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 results from the 2025 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) have sent ripples through Singapore’s education and recruitment sectors, revealing a complex landscape for the newest members of the workforce. While the headline figures indicate that fewer fresh graduates found work within 6 months in 2025 compared to previous years, the silver lining remains a resilient wage floor, with the median gross monthly salary for those in full-time permanent employment holding steady at S$4,500. This stagnation in salary, coupled with a dip in immediate hiring success, suggests a cautious approach from employers navigating global economic uncertainties and a shifting technological landscape. For students transitioning from lecture halls to corporate offices, the data serves as both a warning of a tighter market and a testament to the enduring value of a local degree.According to the 2025 Graduate Employment Survey, the proportion of fresh graduates from Singapore’s autonomous universities who secured employment within six months of their final examinations fell to 88.9%, down from 91.2% in 2024. Despite this decline in the overall employment rate, the median gross monthly salary for graduates in full-time permanent roles remained unchanged at S$4,500. The survey, which polled approximately 14,400 fresh graduates, highlights a growing trend of "underemployment," with more individuals taking on part-time or temporary roles as they navigate a more selective hiring environment driven by economic moderation and geopolitical concerns.
The Shift in Singapore's Graduate Labor Market
The 2025 employment landscape marks a significant departure from the post-pandemic hiring boom that characterized 2022 and 2023. As the initial surge in labor demand cools, the latest JAUGES data highlights a cooling effect in the entry-level job market. For the first time in several years, the narrative has shifted from "talent wars" to "cautious recruitment." The survey results, released by the six autonomous universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, and SUSS), provide a comprehensive look at how 2025’s cohort is faring against a backdrop of high interest rates and moderated growth in key sectors.
One of the most notable changes in this year's report is the introduction of a new classification system. Instead of simply reporting "employed" or "unemployed," the universities now distinguish between those who have "secured employment" and those who have "not secured employment." This change is designed to provide a more nuanced view of the transition period, including those who have accepted offers but have yet to start work, and those actively taking steps to launch their own business ventures. Under this lens, it is clear that while a vast majority eventually find their footing, the initial six-month window is becoming increasingly competitive.
Understanding the Secured Employment Rate Decline
The decline from 91.2% in 2024 to 88.9% in 2025 in the secured employment rate is a reflection of several converging factors. Firstly, the total number of graduates entering the labor force actually increased, rising to 92.2% from 90.7% in 2024. This means more individuals were actively looking for work rather than pursuing further studies or taking a gap year. This influx of job seekers occurred just as companies began tightening their belts, leading to a natural mismatch in supply and demand for entry-level positions.
Furthermore, the "full-time permanent employment" rate saw a more pronounced drop, falling from 79.4% to 74.4%. This 5 percentage point decrease indicates that even when graduates find work, it is increasingly likely to be contract-based, freelance, or part-time. While these roles provide essential experience, they often lack the benefits and stability of permanent positions, contributing to a sense of anxiety among the Class of 2025. The survey revealed that the share of part-time or temporary workers grew to 7.2%, with a higher proportion of these graduates doing so "involuntarily" because they could not find full-time work.
Median Salary Stability: A Double-Edged Sword
At first glance, a median salary of S$4,500 seems like a positive sign of stability. It suggests that despite a tougher market, the "market value" of a fresh university graduate in Singapore remains high. However, when adjusted for inflation and the rising cost of living in 2025 and 2026, a "steady" salary can feel like a pay cut. For the third year in a row, the median salary has struggled to see significant upward movement outside of specific high-growth clusters.
The S$4,500 figure is also a broad average that masks significant disparities between disciplines. While a "Computer Science" graduate might still command a median salary well above S$5,000, those in the "Arts, Design, and Media" clusters are seeing medians closer to S$3,800. The stability of the S$4,500 median is largely supported by the continued high performance of STEM and Business graduates, who act as an anchor for the overall statistics. For many, the challenge isn't just finding a job, but finding one that meets the S$4,500 benchmark that has become the unofficial standard for "success" among local graduates.
| Employment Metric (2025 vs 2024) | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Overall Secured Employment Rate (2025) | 88.9% (Down from 91.2%) |
| Full-Time Permanent Employment Rate | 74.4% (Down from 79.4%) |
| Median Gross Monthly Salary (Steady) | S$4,500 |
| Labor Force Participation Rate | 92.2% (Up from 90.7%) |
| Involuntary Part-Time/Temp Work | 3.1% (Up from 2.3%) |
Sector-Specific Hiring Trends in 2025
The 2025 survey highlights that not all sectors are cooling at the same rate. The "Health Sciences" cluster remains one of the most resilient, boasting full-time permanent employment rates near 90%. As Singapore's population ages, the demand for healthcare professionals, from nurses to allied health practitioners, continues to outpace the supply of new graduates. Similarly, the "Built Environment" sector has seen steady hiring as major infrastructure projects and green building initiatives gain momentum.
