Adult Education Survey 2022

This chapter takes a comparative approach, looking at the key adult learning statistics across the European Union. It gives a benchmark, enabling us to assess Ireland's position relative to the EU-27 average and other member states.

Ireland is ranked 6th in the EU-27 for participation in lifelong learning

• Participation in lifelong learning among adults aged 25-69 in Ireland in 2022 (52%) was higher the EU-27 average of 44% and Ireland ranked 6th among the 27 EU countries.
• Sweden reported the highest participation rate in lifelong learning in 2022 (70%) while Greece reported the lowest (15%). See Figure 7.1 & Table 7.1.

Sweden reported the highest participation rate in non-formal education

• Participation in non-formal education for adults aged 25-69 in Ireland (48%) was higher the EU-27 average of 41% and Ireland ranked 7th among the 27 countries.
• Sweden reported the highest participation rate in non-formal education in 2022 (62%) while Greece reported the lowest (13%). See Figure 7.2 & Table 7.2.

Ireland is ranked 6th in the EU-27 for participation in formal education

• Participation in formal education for adults aged 25-69 in Ireland (10%) was higher than the EU-27 average of 6% and Ireland ranked 6th among the 27 countries.
• Sweden reported the highest participation rate in formal education in 2022 (19%) while Romania reported the lowest (1%). See Figure 7.3 & Table 7.3.