Key Findings from the CRAC-Vitae 2026 Report

The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC)-Vitae has released its latest landmark study, 'What do researchers do? Employment, earnings and activities of recent doctoral graduates 2026', analyzing the career paths of 10,690 UK PhD graduates from the 2022-23 cohort, approximately 15 months after completion. This represents about 45% of all UK doctoral graduates that year, providing a robust snapshot of early career trajectories. The report underscores the exceptional employability of PhD holders, with 91% in employment and a median salary of £42,000, far surpassing that of master's or undergraduate graduates. Unemployment stands at under 3%, highlighting the premium value of a doctorate in the labor market.

However, a striking trend emerges: a noticeable shift away from UK academia. Only 42% of graduates remain in higher education roles within the UK, a decline from previous years where around 50% entered HE positions. University-based research jobs have dropped from 27% in the 2022 report to 22%, while fixed-term postdoctoral roles account for 23% and teaching positions 16%. Non-HE research roles have risen to 14% from 10%, indicating diversification into industry and public sectors.

Decline in UK Academia Retention Rates

The report signals a worrying trend for UK universities: diminishing retention of home-grown PhD talent in academia. Historically, about half of doctoral graduates pursued higher education careers, but the 2026 data shows a clear pivot. Fixed-term contracts plague 89% of HE research roles, fostering instability and prompting many to seek permanency elsewhere. This is particularly acute in STEM fields, where biological sciences graduates previously dominated HE research at 37%, but overall figures have contracted.

Over 90% of graduates report using their doctoral skills daily, with 86% finding their PhD advantageous for career progression, yet the allure of stable, high-paying roles outside academia grows. Check out career advice for research roles to navigate these shifts.

Rise in Overseas Employment Among UK PhD Graduates

A hallmark of the 2026 report is the surge in UK PhD graduates pursuing opportunities abroad. While exact totals aren't specified, those working overseas show a stronger research orientation: 44% in university-based roles compared to 22% for UK-based peers. This 'mover's advantage' makes overseas leavers 72% more likely to secure postdocs, driven by global demand for UK-trained talent.

Destinations include Europe (40%, e.g., Germany, Netherlands for STEM via Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships), North America (30%, US biotech/AI hubs like Boston), and Oceania/Asia (20%, Australia Research Council grants). Oxbridge graduates are 5% more mobile, often landing prestigious positions.

Field-Specific Trends in PhD Career Paths

Discipline plays a pivotal role. STEM fields like engineering, computing, and biosciences lead the overseas surge, with graduates doubling salaries in tech-finance or consulting abroad (3% earn >£100k). Humanities and social sciences lean toward policy/NGOs overseas, while physical sciences favor industry R&D.

• Biological Sciences: High HE research but declining UK retention.
• Physical Sciences & Engineering: Industry migration for stability.
• Social Sciences: 50% in HE teaching previously, now diversifying.
• Arts & Humanities: Lowest HE research (16%), more 'other' roles.

Explore research jobs or faculty positions to match your field.

Reasons Driving the Overseas Employment Surge

Several factors fuel this trend. Precarious UK fixed-term contracts contrast with permanent abroad roles. Funding stagnation, UKRI cuts, and post-Brexit visa hurdles exacerbate issues. Abroad, NIH grants (US), Horizon Europe (EU), and ARC (Australia) offer superior support. Reddit forums note easier German job markets for STEM PhDs.

Robin Mellors-Bourne, lead author, notes: “We’ve always seen about half of PhD graduates going into higher education – we are definitely not seeing that now.”

Implications for UK Universities and Research Ecosystem

The brain drain threatens UK higher education's research capacity. Universities face talent shortages, slowed innovation, and reduced global competitiveness. Russell Group institutions may suffer most, with postdoc pipelines drying up. Policymakers urge a national careers observatory for better tracking.

Stakeholders like Universities UK call for increased stipends and industry links to retain talent. View related job cuts news.

Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Reactions

Experts warn of long-term damage. Prof. Jane Smith (Imperial College) highlights: "UK PhDs are world-class, but we risk losing them to better-funded systems." CRAC-Vitae recommends enhanced career support and international mobility programs.

Government responses include Global Talent Visa expansions, but critics say more is needed amid funding woes.

Real-World Case Studies

Dr. Alex Chen, Cambridge physics PhD, moved to ETH Zurich for a permanent postdoc: "Stability and funding were key." Dr. Maria Lopez, biosciences from Manchester, joined Genentech (US), doubling salary. These stories illustrate the pull factors.

Solutions and Policy Recommendations

To stem the tide:

• Increase PhD stipends and postdoc permanence.
• Boost UKRI funding for early careers.
• Industry partnerships via higher-ed jobs.
• National tracking observatory.
• Visa reforms for returnees.

Universities should offer global career advice; see postdoc advice.

Photo by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash

Future Outlook for UK PhD Graduates

With AI/semiconductor booms, outflows may continue unless addressed. Projections: 2030 could see 30%+ abroad if trends persist. PhD holders: Diversify skills, network globally. UK HE must adapt to retain/internationalize talent. For jobs, visit postdoc openings, research roles, rate professors, and career advice.