Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
The 2025 edition of the Impact and Outcomes reports highlight the wide-ranging economic, social and cultural impacts of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. These reports demonstrate how our disciplines deliver direct economic benefit and are essential for building national capabilities. They profile innovative and impactful research and showcase the exciting career paths of our graduates.
The Impact and Outcomes reports are enduring resources for educators, stakeholders and advocacy groups to demonstrate how the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities underpin the different ways individuals and communities connect to one another, as well as how they contribute to building national capabilities and more skilled workforces.
Australia
In 2025, the World Economic Forum reported that analytical thinking, creative thinking, empathy and active listening and curiosity and lifelong learning are among the top ten in demand skills by employers. These skills attest to the strong interpersonal capacities, communication skills and emotional intelligence which are central to the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
Arts-related industries comprise 2.5% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Australian economy. This is comparable in size to Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, and the Accommodation and Food Services Industry.
Almost 31% of First Nations students commencing study in 2024 were enrolled in Society and Culture, making our disciplines the biggest cohort of First Nations students across Australia and well placed to help the government achieve the recommendations and goals of the Universities Accord.
In 2024, almost 90% of Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences graduates were in full-time employment within three years of graduating. Employers rated the employability and adaptive skills of our graduates the highest across all study areas with positive ratings over 90%.
2025 Impact and Outcomes Australia factsheet
Aotearoa New Zealand
The Impact and Outcome Aotearoa New Zealand report breaks down how the Arts and Creative sector contributed 4% of the nation’s total GDP, employed close to 118, 000 people and accounted for one-quarter of all Professionals employed in Aotearoa.
Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities graduates in Aotearoa enjoy diverse career pathways and earning opportunities after university. For instance, a Political Science and Policy Studies graduate is expected to earn more than $1,359,880 more than an average school leaver across their lifetime salary.
Research from the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities is wide-ranging and impactful. Projects contribute to a healthier and more sustainable nation by reducing natural disaster risks, increasing awareness of drownings, promoting inclusivity in the armed forces, and challenging assumptions around mental health.
Read previous Impact and Outcomes reports
2024 Impact and Outcomes Australia report
2024 Impact and Outcomes Australia factsheet
