This report explores international policy trends regarding the relationship between higher education and the labour market, reviewed mainly from the governmental perspective. It asks what initiatives, policy instruments and approaches can be identified in other countries which are useful for Dutch higher education policy. The report discusses the issue of education supply and demand on the national level, particular programmes to bridge the gap between higher education and the labour market, the growing emphasis on competences and high level skills, and the notion of employer engagement. It also investigates the anchoring of the higher education and labour market connection in Higher Education policies, particularly the structural role of the employers and professional bodies in quality assurance and accreditation processes. It draws conclusions from the international review, followed by a short reflection on the Dutch Strategic Agenda on higher education.