In a study published by Eurostat on Friday, it was reported that there are a high proportion of non-EU nationals living in Europe who are early school leavers. In the case of Malta, it was found that in 2014 roughly 39% of non-EU nationals were in possession of various levels of tertiary education. Tertiary education refers to education that is attained after receiving post secondary education (A-levels), at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level was higher than the EU-28 average, which stood at roughly 30%.
A similar situation was found to be the case with reference to non-EU nationals in possession of pre-primary, primary and lower secondary education. This level of education refers to schooling received up to 15 years of age. In this category the average for Malta stood at about 42%, whereas the EU-28 average was about 36%. These figures indicate that the majority of non-EU nationals residing in Malta lie on two far sides of the educational spectrum.
The remaining 19% are in possession of upper secondary or post secondary non-tertiary education. The promotion of non-EU nationals obtaining tertiary education in Malta, or the promotion of non-EU nationals who have already obtained a tertiary education is a potential source of economic benefit, allowing for high skilled labour market integration as well as wealth creation.
The report showed that non-EU male nationals have a higher chance of become early school leavers than women. When looking at the EU-28 average, young non-EU nationals are at a greater risk of being both unemployed as well as out of the education system.
The report stated that one in every four non-EU citizens has left the education and training system prematurely (25.5%). The Europe 2020 targets include a reduction of the rate of early school leavers within the EU to below 10%. With regard to non-EU citizens there is much work to be done as can be seen from the figures, however the gap between 2020 targets for tertiary education levels is smaller. The EU 2020 targets for tertiary education (for those aged between 30-34 years), aims to have at least 40% of the EU’s population in possession of a tertiary education.
The EU-28 average for non-EU citizens in possession of tertiary education in that age group stood at 30.2%. With regard to EU citizens in the same age group, EU nationals had a tertiary education attainment of 38.5%, and citizens of another EU Member State had a tertiary attainment level of 39.3%. As can be seen from the figures, the EU 2020 targets for tertiary education are close, however more work remains for those non-EU citizens.
The report also stated that, education has been linked with more successful levels of integration, allowing for better performance in the labour market, as well as better communication of the culture and values of the country they settle in.