The Shifting Landscape of University Selection in Singapore

In Singapore's competitive higher education scene, students are increasingly viewing university choices through a distinctly career-oriented lens. Recent data reveals a clear trend: internships and employability outcomes are now central to decision-making processes. A just-released survey by Briefcase Index underscores this shift, showing that prospective students prioritize programs with robust internship opportunities and strong graduate employment records over traditional prestige factors alone. This evolution reflects broader economic pressures, including a cautious job market where fresh graduates face heightened competition for full-time roles.

As 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) vie for top talent, they are adapting by embedding work-integrated learning into curricula. Polytechnic graduates progressing to university degrees also emphasize practical experience, leveraging their diploma-level internships as a foundation for seamless transitions.

Key Survey Insights: Internships as the Top Priority

The Briefcase Index survey, conducted amid a dynamic job landscape, highlights how internships have become the linchpin in students' evaluations. A staggering majority of respondents—over 80 percent—cited internship availability and quality as primary considerations when selecting universities. This marks a departure from past emphases on rankings or campus facilities, with career services and industry partnerships now ranking higher.

Industry experts echo this sentiment. Leaders from SIM Global Education note that internships bridge academic theory and real-world application, fostering essential skills like adaptability and problem-solving. In a market where full-time permanent employment for fresh graduates dipped to 79.5 percent in recent surveys, prior work exposure provides a significant edge. Students are not just seeking any internship; they favor structured programs offering mentorship, clear feedback, and potential conversion to full-time offers.

• Structured learning opportunities in internships: Prioritized by 87 percent of students.
• Mentorship and feedback: Valued by 74 percent.
• Flexibility and industry relevance: Key for 68 percent.

Graduate Employment Survey 2025: Hard Numbers on Employability

The Ministry of Education's (MOE) Joint Graduate Employment Survey (GES) for 2025, released earlier this year, paints a nuanced picture. Across the six autonomous universities, 88.9 percent of fresh graduates secured employment within six months, down slightly from 91.2 percent in 2024. Full-time permanent roles stood at an aggregate of around 82 percent, with median gross monthly salaries holding steady at S$4,500.

Course clusters showed variance: Health Sciences led with 98.2 percent employment and 94.7 percent full-time permanent, followed by Business at 91.2 percent and 87.0 percent respectively. Information and Digital Technologies boasted the highest median salary at S$5,500, underscoring demand for tech skills. Engineering graduates earned S$4,600 on average, reflecting robust industry ties. The full GES report details these trends, linking stronger internship participation to better outcomes.

SIT's Integrated Work-Study Programme: A Model for Success

SIT stands out with its flagship Integrated Work-Study Programme (IWSP), mandatory for all students in SIT-conferred and joint-degree programs. Spanning 8-12 months—far longer than typical internships—IWSP immerses students in industry roles, often leading to job offers. Graduates report high satisfaction, with IWSP credited for honing professional competencies and boosting employability.

In the GES, SIT's health sciences programs like Physiotherapy (Honours) achieved 99 percent employment, topping Briefcase Index's 2026 list alongside NIE teaching degrees and medicine from NTU and NUS. Employers value IWSP alumni for their readiness, with many securing positions at internship firms. Learn more about SIT's IWSP, which partners with over 700 companies.

Other Universities' Internship Strategies

SMU mandates internships, integrating them into its curriculum to ensure every student gains practical exposure. This approach contributes to strong GES outcomes, particularly in business (87 percent full-time permanent). NUS offers the Global Internship Programme, enabling overseas stints that enhance global employability—NUS ranks Asia's top for graduate employability.

NTU emphasizes local and international internships via its Career & Attachment Office, while SUTD and SUSS incorporate work-based learning. Polytechnic pathways, like those from Ngee Ann or Singapore Poly, feed into these unis with prior internship experience, smoothing progression. Students from polytechnics often complete one internship during diploma studies, averaging two by university graduation.

The Multiple Internship Trend Among Students

Facing a softening job market, over half of university students now pursue multiple internships. A parliamentary reply noted 9 in 10 autonomous university graduates complete at least one, with many stacking two or more for diverse exposure. This 'internship stacking' builds resumes but raises concerns about burnout and well-being.

Employers appreciate this initiative, prioritizing candidates with varied experiences. However, MOE monitors to balance preparation with holistic development, promoting structured programs over ad-hoc pursuits.

Challenges in a Cautious Job Market

Despite high overall employability, challenges persist. GES shows declines in arts (83.9 percent employment) and sciences (85.9 percent), amid AI disruptions and economic caution. Polytechnic grads saw 87.5 percent employment within six months, but full-time roles dipped slightly.

Briefcase Index's top employable degrees—dominated by healthcare (e.g., SIT Speech Therapy at 95.5 percent) and teaching—highlight demand mismatches elsewhere. Their 2026 rankings emphasize STEM and health over humanities.

Employer and Expert Perspectives

Employers seek graduates with proven skills. A World Scientific study reveals they value internship depth—project contributions, feedback integration—over duration. In Singapore, firms like DBS and GovTech partner with unis for talent pipelines, favoring IWSP-style immersions.

Experts advocate expanding work-study beyond internships, including apprenticeships and projects, to future-proof skills amid AI and green transitions.

• Key employer priorities: Technical skills (65 percent), soft skills (78 percent), internship achievements (92 percent).

Polytechnic Foundations and University Progression

Many Singapore students start at polytechnics (e.g., Temasek, Nanyang Poly), gaining early internships before articulating to universities. These 'poly-uni' pathways enhance employability, with enhanced internships under SkillsFuture supporting progression. Go Beyond initiatives at Nanyang Poly allow customized diplomas with extended placements at firms like UOB.

Photo by TSquared Lab on Unsplash

Government Initiatives and Future Outlook

MOE and SkillsFuture Singapore bolster employability via subsidies, Tech Pathways, and enhanced internships. The National Jobs Council aids transitions, while universities invest in career platforms like SIM's CareerSense.

Looking ahead, expect deeper industry integration, AI upskilling, and global mobility. Students choosing unis with strong internships will thrive in this career-centric era.

For those evaluating options, prioritize programs like SIT's IWSP or SMU's mandates. Explore the full Briefcase survey for deeper insights.