Graduate outcomes 2023/24: what international students should know before choosing a UK degree
The latest Graduate Outcomes data for the 2023/24 graduating cohort has been released, providing one of the clearest pictures yet of how recent graduates are performing in a changing labour market.
Graduate Outcomes is the official labour-market dataset for the UK, offering a unique insight into what graduates are doing 15 months after completing their studies.
The headlines show that graduate outcomes have softened compared with the post-pandemic highs seen in recent years. However, the data also challenges claims that graduate opportunities have collapsed or that artificial intelligence has eliminated entry-level jobs.
Instead, the picture is more nuanced: most graduates are still finding work or progressing into further study, but competition for graduate roles has increased and employers appear to be hiring more cautiously than they were a few years ago.
For international students investing significant sums in a UK degree, these findings reinforce the importance of choosing a course that combines academic quality with strong employability prospects.
Five things international students should know
If you only read one section of this article, these are the key findings from the latest Graduate Outcomes data:
1. Graduate salaries have increased.
The median salary for graduates in full-time employment has risen to £30,000.
2. Most graduates are still finding work or progressing to further study.
Despite concerns about the economy, the vast majority of graduates are employed or studying 15 months after graduation.
3. Graduate jobs remain highly skilled.
Around three-quarters of employed graduates are working in highly skilled occupations.
4. Most graduates feel positive about their career direction.
83% say their current activity is meaningful and 73% say it aligns with their future plans.
5. Competition for graduate jobs has increased.
The labour market has cooled compared with recent years, making placements, internships and employability support more important than ever.
The key Graduate Outcomes 2023/24 findings
The latest data suggests the graduate labour market remains resilient despite economic uncertainty.
Most graduates are still in work or further study
The vast majority of graduates continue to be in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
However, the proportion in full-time employment has fallen slightly compared with the previous year, while unemployment has increased modestly. Jisc describes this as evidence of a "softening labour market" rather than a collapse in graduate opportunities.
Graduate salaries continue to rise
The median salary for graduates in full-time employment increased to £30,000, up from £28,500 for the previous graduating cohort, although salary levels vary considerably between subjects and regions of the UK.
This increase is encouraging for prospective students, although it should be viewed against a backdrop of inflation and rising living costs.
Graduate jobs remain highly skilled
Among employed graduates, around three-quarters were working in highly skilled roles. Science graduates were particularly likely to be employed in highly skilled occupations.
This suggests that, despite concerns about the labour market, a UK degree continues to provide access to professional-level employment for many graduates.
Graduates still find meaning in their work
One of the most overlooked findings in the Graduate Outcomes survey is that it measures more than salary and employment.
The latest data shows that:
83% of graduates felt their current activity was meaningful
73% said their activity aligned with their future plans
These figures indicate that most graduates feel they are moving in the right direction professionally, even if their first role is not their ideal long-term career destination.
What does this mean for international students?
For international students, the latest results contain both reassurance and a warning.
The reassurance is that graduate outcomes remain strong overall. Most graduates are still entering employment, highly skilled work or further study, and salaries continue to rise.
The warning is that competition for graduate jobs is becoming more intense.
Recent reporting linked to the Graduate Outcomes release found that some graduates submitted more than 100 applications before securing employment, highlighting how competitive the market has become.
This means students should think carefully about employability before applying to university.
Is a UK degree still worth the investment?
For many international students, studying in the UK is one of the biggest investments they will ever make. Tuition fees can range from around £15,000 to more than £40,000 per year, with accommodation and living costs adding significantly to the overall bill.
The latest Graduate Outcomes data provides a mixed but largely positive picture.
On the one hand, the graduate labour market has become more competitive. Employers are hiring more cautiously than they were during the post-pandemic recruitment boom, and graduates may need to submit more applications before securing a role.
On the other hand, most graduates are still progressing into employment or further study, graduate salaries have risen to a median of £30,000 for those in full-time work, and the majority of graduates report that their current activity is meaningful and aligned with their future plans.
The data suggests that a UK degree can still deliver strong value, particularly when students choose a course with good employability prospects and take advantage of opportunities such as placements, internships and careers support.
For international students, the question is no longer simply "Which university should I choose?" but "Which course will give me the best chance of achieving my career goals?"
Which degree subjects offer the strongest prospects?
The Graduate Outcomes data continues to show significant differences between subject areas.
Highest graduate salaries
Medicine and dentistry remain among the strongest-performing subjects for earnings, with graduates reporting the highest median salaries. At the other end of the spectrum, media and communications graduates reported the lowest median salaries among the broad subject groups.
Strong demand for technical skills
Subjects linked to healthcare, engineering, computing, technology and data continue to benefit from strong demand from employers.
For international students seeking a combination of employability, salary potential and global career opportunities, these subjects are likely to remain attractive options in 2026 and beyond.
Salary is not the whole story
While salary data is useful, it should not be the only factor when choosing a degree.
Students should also consider:
Placement opportunities
Industry connections
Professional accreditation
Careers support
Graduate visa opportunities
Long-term career progression
Some subjects produce lower starting salaries but can still lead to highly successful careers over time.
What subjects are employers looking for?
While no degree guarantees a job, the latest Graduate Outcomes data suggests that subjects linked to skills shortages and professional careers continue to offer strong prospects.
