Unveiling the SSG Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025
The SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Private Education Institution (PEI) Graduate Employment Survey for 2024/2025 paints a clear picture of the employment landscape for private university graduates in Singapore. Covering full-time bachelor's degree programmes from external degrees offered by PEIs, the survey gathered responses from approximately 3,800 out of 6,150 fresh graduates across 26 institutions between October 2025 and January 2026. This cohort graduated between May 2024 and April 2025.
For the first time, the survey categorizes 'secured employment' to include those currently working full-time, part-time, freelance, those with accepted offers starting later, or actively starting a business. Overall, 78.9% of PEI graduates secured employment within six months, a slight uptick from 78.6% the previous year. However, only 46.9% landed full-time permanent (FTP) roles, marginally higher than 46.4% in 2024.
This stability amid a contracting job market highlights the resilience of private university graduates in Singapore, though the FTP rate remains a concern.
Breaking Down Employment by Institution and Field
Performance varies significantly across PEIs. The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) led with 81.0% overall secured employment and 47.0% FTP, based on 1,726 respondents. ERC Institute followed at 78.8% secured and 57.6% FTP. Other notables include Kaplan (77.3% secured, 43.2% FTP), James Cook University (JCU; 76.3% secured, 45.2% FTP, highest median salary at $3,700), MDIS (76.2% secured, 52.4% FTP), and PSB Academy (74.6% secured, 47.5% FTP).
| Institution | Secured Employment (%) | FTP (%) | Median FTP Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM | 81.0 | 47.0 | $3,565 |
| ERC Institute | 78.8 | 57.6 | $3,400 |
| Kaplan | 77.3 | 43.2 | $3,400 |
| JCU | 76.3 | 45.2 | $3,700 |
| MDIS | 76.2 | 52.4 | $3,580 |
| PSB Academy | 74.6 | 47.5 | $3,500 |
By course cluster, health sciences topped FTP at 76.5% (median $3,935, small sample), sciences at 57.5% ($3,550), engineering at 49.4% ($3,900), business at 48.1% ($3,500), and arts/design/media lagged at 25.6% ($3,100).
Private vs Public: A Comparative Analysis
Private university graduates in Singapore lag behind autonomous university (AU) peers. The Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey 2025 shows 88.9% secured employment and 74.4% FTP (down from 79.4% in 2024), with median FTP salary $4,500. Post-NS polytechnic grads fare at 93.1% secured and 66.2% FTP ($3,137 median).
This gap—roughly 28 percentage points in FTP—stems from employer preferences for AUs' rigorous admissions, stronger brand, and alumni networks. Older MTI analysis noted AU grads enjoy a 28% starting wage premium. PEIs offer flexibility and affordability but face perception challenges as 'lesser' degrees.
View SSG PEI GES full highlightsSalary Trends: Steady but Below Peers
Median gross monthly salary for PEI FTP grads held at $3,500, unchanged from 2024. This trails AUs' $4,500 and aligns closer to polytechnics' $3,137. Fields like engineering and IT command $3,900, while arts hover at $3,100. Institutions like JCU ($3,700) show premiums from international accreditations.
Stability reflects economic caution but underscores need for skills alignment to boost earnings.
Beyond Full-Time Roles: Part-Time, Freelance, and Job Search
Of the 75.9% currently employed, 24.0% hold part-time/temporary (PTT) roles (14.3% voluntary), 5.1% freelance (up from 4.2%). 21.1% remain without secured employment, down slightly. Many pursue further studies or upskilling via SkillsFuture credits.
Photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash
Root Causes of Employment Challenges
Several factors contribute to lower employability for private university graduates in Singapore. Employer bias views PEI degrees as less rigorous due to open admissions versus AUs' competitive entry. Limited internships and networks hinder access to PMET roles. Oversupply in business/arts fields amid AI disruption exacerbates competition from AUs, polys, and foreigners.
SSG's Angela Tan notes adaptability but calls for better career guidance. Experts urge PEIs to prioritize industry partnerships.
Straits Times analysisHow Top PEIs Are Responding
SIM leverages AI pedagogy and job-matching apps amid geopolitical shifts. JCU stresses industry-relevant, accredited programmes for global readiness. ERC and MDIS focus on niche fields like sciences. Success in health/STEM shows targeted curricula work.
Government Initiatives and Support
SSG offers career guidance, skills courses, and MySkillsFuture portal. SkillsFuture credits subsidize upskilling. Enhanced PEI quality assurance ensures programme relevance. MOM's fair hiring curbs discrimination.
Navigating Singapore's Broader Job Market
Singapore's 2025 labour market grew 55,500 jobs, but PMET hiring slowed. Youth unemployment low at ~1.9%, yet fresh grads face longer searches amid 1,700 more entering workforce. AI/green economy demands upskilling.
Actionable Advice for Private University Graduates
- Build Experience Early: Secure internships via PEI career centres; volunteer for projects.
- Upskill Strategically: Use SkillsFuture for certifications in AI, data analytics, sustainability.
- Network Actively: Attend industry events, LinkedIn alumni groups; leverage SIM/PSB apps.
- Target High-Demand Fields: Pivot to health sciences, engineering where FTP >50%.
- Enhance Soft Skills: Communication, adaptability via workshops.
- Consider Freelance/PTT: Build portfolio while job hunting.
Tailor CVs to ATS; practice interviews.
Future Outlook and Optimism
With Singapore's economy rebounding, demand for skilled talent rises. PEIs evolving with AI-integrated curricula; closing gap possible via quality assurance. Grads embracing lifelong learning will thrive.Mothership insights
