New figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show the extent to which graduates now have to compete for top jobs.
A study looked at how university leavers faired since leaving the schooling system.
It found that after six months, a high proportion had yet to find permanent employment.
Around a third were either out of a job, or had taken up temporary roles in retail, call centres or hospitality.
Four per cent of those who found work did so outside the UK, while 30 per cent of those who stayed were employed in associate professional and technical occupations, 27 per cent in professional roles, 12 per cent in admin and 11 per cent in sales and customer services.
Notably, students of media and computer science subjects were least likely to find meaningful employment.
Of the 52 per cent who disclosed their salary, there was an average of £20,000 per annum.
Meanwhile, graduates were recently told they should only do an internship if it improves their employability.
