The number of international students in the UK, especially from India, has consistently risen over the past decade. Each year a growing number of students choose universities in the UK for their quality education, world-leading research, great learning environment and high graduate employability.
The job prospects for international students in the UK also improved after the UK government introduced the post-study work visa. All international graduates can now stay back in the country for up to 2 years on a PSW Visa after completing their course, giving them more time to find a suitable job, work and get a headstart in their international career.
While the big UK cities like London and Manchester are full of good employment opportunities, other cities such as Edinburgh offer a healthy work-life balance. The choices can be confusing and overwhelming. Factors such as quality of life, business ecosystems and leisure and culture opportunities in a city are important in improving the overall work satisfaction.
Mentioned below are the best cities to live and work in the UK after graduation. Book a free consultation with SI-UK today if you want to learn more about studying and working in the UK.
Best Cities to Live and Work in the UK
If you are a recent graduate from a UK university or planning to study in the UK, you may be concerned about finding a job or starting a career after completing your course. Several factors impact your choices before starting a career and choosing a city to live and work in. Below is a list of cities in the UK which have emerged as the best cities for graduates in the UK based on criteria such as:
- Availability of a proper job
- Cheap living costs
- High starting salary
- More disposable income
- Prospects for salary increment
Top 10 UK Cities to Find Work after Graduation
1. Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the most popular UK cities with the highest graduate salaries and great employment opportunities. The average salary for graduates in Glasgow was around £26,195. While the cost of living and accommodation in Glasgow is not as high as in other big cities such as London or Manchester, graduates can have more income at their disposal while working in Glasgow. Universities in Glasgow are amongst the top in the UK and have a good employer reputation, facilitating the placement of graduates in some of the best business organizations in the UK.
Glasgow is a great place to grow a career in the financial and business sectors, with over 52,000 jobs in these industries alone. The city fares well on other parameters, including local infrastructure, transport facilities, and leisure activities.
Universities in Glasgow:
2. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle, nestled in the North of England, emerges as the second top city in the UK for graduate employment opportunities. The city is known for its vibrant atmosphere and steady growth and boasts a lower cost of living than its counterparts. Moreover, the town offers dynamic nightlife, impressive architecture, and a rich history. The city is characterized by warmth, friendliness, and stunning local attractions. Newcastle is an ideal hub for graduates aiming to enter the industries, hosting major employers like Greggs and Sage Group plc.
With high earning potential, affordable housing, and a rich cultural scene, Newcastle stands out for its appeal. Graduates can seize opportunities in the over 6,000 vacant jobs, enjoying a cost-effective lifestyle with £750 average rent for a 2-bedroom and an average salary of £27,896. Newcastle offers a compelling choice with unlimited bus passes at £60 per month and a reasonable £90 for a night out.
Universities in Newcastle Upon Tyne:
3. Cambridge
Cambridge is an ideal city that stands out as the third-best city in the UK for post-graduation employment opportunities. Despite a higher cost of living, the city compensates with a lucrative job market, especially in the healthcare, science, and technology sectors. The iconic Cambridge Science Park, a commercial research and development pioneer, adds to the city's appeal for science and tech graduates. With over 24,000 students, affordable shared housing options are accessible. Cambridge boasts an impressive 81% employment rate, securing the top position, narrowly surpassing Oxford.
The city's demographic, with almost one in four individuals aged 18 to 25, reflects a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. The average salary of £34,565 and reasonable living costs compared to London make Cambridge an attractive destination, only a short 50-minute train ride from the capital.
Universities in Cambridge:
4. Sheffield
Sheffield is one of the cheapest cities to live in, and graduates have a high disposable income at their expense after paying rent and bills for electricity, etc. The city has a thriving public and private sector, leading to a significant growth in vacancies in this northern town with a flourishing industrial past. Sheffield is an exciting city with great nightlife and plenty of activities for fun and leisure. Moreover, Sheffield has experienced significant growth in the technology and creative sectors, expanding the scope of employment possibilities.
Noteworthy graduate employers such as IBM, Cap Gemini, BT, and HSBC have established a presence in Sheffield, solidifying its status as a preferred hub for career advancement after graduation.
