes
   120505Work Practices Programmes
   120599 Employment Skills Programmes, nec
  1299Other Mixed Field Programmes
   129999Mixed Field Programmes, nec

Supplementary codes

00Field of study inadequately described
 0001Field of study inadequately described
   000110 Field of study inadequately described
&&Field of study not stated 
 &&&&Field of study not stated
   &&&&&& Field of study not stated
@@Not applicable 
 @@@@Not applicable 
   @@@@@@Not applicable
VVOverseas visitor 
 VVVVOverseas visitor
   VVVVVV Overseas visitor

Number of categories:

  • Two digit: 16
  • Four digit: 87
  • Six digit: 435

Not applicable (@@@@@@) comprises:

  • Persons who have a qualification that is out of scope of this classification
  • Persons with no qualifications
  • Persons still studying for a first qualification
  • Persons aged under 15 years

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Person's highest year of school completed Year 12 or equivalent Year 11 or equivalent Year 10 or equivalent Year 9 or equivalent Year 8 or below Did not go to school

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Select 'Year 12 or equivalent' if the person has completed: • Year 13 • 6th form • Matriculation • Highest year of school available. If the highest year of schooling the person has completed was in primary school, select 'Year 8 or below'. For persons who left school and then returned after a break, select the highest year of schooling they have completed irrespective of when it was completed. Include school level education undertaken at other institutions (e.g. at a TAFE).

Has the person completed any educational qualification?

Has the person completed any educational qualification?
Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? More information Person's completed qualification No No, still studying for first qualification Yes, trade certificate/apprenticeship Yes, other qualification (certificate, diploma or degree)

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: Has the person completed any educational qualification?
Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? More information If the person completed any vocational qualifications as part of their secondary schooling, select 'Yes, other qualification'. If the person has completed any other qualifications, select the appropriate 'Yes' response. Non-school or higher education qualifications include Certificates I-IV; Trade Certificates; Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas; Bachelor Degrees; Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas; and higher degrees such as a Masters or Doctorate.

What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?

What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?
What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. More information Level of qualification

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?
What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. More information If the person has two or more qualifications, only state the highest qualification obtained. For example, if the person has a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Bachelor Degree in Economics, the Graduate Diploma should be reported as the higher qualification. Qualification levels listed from highest to lowest: • Doctorate • Master Degree • Graduate Diploma • Graduate Certificate • Bachelor Degree with Honours • Bachelor Degree • Associate Degree • Advanced Diploma • Diploma • Associate Diploma • Advanced Certificate • Certificate IV (or Post-trade) • Certificate III (or Trade) • Certificate II • Certificate I

What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?

What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?
What is the main field of study for Person 1's highest qualification completed? For example: Plumbing, Primary school teaching, Accounting, Hairdressing, Psychology, Hospitality. More information Field of study

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?
What is the main field of study for Person 1's highest qualification completed? For example: Plumbing, Primary school teaching, Accounting, Hairdressing, Psychology, Hospitality. More information The main field of study is in relation to the highest qualification entered in the previous question. If the person has two or more qualifications and they are at the same level, provide the field of the one obtained most recently. If the person has two qualifications of the same level, completed at the same time (for example, double degrees), select the qualification considered the most important to them.

Did the person complete this qualification before 1998?

Did the person complete this qualification before 1998?
Did Person 1 complete this qualification before 1998? When person completed qualification Yes, before 1998 No, 1998 or later

How this variable is created

Non-school qualification: field of study (QALFP) is mainly coded based on written responses for qualification level and qualification field questions. The following questions may also be used:

  • Highest year of primary or secondary school completed
  • Qualification indicator (question asking whether person has completed any educational qualification)
  • Whether the qualification was completed before 1998

History and changes

The question on main field of study was first asked in the 1971 Census and has been asked in every Census since then.

In 2001, the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) replaced the ABS Classification of Qualifications (ABSCQ).

In the 2006 Census, the year completed question was reworded to ask if the qualification was obtained before 1998 or from 1998 onward, with 1998 being the year the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was introduced. The distinction between certificates awarded pre-1998 and from 1998 onward is also used to assist in coding some certificates to finer levels of the ASCED classification.

