Higher Education Graduates and Diplomates and their First Destinations 1986-87 to 1996-97

5.5 Unemployment for graduates and diplomates fell to the lowest level in recent history, at 4.7 per cent in 1996-97. (Table 7)

5.6 It is interesting to note the shift in destinations of diplomates with sub degree qualifications over the period shown. In the eighties and early nineties these diplomates were more likely to enter permanent employment. However, the use of sub degree qualifications as an in road to first degree qualifications is certainly evident since 1992 when for the first time diplomates were more likely to continue in full time study.

5.7 The first destination of graduates and diplomates varied widely depending on the

subject of study. (Table 8).

5.8 Those who qualified in Maths and Computing in 1996-97 were most likely to continue with full time study, reflecting the fact that the majority of students who qualified in Maths and Computing had achieved sub degree qualifications.

5.9 Graduates and diplomates with Education and Medicine & Dentistry subjects were most likely to have gained employment,

either permanent, temporary or overseas.

5.10 Around one in ten graduates and diplomates who had studied Languages obtained overseas employment.