highly educated — Cyprus has distinguished itself in the tech sector, showcasing one of the most highly educated workforces in Europe. According to Eurostat, employment in information and communication technology (ICT) across the EU reached 3.4 million by 2025, reflecting a 5.1 per cent increase from the previous year.
Highly educated: Impressive Educational Attainment in Cyprus
In this landscape, Cyprus stands out, with an astounding 96.4 per cent of its ICT-educated workers holding tertiary qualifications. This impressive figure places Cyprus alongside Denmark and France as one of the EU countries where the majority of ICT professionals have pursued higher education.
EU Workforce Trends
Across the European Union, over 70 per cent of ICT-educated workers hold tertiary degrees, accounting for 74.8 per cent of the total employment in the sector. The remaining 25.2 per cent possess upper secondary or post-secondary education, underscoring a strong skills foundation within the EU’s digital workforce.
Gender Imbalance in Tech Employment
Despite the positive trends in education, the data reveals a stark gender imbalance, with men constituting 83.4 per cent of ICT-educated employees in 2025. This translates to approximately 2.8 million men in the sector compared to around 0.6 million women. Although the number of women with ICT education has increased over the past decade, their overall share has remained relatively static.
In fact, the percentage of women in ICT employment decreased by 2.6 per cent from the prior year, falling from 17.9 per cent to 16.6 per cent. This persistent gender gap highlights ongoing challenges in achieving diversity within the digital economy, even as the demand for ICT skills continues to grow.
Regional Variations in Gender Representation
Significant differences in gender composition have been noted across EU member states. Countries like the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Latvia report some of the highest percentages of men in ICT roles, all exceeding 89 per cent. Conversely, northern and eastern European nations exhibit comparatively better female representation. Denmark boasts the highest female participation in ICT at 30.0 per cent, followed closely by Sweden at 29.8 per cent. Romania also shows higher female involvement, although still below parity.
Disparities in Educational Attainment
The data further reveals educational disparities among member states, particularly between northern and southern Europe. In countries such as Italy and Portugal, many ICT-educated workers lack tertiary qualifications, with figures at 69.2 per cent and 58.8 per cent, respectively. Cyprus’ high level of tertiary education among ICT professionals reflects a robust commitment to skill development, supporting the island’s aspirations in the digital and technology sectors.
Future of the Digital Economy in the EU
The findings come at a crucial moment as the EU prioritises digital transformation, with a rising demand for skilled workers in areas like software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. However, the ongoing gender gap and uneven skills distribution across member states remain key challenges that the bloc must address in its quest to cultivate a more inclusive and competitive digital economy.
