Research ranks Switzerland, US, and Germany as leading destinations for UK graduates seeking employment abroad
Key Findings:
- New study ranks best countries for UK graduates to find employment, based on employment rates, job listings, and starting salaries
- Switzerland tops the list, offering high median graduate salaries, while the US ranks second with the highest number of job postings
- Career expert advises researching visa requirements and building networks before relocating, says English-speaking countries offer smoother transitions for UK graduates
Graduation caps will soon be flying through the air across the UK, and many new degree-holders will be setting their sights beyond British shores. But which countries offer the best chance of landing that vitally important first job?
“The world of work has become globalised, and today’s graduates know it,” says Owen O’Neill, Founder of Uni Compare, the platform helping students navigate their education choices. “We wanted to give them solid data on where they might find the most welcoming job markets if they’re brave enough to take the international plunge.”
Uni Compare analysed data across 14 countries using four key metrics: graduate employment rate, youth unemployment rate, number of post-graduation job listings, and median graduate starting salary. Each metric was normalised and weighted to produce a final score out of 100, with employment rate given the highest weighting.
Table: Top 10 Countries Where UK Graduates Can Land A Job Easily
| Rank | Country | Employment Rate | Youth Unemployment | No. of Jobs Post-Grad | Median Graduate Starting Salary | Score |
| 1 | Switzerland | 80.60% | 7.90% | 39,923 | $ 78,883.00 | 79.86 |
| 2 | US | 87.10% | 9.40% | 2,487,225 | $ 37,670.00 | 78.23 |
| 3 | Germany | 82.10% | 6.70% | 318,096 | $ 43,944.00 | 71.71 |
| 4 | United Arab Emirates | 83.50% | 6.40% | 9,429 | $ 37,570.00 | 69.37 |
| 5 | Australia | 79.00% | 9.50% | 39,724 | $ 41,832.00 | 65.90 |
| 6 | Netherlands | 87.10% | 8.20% | 123,069 | $ 24,609.00 | 65.70 |
| 7 | Poland | 82.80% | 9.90% | 27,444 | $ 28,155.00 | 62.89 |
| 8 | Ireland | 82.00% | 11.10% | 9,234 | $ 27,599.00 | 61.16 |
| 9 | Hong Kong | 56.90% | 8.40% | 6,136 | $ 40,248.00 | 56.13 |
| 10 | Canada | 64.80% | 13.00% | 128,834 | $ 31,462.00 | 53.21 |
Columns Key:
Employment rate: Percentage of graduates who secured employment in 2024
Youth unemployment: Percentage of young people unable to find work in 2024
No. of jobs post-grad: Total job listings specifically for new graduates (May 2025)
Median graduate starting salary: Annual pay in USD for entry-level graduate positions
Switzerland: The Top Destination for UK Graduates
Switzerland secured the top position with an impressive score of 79.86. With a substantial graduate employment rate of 80.60% and a relatively low youth unemployment rate of 7.90%, the Swiss job market offers notable stability for recent graduates.
Most striking is Switzerland’s median graduate starting salary of $78,883 – more than double that of most countries in the top 10. Despite having fewer job listings (39,923) compared to countries like the US, the quality of opportunities and financial rewards make Switzerland particularly attractive for UK graduates.
“Switzerland’s banking, pharmaceutical, and technology sectors actively recruit international talent,” explains O’Neill. “The country’s high standard of living does come with higher costs, but the exceptional starting salaries more than compensate for this.”
US: Abundant Opportunities for British Talent
The United States ranked second with a score of 78.23, primarily driven by its massive job market. With an extraordinary 2,487,225 post-graduation job listings – by far the highest number in the study – the US offers unparalleled variety for UK graduates.
The country also boasts the highest graduate employment rate at 87.10%, though this is balanced by a youth unemployment rate of 9.40%. The median graduate starting salary of $37,670 is solid but significantly lower than Switzerland’s.
“The sheer number of job openings in the US is remarkable,” notes O’Neill. “These figures suggest a high-volume job market with opportunities across many sectors, though starting salaries don’t match Switzerland’s exceptional compensation levels.”
Germany: Strong European Option Post-Brexit
Germany ranked third with a score of 71.71, offering a well-balanced profile across all metrics. The country features a healthy graduate employment rate of 82.10% and the lowest youth unemployment rate in the top three at just 6.70%. With 318,096 job listings and a competitive median graduate starting salary of $43,944, Germany presents a strong European alternative for UK graduates post-Brexit.
“Germany’s data profile shows strength across all measured indicators,” O’Neill points out. “The statistics suggest a stable job market with solid employment prospects and competitive compensation, particularly in engineering, automotive, and technical fields where Germany’s economy specialises.”
English-Speaking Countries in the Rankings
The data shows several English-speaking countries performing well in the rankings, which could present advantages for UK graduates. The US (78.23), Australia (65.90), Ireland (61.16), and Canada (53.21) all appear in the top 10, suggesting potential opportunities where language barriers would be minimal for native English speakers from the UK.
“For UK graduates, countries where English is the primary language or widely used in business could offer a significant advantage in the job market,” says O’Neill. “UK graduates can immediately demonstrate their communication skills without translation barriers, which potentially makes these markets more accessible.”
Diverse Geographic Representation
The top 10 features countries from multiple regions worldwide. European nations account for five spots (Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, and Ireland), while North America claims two (US and Canada). Asia (Hong Kong), the Middle East (UAE), and Oceania (Australia) are also represented.
“The geographical diversity in our rankings highlights that strong employment indicators for graduates can be found across different regions and economies,” O’Neill explains. “Each brings different strengths – from the UAE’s very low youth unemployment rate of 6.40% to the Netherlands’ impressive graduate employment rate of 87.10%.”
Owen O’Neill, Founder of Uni Compare, commented:
“With our research, we hope to offer a practical roadmap for graduates exploring international opportunities. Each country has its own unique strengths; Switzerland excels in compensation, the US offers diversity of opportunities, and Germany provides excellent balance across all factors.
“If you’re considering relocation, make sure you research visa requirements early and leverage specific graduate schemes. Build networks in your target country before moving by connecting with alumni and joining professional groups. Consider starting with short-term commitments to test compatibility.
“When evaluating options, look beyond salary to cost of living, healthcare, and quality of life. Remember that your UK education carries significant weight – British universities are respected globally, with employers valuing the analytical thinking, communication skills, and international perspective that UK graduates bring to their organisations.”
