Singapore University Enrolment Shifts: Computing Surge, Declines in Accountancy & Humanities

The Computing Boom Transforming Singapore's Campuses

Singapore's universities are witnessing a dramatic shift in undergraduate enrolment patterns, with computing and related fields experiencing explosive growth. This surge reflects the nation's push towards a digital economy, where technology skills are in high demand. At the National University of Singapore (NUS), combined enrolment in the School of Computing and Computer Engineering programmes jumped 31 per cent from 4,860 students in 2021 to 6,348 in 2025. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) saw a 26 per cent increase in computer science and computer engineering students, rising from 2,073 to 2,620 over the same period. Singapore Management University (SMU) reported computer science enrolment more than doubling, from 246 to 569 students.

This trend extends to newer institutions like the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), where applications for infocomm technology and business cluster programmes rose over 30 per cent in five years, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), which maintains strong interest in design-technology hybrids. Overall, across NUS, NTU, and SMU, computing-related enrolment grew 63 per cent in the past five years, driven by the tech sector's expansion to $106 billion, or 17.3 per cent of GDP in 2022.

Declining Interest in Accountancy: Automation Fears Take Hold

Contrastingly, accountancy programmes are seeing a notable dip. A study by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) revealed enrolment fell more than 10 per cent between 2018 and 2023. SingStat data corroborates this, with total university accountancy enrolment dropping to 3,995 students in 2024 from 4,982 in 2020. At NUS Business School, accountancy-specific enrolment stood at 425 full-time undergraduates in AY2024/25.

Students cite AI-driven automation as a key concern, viewing accountancy as a foundational skill rather than a lifelong career. NTU accountancy freshman Russell Tan expressed worry: "I guess it does make me think that maybe fewer accountants are needed now... I am worried that AI might eventually take over more of the jobs." Despite high employment rates—96.2 per cent at NUS with a median salary of S$4,350—the perceived instability deters applicants. For context, check career advice for accountancy transitions.

Humanities Enrolment Hits Lows Amid Job Market Doubts

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at NUS exemplifies humanities' struggles, with enrolment plummeting from around 6,400 in 2019 to approximately 4,000 in 2025—a roughly 37 per cent decline. Fields like philosophy, history, literature, and geography face scepticism over employability, though graduates often pivot via double majors in communications or data analytics.

NUS FASS reported 4,089 full-time undergraduates in AY2024/25, underscoring the contraction. Associate Professor Andrew Hui from NUS English notes the risk: "Declines in humanities risk eroding human intelligence, culture, and sense of what makes us human in an AI-shaped age." Yet, students like NUS geography major Quek Yi Hui defend their choices, adding practical second majors. Employment outcomes remain solid at 85-88 per cent, with median salaries around S$4,300-S$4,680, but lower than computing's S$5,500-S$6,250.

Engineering's Steady Downward Trajectory

Engineering enrolment as a share of total university students has halved, from 42.9 per cent in 2003 to 22.2 per cent in 2023, per Ministry of Education (MOE) data. NUS College of Design and Engineering had 5,761 full-time undergrads in AY2024/25, but overall interest wanes amid infrastructure focus shifting to foreign talent. MOM's 2024 report highlights vacancies in civil and production engineering.

Median salaries hover at S$4,300-S$5,000, competitive but below computing peaks. NTU engineering variants like electrical show 86-96 per cent employment, yet students opt for tech hybrids.

Key Drivers Behind the Shifts

Several factors fuel these changes:

• Labour Market Signals: Graduate Employment Survey (GES) 2025 shows information/digital tech grads topping median salaries at S$5,500 with 88.4 per cent employment, versus accountancy's S$4,350.
• AI Disruption: Automation in routine tasks pushes students towards versatile tech skills.
• Economic Priorities: Singapore's tech hub status, with firms like Google and Meta hiring aggressively.
• Interdisciplinary Appeal: Students pair humanities with analytics for hybrid careers.

Assoc Prof Kelvin Seah (NUS) explains: "Surge in tech disciplines reflects rational response to wage premiums." Explore higher ed jobs in tech for openings.

University Adaptations and New Offerings

Institutions respond proactively. NTU launched economics/data science and AI/society programmes. SUSS aligns via SkillsFuture and MOE advisory committees. SIT emphasises work-learn models for infocomm. Universities review intakes yearly with MOE, balancing manpower needs and capacity.

Prof John Thong (SIT): "Intake planning guided by manpower needs, industry demand, and graduate employability." DPM Lawrence Wong flagged accountancy declines as "worrying" in 2023, prompting the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee.

Student Voices: Navigating Choices

Prospective students weigh prospects carefully. NTU's Tan Jun An shifted perceptions due to AI: "Broadening my options beyond pure accountancy." NUS CS student Aishwarya Goyal stresses continuous learning: "The field is moving very fast." Humanities advocates like Celest Lee highlight irreplaceable emotional intelligence.

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Implications for Singapore's Future

While tech bolsters competitiveness, declines risk skills gaps in engineering (infrastructure), accountancy (financial oversight), and humanities (cultural depth). Ms Selena Ling (OCBC): "Supplement with foreign talent; agility more important." Persistent drops could lead to department mergers, reducing diversity and resilience, per Assoc Prof Seah.

Small population and low birth rates amplify challenges, necessitating balanced talent pipelines. Read the full CNA Big Read analysis.

Looking Ahead: Strategies for Balance

Future trends point to sustained tech dominance, but universities predict wage convergence in oversaturated fields. Advice: Pursue passions with practical add-ons; upskill via higher ed career advice. Government may incentivise underrepresented fields, as in past biotech pushes.

For jobs, visit higher ed jobs, university jobs, or Singapore opportunities.

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash

Navigating Your Path in Singapore Higher Education

These shifts underscore the need for versatile skills. Whether computing's allure or humanities' depth calls, informed choices via GES data and professor reviews ensure success. Explore rate my professor and career advice to thrive.