Singapore

Unemployment among graduates increased 130% in 3 years in Singapore

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Graduate unemployment has risen notably since 2021, but current rates are similar to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a cyclical and structural challenge rather than an unprecedented crisis.
  • Technological advancements, mass layoffs in tech, and global economic uncertainty are major drivers of the current job market difficulties for new graduates.
  • Public university graduates fare better than private ones in employment rates and salaries, but all graduates are advised to prioritize upskilling, practical experience, and adaptability.

[SINGAPORE] If you’ve heard recent headlines about rising graduate unemployment in Singapore—especially citing a 130% increase in joblessness among public university graduates between 2021 and 2024—you might be wondering what’s really going on. This guide breaks down the latest data, explains the factors shaping the job market, and helps you separate fact from alarmism. By the end, you’ll understand why these trends matter, what’s driving them, and what you can do to navigate today’s complex graduate job landscape.

Recent surveys and online discussions have highlighted a sharp rise in unemployment among graduates from Singapore’s public universities. The key statistic: the proportion of graduates in the labour force who were unemployed rose from 5.6% in 2021 to 12.9% in 2024—a 130% increase.

But context is crucial. Pre-pandemic, from 2016 to 2019, the unemployment rate for graduates ranged from 9.3% to 11.1%, and in 2020 it was 6.4%. This means that while 2024’s figures are higher than the immediate post-Covid years, they are not far off from pre-pandemic norms. The pandemic created a unique labour market, with a temporary worker shortage and a spike in demand for local hires, which may have artificially lowered graduate unemployment in 2021 and 2022.

Why Are Graduates Struggling to Find Jobs?

Several interconnected factors are making it harder for graduates to land full-time roles:

Technological Change and AI: The rise of AI and automation is reshaping industries, making some entry-level jobs redundant or less in demand. Companies are also using technology to increase productivity, meaning fewer people are needed for the same output.

Mass Layoffs, Especially in Tech: The tech sector, once a magnet for graduates, has seen significant layoffs and hiring freezes. This has ripple effects across the economy, as tech companies are major employers and drivers of demand for related roles.

Global Economic Uncertainty and Tariffs: Recent US tariffs and a slowdown in global growth have dampened hiring across sectors like manufacturing, finance, and wholesale trade. Companies are cautious about expanding and may freeze hiring or look for more experienced candidates.

Supply and Demand Imbalance: The number of graduates is growing, but job vacancies are not keeping pace—especially in certain fields. This creates intense competition for available roles.

Skills Mismatch: Employers increasingly seek candidates with adaptable skill sets and practical experience, which many fresh graduates lack. Some graduates may also have unrealistic salary expectations or lack awareness of industry requirements.

What’s Behind the Headlines: Myth vs. Reality

Myth: “Graduates today are just too picky or lack ambition.”

Reality: While some graduates may have unrealistic expectations, most are highly motivated and face real structural challenges in the job market. The rise in unemployment is driven more by economic and technological shifts than by individual attitudes.

Myth: “There are no jobs for graduates.”

Reality: There are still many jobs available, but the nature of those jobs is changing. Employers value skills, adaptability, and experience more than ever. Certain sectors, like health sciences and business, continue to see strong demand.

Myth: “The current situation is unprecedented and dire.”

Reality: While the job market is tougher than in the immediate post-Covid years, current unemployment rates are not far off from pre-pandemic levels. Year-to-year fluctuations are often cyclical, reflecting broader economic trends.

How Graduates and Employers Are Adapting

For Graduates:

Upskilling and Reskilling: Many are investing in additional certifications, online courses, or postgraduate studies to stand out and meet employer demands.

Gaining Practical Experience: Internships, traineeships, and contract roles are becoming more common as stepping stones to full-time employment.

Networking: Building professional connections is increasingly important for uncovering hidden job opportunities.

For Employers:

Focus on Skills and Adaptability: Companies are prioritizing candidates who can learn quickly, adapt to new technologies, and contribute from day one.

Contract and Project-Based Hiring: To manage uncertainty, many firms are hiring graduates on short-term contracts or for specific projects.