In 2021, minor instructional text changes to the main field of study question have been made to provide guidance for people with double degrees. The field examples were updated based on prevalence in the 2016 Census and selected to include fields found at the VET and University levels.

Data use considerations

When using this variable, the directly applicable population (i.e. those who answered 'Yes' to the Qualifications indicator question) is not identifiable in the output data set. This is because those who answered 'Yes, other qualification' to the Qualifications indicator question, and then subsequently did not provide a response to the question on main field of highest qualification, are coded to 'not stated' in this variable. Therefore, this variable cannot be used as a count of people who hold a qualification.

The non-response rate for Non-school qualification: field of study (QALFP) was 12.3% in 2021. This is a decrease from 15.1% in 2016.

A large component of non-response for this variable is due to people not answering the Qualification Indicator question and the Non-school qualification: field of study questions. People may have: 

  • not seen the question relevant to themselves, and did not respond 
  • been imputed into occupied dwellings where no form had been returned.

It may not be appropriate to consider these groups of non-respondents when calculating non-response for the directly applicable population.

When Non-school qualification: field of study (QALFP) is analysed in conjunction with a 'Yes' response to the Qualifications Indicator question, the non-response rate was 2.3% in 2021. This is an increase from 2.0% in 2016.

Related variables and glossary terms

  • Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)
  • Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP)
  • Highest year of school completed (HSCP)

Useful links

Data downloads

Non-school qualification: field of study classification

Data files
Download xlsx [35.08 KB]

Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP)

Definition

This variable describes the level of a person’s highest completed non-school qualification. Non-school qualifications are educational attainments other than those of a pre-primary, primary or secondary education level. This information about education will help to:

  • build a picture of educational levels in each area of Australia
  • show how different groups of people take part in education
  • help to plan education services in different areas.

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over who stated a completed qualification

Categories

Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP) is coded using the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001, Level of Education Classification.

Categories for Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP)

1Postgraduate Degree Level
 10Postgraduate Degree Level, nfd
  100Postgraduate Degree Level, nfd
 11Doctoral Degree Level
  110Doctoral Degree Level, nfd
  111Higher Doctorate
  114Professional Specialist Qualification at Doctoral Degree Level
 12Master Degree Level
  120Master Degree Level, nfd
2Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level
 20Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level, nfd
  200Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level, nfd
 21Graduate Diploma Level
  211Graduate Diploma
 22Graduate Certificate Level
  221Graduate Certificate
3Bachelor Degree Level
 31Bachelor Degree Level
  310Bachelor Degree Level, nfd
4Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level
 40Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, nfd
  400Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, nfd
 41Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree Level
  411Advanced Diploma
  413Associate Degree
 42Diploma Level
  420Diploma Level, nfd
  421Diploma
5Certificate Level 
 50Certificate Level, nfd
  500Certificate Level, nfd
 51Certificate III & IV Level
  510Certificate III & IV Level, nfd
  511Certificate IV
  514Certificate III
 52Certificate I & II Level
  520Certificate I & II Level, nfd
  521Certificate II
  524Certificate I
Supplementary codes 
0Level of education inadequately described
 01Level of education inadequately described
  011Level of education inadequately described
&Level of education not stated
 &&Level of education not stated
  &&&Level of education not stated
@Not applicable 
 @@Not applicable
  @@@Not applicable
VOverseas visitor 
 VVOverseas visitor
  VVVOverseas visitor

Number of categories:

  • One digit: 9
  • Two digit: 17
  • Three digit: 25

Not applicable (@@@) comprises:

  • Persons who have a qualification that is out of scope of this classification
  • Persons with no qualification
  • Persons still studying for a first qualification
  • Persons aged under 15 years

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?

