Attending university can be an incredible experience on its own – meeting new people, exploring a new place, diving head-first into a subject you’re passionate about. But many students will also be thinking about how their degree is going to impact their future career. But where should you study if you want to secure a job after your studies? These are the best countries for job prospects in the world.
We analysed data from EDUopinions student reviews to discover which countries receive the highest marks for job opportunities from students. The data is based on verified student reviews for universities in each country, excluding data from things like online degrees.
So, read on to find out where in the world you should be studying to boost your job prospects! For each country, we’ve included the overall rating for career prospects from our analysis, as well as a student review for a university in that country, so you can hear from actual graduates about their experience finding a job.
The Top 10 Best Countries for Job Prospects
10. Germany (4.13/5 rating)
Home to the largest economy in Europe, it’s no surprise that Germany appears on our top 10 ranking of the best countries for job prospects. The country is the birthplace of major companies such as Mercedes-Benz (automotive), BASF (chemical), Bayer (pharmaceutical) and Allianz (insurance), and boasts 80 companies in the Fortune 500 Europe rankings, more than any other country in Europe.
The largest German cities are home to thriving industrial sectors, as well as multicultural populations where English-speaking is a given. In fact, 56% of the country’s population speak English, so it won’t be too difficult to find a job at an international company.
Student Review
The Munich Business School not only offers first-class education, but also an international perspective. Thanks to the large number of students from different countries, I not only deepened my intercultural understanding, but also built a global network. The practical teaching approaches and the opportunity to participate in international projects helped me prepare for the global challenges in the business world. I am grateful for the experiences I have had here and am confident that my degree from Munich Business School will open doors to a successful international career for me.
9. Poland (4.17/5 rating)
Are you surprised that Poland beats Germany in our ranking of the best countries for career opportunities? This central European country is making a name for itself in industries such as beverages, chemicals, machine building and food processing. Additionally, the IT sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, and more and more tech companies are making the country their home.
Poland also offers a lower cost of living than other comparable European countries, and a great work-life balance in fast-growing cities like Warsaw and Krakow. Many of the largest international companies like Google, Pfizer, and IBM have research and development (R&D) institutes in Poland, meaning plenty of opportunities for engineering, IT, and technology graduates.
Student Review
The University of Wroclaw is a great place to study and meet people from diverse backgrounds. I completed the Masters of International Relations program and it was a great challenge, both academically and personally. The classes were conducted on a high level by professors that challenged us and studying with people from other backgrounds challenged my previously held opinions on topics as well as opening my mind to new perspectives.
The lessons I learned in the program have benefited me greatly in my professional career. Currently, I am working as a partnership manager in a local IT company, and I put the skills I mastered from the program to use on a daily basis. Previously, when I was working as an international project manager I had to coordinate a project across several different countries while being aware of the local laws and cultural norms in each country. Without the knowledge that I gained in the master’s program, it would have been even more challenging to pull off a successful project.
Studying at the University of Wroclaw was an amazing experience, not only did I get to make life-long friends with people from all over the world and discuss ideas with our professors directly thanks to small class sizes, but most importantly, I received a top-notch education in the process.
8. The United Kingdom (4.19/5 rating)
The UK has long been one of the top destinations for international students in the world, owing to the prestige of its universities and job opportunities available in global cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. At eight on the list, it beats European competitor Germany when it comes to job opportunities.
In London, graduates have their pick of roles in large industries such as technology, professional services, and finance, but the UK is also known for its expertise in construction, life sciences, and energy. Some of the world’s largest companies are headquartered in the UK, including Unilever, BP, HSBC and GSK. Outside of London, Edinburgh has developed a reputation for being a hub for finance, publishing, and energy companies, so there are lots of options if you want to start a career across the United Kingdom.
Student Review
The University of Manchester is great in terms of student support. They’re really there for you whatever you need, professional and friendly whatever your circumstances. They also offer interdisciplinary units which means if you’re on a certain course, you can take some modules from another course for example if you’re doing Biology you can take a History unit or a language unit. I think this is great because it’s not generally a thing in the Uk like it is in other countries such as America. They also provide lots of support with graduate careers and also student jobs while at university.
