08 July 2025
Bilbao Campus
The network of Jesuit universities in Spain, UNIJES, has published a report analysing the standing of its institutions in the main national and international rankings. The study, which explores the relationship between these rankings, employability, and the key indicators used to measure it—as well as good practices and success factors in this area—finds that UNIJES institutions stand out for the successful and well-recognised employment outcomes of their graduates.
The document was produced by the UNIJES Rankings Working Group, whose aim is strategic collaboration and a joint approach to enhancing the visibility and reputation of Jesuit universities. All of this is carried out without losing sight of the network’s core mission: to educate, conduct research, and foster dialogue in order to build a more just and sustainable future — because, as they state, “we do not seek to be the best in the world, but the best for the world”.
In a global context marked by competitiveness and constant change, university rankings have become key reference tools for assessing the quality of higher education institutions. In addition to measuring academic excellence, these indicators provide key insights into how well students are prepared to successfully meet the challenges of the job market.
Main achievements of UNIJES centres
The institutions within the UNIJES network have shown that their commitment to academic excellence and the holistic education of their students translates into high employment rates and global recognition. Among the key achievements are a strong commitment to employment, recognition from the business sector, and a solid reputation among employers. The focus on graduate employability has been consistently acknowledged in various rankings, including the QS World University Rankings 2025. UNIJES institutions are national leaders in the indicators of “employment outcomes” and “employer reputation,” and are also the top universities in their respective regions for both measures.
Regarding excellence in business education, the UNIJES network holds highly prominent positions both nationally and internationally. Financial Times ranks its Masters in Management and Executive Education programmes among the top 100 in the world, with an MBA in the TOP10 worldwide. QS WUR by Subject Business ranks them among the top 30 in the world, as well as in various management disciplines according to QS Business Masters. Likewise, media outlets such as El Mundo, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Poets & Quants recognise their undergraduate and master’s programmes, ranking them among the best in Europe and worldwide, particularly in entrepreneurship.
Regarding social impact and contribution to economic development, UNIJES institutions have been acknowledged for their active role in promoting sustainable and quality employment opportunities. THE Impact 2024 ranking highlights the network as a national leader in Sustainable Development Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth). In addition, the Financial Times highlights UNIJES institutions among the world’s top performers in reducing their carbon footprint.
A comprehensive, innovative and humane approach to education
To build on these results, UNIJES institutions have, in recent years, embraced innovative educational and institutional approaches. Their good practices include providing career guidance and development services, organising job fairs and networking events, and tracking graduates to continuously adapt and improve academic offerings.
Also noteworthy is the use of the Service-Learning methodology, which connects academic knowledge with real projects that have social impact. This strategy, aligned with the principles of sustainability, ESG criteria, and the care of our “common home,” strengthens the holistic education of students. Other relevant initiatives include collaboration with companies to design training programmes adapted to the demands of the market, the promotion of entrepreneurship and the boosting of internationalisation, promoting academic and professional mobility.
Thanks to this comprehensive and innovative approach—grounded not only in professional skills but also in human values that contribute to creating a fairer and more sustainable world—UNIJES universities have established a leading position within the Spanish higher education landscape, particularly regarding employability, recognition by the business sector, and the training of professionals committed to social transformation.
