A new report shows a significant rise in the number of graduates leaving Ireland to find work.
The survey by the Higher Education Authority says 12 per cent of honours degree graduates left the country for employment last year – more than double the proportion in 2008.
It also found that one in four university leavers who found work – did so after emigrating.
While over 25,000 new jobs have been created in the past year – it seems that's failed to stop the so-called 'brain drain' of Ireland's graduates.
A new survey from the HEA says 12% of Level 8 graduates left Ireland to work abroad in 2013 – up from 5% in 2008.
The top five destinations were the UK, USA, Australia, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
The study says it's unclear whether that trend was driven by choice or need.
It also found that a quarter of graduates from honours degree programmes who found work in 2013 did so after emigrating – that's compared to just 1 in 10 in 2008.
The HEA's report also found that more primary degree students are looking towards higher qualifications like master's programmes – with 40 per cent going into further studies – up from 37 per cent in 2012.