WILLEMSTAD – Vocational education remains the most common level of schooling among adults in Curaçao, while younger generations are increasingly obtaining higher education degrees, according to the first results of the Enkuesta Sosial 2025 published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
The survey found that more than 20 percent of residents aged 15 and older reported lower vocational education (LBO) as their highest level of education, making it the most common educational background on the island. Secondary vocational education (SBO) ranked second among the most frequently completed levels of study.
At the same time, the report shows that more than one in five residents has pursued higher education at the bachelor's or master's level, reflecting a growing share of the population with advanced qualifications.
The CBS also identified significant differences between generations.
Among residents aged 65 and older, primary education or lower vocational education is most often the highest level of schooling attained. In contrast, younger generations are considerably more likely to have completed vocational training or higher education.
People in their thirties and forties have the highest proportion of bachelor's and master's degree holders, suggesting that access to tertiary education has expanded over the past several decades.
According to the CBS, the survey measured the highest level of education attended, regardless of whether respondents obtained a diploma.
The findings are based on responses from approximately 1,700 households that participated in the Enkuesta Sosial 2025 at the end of last year.
The education figures are part of the first release of the nationwide social survey. The CBS said additional results covering topics such as employment and housing will be published at a later date.