Singapore University of Social Sciences Steps Up Career Aid as 2025 Graduate Outcomes Show Dip

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), known for its focus on applied learning and lifelong education for working adults, has announced enhanced support for its graduates following a dip in short-term employment outcomes revealed in the 2025 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES). Conducted across six autonomous universities including 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 SUSS, the survey highlights a cautious job market amid economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. While median salaries held steady, full-time permanent employment rates at the six-month mark fell, prompting SUSS to bolster its career services.

This development comes as Singapore navigates moderated job vacancies post-pandemic highs, with subdued hiring in sectors like information and communications but persistent entry-level opportunities in financial services and professional roles. For SUSS graduates, who often enter people-centric fields aligned with national priorities such as social services and public safety, the university is doubling down on personalized guidance to bridge the gap to employment.

Key Findings from SUSS 2025 GES: A Closer Look at Employment Rates and Salaries

The SUSS-specific data from the 2025 Graduate Employment Survey (GES), surveying 907 fresh graduates with a 72.8% response rate, paints a mixed picture. Overall, 89.3% of graduates in the labour force secured employment within six months of final exams, reflecting the broader JAUGES trend of 88.9% down from 91.2% in 2024. The full-time permanent employment rate stood at 70.8%, with labour force participation strong.

Median gross monthly salary across full-time permanent roles averaged around $4,224, with Public Safety and Security leading at $5,000—the highest among SUSS courses—and Business Analytics at $4,800. These figures align with the national median of $4,500, steady from prior years despite the employment softening.

Administrative wage records indicate improvement over time: for the 2024 cohort, 87% employment at six months rose to 95% by one year, suggesting many SUSS graduates secure roles shortly after.

Comparing SUSS Outcomes with Peers and Historical Trends

Across the JAUGES, full-time permanent employment dropped to 74.4% from 79.4% in 2024, with Humanities & Social Sciences (SUSS's core) at 70.7%, mirroring SUSS's 70.8%. Health Sciences led at 89.2%, while Arts dipped to 50.0%. Salaries ticked up slightly in most clusters, underscoring employer value for skills amid selectivity.

SUSS's strength in niche areas shines: Early Childhood Education (ECE) hit 100% secured employment (up from prior years), and Social Work (SWK) 95%, driven by demand in ageing Singapore's social services. In contrast, business courses like Marketing saw 84.9% secured but lower full-time rates, reflecting competitive markets.

Historically, SUSS outcomes have improved long-term, with its part-time, applied model suiting mid-career upskillers who often transition smoothly.Crafting a strong academic CV can help SUSS grads stand out.

Challenges in Singapore's Graduate Job Market: Economic and Structural Factors

Singapore's job market in early 2026 remains cautious, with fewer vacancies due to reduced employee churn and slower hiring amid global uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions and AI automation threaten entry-level roles, favoring experienced hires or contract work—explaining the rise in part-time/temporary positions to 7.2%.

• Subdued sectors: Information & Communications, impacted by tech slowdowns.
• Growth areas: Financial compliance, risk analysis, auditing—40% of entry-level vacancies.
• AI disruption: Routine tasks automated, demanding adaptable skills.

SUSS grads in social impact fields benefit from national pushes like the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals, but broader caution affects all.Straits Times on GES trends.

SUSS's Enhanced Career Support: Personalized Coaching and Events

In response, SUSS is ramping up initiatives: one-on-one career coaching, targeted job alerts, expanded career fairs, recruitment drives, workshops on resume building, interview skills, and industry talks. These build on SUSS's lifelong learning ethos, helping adult learners navigate transitions.

Graduates access higher ed career advice resources, including mock interviews and networking events tailored to social sciences strengths.

Spotlight on Success: Thriving Courses Amid the Dip

Not all news is cautious—SUSS's ECE boasts 100% employment (93.8% full-time), median $3,800, fueled by preschool demand. SWK at 95% secured (82.3% full-time, $3,950) aligns with super-aged society needs. Public Safety leads salaries at $5,000, with 91.8% secured.

These reflect SUSS's alignment with Singapore's priorities: building social service capabilities via MSF initiatives.Explore higher ed jobs in these sectors.

National Backing: GRIT, WSG, and e2i for Fresh Grads

Beyond SUSS, national efforts include Workforce Singapore (WSG) and NTUC's e2i for job matching, guidance. Launched October 2025, GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) and GRIT@Gov offer paid hands-on experience for no-experience grads, expanding to 2026 cohorts.

• GRIT: Industry placements with mentorship.
• e2i: Free career talks, job portal access.
• MOM monitoring: Vacancies open for 2025/2026.

These complement SUSS efforts, ensuring comprehensive support.SUSS press release.

Actionable Advice for SUSS Graduates and Aspiring Students

To thrive:

1. Leverage SUSS career services early—book coaching sessions.
2. Build portfolios showcasing applied projects, key for social fields.
3. Network via alumni events, LinkedIn; target growth sectors.
4. Upskill in AI literacy, data analytics via SkillsFuture.
5. Consider GRIT for experience.

Prospective students: SUSS's flexible part-time model suits working adults, with strong long-term outcomes.Rate your professors for insights.

Photo by Aditya Enggar Perdana on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Optimism for Long-Term Success and Sector Growth

With 95% wage coverage by one year for recent cohorts, SUSS grads are poised for recovery. Singapore's focus on social services, finance tech promises roles. SUSS's enhancements position it well for a rebounding market.

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