Australia probes why university graduates struggle to land jobs
An inquiry into the challenges faced by Australian university graduates has been launched by the Education and Employment References Committee. The investigation will examine why many struggle to secure jobs after completing their degrees, alongside broader concerns about education quality and employability.
The committee is inviting public input on issues affecting graduates, including the current state of the entry-level job market and how well university courses prepare students for work. The inquiry will assess multiple factors contributing to graduate unemployment. These include the economic, social, and psychological impacts on those who cannot find work after university. It will also review whether the skills taught in Australian universities align with employer demands.
A key part of the investigation involves comparing Australia's graduate employment situation with similar countries. The committee will evaluate the overall quality of higher education in Australia, looking at how well courses equip students for the workforce. This comes as international student numbers have surged, with around 636,000 enrolled in 2023—a 126% increase from 2019, following the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Submissions from the public, employers, and education providers are welcome until 5 June 2026. The committee will then compile its findings, with a final report due on 20 November 2026. More details on how to contribute can be found on the inquiry's official page. The inquiry aims to provide a clearer picture of the barriers graduates face when entering the job market. Its findings could influence future policies on university education and employment support.
A full report, including recommendations, will be published later this year.
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