What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Person's highest year of school completed Year 12 or equivalent Year 11 or equivalent Year 10 or equivalent Year 9 or equivalent Year 8 or below Did not go to school

More information

Additional information relation to the question on: What is the highest year of primary or secondary school the person has completed?
What is the highest year of primary or secondary school Person 1 has completed? For people currently at school, select the highest year of schooling they have completed, not the year they are currently undertaking. More information Select 'Year 12 or equivalent' if the person has completed: • Year 13 • 6th form • Matriculation • Highest year of school available. If the highest year of schooling the person has completed was in primary school, select 'Year 8 or below'. For persons who left school and then returned after a break, select the highest year of schooling they have completed irrespective of when it was completed. Include school level education undertaken at other institutions (e.g. at a TAFE).

Has the person completed any educational qualification?

Has the person completed any educational qualification?
Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? More information Person's completed qualification No No, still studying for first qualification Yes, trade certificate/apprenticeship Yes, other qualification (certificate, diploma or degree)

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: Has the person completed any educational qualification?
Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? More information If the person completed any vocational qualifications as part of their secondary schooling, select 'Yes, other qualification'. If the person has completed any other qualifications, select the appropriate 'Yes' response. Non-school or higher education qualifications include Certificates I-IV; Trade Certificates; Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas; Bachelor Degrees; Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas; and higher degrees such as a Masters or Doctorate.

What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?

What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?
What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. More information Level of qualification

More information

Additional instructions relating to the question on: What is the level of the highest qualification the person has completed?
What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. More information If the person has two or more qualifications, only state the highest qualification obtained. For example, if the person has a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Bachelor Degree in Economics, the Graduate Diploma should be reported as the higher qualification. Qualification levels listed from highest to lowest: • Doctorate • Master Degree • Graduate Diploma • Graduate Certificate • Bachelor Degree with Honours • Bachelor Degree • Associate Degree • Advanced Diploma • Diploma • Associate Diploma • Advanced Certificate • Certificate IV (or Post-trade) • Certificate III (or Trade) • Certificate II • Certificate I

What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?

What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?
What is the main field of study for Person 1's highest qualification completed? For example: Plumbing, Primary school teaching, Accounting, Hairdressing, Psychology, Hospitality. More information Field of study

More information

Additional instructions relating to the question on: What is the main field of study for the person’s highest qualification completed?
What is the main field of study for Person 1's highest qualification completed? For example: Plumbing, Primary school teaching, Accounting, Hairdressing, Psychology, Hospitality. More information The main field of study is in relation to the highest qualification entered in the previous question. If the person has two or more qualifications and they are at the same level, provide the field of the one obtained most recently. If the person has two qualifications of the same level, completed at the same time (for example, double degrees), select the qualification considered the most important to them.

Did the person complete this qualification before 1998?

Did the person complete this qualification before 1998?
Did Person 1 complete this qualification before 1998? When person completed qualification Yes, before 1998 No, 1998 or later

How this variable is created

This variable is mainly coded based on written responses for qualification level and qualification field questions. The following questions may also be used:

  • Highest year of primary or secondary school completed
  • Qualification indicator (question asking whether a person has completed any educational qualification)
  • Whether the qualification was completed before 1998 

History and changes

A question relating to level of education was first asked in the 1911 Census and has been asked in every Census since then. In many Censuses, school and non-school qualification were not necessarily separate questions.

In 2001, the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) replaced the ABS Classification of Qualifications (ABSCQ).

In the 2006 Census, the year completed question was reworded to ask if the qualification was obtained before 1998 or from 1998 onward, with 1998 being the year the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) was introduced. The distinction between certificates awarded pre-1998 and from 1998 onward is also used to assist in coding some certificates to finer levels of the ASCED classification.

In 2021, a new qualification called Undergraduate certificates will be coded to ‘420 Diploma Level, nfd’.

Data use considerations

When using this variable, the directly applicable population (i.e. those who answered 'Yes' to the Qualifications indicator question) is not identifiable in the output data set. This is because those who answered 'Yes, other qualification' to the Qualifications indicator question, and then subsequently did not provide a response to the question on level of highest qualification, are coded to 'not stated' in this variable. Therefore, this variable cannot be used as a count of people who hold a qualification.

The non-response rate for Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP) was 12.4% in 2021. This is a decrease from 16.0% in 2016.

