This master’s thesis examines the relationship between higher education and the
labour market in Slovenia, Germany and Finland. It also places these countries in the
wider European context. The aim of the research was to find out how the quality and
flexibility of higher education systems, fields of study, global changes and practical
experience are linked to graduate employability.
The research is based on secondary sources. The quantitative part includes
descriptive statistical analysis of data from Eurostat, the OECD, Eurydice, Cedefop
and national statistical offices. The qualitative part uses the deductive method, as well
as analysis, synthesis, description, compilation and comparison. Scientific and
professional sources were also critically reviewed.
The findings show that higher education is generally associated with better
employment opportunities, but it does not always lead to stable work that matches the
graduate’s level and field of education. Employability is also linked to the quality of
study, practical experience, the chosen field and conditions in national labour markets.
The strongest links with the labour market were found in information and
communication technologies, engineering, healthcare and other STEM fields.
Germany stands out for dual study programmes, Finland for universities of applied
sciences and graduate tracking, and Slovenia for widespread student work.
The results can be useful for higher education institutions, employers and policymakers
when developing study programmes, practical training and career support. The main
limitation is the use of secondary data from different sources and methods. Future
research could include surveys
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