The latest joint report from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows that the employment rate for university graduates has remained high at 98.0%. This level is consistent with the previous year’s performance, indicating a stable and favorable environment for new entrants into the workforce.
Employment Rates by Institution Type Link to heading
While universities held steady, other institutions saw slight fluctuations. Colleges of Technology (Kosen) continue to boast the highest overall employment success at 99.2%.
| Institution Type | Employment Rate (2026) | Change from Prev. Year |
|---|---|---|
| Colleges of Technology (Kosen) | 99.2% | ▼ 0.4 |
| Specialized Training Colleges | 98.6% | ▼ 0.6 |
| University (Total) | 98.0% | — 0.0 |
| Junior College | 97.4% | ▲ 0.4 |
| Overall (Including Specialized) | 98.1% | — 0.0 |
University Breakdown: Gender & Academic Field Link to heading
Data for university students reveals a slight performance gap favoring female graduates, who reached a 98.7% employment rate. Additionally, students in Science & Engineering saw a significant increase in successful job placements compared to the previous year.
| Category | Employment Rate | Change from Prev. Year |
|---|---|---|
| Female Graduates | 98.7% | ▲ 0.2 |
| Male Graduates | 97.5% | ▼ 0.1 |
| Science & Engineering (Rikei) | 98.1% | ▲ 0.8 |
| Humanities (Bunkei) | 98.0% | ▼ 0.2 |
Regional Performance (Universities) Link to heading
Geographically, the Chugoku and Shikoku region emerged as the national leader for graduate employment this year, reaching a rate of 98.9%.
| Region | Employment Rate | Change from Prev. Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chugoku & Shikoku | 98.9% | ▲ 0.8 |
| Kanto (Tokyo Area) | 98.5% | ▼ 0.2 |
| Kinki (Osaka/Kyoto Area) | 98.5% | ▲ 0.7 |
| Kyushu | 98.4% | ▲ 1.8 |
| Chubu | 96.5% | ▼ 1.8 |
| Hokkaido & Tohoku | 96.0% | ▼ 1.2 |