In contrast, the once-unstoppable "Information and Digital Technologies" sector has seen a cooling of the "hiring frenzy" seen in previous years. While these graduates still earn the highest salaries (with a median of S$5,500), the time it takes to secure a role has lengthened. Employers in tech are now prioritizing "niche skills" over general coding ability. The 2025 cohort has found that simply having a degree is no longer enough; internships, portfolio projects, and certifications in specialized areas like AI ethics, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture are now mandatory to stand out.
The Rise of the "Involuntary" Part-Timer
A concerning trend identified in the 2025 survey is the rise of involuntary part-time or temporary employment. This group consists of graduates who are working in non-permanent roles because they have been unable to secure full-time permanent positions. In 2025, this figure rose to 3.1%, up from 2.3% in 2024. While the increase may seem small, it represents hundreds of young professionals who are starting their careers on the "periphery" of the workforce.
These graduates often take on "gig work" or short-term contracts to stay financially afloat while they continue their job search. While this prevents long periods of total unemployment, it can lead to "skills scarring," where a graduate's degree-specific skills begin to atrophy if they are not utilized in their temporary roles. Career coaches at the autonomous universities are increasingly focusing on this group, providing workshops on how to leverage contract work as a stepping stone to permanent employment rather than a dead end.
The Impact of Global Economic Uncertainty
The universities' joint statement attributed the moderation in hiring to "broader economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments." In 2025, Singapore, as a small and open economy, remains highly sensitive to global trade tensions and the economic health of major partners like the US and China. Many multinational corporations (MNCs) that traditionally hire large cohorts of fresh graduates have adopted a "wait-and-see" approach, opting to fill only essential vacancies or relying more on internal transfers.
This global outlook has also led to a shift in the type of entry-level roles available. There is a growing preference for "growth sectors" that are less susceptible to immediate market volatility. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), roughly 40% of entry-level vacancies are now found in professional services, financial compliance, and risk management. These roles focus on helping companies navigate the very uncertainties that are causing the hiring slowdown elsewhere, making them a safer bet for graduates looking for stability.
University Support Systems and Career Resilience
In response to the tougher climate, Singapore’s autonomous universities have significantly ramped up their career support services. From NUS's "Centre for Future-ready Graduates" to NTU's "Career & Attachment Office," the focus has shifted toward "proactive engagement." Universities are no longer just hubs for education; they are acting as high-touch recruitment agencies. In 2025, several universities introduced "personalized career guidance" packages for graduates who remain unplaced after three months, including direct referrals to partner employers.
Furthermore, there is a push for lifelong learning and "stackable" credentials. Graduates are being encouraged to return to their alma maters for short, intensive "SkillsFuture" courses that address immediate market gaps. By providing these resources, the universities aim to ensure that the Class of 2025 remains resilient. The data shows that while the first six months are difficult, the vast majority of graduates eventually secure stable employment by the 12-month mark, often through the help of university-led career fairs and recruitment networks.
Conclusion
The findings of the 2025 Graduate Employment Survey paint a picture of a labor market in transition. While it is true that fewer fresh graduates found work within 6 months in 2025, the underlying fundamentals of the Singaporean workforce remain strong. The fact that the median salary held steady at S$4,500 indicates that the quality of local graduates continues to be recognized and valued by the industry. However, the rise in underemployment and the dip in full-time permanent roles suggest that the era of easy entry-level placements may be over. For future cohorts, the lesson is clear: success in 2026 and beyond will require more than just academic excellence—it will demand adaptability, specialized skills, and a proactive approach to career development in an increasingly selective global economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the median salary for fresh graduates in 2025?
The median gross monthly salary for fresh graduates in full-time permanent employment remained steady at S$4,500 in 2025.
2. How many graduates secured employment within six months?
In 2025, 88.9% of graduates secured employment within six months, which is a decline from 91.2% in 2024.
3. Which sectors had the highest employment rates?
Health Sciences, Built Environment, and Information and Digital Technologies continued to show the highest full-time permanent employment rates, ranging from 78% to 89%.
4. Why did the employment rate for fresh graduates drop?
The drop was attributed to a more cautious hiring sentiment among employers due to global economic uncertainty and a moderation of job vacancies from post-pandemic peaks.
5. Is it harder for Computer Science graduates to find work now?
While they still command the highest salaries (median S$5,500), the hiring process has become more selective, requiring graduates to possess niche skills in addition to their degree.
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