University of Birmingham takes the top spot for employers seeking graduates

The University of Birmingham has been declared the number one educational institution for attracting the top graduate employers, as revealed in the Graduate Market in 2025 report.

Birmingham has placed first in the Graduate Market report for the second consecutive year, placing higher than universities such as Imperial College London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Warwick. 

As part of their 2030 strategy, The University of Birmingham is developing specialised professional expertise, and training their students in core skills that employers value highly. Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at The University of Birmingham, said: “Ensuring our students are ready for the world of work is a priority of our 2030 Strategy. Students benefit from extensive careers support during their time with us, as well as after graduation, alongside exceptional and varied industry links in all our schools and departments. This ensures our students are a great fit for employers seeking graduate recruits who can hit the ground running.” 

The graduate report compiled by High Fliers ranks UK universities which have attracted the most top graduate employers for university careers fairs, on-campus employer presentations, university-specific virtual events, careers service promotions and initiatives, and other locally run publicity during 2024-2025. Over the past year, the University of Birmingham has hosted more than 300 employers on campus, whilst continuing to commit to developing their students with employability programmes.

Birmingham as a city boasts one of the highest graduate retention rates in the UK, at circa 50%, due to to the thriving job market and major employers based in the city. Due to this incredible community of graduates and high-earning professionals, accommodation in the city centre is in high demand.