Ireland ranked as 'most educated country in the world'
Ireland has been ranked first in a list of the most educated countries in the world.
With college and third-level education essentially seen nowadays as the next logical step to enter the workforce, the number of college-educated people in a country is usually linked with higher productivity and support for economic growth.
Now, findings from CBRE Research found that Ireland's population are the most educated in the world — with 52.4% (1.8million) of the population aged between 25-64 having a bachelor's degree or higher. Ireland has been ranked first in a list of the most educated countries in the world. Pic: Getty
While, of course, the whole numbers of people with bachelors degrees may be higher in countries with a higher number of people, percentage wise Ireland is the most educated; beating out countries such as Switzerland (46%), Singapore (45%), Belgium (44.1%) and the UK (43.6%) who round out the top five.
Europe accounts for six of the top 10 most educated countries in the world, with the United States of America having the third-highest number of educated people (40%) — with over 78million people holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
The figures also found a generational divide in education in Europe, with 82.7% of adults aged 25-54 completing upper secondary education in comparison to those aged 55-74 (70.4%). View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Garron Noone (@garron_music)
When it came to the gender breakdown, women were slightly staying longer in education than men in most European countries, with 49.9% of women aged 25-34 completing higher education, in comparison to 38.7% of men in the same age group.
The full breakdown of the study can be found HERE.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
World's largest car maker confirms it WILL build hot hatch in UK and invest £40million in a new assembly line
THE world's biggest car maker has confirmed it will build a popular hot hatch in the UK from next year as demand soars. Toyota says it will manufacture the GR Corolla from Burnaston, Derbyshire in a bid to ramp up production. Advertisement 3 The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan Credit: Toyota 3 Camry vehicles move down the assembly line at the Toyota Motor Corp. manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky Credit: Getty 3 Toyota's car plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire Credit: PA:Press Association It follows reports that the car maker Toyota has denied that the move is related to Trump's tariffs, which place a 25% import tax on cars from Japan compared to just 10% from the UK. The announcement has further fulled speculation that the popular model, which is currently only available in specific markets, could soon be launched in Europe. The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan - and is exported to North America and certain other markets. Advertisement read more in motors Prototypes were spotted being tested at Germany's Nürburgring last year, leading to speculation of a launch according to Autocar. However, a spokesperson suggested it was standard to test global products there - but did not deny the prospect of a European launch. Toyota currently sells the GR Yaris and the GR Supra in Europe . Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. Advertisement Most read in Motors "We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company." The Burnaston plant currently produces Toyota's Corolla hatchback and estate for British and European markets. Popular car brand to launch new EV as company teases 'hammerhead' design to rival the Volvo EC40 But the proposed new investment could see production rates significantly boosted. Previous Reuters reports suggest that it could give the plant a capacity of 10,000 cars per year. Advertisement The reports add that Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan , which handles GR output, is currently at full capacity. Burnaston built its five millionth car since opening in 1992 last year. Toyota invested a staggering £240million to upgrade the Burnaston plant back in 2017. Then Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said at the time: 'Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyota's decision to invest £240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector. Advertisement "I also welcome the prospect of investment to take Toyota New Global Architecture into the supply chain. "Toyota is one of the world's largest car producers and this inward investment underlines the company's faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK. "As we prepare to leave the EU, this Government is committed through our Industrial Strategy to ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business and we are able to help businesses seize on economic opportunities.'
Agriland
2 hours ago
- Agriland
Is there a way to make farming ‘more attractive' to the next generation?
