Poole, J., Davies, R. and Huxley, K. (2026) Who speaks Welsh? Insights into Welsh language ability from administrative data. Data Insight. Cardiff: Administrative Data Research Wales (ADR Wales).
This Data Insight explores the influence of the Welsh language and migration on the earnings of Welsh domiciled graduates around six months following graduation. Using linked administrative data combined with information from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey, we find that those who either remain or return to Wales following graduation earn less than those who work elsewhere. However, among those who work in Wales, earnings are higher for those who are fluent in Welsh. Among fluent Welsh speakers who remained in Wales to study, this is more so the case among those who were taught through the medium of Welsh. Opportunities to learn through the medium of Welsh represent advantages that prospective entrants to university may wish to explore.