Fewer fresh graduates found work within 6 months in 2025; median salary held steady at S$4,500: Survey
Fewer fresh graduates found work within 6 months in 2025; median salary held steady at S$4,500: Survey
The latest Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) reveals a significant shift in the landscape for Singapore's newest workforce entrants. As the class of 2025 navigates an increasingly complex global economy, the data points to a cautious hiring environment where securing immediate employment has become more challenging than in previous post-pandemic years. Despite the dip in overall employment rates, the financial compensation for those landing full-time roles remains resilient, reflecting the high value still placed on university education in the city-state.
According to the 2025 graduate employment survey, 83.4% of fresh graduates from Singapore's six autonomous universities found employment within six months of their final examinations, a decline from 87.1% in 2024. However, the median gross monthly salary for graduates in full-time permanent employment held steady at S$4,500, matching the record high set the previous year. This stagnation in salary, coupled with a higher percentage of graduates still seeking work, highlights a cooling labor market influenced by cautious corporate sentiment and geopolitical uncertainties.
Understanding the Shift in Graduate Employment Trends
The 2025 survey results represent a continuation of a downward trend in immediate employment rates that began after the post-pandemic hiring surge in 2022. While the 83.4% employment rate is still robust by international standards, the decline of nearly 4 percentage points in a single year suggests that the "easy" hiring phase has concluded. Employers are becoming more selective, and the time taken to match talent with suitable roles is lengthening.
One notable change in this year's report is the refined categorization of graduates. The survey now distinguishes between those who have "secured employment" (including those waiting to start work) and those "currently employed." Under this new metric, 88.9% of graduates secured employment within six months, which is still a decrease from 91.2% in 2024. This change provides a more accurate picture of the transition from school to work, acknowledging that the bureaucratic process of starting a job often extends beyond the six-month survey window.
Sector-Specific Performance and Salary Resiliency
While the overall employment rate dipped, certain sectors continued to show remarkable strength. The health sciences cluster remained the most resilient, with a near-perfect employment rate of 98.2%. In contrast, sectors more exposed to global trade and technology shifts, such as information and digital technologies, saw more pronounced fluctuations. Interestingly, the Information & Digital Technologies cluster maintained the highest median gross monthly salary at S$5,500, despite facing a more subdued hiring environment compared to the tech boom of previous years.
The stability of the median salary at S$4,500 is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it indicates that the floor for graduate wages is not falling, ensuring that those who enter the workforce are still being compensated at a premium level. On the other hand, the lack of growth in the median salary—following a 4.2% increase in 2024—suggests that companies are no longer aggressively outbidding each other for entry-level talent. This "steady state" reflects a normalization of expectations in the labor market.
The Rise of Underemployment and Involuntary Part-Time Work
A concerning data point in the 2025 survey is the increase in part-time or temporary employment. The share of graduates in such roles grew to 7.2%, up from 6% in 2024. More significantly, a higher proportion of these graduates reported being in these roles involuntarily (3.1% versus 2.3% in 2024). This suggests that a growing number of fresh graduates are taking "stop-gap" jobs while waiting for permanent positions that align with their degrees.
Underemployment is not just a statistic; it has long-term implications for career trajectories and lifetime earnings. When graduates start in roles that do not utilize their skills, it can lead to "skill decay" and make it harder to pivot into their desired fields later. The universities have acknowledged this by stepping up personalized career assistance and promoting government-sponsored traineeships like the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GIT) scheme.
| Course Cluster (2025) | Median Gross Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Information & Digital Technologies | S$5,500 |
| Engineering | S$4,600 |
| Business | S$4,400 |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | S$4,350 |
| Arts, Design & Media | S$3,840 |
Global Economic Factors Influencing Singapore's Job Market
Singapore's economy is highly sensitive to external shocks, and the 2025 job market is no exception. Slower hiring in "outward-oriented" sectors like finance, logistics, and information-communication is a direct result of global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Companies are adopting a "wait-and-see" approach, prioritizing efficiency and reduced churn over rapid expansion.
The universities' joint press release noted that job vacancies have moderated from their post-pandemic peaks. This moderation is not necessarily a sign of a recession but rather a return to a more sustainable, if more cautious, hiring pace. For fresh graduates, this means that the competitive landscape is more intense, requiring not just academic excellence but also relevant internships and specialized skills.
The Impact of AI and Automation on Entry-Level Roles
The "AI-exposure" of many traditional entry-level jobs is a theme that runs through current labor market discussions. While the 2025 survey does not explicitly attribute the employment dip to Artificial Intelligence, external research suggests that generative AI is beginning to automate tasks historically handled by junior employees. This shift may be contributing to the "subdued" hiring in sectors like tech and digital marketing.
Graduates are increasingly being advised to adopt a "permanent beta" mindset. This involves focusing on skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The emphasis on technical skills remains high, but the "soft" skills are becoming the primary differentiator in a crowded applicant pool.
University Support and the Graduate Industry Traineeships Scheme
In response to the tougher market, Singapore's Ministry of Education and the autonomous universities have expanded their support systems. Over 400 graduates have already enrolled in the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GIT) scheme, which provides government-sponsored opportunities to gain industry experience. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between graduation and full-time employment, ensuring that young talent remains engaged and continues to develop professionally.
Proactive career services, including personalized coaching and regular job dissemination, have become a staple of the university experience. The goal is to ensure that even if the six-month employment rate is lower, the 12-month and 24-month outcomes remain strong. Historically, graduate employment rates in Singapore tend to catch up significantly by the one-year mark, reaching levels comparable to previous cohorts.
Navigating the "Tale of Two Job Markets"
The 2025 data suggests a "tale of two job markets" for young workers. On one hand, university graduates still hold a significant advantage in terms of job stability and long-term compensation once hired. On the other hand, the immediate "job-finding advantage" that once separated them from high school and polytechnic graduates is narrowing. This convergence means that a degree is no longer a guaranteed fast-track to employment; it is the starting point of a more complex journey.
For the Class of 2026 and beyond, the message is clear: early preparation is vital. This includes securing multiple internships, building a professional network, and staying abreast of industry trends. The resilience of the S$4,500 median salary proves that the market still values high-level talent, but the path to securing that salary requires more effort and strategic planning than in years past.
Conclusion
The 2025 Graduate Employment Survey serves as a reality check for the latest cohort of university leavers. While the dip in immediate employment to 83.4% reflects a more cautious and competitive labor market, the stability of the S$4,500 median salary highlights the enduring value of a degree from Singapore's autonomous universities. As the workforce adapts to the dual pressures of economic uncertainty and technological transformation, the focus must shift toward lifelong learning and adaptability. The success of Singapore's graduates in the coming years will depend not just on their initial job placement, but on their ability to navigate a shifting landscape with resilience and a forward-looking mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the overall employment rate for fresh graduates in 2025?
The survey found that 83.4% of fresh graduates who sought jobs were working within six months of their final exams, down from 87.1% in 2024.
Did the median salary for fresh graduates increase in 2025?
No, the median gross monthly salary for graduates in full-time permanent employment remained steady at S$4,500, the same as in 2024.
Which sector had the highest employment rate in 2025?
The Health Sciences cluster recorded the highest employment rate, with 98.2% of graduates finding work within six months.
What is the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GIT) scheme?
It is a government-sponsored program designed to offer traineeship opportunities to fresh graduates, helping them gain industry experience in a challenging job market.
How has the categorization of "employment" changed in the 2025 survey?
The survey now includes a "secured employment" category, which counts graduates who have accepted job offers but have not yet started work, resulting in an 88.9% rate for this cohort.
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