Introduction:
In this article, we explore the impact of university degrees on unemployment rates across various European countries, using data from 2024.
Unemployment Rates Across European Countries:
The overall unemployment rate within the European Union (EU) and throughout European countries varies widely, ranging from 2.6% in Czechia to 11.4% in Spain. These figures encompass the entire population, irrespective of educational attainment.
Unemployment Among University Graduates:
The statistics reveal that, among individuals with tertiary education, the unemployment rate ranges from 1.4% in Czechia and Poland to 9.2% in Turkey. The average EU rate for university graduates is 3.8%.
Turkey: A Notable Exception:
Turkey stands as the singular exception where university graduates face a higher unemployment rate at 9.2% compared to the general population rate of 8.8%. This finding contradicts the widespread assumption that holding a university degree reduces one’s risk of unemployment.
Countries with the Highest Unemployment Rates for University Graduates:
Following Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Serbia have the highest unemployment rates for individuals with university degrees, at 7.3%, 6.9%, and 6.5%, respectively.
The Unemployment Gap:
A comparison of unemployment rates between the overall population and university graduates shows that Turkey is the only country where the rate for university grads is higher. In Spain, the difference is particularly pronounced, with a 4.5 percentage point gap.
Ratio of Unemployment Rates:
A ratio below 1 indicates that tertiary-educated individuals face higher unemployment than the general population. Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Hungary record the lowest ratios, implying a significantly lower rate of unemployment among university graduates compared to the broader population.
Turkey’s Unique Situation Over Time:
From 2004 to 2024, Turkey remains the only country where university graduates have faced higher unemployment rates than the general population, a trend that has persisted in 12 different years.
Expansion of Turkish Universities:
Despite Turkey having the highest number of university students per capita in 2019, the rapid expansion of universities has raised concerns about the quality of education and its relevance to job markets. The OECD recommends prioritizing quality and labor market relevance in Turkey’s tertiary education policy.
Conclusion:
While a university degree generally lowers the risk of unemployment across EU countries, Turkey presents a striking exception. The OECD suggests that the focus should shift from expanding university numbers to improving educational quality to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills demanded by modern employers.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/07/27/educated-but-still-unemployed-how-does-unemployment-vary-among-university-graduates-across