A large component of non-response for this variable is due to people not answering the Qualification Indicator question and the Non-school qualification: level of education questions. People may have: 

  • not seen the question relevant to themselves, and did not respond 
  • been imputed into occupied dwellings where no form had been returned.

It may not be appropriate to consider these groups of non-respondents when calculating non-response for the directly applicable population.

When Non-school qualification: level of education (QALLP) is analysed in conjunction with a 'Yes' response to the Qualifications Indicator question, the non-response rate was 2.3% in 2021. This is a decrease from 2.8% in 2016.

Related variables and glossary terms

  • Non-school qualification: field of study (QALFP)
  • Level of highest educational attainment (HEAP)
  • Highest year of school completed (HSCP)
  • Attainment of year 12 or certificate II or higher (YR12C2P)
  • Attainment of year 12 or certificate III or higher (YR12C3P)
  • Attainment of certificate III or higher or working towards a non-school qualification (C3SP)
  • With or working towards a non-school qualification (WTNSQP)
  • Or equivalent level of education

Useful links

Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)

Definition

This variable describes the full-time or part-time status of students.

Scope

All persons

Categories

CodeCategory
1Not attending
2Full-time student
3Part-time student
4Institution (TYPP) stated, full-time/part-time status (STUP) not stated
&Both not stated - both institution (TYPP) and full-time/part-time status (STUP) not stated
VOverseas visitor

Number of categories: 6

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

Is the person attending a school or other education institution?

Is the person attending a school or other education institution?
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Person's school attendance No Yes, full-time student Yes, part-time student

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: Is the person attending a school or other education institution?
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Select full-time student or part-time student based on whether the institution considers the person to be a full-time or part-time student. For a person who attends only hobby or recreational courses, select 'No'. If the person is currently studying at home because of lockdowns or other COVID-related reasons, but usually attends a school or other education institution, select one of the 'Yes' options.

How this variable is created

This variable is collected from a mark box response to the Full-time/part-time student status question on the Census form. Respondents are asked to mark only one response. In cases where respondents mark more than one response, they are accepted in the order they appear on the form and the extra responses are rejected.

History and changes

A question on current type of attendance at school or other educational institution has been asked since 1976. The categories for Full-time/part-time student status (STUP) were revised for 2011.

For 2021, minor changes were made to the question wording and instructional text to improve clarity. In addition, to emphasise that respondents should include attendance at preschool, the question wording in the online form has changed for people in the household aged six and under. The question asks ‘Is the person attending a preschool, school or other education institution?’.

For 2021, a question instruction was added to the online form to provide guidance to people in COVID-19 affected areas on Census day.

Data use considerations

There are no data use considerations for this variable.

The non-response rate for Full-time/part-time student status (STUP) was 5.6% in 2021. This is a decrease from 6.8% in 2016.

The non-response rates for this variable include 0.1% of respondents (0.2% in 2016) who did not indicate whether they were students at the Full-time/part-time student status question (question 29 on the Census Household form) but went on to state the type of educational institution attended at the next question, Type of of educational institution attending (TYPP). 

Related variables and glossary terms

  • Type of educational institution attending (TYPP)
  • Educational institution: attendee status (TYSTAP)
  • Engagement in employment, education and training (EETP)

Useful links

Type of educational institution attending (TYPP)

Definition

This variable records the type of education institution being attended by people who are full-time or part-time students. The category covers preschool through to tertiary institutions. Information on whether a person is attending an education institution is essential for education and labour market planning. It is also used to identify dependent children in family coding.

Scope

Persons attending an education institution

Categories

CodeCategory
10Preschool
21Primary - Government
22Primary - Catholic
23Primary - other non-Government
29Primary – not further defined
31Secondary - Government
32Secondary - Catholic
33Secondary - other non-Government
39Secondary – not further defined
41Tertiary - vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers)
42Tertiary – university or other higher education
49Tertiary – not further defined
60Other
&&Not stated
@@Not applicable
VVOverseas visitor

Number of categories: 16

Not applicable (@@) category comprises:

  • Persons not attending an education institution

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

On the online form the type of education institution attending question is split into two parts. When a respondent selects either 'Primary', 'Secondary' or 'Tertiary institution' they are presented with a second question to described the education institution in more detail. 

