People with or working towards a non-school qualification (WTNSQP)

This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: What type of education institution is Person 1 attending? 

Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: Include secondary colleges and senior high schools under the ‘Secondary school’ category. For external, online or correspondence students, mark the type of institution in which they are enrolled. 

Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: 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. 

The response options are: Preschool; Primary school; Secondary school; Tertiary institution (e.g. University and vocational education and training, including TAFE and private training providers); Other education institution. 

This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: Has Person 1 completed any educational qualification? 

Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: 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. 

The response options are: No; No, still studying for first qualification; Yes, trade certificate/apprenticeship; Yes, other qualification (certificate, diploma or degree). 

This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: What is the level of the highest qualification Person 1 has completed? 

Underneath the text, the instructional text states: For example: Trade Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Associate Diploma, Certificate II, Advanced Diploma. 

Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: 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. 

The response option is: Level of qualification, followed by a free text field.