Strong Employment Outcomes Despite Market Challenges

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Class of 2025 graduates have shown remarkable resilience in a job market marked by cautious hiring practices. According to the latest Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) 2025 conducted by Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE), 89.8% of NUS fresh graduates in the labour force secured employment within six months of completing their final exams. This includes those who accepted job offers starting later or launched their own businesses. Of these, 75.2% landed full-time permanent roles, defined as positions requiring at least 35 hours per week and lasting one year or more.

This performance comes amid broader trends where overall full-time permanent employment across six Singapore autonomous universities dropped to 74.4% from 79.4% in 2024, reflecting moderated job vacancies post-pandemic, economic uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions. Yet, NUS graduates outperformed the joint median, underscoring their competitive edge in Singapore's dynamic economy.

Competitive Salaries Hold Firm and Rise

Salary figures further highlight NUS graduates' appeal to employers. For those in full-time permanent employment, the mean gross monthly salary reached S$5,193, up from S$5,101 in 2024. The median gross monthly salary climbed to S$4,746 from S$4,600 the previous year. Gross monthly salary includes basic pay plus regular cash payments like overtime and fixed allowances, excluding bonuses and employer CPF contributions.

These gains contrast with a steady joint median of S$4,500 across universities, demonstrating NUS alumni commanding premium compensation. Over the past three years, median salaries in faculties like Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Design and Engineering, and Nursing have steadily risen, signaling sustained demand for NUS-trained talent.

Top-Performing Courses Lead the Way

Certain programmes exemplified NUS's strength. Medicine (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and Dentistry (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) achieved 100% full-time permanent employment rates, with medians of S$6,500 and S$4,550 respectively. Computing fields shone brightly: Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science posted a 90.9% secured employment rate and S$6,400 median salary; Information Systems reached 96.8% secured and S$6,000 median.

Business Administration followed closely at 95% secured employment and S$6,000 median, while Civil Engineering hit 96.2% secured and 92.4% full-time permanent with S$4,378 median. These outcomes reflect high demand in health sciences, technology, and infrastructure sectors.

• Medicine: 100% FTP, S$6,500 median
• Dentistry: 100% FTP, S$4,550 median
• Computer Science: 84.1% FTP, S$6,400 median
• Business Administration: 82.5% FTP, S$6,000 median
• Civil Engineering: 92.4% FTP, S$4,378 median

Navigating a Cautious Singapore Job Market

Singapore's job landscape for 2025 fresh graduates featured subdued hiring, particularly in outward-oriented sectors like information and communications, due to slower economic growth and global uncertainties. Job vacancies fell from post-pandemic highs, with employers prioritising experienced hires over entry-level amid AI transformations and geopolitical risks. Despite this, 92.2% of graduates entered the labour force, up from 90.7%, showing determination.

More graduates (7.2%) took part-time or temporary roles involuntarily, up from 6%, while 8.5% received no full-time offers after applying. NUS's edge lies in its multidisciplinary training, fostering adaptability in an AI-driven world.CNA coverage

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Key Sectors and Employer Demand

NUS graduates found footing in finance, healthcare, public service, and engineering. Examples include placements at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Leading graduate employers like DBS Bank and MOE continue seeking NUS talent for banking, education, and public roles.

Tech-heavy fields like computing remain hot, with Information & Digital Technologies holding steady at S$5,500 median across universities.

NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates: A Pillar of Support

The NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) plays a crucial role, offering personalised coaching, workshops, resume optimisation via BIZCareers, and access to NUS TalentConnect for jobs and internships. This holistic support equips students with future-ready skills like critical thinking and AI literacy, vital in a transforming market.

Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs), noted: “Our alumni are well-prepared to embrace new challenges, drive progress, and lead in an ever-evolving professional landscape.” For career advice, explore higher-ed career advice resources.

Real Stories of NUS Graduates Thriving

Yong Wei Ning (BComp Information Systems) joined MAS as an Associate, driving AI solutions after contributing to dyslexia tech projects. Candice Yeo (BSc Life Sciences) became a Clinical Research Coordinator at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, building on NUS internships. Mohamed Irfan Farid (BBA) pivoted to IRAS Management Associate, crediting CFG mentorship.

These cases illustrate how NUS's blend of technical depth, internships, and soft skills enables navigation of limited fresh grad opportunities.

Comparisons with Peers: NUS vs NTU, SMU

NUS outperformed joint averages, with NTU reporting 90% secured employment, mean S$4,812, median S$4,550. SMU boasted high FTP rates and mean above S$5,100. Yet NUS led in salary metrics and broad programme success.

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Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Looking to 2026, experts anticipate continued caution but resilience via upskilling in AI and sustainability. Graduates should leverage internships, networks, and platforms like higher-ed jobs. Consider university jobs or Singapore opportunities for stability.

Tips: Optimise resumes for AI screening, pursue certifications, network via alumni, explore SMEs/startups. For faculty roles, check faculty positions.

Why NUS Remains a Top Choice

NUS's global rankings (top 10 engineering) and employability affirm its value. Amid challenges, its graduates exemplify adaptability. Aspiring students, review rate my professor for insights. Employers, post openings at higher-ed-jobs or post a job.