In Singapore's competitive job market, the value of a university degree remains a hot topic. The latest Joint Graduate Employment Survey (JGES) for 2025 reveals that while salaries hold steady, full-time permanent employment rates for fresh graduates have dipped, prompting questions about whether a degree alone guarantees a good job. With 74.4 percent of graduates securing full-time roles—down from 79.4 percent in 2024—the landscape is shifting toward skills, experience, and adaptability. This article dives into the data, trends, and strategies shaping university degree employability in Singapore.
Autonomous universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) conducted the survey in November 2025, polling 19,887 fresh graduates with a 72.4 percent response rate. While 92.2 percent entered the labour force and 88.9 percent secured employment within six months, the emphasis on full-time permanent positions highlights a cautious hiring environment influenced by global economic uncertainties and subdued demand in sectors like information and communications.
📊 Key Statistics from the 2025 Graduate Employment Survey
The JGES categorizes outcomes into secured employment (job offers or started work/business), currently employed, and full-time permanent employment (at least 35 hours weekly, non-temporary contracts of one year or more). Median gross monthly salaries for full-time permanent roles stayed at S$4,500, reflecting employer commitment to competitive pay despite fewer hires. Mean salaries varied by institution: NUS at S$5,193, NTU at S$4,812, and SMU showing strong 91.4 percent overall employment.
By course cluster, health sciences led with 89.2 percent full-time permanent employment and a median salary of S$4,050, followed by built environment (78.2 percent, S$4,268) and information and digital technologies (high salary of S$5,500). Arts, design, and media lagged at 50 percent full-time permanent, underscoring field-specific challenges. Salaries rose in most clusters from 2024, signaling quality hires amid selectivity.
Private institutions reported lower outcomes, with only 46.4 percent full-time employment, highlighting disparities between autonomous universities and others.
Trends Over Time: A Softening Market
Employment rates have trended downward since 2022 peaks, with full-time permanent roles dropping across clusters. For instance, business fell from 83.8 percent in 2024 to 77.8 percent in 2025. Yet, labour force participation rose to 92.2 percent, indicating graduates' determination. Beyond six months, outcomes improve; the 2024 cohort matched 2023's 95 percent wage records at 12 months.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) data supports resilience: as of June 2025, 51.9 percent of fresh resident graduates were employed, up from prior cohorts. The labour market expanded in 2025, with 55,500 new jobs, though cautious Q1 2026 hiring persists. Entry-level professional, manager, executive, and technician (PMET) roles—over 40 percent of vacancies—remain accessible in finance, insurance, and professional services.
University Performance: Leaders and Laggards
- NUS: 89.8 percent secured employment, 75.2 percent full-time permanent; mean salary S$5,193 (up 2 percent). Strengths in dentistry (100 percent), architecture (100 percent), business administration (95 percent).
- NTU: 90 percent secured employment; mean S$4,812 (up from S$4,701). High performers: accountancy (96.7 percent), biomedical sciences (96.4 percent), civil engineering (95.9 percent).
- SMU: 91.4 percent employment rate; excels in finance and insurance sectors, with 61.4 percent receiving pre-graduation offers.
- SIT, SUTD, SUSS: Contribute to overall figures; applied learning at SIT/SUTD boosts practical skills.
These rates affirm Singapore universities' global standing, with NUS and NTU ranking high in QS employability metrics.
Economic Factors Impacting Graduate Employability
A cautious job market stems from moderated vacancies post-pandemic, reduced employee churn, and geopolitical tensions affecting outward-facing sectors. MOM's 4Q 2025 report notes 17,700 jobs added quarterly, but firms prioritize experienced hires. AI and automation exacerbate skills mismatches, demanding digital literacy and soft skills over rote knowledge.
Channel NewsAsia reports highlight subdued information sector hiring, while finance remains robust.
The Skills Gap: Beyond the Degree
Employers seek practical skills, internships, and adaptability. A 2022 study noted graduate concerns over job security amid mismatches. Universities respond with industry collaborations: NTU's Career & Attachment Office offers year-long post-grad coaching; NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates provides workshops and mentorship.
Top employable degrees—computing, engineering, business—align with demand. Humanities graduates face hurdles but benefit from interdisciplinary programs.
University Initiatives to Bridge the Employability Gap
Singapore universities prioritize work-integrated learning. NTU's interdisciplinary approach fosters transferable skills; SMU's career treks connect students to employers. SkillsFuture integrates upskilling, with credits for lifelong learning. JGES notes pre-graduation offers rising at SMU (61.4 percent).
QS rankings praise Singapore's skills focus, driving gains in employability metrics.
Government Support and Policy Responses
MOM monitors fresh grad outcomes, listing top PMET entry roles like risk analysts. The Graduate Industry Traineeships scheme supports over 400 from 2025 cohort, extending to 2026. Budget 2026 emphasizes skills amid labour expansion.
High-Demand Fields and Success Stories
Computing graduates enjoy 100 percent employment in some programs, salaries up to S$5,500 median. Case: NTU business-computer engineering double degree tops lists. Health sciences near-perfect rates reflect sector growth.
Challenges in Oversupplied Fields
Arts and social sciences see lower FTP (around 50-60 percent), prompting diversification into data analytics or communications tech.
Future Outlook: Navigating 2026 and Beyond
MOM forecasts continued expansion, with 49.3 percent vacancies new roles. Graduates advised: internships, certifications, networking. Universities expand AI, sustainability curricula.
The full JGES report underscores resilience.
Actionable Advice for Aspiring Graduates
- Pursue internships early.
- Build portfolios showcasing skills.
- Leverage SkillsFuture credits.
- Network via career fairs.
- Consider emerging fields like green tech.
University degrees in Singapore open doors but demand proactive employability building. With strong salaries and support systems, the path to success lies in blending academics with real-world readiness.
Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash