2025 GES Reveals Steady High Salaries for Tech Graduates Amid Shifting Job Market

The 2025 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES), conducted by Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) across NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUSS, and SUTD, paints a picture of resilience in the tech sector despite broader challenges. Full-time permanent employment for fresh graduates dipped to 74.4%, down from 79.4% in 2024, reflecting cautious hiring due to economic uncertainty and geopolitical factors. Yet, the median gross monthly salary held firm at S$4,500, showcasing employer commitment to quality talent.

Standing out prominently, graduates in Information and Digital Technologies (IDT) courses commanded the highest median starting salary of S$5,500, unchanged from the previous year. This cluster, encompassing computer science, software engineering, data science, and AI programs, continues to lead, underscoring Singapore's push towards a digital economy.

Dissecting the Information and Digital Technologies Cluster

The IDT cluster represents a broad spectrum of disciplines critical to Singapore's Smart Nation initiative. Defined by MOE as including Bachelor of Computing degrees in computer science, information systems, and related engineering honors programs, these courses equip students with skills in programming, cybersecurity, machine learning, and digital innovation.

With a full-time permanent employment rate of 78.3%, IDT graduates outperformed the overall average, though still down from prior years. Their median salary of S$5,500 translates to an annual gross of over S$66,000, far exceeding humanities (S$4,350) and sciences (S$4,200). This premium reflects high demand from sectors like finance, tech giants, and government digital transformation projects.

Performance Across Singapore's Autonomous Universities

NUS and NTU dominate tech education, with NUS School of Computing reporting strong outcomes for its Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science, boasting mean salaries around S$6,674. NTU's School of Computer Science and Engineering saw its class of 2025 achieve a 90% overall employment rate, with mean salary rising to S$4,812 university-wide.

SMU's School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) excels in practical tracks, with Information Systems graduates (Cum Laude+) at S$5,785 median. SIT's integrated work-study programs shine in applied tech, like BEng in ICT (Software Engineering) at S$5,000 median gross. SUTD's Information Systems Technology and Design pillar and SUSS's digital-focused offerings contribute to the cluster's strength. For more on university rankings and professor feedback, check Rate My Professor.

Top-Performing Tech Programs in 2025 GES

Course-specific data reveals standouts: NUS Bachelor of Computing (Information Systems) median S$6,000; NTU Computer Science S$5,500; SIT BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Glasgow pathway) S$5,000. These programs emphasize hands-on projects, internships, and industry partnerships, aligning with employer needs.

• NUS BComp Computer Science: High demand in fintech and AI startups.
• NTU Data Science and AI: S$5,250 median, fueled by analytics boom.
• SIT Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation: S$5,000, targeting gaming and simulation industries.

Explore openings in these fields via higher ed jobs and Singapore university jobs.

Navigating Employment Trends in a Cautious Market

Despite salary stability, full-time roles declined due to AI automation eroding entry-level positions and preferences for experienced hires. Outward-facing sectors like ICT saw subdued growth. OCBC economist Selena Ling notes, "It may take longer to get the job," but opportunities persist in finance and professional services.

Tech grads fare better with 88.4% securing employment overall, but 7.2% opted for part-time/freelance amid no-offer rates rising to 8.5%.

Photo by Mia de Jesus on Unsplash

Key Skills Fueling Premium Salaries

Employers prize proficiency in AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics—core to IDT curricula. Singapore's Digital Economy Framework demands these for roles like software developers (median S$5,200) and data engineers.

• Programming (Python, Java): Essential for 80% of tech jobs.
• Cybersecurity certifications: Boost employability by 20%.
• AI ethics and deployment: Emerging must-haves.

Universities like NTU integrate these via capstone projects. For career tips, visit higher ed career advice.

Challenges Facing Fresh Tech Graduates

Even top earners face hurdles: intense competition (235k applicants for national exams), skill mismatches, and economic slowdowns. Crystal Yong, SMU alum, applied to 30 roles before landing one, highlighting persistence needed.

Women in tech remain underrepresented at 25%, though programs like SIT's diversity initiatives help.

How Universities Are Preparing Students

NUS offers global exchanges; NTU's Renaissance Engineering blends tech-business; SIT's 8-month apprenticeships guarantee industry exposure. SUTD's project-based learning mirrors real-world tech sprints. These align with SkillsFuture credits for upskilling.

Future Outlook: Bright Prospects in Digital Singapore

With S$25b investment in R&D by 2030, tech demand will surge. IDT grads are poised for roles in quantum computing and green tech. Employment rates typically rise post-6 months to 95%.

Career Advice for Aspiring Tech Professionals

1. Build portfolios on GitHub early.
2. Pursue internships via university jobs portal.
3. Certify in AWS/Google Cloud.
4. Network at Tech Week Singapore.

Leverage academic CV tips for applications.

Photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash

In summary, while the job market tests resilience, Singapore tech graduates from leading universities enjoy unmatched starting salaries. Stay adaptable, upskill continuously, and tap resources like Rate My Professor, higher-ed jobs, and career advice to launch your career. For openings, visit post a job.