Improving completion and reducing dropout rates (study success) in higher education are key concerns for higher education in Europe.
This new study demonstrates that study success is measured differently across Europe and that policymakers at national and institutional levels apply different measures to improve completion and reduce dropout in higher education.
The evidence put forward in this study indicates that EU countries that have more explicit study success objectives, targets and policies are likely to be more successful, particularly if the policy approach is comprehensive and consistent.

Dropout and Completion in Higher Education in Europe(5.13 Mb)

Executive Summary (available in English, French and German)(1.11 Mb) Annex 1: Literature Review(2.72 Mb) Annex 2: Short Country Reports(5.29 Mb) Annex 3: Country Case Studies and Policy Briefings(9.32 Mb) Annex 4: National Study Success Profiles(7.27 Mb) All files(28.01 Mb). More...

This report looks at whether the UK is producing too many graduates for the jobs available that need graduate skills.
Our conclusion is that in broad terms the demand for and supply of graduates remains in balance. Graduates on average continue to earn more than non-graduates, have higher employment rates and lower unemployment.
But there is a significant minority of graduates – up to 30 per cent of the total - for whom this is less true. Many are ending up in jobs for which a graduate degree is not necessary.
The report therefore makes some recommendations to schools and colleges, the HE sector, employers, and the government to improve advice on choice of course and encourage better matching of jobs and skills.
But above all, we need to create a strong vocational education and training system that offers good career paths so that future students can choose between our existing world-class university system and a high quality vocational option.
DOWNLOAD REPORT. More...