Graduates from private education institutions are facing a challenging job market, with fewer securing full-time jobs, even though salaries have gone up slightly. The latest survey by SkillsFuture Singapore highlights a mixed outcome for private education graduates, including those from private universities in Singapore, with rising pay but shrinking employment opportunities.
Fewer Graduates in Full-Time Positions
The 2023/2024 Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey showed that 46.4% of fresh graduates from private education institutions found full-time work within six months after completing their studies. This marks a noticeable drop from the previous year of 58.7% and reflects the slower economic growth that has affected hiring across industries.
More graduates are now turning to part-time or temporary work to gain experience while waiting for permanent openings. Freelancing has become less common, as many prefer a stable income amid uncertain job conditions.
Overall Employment Declines
Out of those in the labour force, 17.3% of graduates from private education institutions, including private universities in Singapore, found some form of work, including part-time or freelance jobs. While most eventually secure employment, the decline from previous years shows that competition has intensified.
Still, salaries have seen a modest increase. The median monthly pay for those in full-time work rose to $3,500 in 2024, up from $3,400 in 2023. This suggests that while jobs are harder to find, those who do secure them are earning slightly more. Graduates from Parkway College of Nursing and Allied Health and the ERC Institute earned the highest pay at $4,000, followed by graduates from the Singapore Institute of Management, who earned $3,600.
Comparing Private and Public Universities
The gap between graduates from private education institutes and those from local autonomous universities remains wide. Graduates from Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore were far more likely to secure full-time employment, with nearly eight in ten landing permanent positions.
They also earned more, with a median salary of around $4,500 compared to $3,500 for those from private education institutions such as private universities in Singapore. Employers continue to place strong emphasis on university reputation and programme recognition when making hiring decisions.
Stronger Outcomes in Technical Fields
Among graduates from private education institutions, those who studied engineering, science, or digital technology had the best outcomes. These students achieved higher employment rates and better salaries than others, with information and digital technology graduates earning an average of $4,080 a month.
Graduates from humanities and social sciences earned slightly less, at around $3,500, but these areas still attracted students seeking a broad-based education and diverse career paths.
Polytechnic Graduates Catching Up
The employment survey also noted that post-national service polytechnic graduates are becoming more competitive. Their median starting salary rose to about $3,000 in 2024, slightly narrowing the gap with graduates from private universities in Singapore and other private education institutions. This reflects employers’ growing appreciation for hands-on technical skills and work readiness among diploma holders.
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More Graduates in Part-Time Roles
Another clear trend is the rise of part-time and contract roles among graduates from private education institutions, including those from private universities in Singapore. Many of these positions are short-term but can lead to full-time employment later on. The number of freelancers, however, has decreased, suggesting that graduates prefer the security of steady pay while the economy remains uncertain.
Although most find some form of work within six months, a growing share remain underemployed — working in jobs that do not fully utilise their skills or qualifications.
Who Took Part in the Survey
The survey collected responses from around 3,500 graduates from 27 private institutions, including well-known names such as James Cook University, PSB Academy, and the Management Development Institute of Singapore. Of these, about 2,300 were part of the labour force, meaning they were either employed or actively looking for work.
This group of graduates from private universities in Singapore and other private education institutions represents a large section of Singapore’s private education sector, providing an overview of how graduates are performing after graduation.
Underemployment and Unemployment Rates
The survey found that 25.2% of graduates from private education institutions, including those from private universities in Singapore, were either unemployed or in temporary roles they did not choose voluntarily. This number is much higher compared with autonomous university graduates and polytechnic graduates.
While many graduates from private institutions show determination in job hunting, the data suggests that it still takes longer for them to secure permanent employment.
Rising Salaries Offer Some Positivity
Despite the drop in full-time employment, salaries have improved slightly. Graduates from private universities in Singapore and other private education institutions continue to earn competitive pay in areas like business, healthcare, and digital technology. The higher salaries from institutions such as Parkway College and ERC Institute show that certain specialised courses continue to produce strong outcomes.
These results suggest that even though the job market is tougher, employers still recognise the value of private university qualifications, especially in skill-based and industry-focused fields.
Moving Forward
The findings for 2024 show that graduates from private education institutions are navigating a more complex job environment. Fewer are landing full-time roles, but salaries are gradually improving, and specialised courses are proving more rewarding.
As industries evolve and hiring practices adapt, private university graduates may find better opportunities by aligning their education with market demand. For now, the results reflect both the challenges and resilience of Singapore’s growing private education sector.
Final Thoughts
Graduates from private education institutions, including those from private universities in Singapore, are earning slightly more but facing greater competition in securing full-time jobs. While the employment rate has dropped, the steady rise in salaries shows continued employer confidence in private education. As the job market changes, adaptability and persistence will be key for future graduates.
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