Australia’s universities are delivering strong outcomes for graduates and the nation, with new figures showing more than nine in ten domestic graduates are employed full-time three years after completing their studies.
The latest 2026 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal found 91.8 per cent of undergraduate graduates are in full-time employment three years after graduation, while median earnings increased from $71,400 shortly after graduation to $93,500 three years later.
Universities are also delivering graduates in areas of critical workforce demand, including pharmacy, medicine, engineering and teaching.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy said the findings reinforce the value of a university education and the critical role universities play in developing the skilled workforce Australia needs.
“University education delivers,” Mr Sheehy said.
“Graduates are finding work, building successful careers and developing the skills Australia needs.
“Australia relies on universities to educate the professionals who power our health system, schools, businesses and communities.
“Every graduate strengthens our economy, our public services and our communities.”
The findings come the same day as Jobs and Skills Australia’s latest Occupation Shortage List highlighted ongoing shortages across many professions requiring university qualifications.
The strong graduate outcomes, alongside persistent shortages in critical professions, reinforce the need to grow Australia’s highly skilled workforce.
The Universities Accord reforms establish the framework for growth, but the Government now needs to back that ambition with the funding required to produce the teachers, nurses, engineers and other skilled graduates Australia needs.
Opening the door to higher education matters, but we must ensure there are enough funded places for Australians to walk through it.