7. France (4.22/5 rating)
Although France might not be the first country you think of when it comes to job opportunities – especially considering the language barrier – many French cities are becoming hubs for international companies. Outside of Paris, many professionals are looking to smaller cities like Lille, Orléans, Dijon, or Rouen.
France may be traditionally known for its success in sectors like energy, retail, luxury, and manufacturing, there are a wide variety of international companies headquartered in the country. These include hotel group Accor, communications company Orange, and game developer Ubisoft.
Student Review
Step into EM Strasbourg Business School, where education becomes a dynamic journey. It’s not just classrooms; it’s a vibrant arena for cultivating business brilliance. Professors aren’t just educators; they’re mentors, guiding you through the intricacies of the business landscape. The campus isn’t just a place to study; it’s a bustling hub where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. EM Strasbourg isn’t just a school; it’s an ecosystem where theory seamlessly blends with real-world impact. Joining here feels like becoming part of a community shaping the future of business
6. Australia (4.26/5 rating)
Ever thought about going Down Under for your degree? Australia almost makes it into the top five best countries int he world for job opportunities, so it might be time to consider a career in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney. The country has long attracted students looking for internships and short-term work, but there are lots more job opportunities available in finance, professional services and consumer goods.
Australia is an accessible jobs market for expats given that the main language is English – so no working around language requirements. Each of Australia’s biggest cities also have a diverse jobs market, encompassing fast-growing sectors including technology, fintech, and life sciences.
Student Review
Throughout my tenure at the university, I have consistently had access to the resources necessary to advance my education and personal growth. The university’s unwavering dedication to student development has provided me with the support needed to excel academically and cultivate essential skills for my career. By fostering a conducive environment for learning and growth, the university has empowered me to explore new opportunities, expand my horizons, and evolve both academically and personally. This commitment to student success has deeply enriched my university experience and equipped me with the tools I need to thrive in my academic and professional pursuits.
5. Belgium (4.28/5 rating)
It may be one of the smaller countries in Europe, but it’s also the headquarters for many of Europe’s largest companies and organisations, meaning there are plenty of job opportunities to explore. For example, Brussels is a hub for political and non-profit organisations including the European Union, NATO, Eurodesk, and the World Federation of Advertisers.
If you don’t want to work in the capital, there are still plenty of attractive cities. Antwerp is one of Europe’s largest green energy and chemical hubs, while Bruges is known for its technology and logistics expertise.
Student Review
AMS offers quality education, particularly in the Master of Finance program where I gained valuable knowledge. However, a notable limitation is the challenge of securing employment in Belgium without proficiency in Dutch or French. Consequently, I had to explore job opportunities elsewhere in the European Union.
3. Denmark (4.29/5 rating)
Taking joint-third place on our ranking of the best countries for job opportunities is Denmark. This is the only northern European to make it onto the ranking, and with good reason: Denmark is a hub for energy and transport companies, and has a large services sector, too.
You don’t have to worry about not knowing the local language in Denmark, as it’s the fourth-best country in Europe (and fifth in the world) for English proficiency outside of Anglophone countries. The capital, Copenhagen, is home to well-known Danish companies like Novo Nordisk and Maersk, but also large international companies such as Nestle, Sony, and Coca-Cola.
Student Review
Copenhagen is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in Finance. Its location and status in world finance brings you close to the heart of the Finance industry, provides students with a wealth of opportunities to network and gain real-world experience. The school’s strong alumni network is also a valuable resource, and the rigorous academic program ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the Finance industry.
3. Ireland (4.29/5 rating)
Since the UK’s exit from the EU, Ireland has become a more attractive hub for international companies who wish to conduct business in the EU. The capital city Dublin is home to a huge number of international companies, including the biggest names in technology (Google, Facebook, TikTok), finance (PayPal, Accenture) and science (Pfizer, Medtronic).
