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Methodology
A data-driven benchmark of employability, GEURS (Global Employability University Ranking and Survey), translates employers’ perceptions and recruitment experience into a structured assessment of universities.
It answers a single question: which universities do employers believe train the best talents, and why?
1st step: survey
Employer Insights
Survey of qualified employers recruiting or supervising at least five graduates per year and with over five years of experience.
Respondents identify essential skills, observed gaps, and expectations toward higher education.
Their input defines the analytical framework for voting.
Respondents identify essential skills, observed gaps, and expectations toward higher education.
Their input defines the analytical framework for voting.
2nd step: survey
Voting Process
Selection from a curated list of about 1,000 universities, updated annually through employer nominations, Emerging’s radar of excellence, and vote consistency.
Respondents select a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 institutions from a curated list of about 1,000, updated annually.
Each vote is justified by up to two Employability Drivers.
Respondents select a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 institutions from a curated list of about 1,000, updated annually.
Each vote is justified by up to two Employability Drivers.
3rd step: ranking
University Selection
Employers indicate which decisive factors determine their choices among 7 Employability Drivers: Work Expertise, Graduate Skills, Specialization, Social Impact & Leadership, Academic Performance, Internationality, and Reputation.
4th step: ranking
Criteria
The GEURS Top 250 includes institutions with the highest number of validated votes
No vote is validated without justification. Votes are consolidated as raw results, with no weighting or normalization.
No vote is validated without justification. Votes are consolidated as raw results, with no weighting or normalization.
How universities enter the GEURS list?
The GEURS list includes about 1,000 universities worldwide, built through an incremental, evidence-based process. It combines employer nominations, Emerging’s radar of excellence across 100+ countries, and vote consistency over time. Universities may also be added if they show strong international graduate outcomes or are named directly by recruiters.
This open approach ensures a market-based view of employability rooted in employer recognition and expert validation.
This open approach ensures a market-based view of employability rooted in employer recognition and expert validation.
Highlights of GEURS 2026, 15th edition
A yearly survey : conducted from July to September 2025, through online questionnaires. This survey provides a comprehensive evaluation of employability performance each year.
Independent research produced by Emerging Group, the ranking of the TOP 250 universities & schools is published and promoted worldwide with our global partner, Times Higher Education (THE).
Independent research produced by Emerging Group, the ranking of the TOP 250 universities & schools is published and promoted worldwide with our global partner, Times Higher Education (THE).
12 350 respondents
100% screened international employers, and operational managers, professionals who are used to recruiting and working with young graduates.
100% screened international employers, and operational managers, professionals who are used to recruiting and working with young graduates.
119.967 votes were cast to choose the 250 higher education institutions elected out of the list of 1,000 institutions.
Coverage includes 32 countries, 22 business sectors, and 25 company departments.
Insights can be segmented for detailed
analysis.
Insights can be segmented for detailed
analysis.
7,15/10 score (data points)
The respondents have an average influence
score of 7,15/10 on the recruiting process of
young graduates in their department.
The respondents have an average influence
score of 7,15/10 on the recruiting process of
young graduates in their department.
312,500 young graduates were recruited in 2025 as reported by respondents, with panel companies recording a total of 3.8 million hires in 2025-2026.
7 employability drivers form the basis of our employability performance evaluation framework.
Our survey partners
Pollup provides a range of AI-powered solutions and advanced services for the digital collecting, analyzing and leveraging of customer data.
Trendence Institute GmbH is an independent consulting and market research company, standing for data-driven employer branding and recruitment for 25 years. It has conducted the annual survey for the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey since 2010.
Trendence knows the career plans and preferred employers of applicants, and helps employers understand the needs of their target group.
Trendence knows the career plans and preferred employers of applicants, and helps employers understand the needs of their target group.
