The latest results from Australia's Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys provide a detailed snapshot of graduate outcomes and employer perceptions in the higher education sector. Administered by the Australian Government Department of Education, these surveys, including the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) and the Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS), offer insights into employment rates, skills utilisation, and satisfaction levels across universities and other higher education providers.
Understanding the QILT Framework and Its Role in Australian Higher Education
QILT encompasses several key surveys that track the performance of the higher education system. The GOS captures short-term employment outcomes for recent graduates approximately four to six months after course completion. It also includes measures of overall satisfaction drawn from the Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). The ESS gathers feedback from direct supervisors on how well graduates are prepared for the workforce. These tools help institutions, policymakers, and prospective students make informed decisions about program quality and career readiness.
Results are published on the official QILT website and contribute to the ComparED platform, which allows comparisons between institutions. Data covers domestic and international onshore graduates at undergraduate and postgraduate coursework levels, pooled across recent collection years for overall satisfaction metrics.
Key Findings from the 2025 Graduate Outcomes Survey
The 2025 GOS indicates strong labour market outcomes for Australian graduates. Full-time employment rates for undergraduates reached 75.4 per cent within four to six months of completing studies, up from 74 per cent the previous year. Participation rates remained solid, with 88 per cent for undergraduates and 93 per cent for postgraduates. These figures reflect the ongoing demand for higher education qualifications in a competitive job market.
Longitudinal data from the GOS-L shows substantial improvement in full-time employment over three years post-graduation. For domestic undergraduates, rates rose from 79.5 per cent in the short term to 91.7 per cent in the medium term. Similar positive trends appear for postgraduates, underscoring the long-term value of university qualifications.
Employer Satisfaction Remains Stable and High
The 2025 ESS reports overall employer satisfaction with graduates at 84.2 per cent. This figure has stayed relatively consistent since the survey began in 2016, with the lowest point at 83.6 per cent in 2017 and a peak of 85.5 per cent in 2024. Satisfaction across all measured domains exceeded 84 per cent, with adaptive skills at 90.7 per cent and technical skills at 94.0 per cent—both at their highest levels since 2016.
Supervisors rated graduates' preparedness for their current roles at 94.9 per cent, notably higher than graduates' self-assessment of 86.4 per cent. Feedback highlighted strengths in foundation and collaborative skills while suggesting areas for further development in employability and enterprise skills.
Student Experience and Broader Satisfaction Metrics
Alongside graduate and employer data, the Student Experience Survey (SES) within QILT tracks current students' perceptions of teaching quality, learner engagement, and support services. Independent higher education providers often perform strongly in these areas, with some institutions reporting satisfaction rates above 90 per cent in specific domains such as teaching and career preparation.
These metrics complement the GOS and ESS by providing a fuller picture of the student journey from enrolment through to employment. Institutions use the data to refine curricula, enhance support services, and align programs with industry needs.
Implications for Australian Universities and Policy
Stable employer satisfaction and improving employment outcomes suggest that Australian higher education continues to produce graduates valued by the workforce. However, variations across institutions and fields of study highlight opportunities for targeted improvements. Universities are increasingly focusing on work-integrated learning, micro-credentials, and skills development to address employer feedback on employability skills.
Policymakers, including the Department of Education, rely on QILT data to inform funding models, quality assurance through the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), and initiatives aimed at boosting graduate employability. The results also influence international student recruitment strategies, as strong outcomes enhance Australia's reputation as a study destination.
Stakeholder Perspectives Across the Sector
University leaders emphasise the importance of continuous improvement based on QILT insights. Many institutions celebrate strong performances in specific areas, such as technical skills or adaptive capabilities, while addressing gaps in areas like enterprise skills through enhanced career services and industry partnerships.
Graduates themselves report high levels of satisfaction with their overall educational experience in many cases, though individual outcomes vary by discipline, location, and personal circumstances. Employers consistently praise the technical and foundational skills of recent hires, reinforcing the sector's strengths.
Independent providers, represented by bodies such as Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA), often highlight their competitive performance in student satisfaction surveys, attracting students seeking personalised support and high-quality outcomes.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
While overall figures are positive, the sector faces ongoing challenges including skills mismatches in certain fields, the impact of economic conditions on graduate job markets, and the need to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into curricula. Feedback from supervisors points to opportunities for greater emphasis on employability skills during degree programs.
Institutions are responding with initiatives such as expanded placements, entrepreneurship programs, and partnerships with industry. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between graduate self-perception and employer expectations while maintaining high standards of technical preparation.
Future Outlook for Graduate Outcomes in Australia
Looking ahead, QILT surveys will continue to play a central role in monitoring the health of Australian higher education. With employment rates trending upward in longitudinal data and employer satisfaction holding steady, the outlook remains constructive. Continued focus on quality, relevance, and student support will help sustain these positive trends.
The integration of QILT data into platforms like ComparED empowers students and families to make evidence-based choices about where to study. For the sector as a whole, these surveys support accountability and drive innovation in teaching and learning practices.
Actionable Insights for Academics, Administrators, and Job Seekers
Academics can use QILT results to identify strengths in their programs and areas for curriculum enhancement. Administrators are encouraged to benchmark against national averages and peer institutions to inform strategic planning. PhD-track job seekers and early-career academics may find value in understanding employer priorities when preparing for roles in higher education or industry.
Prospective students should review institution-specific QILT data on the ComparED site when considering enrolment options. Employers can leverage the findings to refine recruitment and onboarding processes for recent graduates.
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