Most university graduates in Cyprus face skill mismatches at work — study

According to the second cycle of the National Graduate Tracking Survey in Cyprus, more than two-thirds of employed graduates reported that their skills do not fully match the requirements of their current job.

This refers to so-called “skills mismatch” — a situation where the level, profile, or field of a graduate’s education does not align with what is required at their workplace. The study revealed that this is a systemic issue affecting the majority of young professionals on the island.

Analysts emphasize that mismatches can occur both as overqualification and as a lack of specific practical skills. This reduces productivity, limits career prospects, and can lead to dissatisfaction with the chosen profession.

Experts are calling for a revision of higher education programs and stronger ties between universities and employers to improve the alignment between educational outcomes and labor market needs.