On 27–28 November 2025, the European Network on Graduate Tracking (ENGT) held a Peer Learning Activity (PLA) at the premises of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels. The event brought together 27 participants from 16 EU and EEA countries, along with representatives from DG EAC, Eurostat, EHESO, and the Support Service for the Network. The event marked an important step towards developing a common framework between the Network and EHESO on tracking graduate outcomes. 

Building on the progress made since the 2017 Council Recommendation on tracking graduates and the 2024 PLA focusing on administrative data sources, this year’s peer learning activity focused on two main topics: 

Developing internationally comparable indicators 

Participants discussed methodological approaches to improving the comparability of graduate outcome indicators across Europe. Presentations from Eurostat provided insights into the EU Labour Force Survey and UOE data, while EHESO introduced the draft methodological handbook and the planned pilot data collection of aggregated indicators (T+1 and T+5 graduates; ISCED 6–8). 

Key issues raised included: 

• defining reference populations and observation timing,
• ensuring consistent breakdowns (field of study, gender, NUTS regions),
• managing confidentiality thresholds and metadata requirements, and
• accommodating different national data structures and legal frameworks. 

Roadmap towards a centralised European data platform 

Working groups discussed how countries could contribute to the EHESO-led pilot and what steps are needed to move towards more harmonised graduate tracking methods in the future. Participants emphasised the value of a step-by-step approach, clear variable definitions, and flexibility during the first pilot round. 

The PLA also served to introduce the new EHESO Graduate Tracking User Group, which will support exchange on analytical activities, use of existing data, and future developments linked to Eurograduate 2026 and administrative data. A first webinar of the User Group will be organised on 18 March 2025, from 12:30 to 14:00 – the agenda and registration link will be announced under EHESO events. 

Next steps 

A revised version of the methodological handbook will be shared in December 2025, with the pilot data collection planned for February–March 2026. Preliminary data sharing by countries is encouraged to identify potential challenges early. Results of the pilot and methodological refinements will be presented at the Network’s annual meeting in April 2026. 

A coordinated work programme covering the activities of the European Network on Graduate Tracking and the data collections under the EHESO will be established, including preparations for the 10-year review of the Council Recommendation on graduate tracking.