Last updated: February 15th, 2026
You must always include education on your resume. Even if it’s limited. Even if you haven’t graduated. But you must keep it tight – there is such a thing as overstuffing your resume education section with unrelated crap.
Let me explain.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly how to impress hiring managers and recruiters by presenting your education perfectly.
Do you want expert help with writing your resume? Consider using my:
- Recommended free resume builder, if you’re on a budget.
- Premium resume writing service, if you’re a mid-career professional.
- Executive resume writing service, if you’re a senior leader.
Important!
Don’t have the best grades? Don’t worry, and include it anyway. Often, it’s your commitment to finishing the course (not your results per se) that makes the right impression.
What To Include In Your Resume Education Section?
This is pretty simple.
Include the name of the course, the years you attended and the institution.
The exact details you include will depend on your level of seniority – I’ll explain why below.
| Detail | Example |
|---|---|
| Institution + location | The University of Sydney, NSW. |
| Years attended | 2004-2010. (Finish with your graduation year). |
| Name of degree attained | Graduate Diploma of Psychology, eMBa, Master of Accounting |
| Majors/minors | Business Negotiation |
| Overall score | GPA 5 |
Expert tip.
Do not list your high school education – unless you’re a recent graduate.
Should You List Every Degree Or Diploma You Received?
This depends on your level of seniority:
- If you’re 18 and applying for your first job, list all of your education, ever.
- If you’re a Sales Director with 20 years of experience under your belt, no one wants to know about the Certificate IV in Bartending you did after High School.
For example, this is what Elon Musk’s education would look like on his resume (if the Twitter deal tanks, he might need one):
Above: The simple and effective way to present education on your resume. Don’t overcomplicate things.
However, as you gain more experience, you can omit chosen degrees and diplomas and focus on the ones directly relevant to the applied job.
A master’s degree, for example, would feature higher on a page.
Important!
Employers want to know that you have a Growth Mindset – meaning you’re willing to look at the areas of your role you can improve. Expanding your skill set is a lifelong commitment.
Does Listing Education On Your Resume Help You Get Hired?
Yes and no.
Let me put it this way. Education is not a substitute for commercial experience – especially in Australia.
Here, recruiters value real-life experience you gained in the trenches. Not pie-in-the-sky academic knowledge you obtained at uni.
However, a recent course (e.g., Master of Management from AIM) can help an already excellent candidate get an edge over the competition.
(Related: How To Write Your First Resume).
Where On Your Resume Should You List Education?
At the back of the resume. Unless you’re a recent graduate, resist the temptation to place your education section on the front page of your resume.
(The front page is your resume’s most precious real estate. You must use it to showcase the positive impact you’ve had on your previous employers.
This is the best way to organise your resume sections:
- Header. Personal details and a short introduction at the top.
- Profile. Your value proposition and a few differentiators.
- Employment Snapshot. Your most recent 3-4 roles.
- Key Assets. Your biggest wins.
- Professional History. Your roles, in reverse-chronological order.
- Education. Also in reverse chronological order.
Should You Include Short Courses?
Possibly. Are you tired of my nuanced answers yet?
Education isn’t limited to long-term university degrees or schooling. If you have been adding to your skill set, consider including the following:
- Business administration courses.
- Creative workshops like photography, videography and audio editing.
- Any doula, meditation or spiritual courses.
- Fitness courses such as personal training, pilates, boxing, yoga, or teacher training.
However, be mindful not to dilute your personal brand. The education you include must reinforce – not distract from – your career story.
Above: You can split your short courses into a separate “Professional Development” section underneath.
I recently had a client who is applying for an Operations Director position with an ASX200 company. She has a strong management background, but also worked as a group fitness instructor at Orange Theory on the side.
I definitely did NOT include her fitness courses in her corporate resume.
(Related: How To Show Hard Skills On Your Resume).
How Should You List Incomplete Education?
Yes.
Remember, the subjects you completed (or credits) will be valuable to your application.
Important!
An extended period where you haven’t been working or studying is a red flag for most employers. You should explain any ‘time black holes’ where possible.
When listing incomplete education:
- If you are still a university student: List your expected graduation date. Applying for jobs in the final semester of university is common, and many employers accept undergraduates to entry-level positions before they graduate. However, these positions are usually contingent on completing your degree.
- If you graduated: Provide details of your degree and what you have been doing since (for instance, if you took time out to raise a family or took a gap year). If you did not complete your course, list relevant subjects you completed as part of your degree.
Important!
Avoid explaining why you didn’t complete your degree in your resume. Simply be prepared for a hiring manager to ask you this in an interview, and have talking points ready to discuss.
Final Thoughts On Showcasing Education On Your Resume.
Learning how to write a resume is crucial to your success in the professional world, especially if you’re a recent graduate.
We have many resume guides that you can find below:
Writing a high-quality resume allows you to present your experience in a way that entices employers to hire you.
Make sure your education and achievements stand out from the crowd, and include other life experiences demonstrating your character and desire to grow.
Irene
