Ireland has the largest pay gap between men and women with third level qualifications in the OECD.
'Education at a Glance', which was published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, shows that men educated to third level in Ireland earn more than their female peers.
They also pay more tax overall.
The figures show that women with third level qualifications earn 28% less than their male peers in Ireland.
The study shows the number of women who attend third level is higher in Ireland than men - 51% of women compared to 43% of men.
The figure is higher -60% - among those aged between 25 and 34, while 52% of men in the same age group attain third level qualifications.
Compared to other countries, it is more likely that someone with a third level qualification in Ireland will be employed.
85% of adults who have gone on to third level are in employment - 11 percentage points higher than those who have not.
The earnings advantage for those with third level qualifications in Ireland is also larger than other countries in the OECD.
On average, those with a bachelor's degree earn 81% more than those without a degree.
The OECD average is 44%.
Those who have completed a master's programme can expect to earn twice as much.
