Employment rates for private university graduates in Singapore decline, widening the salary gap with public university peers.
A recent survey reveals that less than half of private university graduates in Singapore secured full-time employment in 2024, highlighting growing disparities in job prospects and salaries compared to public university counterparts.
Declining Employment Rates for Private University Graduates
In 2024, only 46.4% of fresh graduates from Singapore’s private education institutions (PEIs) secured full-time permanent employment within six months of graduation, a significant drop from 58.7% in 2023. This decline underscores the growing challenges faced by private university graduates in a cooling job market.
Salary Disparities Widen Between Private and Public University Graduates
While the median gross monthly salary for PEI graduates in full-time roles increased slightly to S$3,500 in 2024, it remains substantially lower than the S$4,500 median earned by graduates from autonomous universities such as NUS and NTU. This S$1,000 difference highlights the persistent salary gap between private and public university graduates.
Increased Reliance on Part-Time and Temporary Employment
The survey also indicates a rise in part-time or temporary employment among PEI graduates, with 24.2% taking such roles in 2024, up from 18.9% in the previous year. Freelance work saw a slight decrease to 4.2%. Overall employment, including part-time and freelance positions, fell to 74.8% from 83.2% in 2023.
Implications for Prospective Students and Policymakers
The widening employment and salary gaps between private and public university graduates in Singapore raise concerns about the return on investment for private education. Prospective students may need to weigh these factors carefully when choosing their educational paths. Policymakers and educational institutions might also consider strategies to enhance the employability of private university graduates.
Broader Impact on the Singaporean Workforce
The disparities in employment outcomes between private and public university graduates could have long-term implications for Singapore’s workforce diversity and economic equity. Addressing these challenges may require collaborative efforts from educational institutions, employers, and government agencies to ensure equitable opportunities for all graduates.
The 2024 employment survey highlights significant challenges faced by private university graduates in Singapore, including declining full-time employment rates and persistent salary disparities compared to public university peers. These findings underscore the need for informed decision-making by prospective students and strategic interventions by stakeholders to bridge the employment gap and promote equitable workforce outcomes.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Malaymail (2025)
Keywords: Private University Graduates, Employment Survey, Salary Disparity, Singapore Job Market, Public vs Private Universities