What type of education institution is the person attending?

What type of education institution is the person attending?
What type of education institution is Person 1 attending? Include secondary colleges and senior high schools under ‘Secondary school’. For external, online or correspondence students, mark the type of institution in which they are enrolled. More information Person's type of education institution Preschool Primary school Secondary school Tertiary institution (e.g. University and vocational education and training, including TAFE and private training providers) Other education institution

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What type of education institution is the person attending?
What type of education institution is Person 1 attending? Include secondary colleges and senior high schools under ‘Secondary school’. For external, online or correspondence students, mark the type of institution in which they are enrolled. More information Select 'Preschool' for a child who attends an early childhood education program. This may be conducted in conjunction with a centre based day care provider. Preschool is a structured, play based learning program, primarily aimed at children in the year or two before they commence full-time schooling. For students attending a combined primary and secondary school (e.g. K-12 school), report the level of schooling based on the year level they are currently attending. For a person currently studying at home because of lockdowns or other COVID-related reasons, select the type of education institution the person usually attends or is enrolled in.

Question when respondents select 'Primary school'

Type of educational institution attending example - Primary school, response selected
What type of primary school is Person 1 attending? More information Person's primary school type Government Catholic Other non-government

More information - Primary school

Additional information relating to the question on: What type of education institution is the person attending? Primary school response selected
What type of primary school is Person 1 attending? More information ‘Other non-government’ are independent education institutions, including Anglican schools and other schools which have associations with religious or secular bodies, or are entirely independent.

Question when respondents select 'Secondary school'

Type of educational institution attending example - Secondary school response selected
What type of secondary school is Person 1 attending? More information Person's secondary school type Government Catholic Other non-government

More information - Secondary school

Additional information relating to the question on: What type of education institution is the person attending? Secondary response selected
What type of secondary school is Person 1 attending? More information ‘Other non-government’ are independent education institutions, including Anglican schools and other schools which have associations with religious or secular bodies, or are entirely independent.

Question when respondents select 'Tertiary institution'

Type of educational institution attending example - Tertiary response selected
What type of tertiary education institution is Person 1 attending? Person's tertiary institution type Vocational education and training (including TAFE and private training providers) University or other higher education

How this variable is created

This variable is collected from mark box responses to the Type of education institution question on the Census form. Respondents are asked to mark only one response. In cases where respondents mark more than one response, they are accepted in the order they appear on the form and the extra responses are rejected.

History and changes

Questions relating to current education institution were first asked in the 1911 Census and have been asked at most censuses since then, though the amount of detail asked has varied.

In 2021, output categories have been changed to reflect the question wording changes:

  • 'Infants' has been removed from the Primary categories
  • 'Technical or Further Educational Institution (including TAFE Colleges)' has been changed to 'Tertiary - Vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers)'
  • 'University or other Tertiary Institution' has been changed to 'Tertiary - University or other higher education'

Primary, secondary and tertiary not further defined fields have been added (categories 29, 39, 49) as this question is in two parts on the online form. The not further defined fields will get populated when a person only answers if they are attending an institution but does not specify the type, e.g. Catholic.

To further emphasise attendance at preschool, the question relating to attendance at a school or an education institution has changed on the online form. For people in the household aged six and under, the question asks, ‘Is the person attending a preschool, school or other education institution?’.

For 2021, a question instruction was added to the online form to provide guidance to people in COVID-19 affected areas on Census day. Additional instructions were also added to the Census website – see Data use considerations for more details.

Data use considerations

Lockdown

A number of regions across the country were in various stages of COVID-19 lockdowns on Census day, and the week preceding it, resulting in a greater number of students being educated from home. Guidance on how to correctly respond was provided at the time on the Census website, as follows: 

'If you or your child are currently learning from home due to COVID restrictions, please answer the questions reflecting the school or other educational institution you or your child would normally attend.'

