University as a Connector 2026:
The workforce needs universities to close the gap
Across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, some of the largest workforce pipelines are drifting out of alignment. Employer demand is growing faster than student interest in fields central to national capability, while AI is reshaping the skills required within disciplines.
The challenge is no longer simply to understand where demand sits. Universities must use that evidence to guide recruitment, curriculum, partnerships and pathways into employment.
AUTHORS
We acknowledge the use of Lightcast labour market data in informing the analysis presented throughout this report and appreciate their contribution to the research.
The connector role is becoming more important
In countries around the world, the skills mismatch is becoming more concentrated, more visible, and harder to close. Governments, communities, and commentators are asking what role universities should play in responding.
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INTRODUCTION
Our first University as a Connector report argued that universities could create greater value by connecting student demand for education with employer demand for skills. This updated analysis shows where that role matters most.
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Explore the data across Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, including where student and employer demand are diverging, how AI is reshaping skills within disciplines, and what universities can do next.
Carlie Sage
DIRECTOR,
ANALYTICS
& INSIGHTS, APAC,
studyportals
Robert Lintzen
SENIOR ADVANCED
ANALYTICS
CONSULTANT,
STUDYPORTALS
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Engineering shortages
remain unresolved
Computing demand is
becoming more uneven
AI is changing
every discipline
Business is the most consistent
cross-market mismatch
5
The connector role
extends into employment
Employer demand for commercial, financial, operational and analytical capabilities remains strong, while student interest is flat or declining in several markets. The challenge is not simply producing more business graduates, but helping students translate broad capabilities into clear employment pathways.
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Engineering sits at the centre of infrastructure, energy, defence and technology priorities, yet student interest is weakening in some markets as employer demand grows. Universities cannot rely on existing enrolment demand to build the workforce pipeline.
3
Student interest in computer science and ICT remains comparatively resilient even as these fields account for a smaller share of employer demand in several markets. Universities need to align programs more closely with emerging demand in AI, cybersecurity and data while strengthening transferable analytical and business capabilities.
4
The biggest shift is not confined to specialist AI roles. AI is changing work in business, law, marketing, health, engineering and other fields. Every graduate will need some combination of AI literacy, data capability and the human judgement required to apply these tools effectively.
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Attracting students into high-demand fields does not guarantee that their skills will reach the workforce. Universities need to build stronger pathways into relevant industries and support graduates as they move between study, work and, for international students, different countries.
FIVE FINDINGS
REDEFINING THE UNIVERSITY CONNECTOR ROLE
Zac Ashkanasy
PRINCIPAL,
NOUS GROUP
zac.ashkanasy@nousgroup.com
Daniel Cragg
DIRECTOR,
NOUS GROUP
daniel.cragg@nousgroup.com
carliesage@studyportals.com
lintzen@studyportals.com