Educational attainment of the population, 1 October 2004

More than 45 per cent of women aged 25-29 years have completed a tertiary education. In comparison, less than 18 per cent of women aged 60-66 years have completed an education at this level. The corresponding figures for men reveal much smaller differences. In the 16-49 age group, more women than men have completed a tertiary education, whereas men are in the majority among people aged 50 and over.

Education levels continue to rise

At 1 October 2004, 24 per cent of the Norwegian population over the age of 15 had completed a tertiary education. Twenty years earlier this figure was less than 13 per cent. More men than women have a long tertiary education: whereas 7 per cent of men had completed a tertiary education of more than four years in 2004, the corresponding figure for women was approximately 3 per cent. However, women are in the majority among those who have completed a tertiary education of four years or less. Whereas 21 per cent of women had completed an education at this level, the corresponding figure for men was approximately 16 per cent.

Regional differences

At 18 per cent, the counties of Hedmark, Oppland and Nordland have the lowest proportion of inhabitants with a tertiary education. Oslo and Akershus, on the other hand, have the highest proportion, at 38 and 29 per cent respectively. The latter two also have the highest number of people with unknown or no completed education, but they are not included in these figures. Oslo and Akershus are also the only counties where a larger proportion of men than women have completed a tertiary education.

Tables:

• Table 1 Persons 16 years and above, by level of education, gender and county of residence. 1 October 2004
• Table 2 Persons 16 years and above by level of education and municipality of residence. 1 October 2004
• Table 3 Persons 16 years and above by highest attained level of education, gender and age. 1 October 2004. Per cent
• Table 4 Persons 16 years and above by highest attained level of education (level and field of education). 1 October 2004