Eurograduate 2026

ongoing

The objective of this project is to implement the third phase of the Eurograduate initiative, marking Estonia’s second participation, by applying European methodologies to enhance the international comparability of graduate tracking. Although Estonia has previously employed national tools for monitoring graduates, their limited alignment with European standards has constrained opportunities for cross-country benchmarking. This project builds on the experience of Eurograduate 2022 and aims to address these gaps. The survey sample consists of about 18 000 graduates from all Estonian public universities and other higher education institutions, with an estimated response rate of 20%. Data will be collected on graduates’ self-assessed skills, knowledge, and competencies, as well as their satisfaction with studies, as outlined in the Eurograduate framework. This evidence will inform policymaking and the design of higher education (HE) programs, helping to address skills mismatches and improve graduates’ transitions to the labor market. The project will provide insights into key issues in Estonian higher education policy, e.g. the structure of state-provided higher education, funding mechanisms, and trends in student employment during studies. Results will also facilitate international benchmarking by assessing graduate satisfaction, labor market outcomes, and the alignment of education with job requirements, including mismatches such as over-qualification or under-qualification. Broader topics, such as the impact of combining work and studies, the relationship between educational attainment and salary progression or career advancement, and the evolving expectations for HE delivery, will also be explored. The findings will be analyzed and shared with key stakeholders, providing insights for cross-country comparative analyses and supporting evidence-based decision-making in Estonia and the broader European context.