This research takes a close look at both the higher education system and the labour market in Lebanon. The aim is to identify, categorize and understand the main factors that affect at a first stance the Lebanese youth choices at the higher education level and at a second stance the aspects that distress the graduates' integration within the labour market and type of labour market. The research adopts a socio-economic approach and reflects a triangular perspective considering the bodies forming and shaping the system: the legislators, the practitioners and the clients. Qualitative and quantitative approaches are used to analyse and determine what shapes the higher education choices and what affects the pace of transition to the labour market. The aim is to propose based on the findings a specific model for the Lebanese case and validate (or not) international theories for small economies.