The latest Higher Education Authority (HEA) survey of graduates has shown that more than half are in employment. John Downes reports.
Preliminary figures also indicate more than one in three graduates are proceeding to further study, with the remaining 9 per cent either seeking employment or not available for work or study.
The statistics underline the value of obtaining a postgraduate qualification.
Some 78 per cent of graduates with a higher degree were in employment while those with graduate and postgraduate diplomas also enjoyed high levels of employment.
Between 95 and 100 per cent of graduates with primary education degrees and postgraduate diplomas in primary teaching said they were in employment either in Ireland or overseas.
However, at just 34 per cent, the response rate among these graduates is relatively low. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation has warned that most newly qualified teachers are in temporary or substitute employment.
The latest HEA figures would seem to indicate a significant fall in the number of students proceeding to further study when compared to last year.
However, due to changes in the way data from some institutions are being collected this year, the HEA says results in this area are not strictly comparable to previous years.
It will make a more detailed report, including information on starting salaries and employment rates by fields of study and region, available in the coming months.
Out of a record total of 46,158 students who received higher education awards in 2003 - an increase of over 10 per cent on 2002 - 54 per cent were employed in Ireland or overseas between six to nine months after graduation.
However, the number of graduates seeking employment also rose by nearly 1 per cent overall, to 4 per cent in 2003.