Universities in Sheffield:
5. Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital, emerges as a top choice for employment in the UK. Belfast is recognized for its vibrant culture, friendly community, and stunning natural beauty. With an impressive 38.5 new startups per 1,000 inhabitants, it stands out as an exciting hub for graduates seeking ground-level opportunities. Once an industrial centre, Belfast thrives in technology, hosting major employers like Marks and Spencer, Asda, and Tesco.
The city's transformation into a leading tourist destination has created a surge in graduate jobs within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Belfast emerges as an ideal city for graduates navigating a spectrum of professional possibilities.
Universities in Belfast:
6. Leicester
Leicester is a premier destination for recent graduates seeking employment in the UK. As one of the country's oldest cities, its central location facilitates easy connectivity to major urban centres. Notably, Leicester stands out as one of the top five most affordable cities in the UK, rendering it an attractive option for graduates. The city offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from immersing in local history to savouring English cuisine and enjoying a vibrant nightlife. The city serves as a hub for businesses, finance, retail, and leisure sectors, hosting the headquarters of major companies like Next.
Graduates can explore varied career paths with prominent entities such as Amazon, Santander Bank, and Barratt Developments, establishing Leicester as an inclusive and promising city for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Universities in Leicester:
7. Aberdeen
Aberdeen, known as 'The Silver City' and the third largest city in Scotland, stands out as the preferred destination for graduates seeking employment in the UK. Boasting excellent connectivity through a top-class bus and rail network, the city offers a remarkable work-life balance, ranking as the best in the UK, with an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.6%. Affordability is a notable advantage, with rental costs averaging 66% lower than in London, making it ideal for entry-level professionals. Aberdeen has become a global gas and oil industry leader, with key sectors including renewable energy, technology, life sciences, and food and beverages. The city's diverse and thriving economy ensures ample opportunities for graduates.
Aberdeen, also known as the 'Granite City,' is the UK's wealthiest city, with a rich history in fishing, paper-making, and shipbuilding, now succeeded by the oil industry.
Universities in Aberdeen:
8. Cardiff
Cardiff is known for its warm community and breathtaking countryside and stands out as an ideal city for post-graduation employment in the UK. Claiming the title of the town with the most castles globally, it offers a unique blend of history and charm. The Welsh capital is connected to major UK cities and boasts one of Britain's top universities while maintaining affordability as a capital. Graduates in Cardiff find a vibrant scene for sports, music, and nature enthusiasts.
Noteworthy employers such as PwC, Tesco, Starbucks, Amazon, Asda, and Deloitte contribute to a thriving job market. Cardiff is attractive for graduates from diverse backgrounds, promising a dynamic and fulfilling post-graduation experience.
Universities in Cardiff:
9. Birmingham
Birmingham is an ideal destination for recent graduates seeking employment in the UK. Initially renowned as an engineering hub, the city has evolved into a major business centre, boasting a significant concentration of industries. Notably, Birmingham excels in the finance, education, health, defence, and transport sectors. The presence of central banking institutions like HSBC, Barclays, and RBS has solidified its status as a hub for aspiring professionals in the financial realm. Beyond finance, Birmingham, often called the "city of 1,001 trades," offers diverse logistics, construction, and public administration opportunities. Furthermore, the city has recently emerged as the UK's fastest-growing tech sector, making it an attractive prospect for IT graduates.
Universities in Birmingham:
- University of Birmingham
- Birmingham City University
- Aston University
- Newman University
- University College Birmingham
10. Nottingham
Nottingham stands out as the preferred city in the UK for post-graduation employment opportunities, with diverse industries driving its economic growth. The town is undergoing economic revitalization, attracting major corporations like Boots, Speedo, Capital One, and Experian, positioning it as a hotspot for graduate job seekers. Nottingham offers an appealing lifestyle with an affordable cost of living, providing graduates with more disposable income. The city is enriched with cultural offerings. As the UK City of Culture, Nottingham also boasts a vibrant arts scene featuring live music, contemporary art spaces, and splendid theatres. Nottingham emerges as a thriving professional haven and a culturally rich and affordable city for post-graduation life.
Universities in Nottingham:
Study in the UK
If you would like to join the thousands of international students currently studying at a UK university, contact SI-UK today for a free consultation on your future.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
