Indicator 4.20 Tertiary educational attainment by sex

The indicator measures the share of the population aged 25-34 who have successfully completed tertiary studies (e.g. at university or a higher technical institution). Tertiary educational attainment refers to ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) 2011 levels 5–8 for data from 2014 onwards and to ISCED 1997 levels 5–6 for data up to 2013. The indicator is based on the EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS).

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 5 on gender equality, which are embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model’ and ‘A new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness’. The Council of the European Union on 26 February 2021 adopted the Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021–2030), a framework that addresses five strategic priorities: (1) Improving quality, equity, inclusion and success for all in education and training; (2) Making lifelong learning and mobility a reality for all; (3) Enhancing competences and motivation in the education profession; (4) Reinforcing European higher education; and (5) Supporting green and digital transitions in and through education and training.

ducation and training are key drivers for growth and jobs as they help to improve employability, productivity, innovation and competitiveness. Continuing education after the basic level is important because people with higher qualifications are more likely to be employed and less likely to face poverty in a knowledge-based economy. People with a low level of education may not only face greater difficulties in the labour market but also have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion. The indicator is included in the Social Scoreboard for the European Pillar of Social Rights.

The long-term objective for this indicator is a value of 52.