About The National Graduate Survey 2025

Background

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) in Zambia is a statutory body established under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 and Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021. HEA is mandated to advise the Minister of Education on any aspect of higher education, develop and recommend policy on higher education, coordinate the higher education sector, and undertake quality assurance and quality promotion in higher education. One of the functions of the Authority as provided for in Part II section 6 1(g) is to restructure and transform higher education institutions and programmes to be responsive to the human resource, economic and development needs of the Republic.

HEA is committed to advancing the quality and relevance of higher education by aligning learning programmes to the demands of industry and the job market. In recent years, graduate employability and career readiness have become critical markers of quality and relevance of higher education, in addition to being essential drivers of economic growth. However, data on the employment outcomes, skills relevance, and career satisfaction of Zambian graduates are still scanty or unavailable. Understanding these elements can inform HEA and higher education institutions on how to reconfigure curriculum relevance, linkages with industry, and graduate support systems.

Against this backdrop, HEA is conducting the National Graduate Survey 2025 to assess the employment outcomes, skills relevance, and career satisfaction of Zambian graduates. This undertaking will involve gathering data on the higher education profiles and labour market experiences or outcomes of graduates.

Objectives

The primary objective of the National Graduate Survey 2025 is to capture a comprehensive description of graduate outcomes and experiences to inform policies and strategies for improving higher education quality and employability of graduates in Zambia. The survey will be designed to collect data on several attributes including:

1. The extent to which graduates have been successful in obtaining employment since graduation;
2. The relationship between the graduates’ programmes of study and their subsequent employment;
3. The satisfaction levels of graduates; 
4. The type of employment obtained and the qualification requirements;
5. Sources of funding for higher education;
6. The alignment of Zambian higher education curricula with job market needs and demands;
7. Duration between the completion of programme and entry into the job market or industry;
8. Employment trends, skill gaps, and challenges that graduates face in the labour market;
9. Recommendations from graduates on how higher education institutions can purposely teach and prepare students for improved employability and professional success.

Target Population

The National Graduate Survey is the first of its kind in Zambia and is open to all graduates from higher education institutions in the country.

The target population includes graduates from:

• Colleges, university colleges, technical university colleges, and both public and private universities in Zambia
• Institutions offering specialised and professional qualifications, such as the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA), Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ZIBFS), Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM), and similar bodies
• Programmes leading to academic or professional qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and recognised professional designations awarded by Zambian higher education or professional institutions

Methodology

Survey Distribution

• Digital Platforms: The survey will be accessible through HEA’s website, major social media platforms, and a dedicated online survey platform
• University Partnerships: HEA will collaborate with universities to reach graduates through alumni networks, career services, and institutional social media.
• Job Portals and Career Fairs: The survey will be promoted on popular Zambian job portals and career fairs to reach employed graduates.

Data Collection and Confidentiality

• The survey will be conducted online, ensuring ease of access and streamlined data collection.
• Anonymity will be assured to encourage honest and accurate responses.

Data Analysis

Statistical tools will be applied to segment responses by variables such as institution, graduation year, and field of study, enabling detailed insights into graduate experiences and outcomes.

Data will be analysed to identify patterns in employment outcomes, skill utilization, satisfaction levels, and graduate recommendations.

Survey Structure

Section 1: Demographics

• This will capture basic information such as higher education institutions attended, year of graduation, field of study, and current residence.

Section 2: Employment Information

• This will gather data on employment status, job relevance to field of study, and sector of employment.

Section 3: Skills and Education Satisfaction

• This will assess graduates’ perceptions of their skills preparedness, curriculum relevance, and identify areas for potential improvement in university programs.

Section 4: Job Market Challenges and Recommendations

• This will explore challenges graduates face in the job market, such as skills and jobs mismatch or lack of experience, and make suggestions for institutional support enhancements.

Section 5: Satisfaction and Future Plans

• This will evaluate job satisfaction levels, future career aspirations, and interest in further studies.

Section 6: Feedback and Recommendations

• This will capture graduates’ views on their university experiences and suggestions for enhancing the quality, relevance and impact of higher education in Zambia.

Expected Outcomes

The survey will provide:

• Insights into Employment Trends and Skills Gaps: A better understanding of how well higher education prepares graduates for the workforce, including key skill gaps and employability trends.
• Data-Driven Policy Recommendations: Empirical data that will guide HEA in policy formulation and reforms aimed at enhancing curriculum relevance and industry engagement.
• Institutional Improvement Opportunities: A basis for institutions to adjust their programs, career support services, and industry partnerships to enhance graduate employability.
• Enhanced Graduate Support Frameworks: Identification of services and resources graduates find valuable, leading to more effective career services at universities.

Conclusion

The National Graduate Survey 2025 represents a crucial step in HEA’s commitment to evidence-based policy development and quality enhancement in Zambia’s higher education sector. The insights derived from this survey will inform HEA in developing and recommending policies that ensure graduates are better prepared for the current labour market needs, ultimately contributing to national development through improved employability and job market alignment. The survey will not only enhance higher education institutions’ responsiveness to labour market demands but also create a feedback loop among graduates, higher education institutions, and the government.