One of the big questions that Europe is grappling with at the moment is how to make farming 'more attractive' to younger people. We have had the Vision for Agriculture and Food, from the European Commission, which it claims is 'an ambitious roadmap on the future of farming and food in Europe'. In it the commission promises to set out a generational renewal strategy in 2025, which will include 'recommendations on measures needed both at the EU and national/regional level to address the barriers to young and new people' entering farming. The commission also plans to present a proposal for the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which will include measures to support young farmers. Earlier this month the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, hosted a youth policy dialogue with young farmers in Brussels – all participants were below 40 years old in line with the age limit to qualify as a young farmer. One of the key discussions was the current profile and make up of the farming population in Europe. Source: European Commission The dialogue focused on the needs, aspirations, and barriers faced by young people entering or remaining in the farming sector and the commissioner was keen to stress that he is listening to young farmers and taking on board their concerns. What's stopping young people from farming in the future? We asked. They answered—with bold ideas, real challenges & clear demands. From land to credit and skills, they're ready to lead The is listening. The next generation is at the table. Let's keep the momentum going. Christophe Hansen (@CHansenEU) May 7, 2025 Closer to home the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has said that an independent commission report on generational renewal in farming here is set to be released before the end of next month. The commission, which was established last October, 2024, has according to Minister Heydon adopted an 'objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved'. Earlier this year the minister also awarded over €1.5 million for three new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects on the theme of generational renewal. These projects include: Farm Forward: Connecting Generations and Farming for the Future – which is a partnership between Ballyhoura Development; Teagasc; Dairygold; some farm organisations; and Cork and Limerick county councils, among others; Renewal in Agriculture through Intergenerational Support & Empowerment' (RAISE), – operated by the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council; the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS); Teagasc; Aurivo; and Dairygold, among others; Using Share Farming to Facilitate Generational Renewal – which is operated by the Land Mobility Service; Succession Ireland; Teagasc; Lakeland Dairies; and Macra, among others. But while discussions at home and further afield continue on the theme of generational renewal in farming a leading rural sociologist was in Ireland this week to share what he believes needs to be done to make agriculture 'more attractive'. Professor Frank Vanclay (centre) with Dr. Áine Macken-Walsh, Teagasc sociologist and Paul Maher, head of international relations and corporate strategy in Teagasc Source: Teagasc Professor Frank Vanclay from the University of Groningen shared a 'framework' which offers concrete guidance for designing CAP measures, extension services, and innovation programmes which he believes could reverse the trend of agricultural decline and 'youth disengagement' from farming. Speaking at Teagasc's Mellows Campus Prof. Vanclay said the framework revolves around four key principles including: Making farming attractive beyond economics ; Addressing structural disadvantages; Farmer-led innovation systems; Simplifying policy implementation. Farming and the next generation According to Prof. Vanclay getting young people into agriculture requires 'addressing emotional, cultural and identity' aspects of farming and not just economic incentives. 'Sustainability means staying on the farm', he said and policies should take on board the 'deep desire of farmers' to hand their farm over to their children – but at the same time there needs to be policies that appeal to women farmers and non-traditional farm workers. The leading rural sociologist also warned that complex and inflexible programmes reduce farmer trust and participation. He has called for 'simpler, context-sensitive programmes co-designed with farmers to enhance both legitimacy and effectiveness'. He also cautioned that while crucial discussions are underway in Ireland and across Europe to encourage younger people to go into farming and to stick with it, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to this issue. Instead Prof. Vanclay said 'differentiated support tailored to specific farming styles and local contexts' is crucial to attract the next generation of farmers whether this is in Ireland or other European countries.
Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Solar continues to power growth in the renewable industry both domestically and worldwide
The Irish solar energy market has bolstered the renewable energy sector, which has otherwise been mired by planning delays and economic volatility in recent years, and the momentum is set to continue during 2025. Solar prices are expected to decrease by another 25% this year, while battery innovations transform energy storage possibilities, according to analysis from PwC. Solar has become a go-to climate action measure for both industry and households to save costs and be more sustainable as the minimum cost for PV systems comes to around €7,000 while grants cut the cost further. Despite growing demand for solar, the Irish market has proven to be a difficult one for developers as it offers among the highest developer risk profiles and longest development timelines of any territory, PwC found. This is reflected in auction prices around €104/MWh — significantly higher than European averages of €60-70/MWh. Under the current circumstances, Ireland risks missing its 2030 solar PV climate target of 8 GW by up to 2.9 GW, according to a report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Ireland surpassed 1GW of solar generation connected to the grid for the first time last year and A&L Goodbody, a corporate law firm, said it expects solar generation to 'continue to expand rapidly with over 959 MW of solar projects successfully receiving offers' in the Government's fourth Renewable Energy Support Scheme (Ress) auction RESS 4. This would represent over 70% of the total offer quantity in that latest round. Meanwhile, Clonfad Solar Farm, expected to be the largest solar farm in Ireland, is currently under construction in Co. Westmeath. The project is led by Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, Statkraft, and has a potential capacity of 175 MW when operational. The development will consist of 300,000 solar panels and will create more than 250 jobs during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project. Another European renewable industry titan, Ørsted, began construction of the first phase of its first Irish solar farm last year. Garreenleen Solar Farm is located just outside Carlow town and has the potential to power more than 29,000 homes with clean energy through 81 MW capacity. Phase 1 is set to become operational in 2026. Ørsted currently operates 378 MW of onshore wind across the island of Ireland, producing enough green power for over 246,000 homes. Ørsted's Irish headquarters are based in Cork City, where it employs over 100 people. Elsewhere, Power Capital Renewable Energy's Lysaghtstown Solar Farm in Cork is also under construction. The project has the capacity for 131 MW and is set to be operational this year. Separately, Cork is set to see a significant jump in solar capacity, as several new farms are planned for this year. In one example, a 100 MW solar farm is set to be the largest in the region, according to Irish Wind, a firm that specialises in wind turbine and solar PV installations. This promised solar farm is set to provide power to thousands of homes and boost Cork as a major economic hub. However, solar development in Ireland goes hand-in-hand with battery storage systems. Ireland only gets so much sunlight throughout the year. Ireland hit a new high for the level of energy produced by solar power in March, according to EirGrid. Without battery storage systems in place though, excess green energy produced on months like these will be lost. Rob Costello, partner, PwC. Further analysis from PwC partner Rob Costello signalled battery storage developers 'initially found Ireland's clear regulatory framework attractive,' with companies like Hanwha Energy Corporation investing over €300m. 'However, recent changes to market support mechanisms have created uncertainty around revenue streams, challenging project bankability,' he said. One solution to the battery storage issue could be the use of so-called hybrids. The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities' (CRU) second Hybrids Consultation closed in April and a successful outcome will allow onshore technologies to co-locate behind a single connection point. Hybrids enable storage of surplus solar energy for use during peak demand periods, or to complement daytime solar with nighttime wind generation, according to the Irish Solar Energy Association. 'This extends availability of renewable electricity and reduces dependency on fossil-fuel-based backup power,' said the organisation. Energy Storage Ireland currently estimates that there are 5.2 GW of operational wind and solar that could incorporate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and extend the availability of renewable electricity. While other sources of renewable energy including onshore and offshore wind continue to decarbonise electricity supply in Ireland, it has become a laborious process to get these major projects off the ground. Wind energy developers have been severely impacted by chronic planning shortages and 'not-in-my-backyard' or NIMBY rejections. However, solar continues to attract customers, likely driven by factors such as cost and easier installation. Solar power has become the 'engine of the global energy transition,' according to a major report by not-for-profit think tank Ember. Clean power surpassed 40% of global electricity generation last year as renewables, solar in particular, witnessed record growth, the report found. The report showed solar generation has maintained its high growth rate, doubling in the last three years, and adding more electricity than any other source over that period while demand continued to soar. Surging demand for electricity was fuelled by the Tech industry, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, data centres, electric vehicles and heat pumps. This consumption outpaced the generation of clean electricity last year. The report also found that the main reason why electricity demand growth was elevated in 2024 compared to 2023 was an increase in air conditioning use during heatwaves, as climate change continues to create unmanageable weather. 'Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we're very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025,' said Phil MacDonald, Ember managing director. 'The world is watching how technologies like AI and EVs will drive electricity demand. It's clear that booming solar and wind are comfortably set to deliver, and those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed,' he said. Global solar power capacity reached 1 TW in 2022 after decades of growth, but reached 2 TW only two years later, in 2024.
