UEA graduates outperform sector in highly skilled employment
By: Communications
UEA graduates are outperforming the sector in securing highly skilled jobs, according to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey.
The 2026 Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Graduate Outcome survey measures the percentage of graduates in professional work or further study 15 months after graduating. The data shows that 76% of UEA’s latest cohort who are in employment are in highly skilled roles, placing them well above the sector average of 70%.
This strong performance puts UEA ahead of many of its competitors for employment progression, placing UEA in the top quartile of universities for year-on-year improvement.
Graduates prepared for meaningful careers
UEA graduates also report excellent outcomes in the quality and value of their work, with UEA in the top quartile on using skills gained during study and graduates’ perceptions that their work is meaningful and worthwhile.
Together the data shows UEA’s success in effectively preparing graduates for meaningful employment in an increasingly challenging labour market.
These results run counter to current discourse questioning the value of a university education, and chime with the facts that higher proportion of graduates are in employment, report good health, and earn more over their lifetime than those without a degree, according to data analysis by Universities UK (UUK).
Professor Claire Pike, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience at UEA said: “We are delighted that the latest results from the Graduate Outcomes survey reflect the transformational effect that a UEA education has upon our graduates’ lives and prospects.
“UEA’s service to people and economies does not stop at the point our students graduate; we also partner with employers to meet their workforce skills needs – through apprenticeships, short courses and flexible learning opportunities – delivering lifelong education for a rapidly changing world”.
Employment success for UEA graduates
Students who graduated from UEA last summer have gone on to secure roles in a variety of sectors, including former Economics student Ayo, who works as an audit associate in Capital and Corporate Markets; Biology graduate, Hannah who works at Aviva on their actuarial graduate scheme, and Norwich Business School graduate, Alexander, who works for JD.com on their JD Vanguard graduate programme.
You can speak to UEA about sourcing talented graduates for your business by contacting access.talent@uea.ac.uk.
If you’re looking to start university in September 2026 and are still thinking about your options, consider joining UEA this year through Clearing.
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