- Three quarters of UK employers are willing to offer higher starting salaries for micro-credential holders
- 69% of UK employers say they’ve saved on training costs for entry-level hires with relevant micro-credentials
- 79% of European students believe earning a micro-credential helps them succeed in their job
The vast majority (94%) of UK employers believe micro-credentials strengthen a candidate's application, according to new research. These focused, often online certifications recognise specific skills or knowledge, and are designed to be completed quickly and stacked toward larger qualifications.
With employers increasingly recognising micro-credentials as credible indicators of specific, validated competencies, 73% say that they have hired at least one candidate with a micro-credential in the past year. This is according to one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025, which surveyed 1,000+ employers and 1,200+ learners around the world.
While UK businesses feel the impact of persistent skills shortages, 69% of UK employers report saving on training costs for entry-level hires who already hold relevant micro-credentials, with most citing savings of up to 20%. This means they’re prepared to pay a premium – with 75% willing to offer higher starting salaries for micro-credential holders.
The new golden ticket for graduate jobs
Amid a competitive entry-level job market, graduates are increasingly turning to micro-credentials as a way to stand out and showcase job-ready skills beyond a traditional degree. Two in five European students have already earned a micro-credential, while the likelihood of enrolling in a degree programme jumps from 31% to as high as 83% with offering micro-credentials.
While UK employers increasingly accept micro-credentials, they remain cautious about quality and accreditation. In fact, 78% say they’re more likely to hire candidates with credit-bearing micro-credentials over those without formal credit.
With 79% of students believing that micro-credentials help them succeed in their job, UK institutions have a clear opportunity to integrate industry-endorsed credentials, particularly in high-demand areas like GenAI and cybersecurity.
GenAI premium
With GenAI increasingly shaping industries, 73% of UK employers say they’re more likely to hire candidates with GenAI micro-credentials over those without, and they will pay a premium for candidates with these credentials. In line with this, 79% of employers believe universities should teach GenAI skills.
Globally, 74% of employers report challenges sourcing GenAI talent. Recognising the value of GenAI skills, 86% of students are prioritising them above other in-demand skills like Data Strategy or Software Development. While nearly 9 in 10 students who earned a GenAI micro-credential report improved AI skills for academic work.
Nikolaz Foucaud, Managing Director EMEA, Coursera said: “Securing a great job after study is one of the most important focuses for recent graduates. In a competitive market, micro-credentials are emerging as a powerful solution, bridging curriculum gaps as grads start on their career paths.
“With the UK labour market continuously reshaped by emerging technology, the agility of micro-credentials, designed to be completed in short timeframes, makes them an ideal complement to traditional degrees. These credentials offer learners rapid, targeted pathways to acquire in-demand skills at scale.
“For UK institutions, there’s a clear opportunity to integrate industry-recognised micro-credentials into academic programmes, especially in fast-growing sectors like GenAI and cybersecurity. Aligning learning with employer needs not only improves graduate outcomes, but also strengthens the competitiveness and appeal of UK universities. In the long term, micro-credentials open up a more accessible and lifelong approach to learning beyond the boundaries of a traditional degree.”
Methodology
These findings are from Coursera’s Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025. Coursera surveyed 1,000+ employers in 10 key markets: the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Turkey. It also surveyed 1,200+ learners around the world. Coursera’s global sample sizes enable it to obtain results with an industry-standard range of error at a 95% confidence level.
About Coursera
Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 168 million registered learners as of December 31, 2024. Coursera partners with over 350 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalogue of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Guided Projects, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in fields such as data science, technology, and business. Coursera became a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp in February 2021.
