Unrivalled Graduate Success: SMU Leads Singapore's Autonomous Universities

Singapore Management University (SMU) has once again demonstrated its prowess in preparing students for the workforce, with the Class of 2025 achieving the highest full-time permanent employment rate among Singapore's six autonomous universities. According to the Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) 2025, released in early March 2026, 91.4% of SMU graduates secured employment within six months of graduation, outpacing peers from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). This resilience comes amid a cautious hiring landscape marked by global economic uncertainties and rapid technological shifts, including artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and automation.

The survey, conducted in November 2025, captured responses from 1,710 out of 2,331 SMU graduates—a robust 73.4% response rate. Mean gross monthly salary reached $5,116, a slight increase from $5,057 in 2024, with the median at $4,747. These figures underscore SMU's focus on practical, industry-aligned education, positioning its alumni as highly desirable in Singapore's competitive job market.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Employment and Salary Highlights

SMU's full-time permanent employment rate stood at 79.8%, the highest recorded, compared to the joint average of 74.4% across all autonomous universities—a dip from 79.4% in 2024 due to moderated hiring. Overall, 87.1% of respondents were employed, reflecting strong demand for SMU's business, computing, and social sciences graduates.

Salary growth was notable: mean salary up 1.2%, driven by high performers in computing fields. For context, across universities, median gross monthly salary held steady at $4,500, but SMU's mean exceeded the pack. Computer Science led with a median $6,000 (Cum Laude $6,250), followed by Information Systems ($5,400; Cum Laude $5,785). Even traditional fields like Accountancy averaged $4,774 mean gross.

Cum Laude graduates consistently outperformed, earning $300-$500 more monthly, highlighting academic excellence's premium.

SMU vs Peers: Standing Tall in a Competitive Landscape

While joint survey shows softening trends—secured employment down across clusters like Business (91.2%) and Engineering (85.9%)—SMU bucked the trend with superior rates. NUS and NTU dominate top salary spots, but SMU claims two in the top 10 courses per Salary.sg analysis, with computing programmes shining. Information & Digital Technologies cluster median $5,500 across unis, aligning with SMU's strengths.

In a market where 92.2% of graduates entered the labour force (up from 90.7%), SMU's 91.4% secured rate signals employer preference for its experiential model. For aspiring students eyeing Singapore university jobs, SMU's outcomes affirm its edge in employability.

The Power of Internships: Bridging Academia and Industry

Nearly half (47.3%) of full-time permanent hires traced offers to penultimate-year internships—30.9% stayed with host firms, 16.4% received but declined offers. 61.4% got pre-graduation offers, up 1.3pp from 2024. SMU's mandatory internships, SMU-X co-curriculars, and Work Study Electives foster real-world readiness.

Karttikraj C (Accountancy) at Grant Thornton credits internships for handling real workloads. Kylie Oh (Politics, Law & Economics) at Visa values adaptability from diverse placements. This pipeline explains SMU's edge amid cautious hiring.SMU official release

Dominating Key Industries: Finance, Tech, and Professional Services

Finance & Insurance, Legal/Accounting/Auditing, and Information & Communication topped sectors, leveraging SMU's disciplinary focus. While specific top employers aren't detailed, patterns suggest Big Four firms, banks (DBS, UOB), and tech giants hire heavily. Computing grads fuel Singapore's digital economy boom.

In 2026's outlook, employers prioritize AI fluency amid automation fears. SMU Provost Alan Chan emphasizes critical thinking and communication alongside tech skills. Explore higher ed career advice for navigating this shift.

Course Spotlights: Computing Reigns Supreme

SMU's School of Computing & Information Systems shone: Computer Science (91.4% secured for Cum Laude), Information Systems (100% for Cum Laude). Business Management and Economics followed closely. Social Sciences held steady at 91.5% secured, though lower salaries ($4,000 median).

• Computer Science: Median $6,000, pivotal for AI/data roles.
• Accountancy: 97% secured, $4,350 median—stable professional path.
• Business Management: Versatile, 88.9% secured.

Prospective students can rate my professor at SMU for insights into top programmes.

Navigating Challenges: Cautious Market and AI Disruption

Singapore's 2026 job outlook predicts deliberate hiring, contract roles, and AI skills demand. ManpowerGroup notes 15% net employment outlook, weaker in non-growth areas. Graduates face underemployment risks, but SMU's model—emphasizing human skills—mitigates this.

Budget 2026 boosts AI upskilling; SMU aligns via intensified internships and global exposure. For career transitions, check higher ed jobs.

Year-on-Year Resilience and Future Prospects

From 2024, SMU improved salaries despite market softening. Joint trends show Health Sciences leading employment (98.2%), but SMU tops business/computing. Outlook: Tech salaries stable at $5,500 median; focus on adaptability.

SMU invests in Asia-Pacific readiness, lifelong career support via Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre. Students eyeing faculty roles may explore university jobs.

Photo by Dave Kim on Unsplash

Implications for Aspiring Students and Policymakers

SMU's success validates experiential learning amid AI caution. Parents/students: Prioritise internships, tech skills. Policymakers: Sustain funding for practical education. For jobs, visit higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, higher-ed-career-advice.

SMU Class of 2025 exemplifies resilience—proof that strategic education yields strong outcomes.Full SMU GES PDF