Graduate Perceptions of Curriculum Alignment with Labor Market Needs: Evidence from “Eqrem Çabej” University, Albania

The alignment of university curricula with labor market needs has become a strategic priority for higher education institutions seeking to enhance graduate employability and respond to evolving socio-economic demands. This study investigates graduates' perceptions of curriculum alignment with labor market needs, using “Eqrem Çabej” University in Albania as a case study. A quantitative research design was employed based on data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to university graduates. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 21) to identify the factors associated with graduates' perceptions of curriculum alignment. The results indicate that perceived adequacy of academic preparation, university support in establishing connections with the labor market, and graduates' employment status were statistically significant predictors of graduates' perceptions regarding curriculum alignment with labor market needs. The final logistic regression model demonstrated substantial explanatory performance, indicating that these factors were significantly associated with graduates' evaluations of curriculum relevance. The findings provide empirical evidence on the associations between academic preparation, university–labor market interaction, and graduates' perceptions of program relevance. The study contributes to the literature on higher education and graduate employability by offering evidence from a regional public university in Albania and provides practical implications for curriculum development, university–industry collaboration, and institutional policies aimed at strengthening graduates' transition into the labor market.