Survey published on career development of applied university graduates

Labour market

At the time of the survey, almost 96% of Saxion graduates were employed. Most Saxion graduates had a permanent job in paid employment, reflecting the national trend. More than 80% worked in the professional field associated with the study programme. Saxion graduates who worked outside their professional field said among other things, that they came across their job by chance, or that the employment terms and conditions are better, or that they felt they needed a new challenge. Most graduates have jobs in healthcare or work in advisory or science and technology positions. It is striking that Saxion graduates are less likely to work in an educational profession (7%), than the national figure (15%). The majority of Saxion graduates work at applied university bachelor's level (72%) and about 10% at MBO (secondary vocational education) level. This is comparable to national figures. The connection between the study programme and current job is adjudged to be sufficient or good by 73% of Saxion graduates (77% nationally). 74% of graduates are satisfied with their study programme in general, both at Saxion and nationally. 

Lifelong Learning

Many Saxion graduates continue to pursue personal and professional development after their studies. For example, 43% have taken another degree programme since graduation, compared to 41% nationally. Of these graduates, 43% started a university master's degree (38% nationally). Of those who started a university master's degree, 87% obtained the qualification (86% nationally). The most frequently cited reason for further study is, just as nationally, to increase or maintain knowledge and skills, followed by increasing employability in the job market and career opportunities. In addition, 65% have taken a course or training session since graduation. This is comparable to the national average of 66%. These courses mainly focus on professional knowledge and skills. The figures show that the development of many Saxion graduates does not stop after obtaining their degree. Even years after graduation, they continue to develop, for example through further education, doing a course or training. 

AI use at work

Most Saxion graduates use AI weekly (36%) or daily (31%) for their work. At the same time, 19% of graduates indicate that they do not make regular use of AI in their work (20% nationally). AI is most commonly used for drafting or editing texts, generating ideas, and summarising or analysing texts. AI has changed work activities for 30% of Saxion graduates (nationally 28%). Moreover, 17% indicate that more tasks have been added due to AI, while 7% indicate that work activities have disappeared. These percentages are 15% and 7% nationally, respectively. 

About the HBO-Monitor t+5

The HBO Monitor t+5 is an additional national follow-up survey of applied university graduates who previously participated in the regular HBO Monitor. The survey was conducted among graduates from the 2016-2017 to 2020-2021 academic years who gave permission for further research. This new national survey of the career development of applied university graduates in the longer term provides insight into the labour market position and development of graduates four to eight years after completing their studies. The survey was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026. A total of 1,052 of the Saxion graduates participated in the t+5 survey. This is 5% of the total number of graduates in the years in question.

Read here more about the HBO-Monitor t+5 and also view the press release of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH).