Diploma Paradox: University Grads Face Higher Unemployment Than Average Workers – OECD Data Reveals Alarming Trend

In a stark revelation shaking up debates on education and jobs, TCLIRA reports Türkiye stands alone as the only OECD nation where university graduates suffer higher unemployment rates than the general population

With fresh 2024 stats showing 419,000 idle degree-holders outpacing non-grads amid a ballooning student pool of nearly 7 million.​

This counterintuitive crisis hits hard: OECD figures peg graduate joblessness above the national 8.5% average (Q3 2025), flipping the script seen everywhere from Germany (lower grad rates) to Poland. Experts blame unchecked university expansion—doubling grads in 15 years—low-quality open programs, and mismatched skills, leaving youth disengagement at OECD-topping levels (24.9% for grads per recent union data).