These include:
Medicine and healthcare
Engineering
Computer science
Data analytics
Artificial intelligence
Finance and accounting
Business and management
Many of these subjects benefit from sustained employer demand both in the UK and internationally.
That does not mean students should avoid other subjects. Success after graduation depends on a combination of academic achievement, work experience, employability skills and career planning.
However, students who are primarily focused on employability and return on investment may wish to pay particular attention to courses that develop technical, analytical and professional skills.
Why employability matters more than rankings
Many international students focus heavily on university rankings.
However, the latest Graduate Outcomes data suggests that students may benefit more from considering employability-related factors such as:
Placement years
Work placements and internships help students build experience before graduation and can significantly improve job prospects.
Careers support
Universities that offer specialist support for international students can help graduates navigate recruitment processes, employer expectations and visa requirements.
Employer connections
Strong links with employers often provide access to placements, internships and graduate recruitment opportunities that may not be available elsewhere.
Regional opportunities
While London salaries are often higher, many regional cities offer lower living costs and strong graduate employment prospects.
What do these results mean for Graduate Route visa holders?
The Graduate Route visa gives international students the opportunity to remain in the UK after graduation to work or look for work. For many prospective students, it is one of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK.
The latest Graduate Outcomes data suggests that opportunities remain strong overall, but that graduates are entering a more competitive labour market than they were a few years ago.
For Graduate Route visa holders, this means it is more important than ever to build employability throughout your studies rather than waiting until graduation to start thinking about your career.
Students can improve their prospects by:
Completing internships or placements during their degree
Attending employer networking events
Using university careers services from the start of their course
Developing in-demand skills alongside their academic studies
Applying for graduate roles early in their final year
Gaining experience through part time work
The evidence from Graduate Outcomes remains encouraging. Most graduates continue to move into employment or further study, and around three-quarters of employed graduates are working in highly skilled roles.
However, in a cooling labour market, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can demonstrate practical experience as well as academic achievement.
For international students hoping to build a career in the UK after graduation, gaining work experience while studying may be just as important as choosing the right university.
Scholarship Scanner analysis: what should international students do differently?
The latest Graduate Outcomes data highlights an important shift in how students should think about choosing a university.
For years, many applicants have focused heavily on rankings and reputation. While those factors still matter, the latest evidence suggests that employability may deserve even greater attention.
A degree alone is no longer enough to stand out in a competitive graduate job market.
International students should pay close attention to:
Placement opportunities
Courses that include internships, placements or industry projects can help students build practical experience before they graduate.
Careers support
Universities vary significantly in the careers support they provide. Access to employer events, interview preparation, mentoring and careers advisers can make a real difference when applying for graduate roles.
Industry connections
Strong links with employers can lead to placement opportunities, networking opportunities and graduate vacancies that may not be available elsewhere.
Subject choice
Graduate outcomes continue to vary between subject areas. Students should consider both their interests and the long-term demand for skills in their chosen field.
Cost versus return
A more expensive university is not always the best investment. Scholarships, lower living costs and strong employability support can sometimes provide a better overall return than a higher-ranked institution with a higher price tag.
The students most likely to succeed are often those who combine academic achievement with practical experience, professional networks and a clear career plan.
In a cooling labour market, employability is becoming just as important as reputation.
The bigger picture
The latest Graduate Outcomes data sends a clear message to international students. Despite a more competitive labour market, a UK degree continues to provide strong opportunities for employment, professional careers and long-term earnings.
The graduates most likely to succeed are not necessarily those attending the highest-ranked universities. They are often the students who combine academic achievement with practical experience, strong employability skills and a clear career plan.
For prospective international students, the challenge is no longer simply choosing a university. It is choosing a course, institution and support network that will help turn a degree into a successful career.
Five ways to improve your employability while studying in the UK
The latest Graduate Outcomes data shows that graduates who can demonstrate practical skills and experience are likely to have an advantage in a competitive labour market.
If you're planning to study in the UK, consider:
1. Use your university careers service from day one
Many students wait until their final year. The most successful graduates often engage much earlier.
2. Gain work experience during your studies
Placements, internships, part-time work and volunteering can all help build employability.
3. Build a professional network
Employer events, LinkedIn and university alumni networks can all create valuable career opportunities.
4. Develop digital and analytical skills
Data, technology and AI-related skills are increasingly valued across many sectors.
5. Start applying early
Graduate recruitment often begins months before students complete their degree.
For international students, employability should be viewed as a long-term project that starts during the first year of study rather than after graduation.
FAQs
What is the Graduate Outcomes survey?
Graduate Outcomes is the UK's national survey of higher education graduates. It measures what graduates are doing around 15 months after completing their studies.
Has the graduate job market collapsed?
No. The latest data shows a modest decline in outcomes compared with recent years, but most graduates are still in employment or further study. Jisc describes the situation as a cooling labour market rather than a collapse.
What is the average graduate salary in the UK?
According to the latest Graduate Outcomes data, the median salary for graduates in full-time employment is £30,000.
Which subjects have the highest graduate salaries?
Medicine and dentistry continue to report some of the highest graduate salaries among UK degree subjects.
Should international students use graduate outcomes data when choosing a university?
Yes. Graduate outcomes data provides valuable insight into employability, salary prospects and career progression, although it should be considered alongside factors such as course content, placements, careers support and scholarships.