The statistics shown here are based on various data sources namely Labour Force Survey, Higher Education Statistics and Graduate Tracer Study. Graduates are defined as individuals aged 15 years and over with the highest certificate obtained from universities, colleges, polytechnics, recognised bodies or equivalent, in which the duration of study is at least two years. Graduates are classified into two categories of certification namely Diploma and Degree.
Principal Statistics of Graduates
The number of graduates in Malaysia was 5.29 million persons in 2019, an increase of 6.9 per cent from 4.94 million persons in 2018 as shown in Chart 1 (Please see below). The number of graduates in Malaysia was 5.29 million persons in 2019, increased 6.9 per cent from 4.94 million persons in 2018 as shown in Chart 1. In the meantime, graduates in the labour force went up 6.8 per cent to 4.42 million persons (2018: 4.14 million persons). Graduates labour force participation rate (GLFPR) was 83.5 per cent, decreasing 0.1 percentage point as against 83.6 per cent in 2018. Out of total graduates in the labour force, 96.1 per cent (4.25 million persons) were employed, an increase of 6.9 per cent from 3.97 million persons in 2018. Meanwhile, the graduate unemployment rate remained at 3.9 per cent (170.3 thousand persons). In addition, graduates outside the labour force rose 7.6 per cent to 871.4 thousand persons (2018: 808.5 thousand persons).
Chart 1: Principles Statistics of Graduates, Malaysia, 2019 ('000)
Source: Graduate Statistics 2019, Department of Statistic Malaysia
Employed, Unemployed, Outside Labour Force Graduates Statistics
Employed Graduates Statistics
In 2019, the number of employed graduates was 4.25 million persons, an increase of 6.9 per cent from 2018 (3.97 million persons).
Unemployed Graduates Statistics
The number of unemployed graduates in 2019 was 170.3 thousand persons, increased 5.5 per cent (2018: 161.3 thousand persons).
Graduates Outside Labour Force Statistics
The number of graduates outside the labour force in 2019 was 869.8 thousand persons, increased 7.6 per cent (2018: 808.5 thousand persons).
Chart 2: Graduate Statistics 2019, Department of Statistic Malaysia
