In the context of the preparation of the next Census[1] in 2021, Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, is exploring the different possibilities of using various administrative databases in order to obtain information related to education. Pending the publication of the final figures for the reference year 2021, we present here the results for the year 2017, focusing on the population aged 25 and over, considering that from that age onwards the majority of the population has left school.
One third is highly educated
In Belgium, in 2017, 29% of the population aged 25 and over holds a higher education diploma, 28% has successfully completed secondary education and 31% has at best a lower secondary education diploma. For 12% of the population is the education level unknown.
Disparities between municipalities
However, the municipalities with the highest proportion of highly educated people are found in Flanders: Sint-Martens-Latem (53.2%), Oud-Heverlee (52.9%) and De Pinte (52.1%); the top three Walloon municipalities being Lasne (50.2%), Chaumont-Gistoux (49.3%) and Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve (48.9%). Watermael-Boisfort (44.2%), Woluwé-Saint-Pierre (43.2%) and Auderghem (40.1%) are the three best ranked Brussels municipalities.
Younger generations more often highly qualified
41% of 30-34 year olds are highly qualified. This percentage decreases continuously with each age group to only 10% of those aged 80 and over.
[1] The Census is a ten-year snapshot of the Belgian population on 1 January, i.e. all inhabitants of the Belgian territory, whatever their nationality. The Census provides a wide range of figures on housing, demographic and socio-economic characteristics.