New figures show Ireland has higher rates of third level education compared to other EU countries, with third level attainment rates here well above the European Union average across all age groups.
The data comes from the Central Statistic Office's (CSO) Labour Force Survey quarter two 2024 data and Eurostat data from 2023.
"In Ireland, 63% of 25-34-year-olds had a tertiary level qualification in 2023 compared with the EU-27 average of 43%," CSO statistician Kevin Healy said.
He added: "Overall, for those aged 25-64 years in Q2 2024, more than half had attained a third level education, 13% had an attainment level to PLC (Post Leaving Certificate), 27% attained a secondary level education only, while only 3% attained a primary level or no formal education."
Females across all age groupings, from 25 to 64 years, have higher levels of third level attainment than males.
The data finds some strong regional variations in education levels.
In Dublin, 65% of those aged between 25 and 64 have a third level qualification. The level is lowest across the midlands where just 43% have.
When it comes to second-level education a higher number of Dubliners reported stopping their education directly after secondary school.
Just 23% attained only a secondary level education, compared to 35% of people in the midlands.
Across the country 3% of people aged between 25-64 years have only a primary school education or no formal education at all but that rate differs from region to region.
It rises to 6% in border areas such as Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo, and falls to just 1% among people living in Cork and Kerry.
