Education Participation Rates, Australia 1997

provides a comprehensive statistical picture of participation in education in Australia, covering every age group and all levels of institutions over the 1980s and 1990s.

Key findings include:

Participation in education

In 1997, 20.9 per cent of 15-64 year olds participated in education in Australia, up from 17.8 per cent in 1985.

Growth in educational participation has been greatest amongst those aged 20-24 years, with participation in education among this group rising from 23.3 per cent in 1985 to 32.8 per cent in 1997.

Post-compulsory school participation amongst 15-19 year olds rose from 41.3 per cent in 1985, to 49.5 per cent in 1997. The rate of participation in school by 17 year olds rose from 38.0 per cent in 1985 to 60.6 per cent in 1993, and has since fluctuated around 60 per cent.

TAFE participation rates have remained relatively stable for the 15-64 year old population.

Higher education participation has increased for all age groups, but the growth has been particularly marked amongst older teenagers and young adults. The participation rate of 15-19 year olds in higher education increased from 6.5 per cent to 10.7 per cent between 1985 and 1997, and that of 20-24 year olds rose from 9.1 per cent to 15.0 per cent.

Educational attainment

The proportion of the population with bachelor degrees or higher has risen dramatically, from 5.8 per cent of the population aged 15 years and over in 1982, to 14.3 per cent of 15-64 year olds in 1998. The rate of increase has become more rapid since about 1987.

The proportion of the population which left school before Year 12 and has no post-school qualifications has been steadily declining since 1982, from 53.4 per cent of persons aged 15 years and over to 34.2 per cent of all 15-64 year olds in 1998.

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