Bachelor’s degree ‘is no longer sufficient’

Almost half of university graduates are overqualified for their job, Cyprus’ higher education director Dr Terpsa Constantinidou said on Wednesday, highlighting that modern-day graduates are expected to have a combination of ‘hard skills’ and ‘green skills’ to meet demands of the current labour market.

Speaking at the Economist 19th Annual Cyprus Summit, the education ministry official highlighted that a ministry study revealed that over 80 per cent of university graduates find employment, but 45 per cent said they are overqualified for their job.

During a panel discussion titled ‘Building an Educational Legacy – Creating Networks of Excellence’, Constantinidou said a bachelor’s degree is no longer sufficient in light of the emerging job opportunities.

To this end, she stressed higher education institutions must soon develop flexible study programmes such as micro-credentials, which can quickly adapt to the developing labour market, offering individuals the opportunities to acquire precise skills and knowledge that match the demands of emerging professions.

Constantinidou underlined the importance of supporting lifelong learning and removing barriers to education for all people. She highlighted that people of every age and background should be able to continue learning for their whole lifespan if they wish, and micro-credentials can be key in unlocking this opportunity and removing barriers.

Higher education institutions can be pivotal in promoting lifelong learning, she added, noting the education ministry is aware of its importance and has identified the development, implementation and recognition of micro-credentials as a top priority for Cyprus’ higher education system.