Preschool

Users of the data on preschool attendance should be aware that some children who are in childcare may be included in the preschool figures. This has been identified as a problem with interpretation of categories by respondents. See the History and changes section for new instructions for 2021 to help resolve this misunderstanding.

The non-response rate for Type of educational institution attending (TYPP) was 0.8% in 2021. This is a decrease from 2.7% in 2016. This rate is lower than most Census variables as it is only applicable to persons who answered they are a student to the previous question (Full-Time/Part-Time Student Status).

Related variables and glossary terms

  • Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)
  • Educational institution: attendee status (TYSTAP)
  • Attainment of Certificate III or higher or working towards a non-school qualification (C3SP)
  • People with or working towards a non-school qualification (WTNSQP)
  • Derivation
  • Imputation

Useful links

Educational institution: attendee status (TYSTAP)

Definition

This variable combines responses from Type of educational institution attending (TYPP), Full-time/part-time student status (STUP) and Age (AGEP) to indicate a person's attendee status at an education institution. We use this information to understand the education levels of the future workforce of Australia and whether people are taking part in employment, education, or training.

Scope

Persons attending an education institution

Categories

CodeCategory
10Preschool
21Primary - Government
22Primary - Catholic
23Primary - other non-Government
29Primary - not further defined
31Secondary - Government
32Secondary - Catholic
33Secondary - other non-Government
39Secondary - not further defined
41Tertiary - vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers): full-time student: aged 15-24 years
42Tertiary - vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers): full-time student: aged 25 years and over
43Tertiary - vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers): part-time student: aged 15-24 years
44Tertiary - vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers): part-time student: aged 25 years and over
45Tertiary - vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers): full-time/part-time student status not stated
51Tertiary - university or other higher education: full-time student: aged 15-24 years
52Tertiary - university or other higher education: full-time student: aged 25 years and over
53Tertiary - university or other higher education: part-time student: aged 15-24 years
54Tertiary - university or other higher education: part-time student: aged 25 years and over
55Tertiary - university or other higher education: full-time/part-time student status not stated
61Tertiary - not further defined:  full-time student: aged 15-24 years
62Tertiary - not further defined:  full-time student:  aged 25 years and over
63Tertiary - not further defined: part-time student: aged 15-24 years
64Tertiary - not further defined: part-time student: aged 25 years and over
65Tertiary - not further defined: full-time/part-time student status not stated
71Other: full-time student
72Other: part-time student
73Other: full-time/part-time student status not stated
&&Type of educational institution not stated
@@Type of educational institution not applicable
VVOverseas visitor

Number of categories: 30

Not applicable (@@) category comprises:

  • Persons not attending an education institution

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.

Question(s) from the Census form

What is the person’s date of birth and age?

What is the person’s date of birth and age?
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information Day Month Year OR Don't know date of birth Age

Example

Educational institution: attendee status example - Don't know date of birth response selected
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information Day Month Year OR Don't know date of birth (selected response) Age years

Example

Educational institution: attendee status example -01 January 2000 response selected
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information Day Month Year 18 March 1993 OR Don't know date of birth Age 28 years

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is the person’s date of birth and age?
What is Person 1's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please select 'Don't know date of birth' and provide Person 1's age. More information It is important to note: •Date of birth is the date that the person was born. •Age is required only if the person's date of birth is not known. Please report age at Census night – Tuesday 10 August 2021. If the person is less than one year old and their date of birth is not known, enter '0' in the age box.

Is the person attending a school or other education institution?

Is the person attending a school or other education institution?
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Person's school attendance No Yes, full-time student Yes, part-time student

More Information

Additional information relating to the question on: Is the person attending a school or other education institution?
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Select full-time student or part-time student based on whether the institution considers the person to be a full-time or part-time student. For a person who attends only hobby or recreational courses, select 'No'. If the person is currently studying at home because of lockdowns or other COVID-related reasons, but usually attends a school or other education institution, select one of the 'Yes' options.

