In today’s world, education is more than the pursuit of knowledge; it’s a gateway to career success. The best institutions in the world stand out not only for their academic rigor but also for their exceptional track record of producing highly employable graduates. If you’re deciding which universities to apply to, one of the factors you should consider is whether they provide the resources and connections you’ll need to succeed professionally.
In this article, we explore the top European institutions that have the highest graduate employment rates. These are some of the best schools in Europe – they offer more than degrees, they offer pathways to employability.
Top Schools in Europe with High Employability Rate
The following is a list of the universities producing the most employable graduates in Europe. Compiled by Emerging, the GEURS is the most popular list referred to by employers around the world.
1. University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge, located in the historic city of Cambridge, England, is one of the best universities in the world. With a legacy spanning over eight centuries, it stands as a symbol of academic excellence, innovation, and tradition.
One of Cambridge’s unique features is its collegiate system, where students become members of one of the university’s 31 colleges. This system fosters close-knit communities, personalized support, and a sense of belonging within the larger institution. Cambridge is known for its exceptional faculty who are leading scholars in their respective fields. More than 120 Nobel laureates have been affiliated with the university, which has also produced many world leaders.
2. University of Oxford
Nestled in the picturesque city of Oxford, the University of Oxford, like its Cambridge counterpart, stands as one of the world’s most prestigious and historic institutions of higher learning. Established more than nine centuries ago, Oxford University is celebrated for its rich tradition, academic rigor, and global impact.
Oxford has a remarkable track record of producing influential leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Its graduates have made significant contributions to various fields, from literature and politics to science and business. It has produced many former prime ministers, prestigious award winners, and elite athletes.
3. Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich (TUM), known as Technische Universität München in German, was established in 1868 as a Polytechnic School. It has grown to become one of the best universities in Europe, ranking within the top 40 universities globally.
Renowned for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation, the university attracts some of the world’s best talent, among both students and staff. Faculty and scholars associated with the University have received prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize and the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, the most coveted honor for researchers at German universities.
TUM is known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, producing graduates who are well-equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving world. The university estimates that it turns out about 78 start-ups in a year.
4. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich, or Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, is one of Switzerland’s premier technical universities. Established in 1855, it has evolved into a globally recognized educational institution with knowledge and innovation at its heart.
About 35% of its students are international. It also employs some of the brightest minds in the world, and its scientists have been bestowed with a range of awards and honors.
One of the university’s unique features is its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. ETH Zurich has strong ties to industry and encourages students and researchers to translate their ideas into practical solutions, contributing to Switzerland’s reputation as an innovation hub.
5. Imperial College London
Imperial College London, often simply referred to as Imperial, is a prestigious public research university located in the heart of London. Established in 1907, the university is known for its strong research culture. The UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) has ranked it the country’s biggest producer of world-leading research.
Consistently ranked among the top ten universities globally, Imperial holds a distinguished reputation. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, with a particular emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
6. CentraleSupélec – Paris Saclay University
CentraleSupélec, a prominent institution in France, is a result of the merger between two of the country’s leading engineering schools, École Centrale Paris and Supélec. It’s now a key part of the prestigious Paris-Saclay University, one of Europe’s top research universities which brings together several leading institutes and Grandes écoles. It shares several laboratories with research institutes in France and accounts for 13% of the country’s research capabilities.
A leading engineering school and a key component of the Paris-Sinclay project, CentraleSupélec co-directs five doctoral schools and offers diverse Master’s programs. The institute aims to establish a global network of training schools and laboratories and has already opened campuses in China, India, and Morocco.
7. IE University
IE University, established in 1973, is one of Spain’s leading universities with two campuses in Madrid and Segovia. It is a renowned institution of higher education known for its innovative approach to learning and international perspective.
To adapt to the rapidly changing world, IE University offers Liquid Learning, a student-centered, interactive approach to education that transcends traditional boundaries and fosters skill development and competencies. It combines classroom learning with practical experience – it encourages students to participate in internships, projects, and international experiences, preparing them to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
8. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a world-renowned technical university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Established in 1853, it has a storied history of excellence in education, research, and innovation.
