In 2024, Cyprus ranked third in the European Union for tertiary education completion, with 60.1% of young adults aged 25–34 holding a higher education qualification. Only Ireland (65.2%) and Luxembourg (63.8%) achieved higher rates, according to Eurostat data.

The tertiary education completion rate measures the share of people aged 25–34 who have obtained a higher education degree. Eurostat uses this indicator to monitor progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which aims to ensure inclusive, lifelong access to quality education and to equip young people and adults with the skills needed for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

In 2024, the EU’s tertiary education completion rate stood at 44.1%, a notable rise from 39.6% in 2019. Eurostat notes that this progress places the EU on track to meet the European Education Area 2030 target, which aims for at least 45% completion by that year.

The lowest rates in 2024 were recorded in Romania (23.2%), Italy (31.6%), and Hungary (32.3%).

A significant gender gap persists across the EU, with 49.8% of women completing tertiary education compared to 38.6% of men. Women outperformed men in all member states.

The widest gaps—over 20 percentage points—were observed in:

• Slovenia: 55.7% (women) vs. 32% (men)

• Latvia: 56.8% vs. 33.9%

• Estonia: 53.9% vs. 32.3%

• Croatia: 50.1% vs. 29.6%