Educational Attainment Trends Among Black Canadians
According to the 2021 Census data, nearly one-third (32.4%) of the Black population aged 25 to 64 holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, a notable increase from 27.0% in 2016 and 19.9% in 2006. This educational attainment level aligns closely with the 2021 average for the total population aged 25 to 64 (32.9%).
The surge in educational achievement within the Black community is partly attributed to the influx of highly educated Black immigrants in recent years. Approximately 46% of Black immigrants who arrived between 2016 and 2021 possessed a bachelor’s degree or higher.
In contrast, among the Black third generation-or-more population (individuals born in Canada with both parents also born in Canada), the proportion holding a bachelor’s degree or higher was lower at 15.8%, compared to 24.0% among the overall third generation-or-more population in Canada.
Notably, the percentage of Black women in the third generation-or-more group with a bachelor’s degree or higher exhibited significant growth, rising from 10.1% in 2006 to 18.7% in 2021. In comparison, the increase among men in the same category was more modest, climbing from 10.8% in 2006 to 12.8% in 2021.
These educational trends underscore the evolving landscape of educational attainment within the Black population in Canada, reflecting the intersection of immigration patterns, generational differences, and gender dynamics. The data highlights the importance of considering these factors in crafting targeted policies and programs to further enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for Black individuals across various segments of Canadian society.
Sources:
- Highest level of education by census year, visible minority, and generation status: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas, and census agglomerations
- Labour force status by visible minority, immigrant status and period of immigration, highest level of education, age, and gender: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas, and census agglomerations with parts
