In the context of the development of the Strategic Agenda Higher Education and Research 2011, the Dutch Ministry requested CHEPS to explore international policy trends regarding the relationship between higher education and the labour market. This should be reviewed mainly from the governmental perspective: what initiatives, policy instruments and approaches can be identified in other countries that can be useful for Dutch higher education policy? This thematic report looks at a selective group of countries that are commonly involved in the CHEPS International Higher Education Monitor (IHEM). In particular we consider developments in Germany, France, the UK, Scandinavian countries (notably Sweden), Australia, and for certain aspects Austria and Switzerland. The aim is not to give a comprehensive overview of these countries, but to highlight certain aspects that were found most notable.