Leaving the country to find a job? That might increase young people's chances of finding a decent job.
In 2023, 83.5% of recent graduates in the EU were employed, marking an increase of 1.1% compared with 2022 (82.4%). Recent graduates are individuals aged 20-34, who completed their studies within the past 1 to 3 years at medium or tertiary education levels.
The overall employment rate of recent graduates was 80% or higher in 22 EU countries. Malta led with 95.8%, followed by the Netherlands (93.2%) and Germany (91.5%).
The lowest employment rates were recorded in Italy (67.5%), Greece (72.3%) and Romania (74.8%).
Have you ever thought about moving to another country for better job opportunities? Or have you already done so?
20 seems like the youngest end for university graduates. Start university age 18, 3 year degree program, graduate aged 20
That only requires advancing 1 grade ahead of one's peers. My cohort at university included one person who was 3 years ahead of their class and so started university aged 16
Planned article update: June 2025.
Highlights
In 2023 the employment rate for recent graduates aged 20-34 years in the EU was 83.5 %. The employment rate ranged from 67.5 % in Italy to 95.8 % in Malta.
In 2023 recent male graduates in the EU were more likely to find work than their female counterparts, the difference between the sexes amounted to 3.0 percentage points.
The employment rate of recent graduates from medium vocational education in the EU amounted to 81.0 % in 2023.
Employment rates of recent graduates (aged 20-34 years) not in education and training, by educational attainment level, EU, 2013-2023