University of Manchester ranked 2nd in the UK for Graduate Employer Interest

The University of Manchester has once again cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s top destinations for students, after being ranked second most sought-after by graduate employers across the country.

The ranking was revealed in The Graduate Market in 2025, a report by High Fliers Research that tracks recruitment activity among the UK’s leading graduate employers. Based on data from 100 top companies, the report highlighted Manchester as a key university for employer outreach, second only to the University of Birmingham and ahead of institutions like Nottingham, Warwick and Bristol.

This marks the second consecutive year Manchester has held this position, underscoring its strong appeal to employers looking to recruit fresh talent.

Why employers choose Manchester graduates

According to the report, employers engaged most with the top five universities through career fairs, on-campus presentations, targeted publicity, careers service promotions and virtual events. Manchester’s unique approach to blending teaching, research, and social responsibility was identified as a major factor in producing highly employable graduates.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said:

“Employers are consistently drawn to Manchester graduates not only because of their academic excellence, but because of the creative mindset and global outlook they develop here. This recognition confirms that the distinctive Manchester experience produces graduates who are ready to make a real difference in the world of work from day one.”

ALSO READ: Canada’s foreign worker program tightens: PM Mark Carney’s reforms and what they mean for professionals

Global Recognition

The University of Manchester continues to perform strongly in world rankings:

• Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025 – 2nd place globally.
• ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) 2025 – 46th worldwide, 13th in Europe.
• QS World University Rankings 2025 – 35th worldwide, 11th in Europe.
• QS World University Sustainability Rankings – 9th globally.

With this consistent recognition, Manchester stands out as one of the UK’s leading institutions for international students, including Nigerians who are looking not just for academic excellence but also for strong career opportunities after graduation.

Why this Matters for Nigerian Students

For Nigerians considering studying abroad, employability after graduation is one of the most important factors when choosing a university. With the UK’s competitive job market, attending a university that employers actively target can make a huge difference in securing internships, graduate schemes, and long-term career opportunities.

The University of Manchester’s high employer interest means Nigerian students can benefit from:

• Greater career exposure through job fairs, career services, and recruitment events.
• Opportunities to network with top UK and global employers directly on campus.
• Enhanced chances of securing post-study work opportunities, especially under the UK’s Graduate Route visa.

For Nigerian families investing in international education, this recognition reinforces Manchester’s position as not only an academic powerhouse but also a strong launchpad for careers in the UK and beyond.