One of the leading technical universities in Europe, EPFL is committed to contributing to the development of the country. It fosters industry innovation, entrepreneurship, and business collaboration. Students and entrepreneurs will benefit from support to start or grow a business. EPFL also has a dedicated team to act as a liaison between academia and industry.
9. HEC Paris School of Management
Established by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1881, HEC Paris is one of France’s oldest Grandes Ecoles. Ranked among the top ten business schools in the world, it is renowned for its contributions to the global business community.
The institute provides career services by organizing career fairs and recruitment events in a wide range of fields. Its career resource center offers about 25,000 internships and job positions. HEC Paris has career advisers to support students and a career development program to help find the best path for each student.
10. London School of Economics and Political Science
Established in 1895, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a prestigious and globally recognized institution of higher learning. It is ranked the best university in London and places within the top five universities in the world in social sciences and management. It has many distinguished alumni, including Nobel Prize winners and world leaders.
One of the attractive features of LSE is its central location in London, a global hub for finance, politics, and culture. This prime position allows students to engage with real-world issues, access world-class resources, and benefit from connections with leading experts and institutions.
11. Ecole Polytechnique
École Polytechnique is one of France’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Established in 1794, its progress has been marked by an emphasis on its three fundamental missions: innovation, education, and research. Known for its excellence in these areas, the institute attracts students and researchers from all over the world – about 40% of its students and academic staff are international.
Polytechnique has a strong track record of producing influential graduates who have made significant contributions to science, technology, industry, and government. It supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. The institute’s dedication to generating human resources that drive progress and innovation cements its position in both the French and global landscape.
12. University of Navarra
The University of Navarra, established in 1952, is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and its strong foundation in Catholic values.
The University emphasizes values-based education. It strives to educate not only skilled professionals but also responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. The university’s commitment to ethics and social responsibility sets it apart as an institution that prioritizes character development alongside academic excellence.
13. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Established in 1913, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), is a leading university in the Netherlands. It is home to the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, which aims to create an inclusive environment for a diverse body of talent and empower them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
One of the best features of Erasmus University is its strong commitment to internationalization. The university values diversity and encourages students to participate in international exchanges, fostering a global perspective and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
14. EM LYON Business School
EM Lyon Business School, often referred to as Emlyon, was established in 1872 and has a long history of providing high-quality education and fostering innovation in business and management.
The School is home to 9,050 students from around 125 countries enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has six campuses spread across the globe in Lyon, Saint-Étienne, Paris, Shanghai, Bhubaneswar and Mumbai. It has the prestigious triple accreditation, recognized by the big three international accreditation systems: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.
15. KU Leuven
Established in 1425, KU Leuven, or Catholic University Leuven is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. It has great historical significance. While the university is rooted in Catholic tradition, it embraces diversity and provides a modern and inclusive learning environment.
The university has several international partnerships and several institutes that produce interdisciplinary research. It provides a lot of support for technology transfer – for researchers who want to develop and grow their ideas, as well as businesses that want to access some technology.
FAQs About European Universities
Where do European Universities Stand in Global Rankings for Graduate Employability?
As in all other criteria, European universities stand out even in their graduate employability rate with several European institutions consistently securing top positions in rankings. 40% of the top 20 universities in the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS) 2022 are European.
These universities are committed to producing career-ready individuals. Many institutions in Europe prioritize internships, practical experience, and industry collaboration as integral components of their academic programs. This commitment extends to fostering essential soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication – attributes highly valued by employers worldwide.
Which University in Europe Has the Most Employable Graduates?
The University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom has some of the most employable graduates in Europe. Being one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Cambridge is a perennial contender for several ‘best of’ titles, and employability is no less.
Cambridge’s global reputation, synonymous with high academic standards, gives its graduates a distinct advantage in the competitive job market, both within Europe and on the global stage. The university’s dedication to academic and personal growth consistently positions its graduates among the most employable in Europe, making them coveted assets in the workforce.
If you’re looking to secure a promising future and a successful career, these European institutions are a great place to study. From the UK to France and Spain, many universities produce graduates who are in high demand by employers worldwide.
We hope that this article on the best schools in Europe with high employability rates was informative and helpful. You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
