2026 Graduate Outcome Survey Release.pdf

The breakdown by qualification level for graduates in employment or further study is 91% for Postgraduate Research degrees, 91% for Taught Masters degrees, and 96% for Undergraduate Honours degrees. The average graduate salary is €42,809, representing an increase of €1,462 on last year. Overall, 81% of graduates earn in excess of €30,000. The results suggest that a salary premium is associated with the award level. Highlighting this, the average salary of a Postgraduate Research graduate is €57,222; the average for graduates in Taught Masters programmes is €48,781; and the figure for Undergraduate Honours Degrees graduates is €38,209. IIn terms of sectoral spread, our graduates are employed in Human Health & Social Work (19%); Industry (16%); Education (13%); Financial, Insurance and Real Estate (13%); and Professional, Scientific & Technical (10%). Of note is the growth of the Human Health & Social Work sector over the past three years. Almost two-thirds (64%) are employed along the Western Corridor (West, Mid-West and South West), with 27% of graduates working in the East. Globally, 35% of graduates are working in Europe (down 3% on last year); 25% in North America; and 16% in Great Britain.

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