More Jersey graduates returning to the island

More than two thirds of Jersey graduates are coming back to the island after university, the education department has said.

Andy Gibb said that the numbers returning had been rising over the past three years and about 60% returned within a decade of graduating.

About 48% of university students return within six months of completing their degree.

In previous years it was thought about 33% would have done so.

He said 2012 figures also showed a fall in the number of students applying to study in the UK.

There were 492 university applications from Jersey in 2012 compared to 510 the previous year.

Mr Gibb said this was partly down to a "bumper intake" in 2011 and more students studying at home.

He said the competition for jobs elsewhere meant home had become an attractive option.