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Tag: tertiary education

  • Tertiary education — Cyprus Achieves Third Highest Tertiary Education Completion Rate in EU at 60.1%

    Tertiary education — Cyprus Achieves Third Highest Tertiary Education Completion Rate in EU at 60.1%

    In 2024, Cyprus ranked third in the EU regarding tertiary education completion rates, achieving 60.1%. This impressive figure places the nation behind only Ireland, which leads at 65.2%, and Luxembourg at 63.8%, according to data from Eurostat.

    The tertiary education completion rate reflects the percentage of individuals aged 25 to 34 who have successfully obtained a higher education qualification. This metric serves as a key indicator of progress towards the fourth Sustainable Development Goal, which emphasises the importance of quality education for all.

    The EU as a whole has also shown commendable progress, with the tertiary education completion rate rising to 44.1% in 2024. This marks a notable increase from 39.6% in 2019, suggesting that the EU is on course to meet its 2030 target of achieving at least 45%.

    However, the statistics reveal disparities among member states. Romania, Italy, and Hungary reported the lowest completion rates, standing at 23.2%, 31.6%, and 32.3% respectively. Such figures highlight the varying levels of educational achievement across the continent.

    Gender differences in educational attainment also present a significant concern. Across the EU, women recorded a completion rate of 49.8%, while men lagged behind at 38.6%. This trend indicates that young women are outpacing their male counterparts in obtaining tertiary qualifications.

    Some countries exhibit a pronounced gender gap. Slovenia, for example, shows a staggering difference of over 20 percentage points, with women achieving a completion rate of 55.7% compared to just 32% for men. Similar gaps are evident in Latvia, Estonia, and Croatia, where young women consistently exceed young men in educational attainment.

    As Cyprus continues to excel in educational achievements, the importance of access to quality education remains paramount. The focus now shifts to maintaining these high standards and addressing the existing inequalities, particularly in gender representation within higher education.

  • International students — Cyprus Ranks Third in EU for International Students

    International students — Cyprus Ranks Third in EU for International Students

    Cyprus has emerged as a leading destination for international students, ranking third among EU member states with nearly one in four university students hailing from abroad, according to Eurostat data released on Friday.

    Prominent Statistics Highlighting Cyprus’ Appeal

    In 2023, Cyprus welcomed a significant number of international students, with the figure standing at 22.3% of its total tertiary education enrolment. This statistic is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as an attractive locale for higher education.

    Across the EU, the total number of foreign students engaged in tertiary-level studies reached 1.76 million, making up 8.4% of all students. These numbers reflect a broader trend towards the internationalisation of higher education across Europe.

    Leading EU Nations in International Student Enrolment

    Luxembourg leads the EU with a remarkable 52.3% of its tertiary students coming from foreign countries, making it the most internationalised higher education system in the bloc. Malta follows closely with 29.6%, while Cyprus occupies a commendable third place.

    This trend contrasts sharply with Greece, Croatia, and Spain, which reported much lower percentages of international students, at 3%, 3.7%, and 4.3% respectively. This disparity highlights Cyprus’s unique positioning within the region.

    Origin of International Students in Europe

    The majority of foreign students in EU universities come from within Europe. Slovakia boasts the highest percentage of European students at 91.3%, followed by Slovenia at 89.4% and Croatia at 89%. This indicates strong intra-European mobility among students.

    In contrast, students from Asia dominate in countries like Ireland, Finland, and Germany, with notable percentages of 45%, 43.35%, and 40.1% respectively. This diverse influx enriches the cultural fabric of educational institutions across the continent.

    Regional Trends in International Student Demographics

    France and Portugal present interesting statistics as well, with more than half of the foreign students in France (52.3%) originating from Africa. Similarly, Africa also constitutes the largest group of foreign students in Portugal, at 42.1%. This trend signifies the growing educational connections between these regions.

    Spain shows a different demographic, with a substantial 46.7% of its foreign tertiary students coming from the Caribbean, Central, and South America. This highlights the varied international student landscapes across Europe.

    Cyprus’ Growing Reputation

    The data signifies a notable shift towards the internationalisation of Cypriot universities, making them appealing to foreign students seeking quality education in a diverse environment. The Cypriot education system’s capacity to attract such a significant proportion of international students is indicative of its strengths and the efforts made to enhance its global outreach.