Cyprus ranks third in the EU in higher education attainment

According to Eurostat, in 2024 Cyprus ranked third among European Union countries in higher education attainment — 60.1% of adults aged 25–34 have completed higher education, behind only Ireland (65.2%) and Luxembourg (63.8%).

The higher education attainment indicator reflects the share of young people with tertiary education and is used as a key measure within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 — ensuring quality education for all and developing skills necessary for employment and entrepreneurship.

On average across the EU, the higher education attainment rate for the 25–34 age group rose to 44.1% in 2024, significantly higher than 39.6% in 2019. This demonstrates steady progress by the EU towards the target set in the “European Education Area 2030” strategy, which aims for at least 45% attainment.

Countries with the lowest levels include Romania (23.2%), Italy (31.6%), and Hungary (32.3%).

In addition, a significant gender gap persists in the EU: women reach a higher education attainment rate of 49.8%, compared to just 38.6% for men. The largest gaps (over 20 percentage points) are observed in Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia, and Croatia.