Over 48,000 students graduated from Irish higher education institutions in 2004, almost double the figure of 24,917 in 1994.
And only 3 per cent were still seeking employment nine months after graduation.
The details are contained in the latest report from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), which tracked the situation in 2004.
Tom Boland, HEA chief executive said: "The findings demonstrate that the Irish economy has the capacity and need to absorb more and more of our talented graduates from a range of disciplines. In the 10-year period mentioned, the institutions have doubled their output, and nine months after receiving their awards 56 per cent of graduates have found jobs and another 36 per cent are engaged in further studies. With participation in higher education at an all-time high of 56 per cent, these latest data show that demand for higher education remains a very strong feature of the system."
"The HEA is also very encouraged to note that some 9,337 graduated with postgraduate awards up from 8,223 in the previous year - a rise of nearly 14 per cent.
"This again shows that Irish students are availing of the much improved opportunities and facilities to engage in graduate studies and research that have been provided by such major investments as the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions. Sustained improvement in graduate studies is a key requirement for the future health of the Irish economy and continued investment in this vital area will reap lasting results for the country."
The number of primary degree recipients rose to 22,034 an increase of 2,171 (11 per cent) on 2003; while recipients of master and PhD degrees rose to 5,707 up from 4,599 in 2003.
The number of recipients of certificates and diplomas HETAC/DIT dropped from 16,770 to 15,548 which is largely due to increased numbers going on to pursue further studies (add-on degree courses) and the increase in the numbers of ab initio degree programmes now on offer in the institutes of technology.
Mr Boland said these patterns both justify and point to the need to continue investment in higher education. "We need to ensure that the sector has high quality facilities to adequately accommodate this rising student population. We also need to ensure that the quality of the education provided there will allow both the students to develop to their full potential, and to provide our economy with the right mix of skills to sustain our development."
