The standard of third-level education in Ireland may have suffered recently, as it has been revealed no Irish institutions are ranked in the world's top 100 universities for reputation.

This is according to the latest Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings list, which reflects the views of more than 17,000 academics from around the globe, the Irish Times reports.

According to the publication, Irish institutions have suffered in recent years as a result of a six per cent cut in staff numbers and increased pressure on resources.

Five years ago, Trinity College Dublin was in the top 50 in the table, but has since fallen out of the top 100, along with University College Dublin.

Phil Batty of the Times Higher Education said Irish facilities will be disappointed by the findings, noting: "Many nations see having a top 100 institution not just as a source of national pride but also a symbol - encouraging inward investment for attracting the best brains in the world."

Harvard University in the US topped the 2012 Reputation Rankings, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge.

Written by Donal Walsh

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