In total, 16 UK universities appear in the Global University Employability Ranking 2026, designed by the HR consultancy Emerging and published exclusively by Times Higher Education. The ranking reveals the 250 universities that recruiters at top companies think are best at preparing students for the workplace.
Four of these are London-based institutions; the rest are spread across the UK.
The universities of Cambridge and Oxford take the top two positions in the UK.
Two Scottish universities make it into the overall ranking, with the University of St Andrews at 139 and the University of Edinburgh ranked at 142. A Welsh university, Cardiff University, ranks at 193.
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Top three universities in the UK for graduate employability
1. University of Cambridge
Beyond Cambridge’s international reputation, graduates benefit from a network of fellow alumni in influential positions around the world.
Many Cambridge graduates go on to lead companies or become high-profile political and cultural figures. More than 400 Cambridge alumni groups exist around the world, from Australia to Brazil.
While the university is known for its traditional tutelage system, in which students interact with their teachers in small groups, innovative teaching methods are also being introduced. Academics can receive grants for creative projects exploring new ways of teaching students.
2. University of Oxford
At least 30 international political leaders, 27 British prime ministers, 50 Nobel prizewinners and 120 Olympic medallists have studied at Oxford, securing its reputation among employers and the general public.
Admission is extremely competitive, and employers are generally confident that hiring an Oxford graduate is a safe bet.
The university is also committed to developing digital technology and communication, so graduates are often exposed to important research and innovation that can be applied in the workplace.
3. Imperial College London
London is one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurial students or anyone hoping to forge relationships with international companies.
Imperial College hosts many careers events throughout the year, including lunchtime talks, employer-led skills workshops and mock interviews with employers.
The university also allows students to come back for careers support up to three years after they graduate.
Top universities in the UK for graduate employability 2026
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2026 results
| UK Employability Rank 2026 | Global Employability Rank 2026 | Global Employability Rank 2025 | University | City/town |
| 1 | 4 | 5 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
| 2 | 5 | 7 | University of Oxford | Oxford |
| 3 | 9 | 10 | Imperial College London | London |
| 4 | 19 | 23 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | London |
| 5 | 56 | 65 | University of Manchester | Manchester |
| 6 | 65 | 64 | King's College London | London |
| 7 | 98 | 128 | UCL | London |
| 8 | 130 | NR | University of Warwick | Warwick |
| 9 | 139 | 142 | University of St Andrews | St Andrews |
| 10 | 142 | 148 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
| 11 | 159 | 169 | University of Birmingham | Birmingham |
| 12 | 193 | 187 | Cardiff University | Cardiff |
| 13 | 200 | 202 | Durham University | Durham |
| 14 | 204 | NR | University of Bristol | Bristol |
| 15 | 227 | NR | University of Bath | Bath |
| 16 | 233 | NR | Loughborough University | Loughborough |
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