Research summary - Labour market outcomes of 2015 graduates

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Why this study

This research looks at the labour market outcomes and student debt of Canadians who finished post-secondary education (PSE) in 2015.

What we did

This research used survey data to look at how graduates did in the workforce after finishing PSE in 2015, and their student debt levels.

What we found

• More than 75% of graduates borrowed money for PSE, and almost half of graduates took out government student loans
  • Of all graduates who borrowed money, only 8% paid off their government loans by graduation in 2015
• Three years after graduating, 85% of graduates were working
  • Of these, 88% were in full-time jobs and 80% of the jobs were permanent
• Women graduates were less likely to work in permanent and full-time jobs than men graduates
• Graduates with disabilities did not do as well in the workforce compared to their peers without disabilities
• Older graduates earned more money and were more likely to have a permanent job than younger graduates
  • However, older graduates were more likely to have qualifications that exceeded their job requirements than younger graduates

What it means

This information is of interest to the federal government in helping students enter and finish PSE. It also aims to support students in transitioning into the workforce after graduation. The goal is for students to work in jobs they enjoy that offer good employment benefits.

Contact us

Learning Branch, Learning Policy and Services Directorate, Policy, Planning and Partnerships Division

Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca