Contributions of international education to graduate capital and employability: Evidence from social science graduates in Kazakhstan

Drawing on Tomlinson’s graduate capital model, this paper examines the contribution of international education to the development of different forms of graduate capital and the experiences of international education graduates in applying graduate capital while navigating the job market. Interviews with 50 social science graduates in Kazakhstan demonstrated that human, social, and psychological capitals played a greater role in adjusting to various labour market factors and securing employment. We also contend that the utilization of specific forms of capital was contingent upon the particular industry where participants were seeking career opportunities.