The 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey — Longitudinal (GOS – L) shows that almost nine in ten graduates from Australian universities are in full-time work three years after graduating, the latest Government figures show.
More than three-quarters of graduates in employment three years out were working in professional or managerial jobs.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said employment outcomes three years after graduating have remained relatively stable over many years.
“Graduates continue to enjoy a strong employment advantage as a result of their university education, despite facing a COVID-19 recession and a weakening labour market,” Ms Jackson said.
“A university degree remains one of the best investments you can make in life. It expands your horizons and opens the path to well-paid, full-time work, even when the labour market has been doing it tough.”
“A degree represents more than just an insurance policy in difficult economic times – it opens a world of possibilities.”
While the pandemic’s effect on the economy dampened graduates’ immediate employment outcomes last year, medium term results have held up well.
The full-time employment rate three years out from graduation was 88.9 per cent, while the corresponding figure in 2020 was 90.1 per cent.
“The latest survey also shows the median salary of university graduates in full-time work three years after finishing their studies is $77,000. This compares with $62,100 four months after graduation,” Ms Jackson said.
