The latest graduate survey of former UiA students shows that 53 per cent secured a job before completing their education. Within 12 months, eight out of ten had found employment.
The graduates are largely satisfied with both their studies and the student city, and 85 per cent would recommend the university to others.
"What is particularly interesting is that more students from other parts of the country are choosing to remain in the region after completing their studies. We are seeing a net increase of newly qualified labour in Agder of 26 per cent – up from 17 per cent in 2022," says Gøril Hannås, Vice-Rector for Innovation and Community Engagement at UiA.
"This shows that the region has significant potential to attract skills and talent," she adds.
More people stay in Agder, but face a tougher labour market
The graduate survey has been conducted every three years since 2010. This round examines the transition from studies to working life among graduates who completed their degrees between autumn 2022 and spring 2025. In total, 3,045 graduates responded.
This year’s survey reflects a more challenging entry into the labour market for newly qualified graduates, both for those who remain in Agder and for those who move to other parts of the country.
Seventy-two per cent are in employment, a decrease of five percentage points compared with 2022. The majority are working full time, while 9 per cent report combining work and further studies.
"Even among graduates who have moved to Oslo or abroad, one in three would like to return to work in Agder. This shows strong potential to recruit more people back to the region," says Hannås.
Graduate Survey 2025 – key findings:
Transition from studies to working life:
- 53% secured a job before completing their education
- 74% found employment within three months
- 83% found employment within 12 months
- 7% are unemployed or seeking work
- Graduates took an average of 1.4 months to secure a job
Graduates’ ties to Agder:
More graduates from other parts of the country are choosing to remain in the region after completing their studies – resulting in a total net increase in the workforce in Agder of 26%
- 80% of students who lived in Agder before starting their studies still live or work there
- 34% of graduates whose home region is outside Agder now live or work in Agder
- 28% of those currently living in Oslo would like to work in Agder
- 29% of graduates currently living abroad would like to work in Agder
Collaboration with employers during studies delivers results
As many as 83 per cent report having had work-related experience during their studies, including through project-based collaboration and work placements. The perceived benefit is high.
"Increasing and improving contact with the world of work throughout the entire course of study is an important goal for UiA, and the survey shows that this has increased over time. In addition to many programmes including compulsory placements, the proportion of graduates who have taken part in optional placements or project collaboration has risen significantly since 2016," says Hannås.
Eight out of ten also report having had paid part-time work during their studies. Relevant part-time employment, voluntary work and international exchange are highlighted as important factors for future careers.
Desire for more contact with employers
The survey shows that many would like more work-related experience during their studies, and that programmes are made even more relevant to the labour market.
"Here, both we as a sector and the business community must work together to give newly qualified graduates a more robust entry into working life. We also know that six out of ten current students come from outside Agder. The ambition for the region must be to retain this expertise in Southern Norway after graduation," says Hannås.
Contact:
- goril.hannas@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 90 62 12 93
- oivind.eskedal@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 91 77 38 28