Going to college or university is about more than just preparing for a career, but choosing the right institution and course can certainly improve your graduate prospects.
A global employability ranking, designed by the HR consultancy Emerging and published exclusively by Times Higher Education, reveals which universities the recruiters at top companies think are best at preparing students for the workplace.
These 300 universities span 47 countries, from the US to Japan. Employers voted for institutions both in their own country and around the world, if they recruit internationally.
The full methodology can be found here.
In some countries, graduate jobs are not easy to come by, but in European countries such as France, Switzerland and Germany, professional experience is built into degree programmes.
France, Germany and China are among the best-represented countries in the employability ranking, along with the UK and the US.
Singapore, Japan and the UK each have an institution in the top 10, with Chinese and Swiss universities also appearing high in the ranking.
Top universities in the United States for employability
Top universities in the UK for employability
Top universities in Canada for employability
Top universities in Australia for employability
Top universities in the Netherlands for employability
Top universities in France for employability
Top universities in Germany for employability
Top universities for graduate employability 2027
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In addition to its world-leading courses, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers career-enhancing programmes for undergraduates, industry leaders and the general public.
Many companies have significant involvement in college courses and research, often spanning disciplines and lasting several years.
MIT students, faculty members and alumni play key roles in entrepreneurial innovations, including developing advanced computer networks, securing venture capital transactions and advancing biotechnology.
2. Stanford University
Stanford University is located in Pasadena, California, right next to the world-renowned Silicon Valley.
In total, companies founded by Stanford affiliates and alumni generate more than $2.7 trillion (£2 trillion) in annual revenues, which would be the 10th-largest economy in the world. These firms include Google, Nike, Netflix, Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, Instagram and Charles Schwab.
Stanford alumni have also founded non-profit organisations such as Kiva and SIRUM.
3. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the first UK university to feature in the top five of the global employability ranking. It moves up two places this year.
The university has an extensive careers service for both current students and alumni, including CV writing and cover letter advice, internships and skills workshops.
According to the University of Oxford website, six months after leaving, the majority of graduates were in employment or in further study, 8 per cent were doing something else such as taking time out to travel and only 4 per cent were looking for work.
4. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s best universities.
Its history stretches back to the 13th century, when it was founded by Oxford scholars taking refuge after conflicts with townspeople.
Now, its graduates are globally sought after, valued particularly for their specialist knowledge, gained as a result of the personal tuition that is unique to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
5. Harvard University
Harvard University is the oldest and arguably the most prestigious college in the United States, with a reputation for admitting and producing highly accomplished students.
More than 30 heads of state have studied at Harvard, and the university also counts 38 Nobel prizewinners and 48 Pulitzer winners among its alumni.
Like many institutions favoured by employers, Harvard has a long history of groundbreaking research and innovation.
Many students undertake extracurricular activities while studying, from sport to entrepreneurial endeavours, which equip them with the essential skills to succeed.
Global Employability University Ranking 2027
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2027 profile.
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