Additionally, Ireland boasts an English-speaking population, making it easy to apply and interview for jobs (though you might like to learn some Gaelic to immerse yourself in Irish culture!) Outside of Dublin, Cork is becoming a new hub for technology graduates: 60 global technology companies already have offices in this fast-growing city.
Student Review
I began my degree bachelor of commerce degree in NUI galway during the pandemic. The staff were very supportive during this challenging period by setting up onlije platforms to allow students to create new relationships with peers. Within the university I made use of numerous services to ensure I was heading in the correct direction in my studies. The campus is always extremely clean along with numerous activities for students to get involved in. The bachelor of commerce degree which I completed was a three year course. The course provided me with opportunities to meet new people while at the same time getting an understanding of what area of business I would like to specialise in. I would highly recommend the bachelor of commerce degree to young students who are unsure of what path of business they would like to study after secondary school as the course covers all sectors.
2. The United States (4.34/5 rating)
For the second-best country in the world for job opportunities, we’ve left Europe and flown across the Atlantic. It’s not a surprise that the US appears high in this ranking – cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles are some of the world’s most-respected business hubs, where you can explore careers in everything from technology and finance to the arts and healthcare.
Given the size of the US, it’s hard to even summarise the wealth of opportunities on offer for graduates, whether from a US university or one elsewhere. In particular, the US is known for its large media industry, particularly in hubs like New York and LA. On the East Coast, meanwhile, publishing, banking, and professional services are among some of the strongest sectors. Add to this the significant trade between the US and Asia and Europe, a career in the US can be a starting point for an international role.
Student Review
Out of all the universities I was scouting, this one caught my eye, not only is it a beautiful university it’s curriculum for the course I intended studying was impressive, the funding option they gave was impressive it still is, the prospects of getting a job during your graduation is on the high side due to the schools reputation of being high quality, good lecturers with updated lecture techniques makes learning not seem repetitive or generic. Overall it’s a great university to apply for.
1. Switzerland (4.49/5 rating)
Here it is, the best country in the world for job opportunities, Switzerland! In contrast to the US’ status and size, we’re heading to one of Europe’s small (yet equally mighty) countries.
Switzerland has long had a reputation for being a business hub, with a competitive market for graduates in healthcare (including pharmaceutical research), technology, and finance. Swiss companies include household names such as Nestlé, Novartis, and Zurich Insurance Group, all of which are headquartered in Switzerland, in diverse locations as Zürich, Baar, and Basel – so you don’t need to head to the Swiss capital to find exciting job opportunities.
Some of the jobs in Switzerland that are in highest demand include software developer, logistician, project manager, and sales advisor.
Student Review
Studying at ETH is fun… sometimes. Many courses tend to be a lot of work. There are not only lectures but also exercises one should solve every week which take quite a while to solve. Then there are not only the mandatory courses but also other subjects one has to do for the credits which are not directly related to your major. I think the best part are the events which usually take place in the evening organized by the Fachvereine. I also like the fact that thinking back to where I‘ve started I did learn quite a bit. ETH really makes an effort in giving you job opportunitues with events such as polymesse and kontaktparty etc.
Conclusion
According to our ranking, Europe is still one of the best places to study to guarantee strong job prospects after you graduate: 80% of the ranking is comprised of European countries. Outside of Europe, though, if you’re interested in studying in either Australia or the US, you’ll be glad to know that the job market in these countries is also promising.
As for the best countries to study in if you want to guarantee a good job out of university, those are Ireland, Denmark, the US, and Switzerland. In these countries, you can study at well-rated universities like Trinity College Dublin (4.1/5), Aarhus University (4.3/5), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (4.6/5), or Business School Lausanne (4.8/5), and explore exciting roles in sought-after industries afterwards.
But your career opportunities depend on more than just where you study. If you want to know the best subjects to choose at university that will give you the best career options, read our recent ranking of the best degrees for job prospects after university.
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