Nicosia: Cyprus ranks 15th among EU countries in terms of adult participation in learning activities, according to the results of the Adult Education Survey 2022, published by the Statistical Service on Wednesday. The survey highlights the participation rates in both Formal and Non-Formal Education among adults aged 18-69.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the survey results show that 46.9% of the Cypriot population engaged in either Formal or Non-Formal education and training. For men, the participation rate was 53.9%, while for women it was 40.3%. In comparison, the average participation rates for the EU-27 were 47.5% for the total population, 47% for men, and 48% for women.
Formal Education is defined as learning activities within the formal education system, encompassing all educational institutions from primary to tertiary levels. Non-Formal Education, on the other hand, includes structured learning activities outside the formal system, such as seminars, conferences, and training courses.
The survey found that 12% of the population aged 18-69 participated in Formal Education, with men at 11.8% and women at 12.2%. The EU averages were slightly higher, at 12.2% overall, 11.5% for men, and 13% for women. Notably, the highest participation in Formal Education was among those aged 18-24, with Cyprus at 61.6% and the EU at 64.3%.
In Non-Formal Education, 39.2% of the Cypriot population participated, with a notable gender disparity: 46.1% of men compared to 32.8% of women. For the EU, these rates were 41.8% overall, 41.6% for men, and 42% for women. The highest engagement in Non-Formal Education was found among individuals aged 25-54, employees, and those with tertiary education, reflecting trends across EU countries.