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 250 universities span 42 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 2026
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In addition to its world-leading courses, 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 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. California Institute of Technology
It’s no surprise that California Institute of Technology – regarded as one of the world’s best universities – is a favourite among international employers. Students are admitted on the basis of strong interest and skills in maths, science and engineering.
Not only do Caltech students learn the fundamentals across a range of science and engineering subjects, they get to grips with the most innovative tools to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
The student population is tiny compared with other colleges – it’s one of the smallest in the world, with just over 1,000 undergraduates and 1,200 postgraduates. This close community allows for good relationships between tutors and staff.
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. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the second UK university to feature in the top five of the global employability ranking. It also enters the top five again for the first time since 2020.
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.
Global University Employability Ranking 2026
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2026 profile.
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