GCA data and statistics FAQs

These are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the AGS and GCA. If you have a question which you think should be covered in this section please send suggestions through to [email protected]. If you are a respondent and require further information regarding the Australian Graduate Survey, please see our AGS FAQs page for more information.

Does GCA collect the information I need?

GCA coordinates the only nation-wide, annual survey of graduate employment and further study outcomes, and graduate course evaluation, the Australia Graduate Survey (AGS).

The AGS does not gather information on:

  • the total number graduating from specific groups either in the past or future, such as by field of education, residency status or State or territory (some of this data is available on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) website by searching for 'course completions')
  • graduate activities in the second year after completion or later. This information is collected via the Beyond Graduation Survey.
  • scholarships or employment outcomes for scholarship students
  • evaluation of courses or units which students are enrolled in at the time of survey.

To find out more about the AGS  and the information it collects, see the AGS Overview section of the website.

GCA also conducts other survey research in the field of graduate careers and employment and student expectations. More information on these projects is available on the GCA website.

If you are still unsure whether GCA has the data you need, please send a description of the information you are seeking to [email protected] or call +61-3-96053700.

Is the information I need already published?

Before requesting specific data from GCA, ensure that the data you are seeking is not already available by reading about GCA Survey Reports. Selected statistics on graduate outcomes are also available on the searchable website GradsOnline where users can view results by award level (e.g. bachelor degree) and field of education, for the latest AGS data.

Alternatively, you can contact the research team at GCA directly at [email protected] or call +61-3-96053700.

How do I access GCA data that is not already published?

All requests for custom reports or data preparations should be directed to [email protected]. Alternatively, call +61-3-9605 3700 to discuss your data needs with a member of our research team.

Please provide as much information as possible about what you are seeking, including:

  • The source of the data (e.g. AGS or University and Beyond survey)
  • The purpose of your data request (this will help us determine what will be most useful to you)
  • A detailed description of the group you want data on. Consider: the level of qualification(s), the fields of education, the employment status of the group (full-time or part-time), the age and sex of the group, the residency status of the group, whether you are interested in looking at industries or occupations with regards to the type of employment.

Can I get direct access to AGS data files?

Participating higher education institutions only

National AGS data files are available to institutions on CD. The cost of the set of two files (GDS+CEQ and GDS+PREQ) is $300.00 + GST.

  • The GDS+CEQ file has all institutional identifiers. We have removed the employer name, PREQ responses and extraneous working variables.
  • The GDS+PREQ file is as for the GDS+CEQ file, but excludes the institutional identifier and includes PREQ responses. This is in line with our on-going agreement with Universities Australia not to identify institutional PREQ data.

Please note: these files are for use only within your institution. Consequently, please ensure that the files are kept secure and that you maintain a record of all staff members who receive a copy of the files.

Files for the years 1999-2006 are also available for $300/year.If you would like to order a National data file please fill out the order form.

Access to AGS data files outside of participant institutions

Access to AGS data files is subject to permission from Graduate Careers Australia (GCA) and use of the data is governed by a specific code of practice. In order to consider your request, GCA requires in writing:

  • a personal introduction, i.e. in what capacity you are undertaking this research
  • an outline and background of the related project, including the purpose of utilising the AGS data file
  • a summary of how the findings will be disseminated
  • a summary of how the results (with reference to analysis involving AGS data) might be used.

For more information, or to apply for access to this data, please contact the GCA research team at [email protected] or on +61-3-96053700.