How do I pick the right private school for a degree that helps me get a job?

It is the time of the year when university applicants who failed to land a place in local universities are considering the private school route. Senior Education Correspondent Sandra Davie answers their questions on picking the right school that delivers in terms of finding jobs.

- Sandra Davie

Q My polytechnic graduate son did not get a place in the local universities, but he is keen on studying for a business degree. So, he has started applying for a place in a private school. But we are worried after reading the news that less than half of fresh graduates from private institutions found full-time jobs in 2024. My husband and I do not have the means to send him abroad for studies. Can you give us some advice?

A First, I hope your son has also considered other options, such as work-study programmes that lead to specialist diplomas and perhaps even going out to work for a year or two to get some work experience before trying again for university. Having work experience, especially in a related field, may give him the edge when applying for a place in the autonomous universities (AUs).

But if he has set his mind on obtaining a degree through a private education institution (PEI), then it is important to consider job outcomes. The latest Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey released by SkillsFuture Singapore has indeed raised some concerns.

Among the 2,300 fresh PEI graduates surveyed in the labour force — those who are working, or not working but actively looking and available for jobs — 74.8 per cent reported they had found permanent, freelance or part-time jobs within six months of graduating. This is a notable drop from 83.2 per cent in 2023.

What is also concerning is that only 46.4 per cent of them found full-time permanent jobs within six months of graduation — a significant decline from 58.7 per cent in 2023.

At the same time, more PEI graduates turned to part-time or temporary roles — 24.2 per cent, up from 18.9 per cent in 2023 — while those engaging in freelance work saw a slight drop — 4.2 per cent, down from 5.7 per cent.