University Graduates: Who’s Getting the Work?

After three (or more) years of lectures, late nights, and assignment deadlines, every university student asks the same question at graduation: “Was it worth it?”

While a degree is still one of the most valuable assets in today’s job market, not all fields of study lead to the same employment outcomes. So which graduates are getting hired—and in jobs aligned with their qualifications?

Graduate Employment Trends in Australia

Each year, QILT’s Graduate Outcomes Survey tracks employment results for Australian higher education graduates. The 2024 results (reflecting data collected from 2023 graduates) showed that:

• 79.7% of undergraduates were in full-time employment four months after graduation (up from 68.7% in 2020)
• 94.1% of postgraduates were in full-time work
• Healthcare, education, and engineering graduates continued to enjoy the highest full-time employment rates

Despite a tighter job market in some sectors, university qualifications still deliver strong employment outcomes—especially in fields aligned with national skill shortages.

Top Employing Degrees

Here’s a breakdown of the fields with the highest full-time employment rates, four months after graduation:

• Medicine and Dentistry: ~95–100%
• Nursing: ~89%
• Engineering: ~86%
• Education: ~85%
• Rehabilitation and Allied Health: ~82%

Graduates from these areas benefit from stable public sector employment, national skill demand, and clearly defined career pathways.

Fields With Lower Immediate Employment

Creative arts, communications, and some science degrees continue to show lower short-term employment rates. This doesn’t mean the degrees lack value—it often reflects more competitive industries, longer career ramp-up periods, or a greater proportion of self-employment.

For example, graduates in creative arts or media often work freelance or in contract roles before securing full-time positions. Science graduates may pursue further study before entering specialist roles.

Are Graduates Working in Jobs Related to Their Degrees?

Getting a job is one thing—but is it relevant to what you studied? The same QILT data shows that:

• Graduates in nursing, education and allied health were most likely to be working in roles aligned with their degrees (over 85%)
• Graduates in science, information technology and creative arts had lower alignment (around 70–75%)

This reinforces the value of professional and applied degrees when career alignment is your top priority.

Where Do Graduates Work?

Here are some of the most common occupations by field, based on government and industry data:

Health Graduates

• Registered nurses and midwives
• Medical and dental practitioners
• Physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists
• Public health and health promotion officers

Science Graduates

• Laboratory and research assistants
• Environmental scientists
• Agricultural and food scientists
• Secondary science teachers

Management and Commerce Graduates

• Accountants and financial analysts
• Marketing and communications officers
• Business analysts and consultants
• Project and operations managers

Creative Arts Graduates

• Graphic designers and media professionals
• Performing artists
• Teachers (visual arts, drama, music)
• Content creators and digital marketers

How to Boost Your Job Prospects After Uni

Regardless of your degree, there are practical steps you can take to improve your graduate employment outcomes:

• Intern early: Industry experience is one of the strongest predictors of employment success
• Build your network: Attend university career expos and connect with professional associations
• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Focus on skills gained from uni, work, and extracurriculars
• Consider further study: Postgraduate qualifications can improve specialisation and employability

If you’re still exploring your next step, browse university-level courses or check out our career guide resources to match your interests with job trends.