Women accounted for four in 10 people completing a doctorate last year, up from just 25% in 1991, according to new figures from national statistics office CBS.

At the same time, the number of people studying for a PhD has more than doubled over the past 30 years. In 1991, 1,989 people successfully completed a PhD, but by last year, the total had reached 4,956.

Two in three people with a PhD work outside academia, particularly those who have studied technology-related subjects, although 17% say they would return to university life given the choice.

PhDs are also more likely to have a permanent job than other workers. Almost three quarters have a permanent contract, compared with 66% of ordinary graduates and 61% of the population at large.