Key Findings from the 2025 Graduate Employment Survey

The 2025 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES), conducted by Singapore's six autonomous universities—National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)—paints a picture of resilience amid challenges. Covering 19,887 fresh graduates surveyed in November 2025 with a 72.4% response rate, the survey reveals that 74.4% secured full-time permanent employment six months post-graduation, down from 79.4% in 2024. Despite this dip, the median gross monthly salary for those in full-time roles held steady at S$4,500, reflecting employer confidence in graduate quality even as hiring slows.

Overall, 92.2% of graduates entered the labour force (working or actively seeking jobs), up slightly from 90.7% last year, with 88.5% securing some form of employment including part-time, temporary, freelance, or future-start offers. However, 8.5% who applied for jobs received no offers, more than double the 4.1% in 2023, signaling intensified competition. This trend underscores a cautious job market influenced by global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and technological shifts like AI automation.

Performance Across Singapore's Autonomous Universities

Individual university outcomes vary, highlighting strengths in specialized programmes. NUS reported 89.8% of its graduates securing employment, with 75.2% in full-time permanent roles. The mean gross monthly salary rose to S$5,193 (median S$4,746), up from 2024 figures. NTU mirrored this resilience, with 90% employment and mean salary of S$4,812 (median S$4,550), crediting interdisciplinary training and industry ties.

SMU stood out with the highest full-time permanent rate at 79.8% and mean salary over S$5,100 (median S$4,747), emphasizing experiential learning. SUTD achieved nearly 90% secured employment, with median S$4,925; SIT and SUSS around 87-90% employment, medians S$4,250 and S$4,000 respectively. These figures demonstrate how applied, industry-aligned curricula at tech-focused institutions like SUTD and SIT buffer against market softness.

Top-Performing Courses and Salary Leaders

Course clusters reveal stark differences. Information and Digital Technologies led with 78.3% full-time permanent employment and S$5,500 median salary, driven by demand in tech sectors. Health Sciences followed at 89.2% employment (S$4,050 median), Built Environment 78.2% (S$4,268), while Arts, Design & Media lagged at 50% (S$3,840).

Standout degrees include NTU's Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering/Computing (median S$6,950, 88.9% employment), NUS Medicine (S$6,500, 100%), NUS Computer Science (S$6,400, 90.9%), and SMU Computer Science Cum Laude+ (S$6,250). Business programmes like NUS BBA (S$6,000) also shone. Computing and business hybrids dominate top salaries, underscoring the premium on tech-business skills amid digital transformation.

Explore higher ed jobs in these high-demand fields to see current openings.

Trends Compared to Previous Years

The decline marks the third consecutive year of softening full-time employment, from 88.4% in 2023 to 79.4% in 2024 and 74.4% in 2025. Yet salaries have risen steadily in key areas—NUS mean up 2%, NTU 2.4%—indicating quality over quantity in hires. Part-time uptake rose to 7.2%, offering flexibility as grads upskill. This mirrors global post-pandemic caution, with Singapore's unemployment at historic lows but entry-level vacancies moderated.

Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash

Factors Driving the Employment Dip

OCBC's Selena Ling attributes the 5 percentage point drop to 'not insignificant' caution: fewer vacancies from low churn, AI displacing junior roles, and preference for experienced hires amid U.S.-China tensions and Middle East conflicts. Universities note more applicants per role, skills mismatches in non-tech fields, and grads' selectivity. NTU's Prof Gan Chee Lip praises hands-on learning for resilience; SMU's Prof Alan Chan stresses AI fluency and critical thinking.

A graduate like SMU's Crystal Yong applied to 30 jobs, facing rejections but landing a fitting role, highlighting perseverance needs.

University Strategies and Student Preparation

Singapore universities are adapting. NUS emphasizes future-ready skills like AI sense-making; NTU boosts career coaching and internships; SMU ramps experiential learning and global exposure. SUTD and SIT focus applied projects aligning with industry. Check higher ed career advice for resume tips and interview prep tailored to this market.

Implications for Higher Education in Singapore

The survey signals a pivot: unis must enhance employability via tech integration, soft skills, and lifelong learning. Fields like computing thrive (84.2% secured), while arts lag, prompting curriculum reviews. Positive: Steady pay shows value; 92.2% labour force participation reflects ambition.

Actionable Advice for Fresh Graduates

• Leverage university career services for personalized coaching.
• Upskill in AI, data analytics via scholarships or online courses.
• Network via internships; consider part-time for experience.
• Target high-demand sectors: tech, health, built environment.
• Explore higher ed jobs or university jobs for stable entry points.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

With Singapore's economy projected to grow, recovery is likely by 2026. Grads with hybrid skills (business+tech) will lead. Visit Rate My Professor for course insights, higher ed jobs for openings, and career advice for strategies. Despite hurdles, Singapore unis produce globally competitive talent.