In 2025, 3,910 young Australians completed the fourth wave of the GENERATION survey. Together, they were doing a lot! Whether it was studying, working, or something different, young Australians were engaged in a wide range of activities in 2025. This data story reports on those activities.
The fourth wave of the GENERATION study included a top-up sample of 726 first year higher education students (19% of the Wave 4 sample). The data reported in this data story is unweighted.
Percentage of participants engaged in higher education in 2025.
Percentage of participants engaged in vocation and training in 2025.
Percentage of participants engaged in paid employment in 2025.
Percentage of participants engaged in extracurricular activities in 2025.
The above graph provides a demographic overview of GENERATION's Wave 4 sample. 57% identified as female, 36% identified as male and 3% identified as non-binary or another gender identity. 4% of participants identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, while 92% were non-Indigenous. 30% self-reported a disability, and 61% did not. Lastly, 67% of participants were based in major cities, whereas 19% lived in regional or remote parts of Australia (with 13% of participants not providing location information).
In 2025, most GENERATION participants were aged 18-19 (95%) and participating in work, study, and other life activities.
81% of participants were engaged in at least one education or training activity in 2025. The above graph shows that: 69% were studying at university or higher education, 13% were completing a certificate or training program at TAFE or VET institution, 6% were completing an apprenticeship or traineeship, and 4% were completing a university bridging course (a pathway to university).
But they were up to other things, too! The graph also shows that 61% were working at a job, 15% were taking a gap year or traveling, 10% were engaging in home or caring duties (domestic work), 3% played in a professional or semi-professional sport, 1% were working in the Defence or Police force and 1% were volunteering.
Participants also reported focusing on their health and wellbeing, engaging in performance and creative arts, starting a business, engaging in community work, internships, non-professional sport and applying for jobs.
This graph shows the top 5 most common jobs for GENERATION participants in Wave 4: Sales assistants and salespersons (22%), hospitality workers (16%), education workers (primarily academic tutors) (7%), carers and aides (7%) and sports or personal service workers (mainly sports coaches/guides or safety patrol) (7%).
However, 78% of participants in paid work saw their current jobs as temporary employment (just a job while waiting), rather than a career path (a field they could make a career in or wanted to pursue a career in) (20%).
Approximately 10% of participants were working across three or more jobs, and 58% were juggling work with study or training.
When they weren’t busy studying or working, many GENERATION participants were engaged in extracurricular activities. 36% were participating in a team or individual sport, 19% were involved with a community group, club or volunteer organisation (e.g. scouts/guides, debating, chess), 12% were participating in art, music or performance lessons, 12% were attending religious services or classes, and 6% were involved in cultural activities (e.g. cultural events/practices).
The above graph shows the differences in extracurricular activities by gender. A higher percentage of males reported participating in sport (43% vs 34%), community groups, clubs or volunteering (20% vs 18%), and religious activities (14% vs 12%) when compared to females. Additionally, when compared to males, a higher percentage of females reported participating in activities related to art, music and performance (14% vs. 10%) and culture (6% vs 7%). Results for other gender identities are not shown due to limited sample sizes.
Thank you to everybody who participated in GENERATION in 2025. The fifth wave of the survey is taking place later this year. We look forward to hearing about what young people have been up to in 2026!