VET qualification completion rates improve

Media release

7 September 2021

The completion rate for nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications has risen slightly, according to new data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

VET qualification completion rates 2019 shows 43.4% of all VET qualifications started in 2016 were completed, compared with 42.9% of qualifications started in 2015.

Completion rates are based on calculations that match commencements with completions using student and qualification identifiers over four years. This timeframe provides sufficient time for most VET students to complete their qualification.

The completion rate was higher for training package qualifications started in 2016 (at 44.2%) than for accredited qualifications (at 36.9%). Compared with qualifications started in 2015, completion rates for both types of qualifications have improved, slightly more so for training package qualifications (up from 43.6%) than accredited qualifications (up from 36.4%).

By level of education, completion rates were highest for certificate IV (48.4%), followed by certificate III (45.2%) and diploma or higher (45.2%) qualifications that started in 2016.

Comparison of completion rates for VET qualifications started in 2016 with those started in 2015 by funding source shows completion rates for:

  • government-funded qualifications undertaken by domestic students are down to 46.7% from 48.5%
  • fee-for-service qualifications undertaken by domestic students are up to 35.8% from 34.7%.

The publication also provides projected completion rates for VET qualifications commenced in 2017, 2018 and 2019, where observed actual completion rates are not yet available.

VIEW: VET qualification completion rates 2019

Data products and resources for this release:

Enquiries: Deanne Loan M: 0413 523 691 E: deanneloan@ncver.edu.au


About NCVER: we are the main provider of researchstatistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.

This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.