The Higher Education Outcomes – Exploring Administrative Data Report presents findings on how university graduates transition from study into work and how careers can progress over time.
A key feature of this research is its use of linked administrative data, which gives a detailed picture of higher education graduates’ journeys. These insights will be critical in shaping future policy and ensuring Australia’s higher education system continues to meet the needs of both students and the economy.
The report marks the start of an ongoing program of work to better understand graduate outcomes and build a stronger, more inclusive higher education system.
Insights include:
- Higher education leads to strong labour market outcomes across a diverse range of careers.
- Graduates in Mining Engineering, Medical Studies and General Medicine lead in both starting pay and growth with incomes jumping 35% in their first five years
- Education and Engineering graduates show strong qualification-to-career alignment – 72% of Education graduates became teachers and 60% of Engineering graduates entered professional engineering roles
- Management, Commerce, and Society and Culture unlock broad career pathways – graduates entered over 70 distinct occupational groups, highlighting strong employment versatility.
- Postgraduate qualifications can boost earnings – e.g. Business graduates earn a median of $54,800 more annually than their undergraduate counterparts.
Read the full report for more details. For questions or assistance, please email: SkillsDataAnalytics@jobsandskills.gov.au.