Universities setting graduates for bright future

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said graduates were continuing to benefit from a strong employment market in which their skills are in demand.

"These reports are timely reminders that a university education sets students up for bright and fulfilling futures, while returning substantial gains to the labour market and the Australian community," Ms Jackson said.

The surveys confirm that both domestic and international graduates are finding work fast and earning more.

• 78.5 per cent of Australians who recently completed an undergraduate degree were in full-time employment in 2022, shooting up from 68.9 per cent in 2021.
• 81.5 per cent of Indigenous graduates were employed (up from 76.8 per cent in 2021).
• 57.7 per cent of individuals who recently completed an undergraduate degree as international students were in full-time employment in 2022 (up from 43.0 per cent in 2021).

"Domestic and international graduates are securing full-time work in fields we need the most - including in STEM, health and teaching. This is a great outcome for students, and for the economy", Ms Jackson said.

"A university degree helps people broaden their horizons and get the job they want while ensuring employers can access the workers they need to deal with the competitive pressures.

"As we continue to grapple with skills shortages across the country, we must harness the talent of our university graduates - including those who have come to Australia from abroad for a world-class education experience.

"Only 28 per cent of international students stay and use their degrees here in Australia, yet today's findings show the opportunities are ready and waiting to be embraced.

"After all, more than half of the one million jobs expected to be created in the next five years will require a university degree - so we need more university-educated workers entering our workforce, not less."