* Education is the process of learning and acquiring knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. It's a broad term encompassing a wide range of experiences, from formal schooling to informal learning through life experiences. It's the *journey*.
* Qualification is a formal certification or credential awarded after completing a specific educational program or demonstrating competence in a particular field. It's the *destination* or a marker of achievement that demonstrates you've completed a particular set of learning experiences. It's proof of having undergone education to a certain level.
Think of it this way:
* You can have a lot of education without any formal qualifications. For example, you might be highly knowledgeable about a subject through self-study or work experience, but lack a diploma or certificate to prove it.
* You can have qualifications without a comprehensive education. You might have a degree, but lack a deep understanding of the subject matter, or the ability to apply your knowledge effectively. This highlights the possibility of rote learning vs. genuine comprehension.
In short: Education is the process, qualification is the outcome (or proof of completing a stage of the process). You need education to obtain qualifications, but education is far broader than just acquiring formal qualifications.