Investing in Training: Some employers are offering more training and development opportunities to bridge the skills gap.

FAQ and Myth-Busting

Q: Is it true that most graduates can’t find jobs?

A: No. While unemployment is up, the majority of graduates still find employment within six months. The situation is tougher than in recent years, but not unprecedented.

Q: Are private university graduates worse off than public ones?

A: Yes, private university graduates face lower full-time employment rates and salaries compared to their public university peers.

Q: Is AI really taking jobs from graduates?

A: AI is changing the job market, automating some tasks and increasing productivity. This means fewer entry-level roles in some sectors, but also creates new opportunities in tech and related fields.

Q: Should I still go to university?

A: Yes, a degree remains valuable, but it’s important to choose your field wisely, gain practical experience, and be prepared to adapt to a changing job market.

Q: Are graduates being too picky about salaries?

A: Some may have unrealistic expectations, but most are simply responding to a competitive market. Employers are looking for skills and experience, not just academic credentials.

Why This Matters

The current graduate employment landscape in Singapore is a microcosm of broader global trends: technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and shifting employer expectations. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone entering the workforce, hiring new talent, or investing in education and training.

For graduates, the message is clear: adaptability, continuous learning, and real-world experience are more important than ever. For employers, the challenge is to bridge the skills gap and support new talent through training and flexible hiring practices.

Ultimately, the data shows that while the job market is tougher than it was a few years ago, it is not broken. With the right strategies, graduates and employers alike can navigate these changes and thrive in the new economy.


Education
Image Credits: Unsplash
EducationJuly 15, 2025 at 8:00:00 PM

College tuition is still rising—here’s who’s pushing the price

Higher education has long sold itself as a launchpad: a stable path to economic mobility, social capital, and job security. And for decades,...

Loans United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 13, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

How moving abroad affects your student loan repayment

You’ve accepted a job in London. Or maybe you’re teaching in Seoul. Or starting over in Portugal, chasing a slower pace of life....

Loans United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 13, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

Pros and cons of student loan consolidation

Managing student debt isn’t always about how much you owe—it’s about how complicated it feels. For borrowers with multiple loans, repayment can mean...

Loans United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 12, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM

How to lower your student loan interest rate—and lighten the load

When most people think about their student loans, they focus on the total balance or monthly payment. But the interest rate—more than almost...

Tax United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
TaxJuly 9, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

Here’s how Trump’s new endowment tax could impact your college tuition

The latest US tax-and-spending package signed by President Donald Trump doesn’t just touch corporate and individual tax policy—it also marks a significant shift...

Loans United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 6, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

New student loan repayment plan 2025

If you’ve been using an income-driven plan to manage your student debt, you may want to sit down. The new student loan repayment...

Loans United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJuly 1, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Student loan repayment rules get an overhaul under Senate bill

Student loan reforms often spark debate around forgiveness or political agendas. But this latest Senate-approved legislation isn’t about headlines—it’s about changing how educational...

Education
Image Credits: Unsplash
EducationJuly 1, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Hong Kong’s Global Education Hub Needs a Purpose Reset

Climbing the QS World University Rankings isn’t a small feat—and Hong Kong has done it with style. Several of the city’s universities now...

Loans United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJune 27, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Millions of student loan borrowers at risk of default as delinquencies surge

More than 5 million federal student loan borrowers are already delinquent. And by September 2025, nearly 5 million more could enter default, according...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyJune 27, 2025 at 12:30:00 AM

Is Harvard worth saving—and how?

For generations, Harvard stood as the gold standard of American academia. Its name conjured images of intellectual authority, elite access, and unrivaled prestige....

Loans Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansJune 23, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM

How fresh graduates can manage their student loan repayments

Graduation is a major milestone. But for many in Singapore, it also signals the start of something else: paying off that student loan....

Education
Image Credits: Unsplash
EducationJune 23, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Why higher education must evolve or become irrelevant

The crisis goes beyond tuition costs. It’s about trust, relevance, and return on investment. Universities were once unquestioned pillars of social progress—gateways to...

Load More