Education in Northwest Territories, Canada: official figures
57% of adults aged 25 to 64 in the Northwest Territories had a tertiary qualification (a college diploma or university degree) in 2025; 3rd lowest of 13 provinces and territories. The Canadian figure was 64%, and the OECD average was 41% in 2023.
Is education attainment rising in the Northwest Territories?
The share of 25- to 64-year-olds in the Northwest Territories with a tertiary qualification rose from 47% in 2015 to 57% in 2025 (Canada: 55% to 64%).
Source: Statistics Canada · saved copyHow many people in the Northwest Territories have a university degree?
In 2025, 23% of adults aged 25 to 64 in the Northwest Territories held a bachelor's degree as their highest qualification and 10% a master's or doctoral degree (Canada: 25% and 14%).
Source: Statistics Canada · saved copyHow educated are young adults in the Northwest Territories?
Among younger adults aged 25 to 34, 54% in the Northwest Territories had a tertiary qualification in 2025 (tied for 2nd lowest of 13 provinces and territories; Canada: 68%).
Source: Statistics Canada · saved copyAre women or men more educated in the Northwest Territories?
In 2025, 66% of women aged 25 to 64 in the Northwest Territories had a tertiary qualification, against 48% of men (Canada: 71% of women and 57% of men).
Source: Statistics Canada · saved copyHow Northwest Territories compares with other territories
Share of adults aged 25 to 64 with a tertiary (college or university) qualification, 2025 (2025)
Northwest Territories ranks 11 of 13, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Share of adults aged 25 to 64 with a tertiary (college or university) qualification, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Alberta | 59% |
| 8 | Manitoba | 59% |
| 9 | Quebec | 58% |
| 10 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 58% |
| 11 | Northwest Territories | 57% |
| 12 | Saskatchewan | 53% |
| 13 | Nunavut | 33% |
Share of adults aged 25 to 64 without a high school diploma, 2025 (2025)
Northwest Territories ranks 2 of 13, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Share of adults aged 25 to 64 without a high school diploma, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nunavut | 42% |
| 2 | Northwest Territories | 15% |
| 3 | Quebec | 9% |
| 4 | Manitoba | 8% |
| 5 | New Brunswick | 8% |
| 6 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 8% |
| 7 | Saskatchewan | 7% |
Share of adults aged 25 to 34 with a tertiary qualification, 2025 (2025)
Northwest Territories ranks 12 of 13, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Share of adults aged 25 to 34 with a tertiary qualification, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Newfoundland and Labrador | 62% |
| 8 | Alberta | 61% |
| 9 | Quebec | 60% |
| 10 | Manitoba | 59% |
| 11 | Saskatchewan | 54% |
| 12 | Northwest Territories | 54% |
| 13 | Nunavut | 23% |
More on Northwest Territories: overview · economy and jobs · health · poverty and living standards · government budget · Canada
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0130-01: Educational attainment of the population aged 25 to 64, by age group and gender, Canada, provinces and territories (Web Data Service extract), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 aca527f04949…)
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