Top Universities in UK with Best Placements

The best placement universities in UK are the ones from which the recruiters of the top companies are actively hiring and whose graduate students are deemed fit by most of the employers out there. The best placement colleges in UK are often ranked among the Global University Employability Ranking 2025, and this year, 13 of the top UK universities have made it to the list. 

Several top universities in the UK are known for their excellent graduate employability and placement support. These include Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and UCL for their excellent placement programs. Additionally, universities like the University of Manchester, the University of Bristol, and King's College London are also known for their strong graduate outcomes and placement support. Read this article to further learn about the best placement universities in the UK for international students in 2025. 

Top 5 Best Placement Universities in the UK 2025

Here are the top universities in the UK that provide strong placement support via means of several placement programs:

1. Imperial College London: Imperial College London receives the top scores for international faculty ratio and sustainability. The university consistently ranks high for its high graduate prospects. The university also conducts rolling programs of employer events and free training to help graduate students with career development. Degrees earned from Imperial College are accepted worldwide, as the university also maintains its rank in the top 5 universities in the world in 2026.
2. University of Cambridge: Known for its strong academic reputation, employer reputation, and employment outcomes, the University of Cambridge makes its graduates highly sought after. The university’s long-standing prestige, world-class research, and rigorous academic environment contribute to its appeal for both international students and employers. The STEM fields taught at the University of Cambridge, like Computer Science, Engineering, and Natural Sciences, as well as Economics, Law, and certain Arts & Humanities, are known to provide a strong professional pathway to enter the industries. 
3. University of Oxford: Similar to Cambridge University, the University of Oxford boasts a strong reputation with employers and offers a wide range of opportunities for its graduates. The University of Oxford’s strong focus on research and innovation, coupled with its conventional teaching techniques, attract the top employers from different sectors. Oxford University’s disciplines, like medicine, sciences, and engineering, in particular, are known for their strong placement records.
4. University College London (UCL): UCL is often ranked among the top 10 global institutions and is known for its strong employer connections and a focus on practical skills development. The university’s strategic location in the heart of the city of London provides easy access to reach out to the top companies and industries in the city. Many programs at UCL include a placement year as part of the degree structure. Students are required to apply for a placement in the second year and go on a placement in their 3rd or 4th year. 
5. University of Manchester: Known for its strong research profile and diverse range of programs, the University of Manchester is an attractive option for international students seeking strong placement opportunities. The university has a dedicated career service which is responsible for helping students find relevant placements while also helping them to improve their employability skills. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Placement University in the UK

Consider the following points when you choose a university for your higher education in the UK:

1. Your Course: Make sure your course is aligned with the latest industry and skills requirement list. You can check the UK’s official skills shortage list for this reason. To add to this, some universities in the UK have strong tie-ups with employers in specific fields. Do your research on which universities have strong connections with your desired employers in your chosen field. 
2. University rankings: While a high university ranking is not essential, it still plays an important role in how your profile will be perceived by employers in the future. A degree from a top-ranking institution shines brighter than the others earned from a mid-ranked college/university. 
3. Location of the university: Consider a university that is a proximity to potential employers. This can help you land a relevant internship during the summer/session breaks of your course. 
4. University-specific placement programs: Several universities in the UK have rolling placement programs, based on course and companies. You must research the placement opportunities offered by each such university and whether it aligns with your career goals.
5. Tuition fee: While the top ranking universities may look attractive and appeal to you with their several career support services, be sure that the course fee of your chosen university aligns with your budget. Choosing a high fee university and then stressing over repaying your education loan may stress you and distract you from your studies. 

Is it easy to get a placement in the UK?

No, getting a placement in the UK after the completion of your studies, especially as an international student in the country, is not easy. Many domestic and international students remain on the lookout for a job after the completion of their studies in the same market, with the same employers. In such a condition, several factors like visa requirements, competition, and the need to meet specific eligibility criteria play a significant role in attracting significant employers to hire you.

This was all about the best placement universities in the UK. If you seek assistance in studying in the UK, reach out to Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.