Example

Educational institution attendee status example - 'no' response selected
Is Person 1 attending a school or any other education institution? Include tertiary education and vocational education and training providers (e.g. TAFE and private training providers). Include external, online or correspondence study. More information Person's school attendance No (selected response) Yes, full-time student Yes, part-time student Type of Education Institution This question does not apply, based on your answer to the previous question.

What type of education institution is the person attending?

On the online form the type of education institution attending question is split into two parts. When a respondent selects either 'Primary', 'Secondary' or 'Tertiary institution (e.g. University and vocational education and training, including TAFE and private training providers)' they are presented with a second question to describe the type of education institution in more detail. 

What type of education institution is the person attending?
What type of education institution is Person 1 attending? Include secondary colleges and senior high schools under ‘Secondary school’. For external, online or correspondence students, mark the type of institution in which they are enrolled. More information Person's type of education institution Preschool Primary school Secondary school Tertiary institution (e.g. University and vocational education and training, including TAFE and private training providers) Other education institution

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What type of education institution is the person attending?
What type of education institution is Person 1 attending? Include secondary colleges and senior high schools under ‘Secondary school’. For external, online or correspondence students, mark the type of institution in which they are enrolled. More information Select 'Preschool' for a child who attends an early childhood education program. This may be conducted in conjunction with a centre based day care provider. Preschool is a structured, play based learning program, primarily aimed at children in the year or two before they commence full-time schooling. For students attending a combined primary and secondary school (e.g. K-12 school), report the level of schooling based on the year level they are currently attending. For a person currently studying at home because of lockdowns or other COVID-related reasons, select the type of education institution the person usually attends or is enrolled in.

Question when respondents select 'Primary school'

Educational institution: attendee status example - Primary school response selected
What type of primary school is Person 1 attending? More information Person's primary school type Government Catholic Other non-government

More information - Primary school

Additional information relating to the question on: What type of education institution is the person attending? Primary school response
What type of primary school is Person 1 attending? More information ‘Other non-government’ are independent education institutions, including Anglican schools and other schools which have associations with religious or secular bodies, or are entirely independent.

Question when respondents select 'Secondary school'

Educational institution: attendee status example - Secondary school response selected
What type of secondary school is Person 1 attending? More information Person's secondary school type Government Catholic Other non-government

More information - Secondary school

Additional information relating to the question on: What type of education institution is the person attending? Secondary school response selected
What type of secondary school is Person 1 attending? More information ‘Other non-government’ are independent education institutions, including Anglican schools and other schools which have associations with religious or secular bodies, or are entirely independent.

Question when respondents select 'Tertiary institution'

Educational institution: attendee status example - Tertiary response selected
What type of education institution is Person 1 attending? Include secondary colleges and senior high schools under ‘Secondary school’. For external, online or correspondence students, mark the type of institution in which they are enrolled. More information Person's type of education institution Preschool Primary school Secondary school Tertiary institution (e.g. University and vocational education and training, including TAFE and private training providers) (selected response) Other education institution What type of tertiary education institution is Person 1 attending? Person's tertiary institution type Vocational education and training (including TAFE and private training providers) University or other higher education

How this variable is created

This variable is derived using responses captured from the questions for Type of education institution attending, Full-time/part-time student status and the Age indicated on the Census form.

History and changes

Education institution: attendee status (TYSTAP) was first created for the 2011 Census. 

In 2021 the following changes occurred:

  • Code numbers have been updated to align better with the TYPP variable.
  • Category names have been updated to reflect changes to the question wording (See TYPP).

Also for 2021, primary, secondary and tertiary not further defined fields have been added (categories 29, 39, 61-65) as this question is in two parts on the online form. The not further defined fields will get populated when a person only answers if they are attending an institution but does not specify the type, e.g. Secondary - Catholic.

Data use considerations

There are no data use considerations for this variable.

This variable does not have a non-response rate as it is created during Census processing by using responses from more than one question on the Census form. 

Related variables and glossary terms

  • Age (AGEP)
  • Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)
  • Type of educational institution attending (TYPP)

Useful links