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The Graduate Employment Survey, conducted by Singapore’s five polytechnics and released on Jan. 15, found that 54.2% of fresh graduates secured full-time permanent jobs in 2025, slightly lower than the 54.6% recorded in 2024. At the same time, median gross monthly pay for those roles rose from S$2,900 (US$2,252) to S$3,000, extending a multi-year upward trend, The Straits Times reported.

Graduates from humanities and social sciences continued to command the highest median pay at S$3,200, followed by health sciences graduates earning S$3,011, CNA reported. Overall employment outcomes remained strong, with 90% of polytechnic graduates securing work within six months of graduation or after completing full-time national service, broadly in line with last year’s figures.

The results come as many young graduates express concern about job prospects amid a more uncertain economic outlook and a labor market reshaped by slower global growth and changing hiring practices.

For the first time, the survey measured whether graduates had “secured employment” rather than relying on a simple employed-unemployed split. This broader definition includes those already working, those who have accepted job offers but have yet to start, as well as graduates preparing to launch businesses.

Under previous surveys, graduates waiting to begin jobs or setting up ventures were counted as unemployed, which may have understated employment outcomes in earlier years.

The latest survey also provided more detail on graduates who had not secured work, grouping them into those who rejected job offers, those who applied but did not receive offers, and those who did not actively seek full-time employment. Many in the latter group were pursuing or preparing for further studies.

Of the 12,835 respondents, just under 44% were in the labor force, while more than half were focused on education or other non-employment pathways. Officials noted that employment outcomes typically improve beyond the six-month survey window.

Labor market data from the Ministry of Manpower showed total employment continuing to grow in 2025, led by financial and insurance services as well as health and social services. In contrast, hiring in information and communications slowed amid global economic uncertainty.

Entry-level vacancies rose sharply to 39,000 in September 2025, up from 26,000 a year earlier, suggesting continued demand for young workers despite tougher hiring standards.

Recruiters say the rules of graduate hiring have changed. Karen Lim, a strategic partnership manager at employment agency RecruitHaus, said employers are placing less emphasis on qualifications alone and more weight on practical skills, internships and portfolios.

She said graduates should expect longer job searches as companies become more selective, adding that many employers now look for candidates who can contribute with minimal training, The Straits Times reported.

She also noted a growing openness among graduates toward freelance, contract and short-term roles, reflecting a desire for flexibility, experience-building and diversified income streams rather than waiting for a perfect permanent offer.