The relationship between higher education and employment (particulary underemployment and unemployment) is discussed in terms of a synthesis of 21 case studies of developing and developed nations. The countries discussed are: Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Federal Republic of Germany, Malaysia, Pakistan, People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, Philippines, Poland, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Zambia, the State of West Bengal (India), Mali, Nepal, France, Indonesia and Peru. The following chapters are provided: "Introduction: The Situation, the Project and the Countries Involved"; "The Methodology Used"; "The Demand for Higher Education"; "Organization and Access to Higher Education"; "The Quantitative Development of Higher Education"; "The Operation of the Higher Education System"; "Transition from the World of Higher Education to the World of Work"; "The World of Work"; and "Conclusions: Implications for Higher Education Planners." Appendices provide statistical and socioeconomic data, student and graduate variables, and the study instruments. (KM)