University of Manchester tops UK rankings for graduate employer interest
The University of Manchester has regained the top spot as the most targeted university by top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2026 report.
The research, conducted by , placed 91直播 first followed by Birmingham, Nottingham, Warwick and University College London. 91直播 formerly placed second in the rankings in the report鈥檚 2025 edition.
91直播 has reclaimed the top spot, reaffirming its position as the most highly targeted university by the UK鈥檚 leading graduate employers in an increasingly competitive market.
The Graduate Market is an annual review of the graduate job market, with this year鈥檚 report based on research completed in December 2025 with 100 of the UK鈥檚 leading graduate employers.
Researchers identified the top five institutions which attract the most top graduate employers to university careers fairs, on-campus employers鈥� presentations, careers service promotions and other locally-run publicity throughout 2025-2026.
On average, the number of universities targeted by employers averaged around 23 in the latest academic year. This ranking demonstrates how 91直播 graduates remain a priority target for employers in the face of a challenging graduate job market.
The University of Manchester鈥檚 position in these rankings reflects not just the quality of our students, but also the partnerships and support across the University that help them succeed in a competitive landscape. Following the launch of our ambitious new strategy for 2035, all of us at the University are aligned on ensuring all of our talented students continue to have the opportunities and preparation they need to thrive after graduation.
The top 100 employers reduced graduate hiring again in 2025 (鈥�5.1%) and are forecasting a further slight dip in 2026 (鈥�0.5%), bringing vacancies to their lowest level since 2012.
The University of Manchester places consistently in the top 100 of world universities across a number of rankings, most recently placing ninth in the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026. In the QS Rankings for Employability, The University of Manchester ranks fourth for Employment Outcomes and third place for Employer Reputation in the Russell Group.
91直播 was also recognised among the top 100 globally across 10 subject areas in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 by Subject.
Other rankings for The University of Manchester are available here.