WILLEMSTAD – Attending a higher level of education does not necessarily mean completing it, and Curaçao's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) is drawing attention to this important distinction in its latest study of the island's educational qualifications.
The new publication, "Education in Curaçao: From Attendance to Completion," examines both the highest level of education residents have attended and the highest level they have successfully completed.
The study focuses on Curaçao residents aged 15 and older and uses information collected during the Enkuesta Sosial 2025, a household survey conducted between September and November 2025.
According to CBS, distinguishing between educational attendance and completion is essential for understanding the population's qualifications and identifying issues that may require attention from educational policymakers.
Attending Higher Education Does Not Always Result in a Diploma
CBS explains that the highest level of education attended refers to the most advanced educational program in which a person has participated, regardless of whether that program was completed.
The highest completed educational level, by contrast, refers to the most advanced qualification the individual has successfully obtained.
For example, someone who enrolled in a bachelor's degree program but did not graduate would still be classified as having attended higher education.
However, if that person's highest completed qualification was HAVO or VWO secondary education, their completed educational level would remain at that level.
The distinction means that statistics based exclusively on school attendance could present a different picture of the population's qualifications than statistics based on completed diplomas.
By examining both measures, CBS aims to provide a more accurate understanding of educational attainment in Curaçao.
The information is particularly relevant for policymakers seeking to assess educational progression, qualification levels, and the relationship between education and employment opportunities.
Education Data Important for Labor Market Planning
CBS emphasizes that information about educational qualifications plays an important role in developing education policy and understanding the labor market.
Employers depend on workers with different levels of education and training, while government institutions need reliable information to determine where additional educational opportunities may be necessary.
The study provides an overview of the qualifications currently represented among Curaçao's residents.
According to the findings, the largest educational categories are foundational education, lower vocational education, intermediate vocational education, and general secondary education.
Among residents aged 15 and older, 19.1 percent have foundational education as their highest completed level, while 18.1 percent have completed lower vocational education.
Intermediate vocational education at MBO/SBO levels 2 through 4 accounts for 16.3 percent, and another 15.4 percent have completed MAVO, VMBO, VSBO, or comparable secondary education.
At the higher education level, 11.9 percent have a bachelor's degree as their highest completed qualification, 6.1 percent have a master's degree, and 0.1 percent have completed a PhD.
These figures provide a snapshot of completed qualifications but do not, by themselves, establish how many students abandoned their studies or why some individuals did not obtain a diploma.
A more detailed comparison between the levels attended and completed would be needed to assess the extent of non-completion across different educational categories.
Comparing Curaçao With Other Countries
The CBS publication also places Curaçao's educational profile in a broader international context.
The report includes comparisons with the Caribbean Netherlands and countries affiliated with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
These comparisons are intended to help policymakers and researchers understand how Curaçao's educational attainment compares with that of other countries and territories.
The study also uses information from Curaçao's 2023 Census where relevant, allowing the latest survey findings to be considered alongside earlier population data.
The 2025 Social Survey involved approximately 3,100 households and provides updated information about the island's educational characteristics.
For the government, educational institutions, and employers, the publication offers a statistical foundation for evaluating education and training needs.
It may also help guide discussions about access to education, vocational development, opportunities for adult learning, and the qualifications required by Curaçao's economy.
CBS has made the full publication available at www.cbs.cw. Additional explanations of Curaçao's educational levels and the abbreviations used in the report can be found at www.cbs.cw/ondewijsniveau-op-curacao.