A question I often get from readers is: “If I attend a private university in Singapore, will I be at a disadvantage compared to my friends from local universities?”

When I was younger and less informed, I held unfair and misguided views about private university students. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge my mistake and apologize.

Back then, I assumed that students who went to private universities did so because they didn’t work hard enough or because their families could afford the high fees.

I remember feeling upset for a close friend with excellent grades who couldn’t get into his dream course due to intense competition. At the same time, I saw others with lower grades attending private universities simply because their families had the financial means. This felt unjust, and I mistakenly concluded that private university students relied on privilege rather than effort.

As I gained more life experience, I realized how flawed and oversimplified this view was.

Through part-time work and meeting people from diverse backgrounds, I came to see private university students in a new light. Many are far from privileged—they are among the most resilient and determined individuals I’ve encountered.

Some of them faced challenges in school that weren’t of their own making—carrying family burdens, contributing to household income, or navigating limited access to resources and educational support. Despite these obstacles, they juggle work, loans, and personal sacrifices to pursue their education. Their grit and perseverance are truly inspiring and deserve immense respect.

I now understand that academic success isn’t solely about hard work, and failure isn’t just a lack of effort.

Many external factors, like financial stability and access to resources, play a huge role in shaping educational outcomes.

Today, I see the critical role private universities play in offering second chances. These institutions provide alternative pathways for those who may not thrive in traditional systems but have the determination to keep going.

They equip students with valuable skills, open doors to upward mobility, and create a more inclusive education system that recognizes and supports diverse journeys to success.

So what are the pros and cons of going to private university in Singapore?

1. Lower starting salaries

Private university graduates often face tougher job prospects compared to their peers from Singapore’s top public universities.

Despite paying higher school fees, they earn about 15% less than public university graduates on average.

According to a 2014 survey by the Council for Private Education (CPE), only 58% of private university graduates with no prior work experience secured full-time jobs within six months of graduation.

Another 21% found part-time or contract roles. Their median starting salary was $2,700 per month. In contrast, graduates from NUS, NTU, and SMU saw an 83% full-time employment rate and a median salary of $3,200 during the same period.

That said, not all employers discriminate. For instance, the first company I worked for treated graduates from both public and private universities equally in terms of pay.

I’ve come to realize that while your first job matters, it doesn’t define your entire career. What’s more important is how you plan and navigate your career path.

Take this example: a private university graduate who starts at one firm and moves to another after a year often ends up with a higher base salary than a public university graduate who stayed loyal to the same firm, despite both graduating at the same time. While this may seem unfair, it’s a reflection of how the corporate world operates.

The type of firm you join also plays a big role. For instance, my ex graduated from an SIM GE program while I graduated from NTU. We both started our first jobs in mid-2014 with the same salary.

However, within two months, he was earning 20% more than me and enjoyed more leave benefits. Why? His German MNC offered significant increments and generous perks.

These experiences have taught me that where you start doesn’t determine where you’ll go. Strategic career decisions, adaptability, and perseverance can level the playing field over time.

2. A private degree is less valued in certain industries

Some industries, like research, management consulting, actuarial science, and policy-making, heavily prioritize academic achievements, including GPA and university prestige.

In contrast, fields like sales, design, advertising, and public relations are less focused on credentials and often treat public and private university graduates more equally. Smaller agencies may even hire based on who accepts lower pay for entry-level roles.

Still, some organizations maintain an “elitist” preference for public university graduates, even in roles where academic performance matters less. This bias can persist, even among hiring managers from private universities.

The civil service exemplifies this divide. While I don’t have hard data, private university graduates often struggle to secure civil service roles, including in uniformed positions. Statutory boards and government-linked organizations like NTUC are more inclusive, but career progression for private university graduates is often slower compared to public university peers.

This is ironic given the government’s push for inclusivity. As one commenter put it, “Why doesn’t the civil service lead by example? Talking is easy, but action matters.” While ministers have made visible efforts to engage with non-elite institutions like Lasalle, SIM, and ITE, these gestures must be matched with real change.

The upside? Your degree and university matter less after your first job. Employers increasingly value attitude, adaptability, networking, and relevant skills. A degree is just one factor in a much larger equation for career success.

3. Private university students can benefit from not having “bell curve“

On a positive note, private university students often benefit from a different academic environment compared to their counterparts in local universities. Without the pressure of a bell curve or the need to compete with extremely hardworking peers, the focus shifts to mastering the content. This creates an opportunity to achieve a strong GPA through consistent effort.

Moreover, this flexibility allows private university students to balance their studies with part-time work and co-curricular activities, enabling them to build a well-rounded portfolio. A higher GPA and a stronger portfolio can open doors to competitive graduate programs at overseas universities.

As we move forward, there’s a growing emphasis on skills over grades in the job market. Just yesterday, Minister Chan Chun Sing encouraged our youth to focus on developing practical skills rather than relying solely on academic results. This is a reassuring sign that opportunities will continue to grow for those who are hardworking, adaptable, and willing to learn.

4. Private Universities in Singapore generally do not have as much resources

While private universities in Singapore often generate significant revenue through high school fees, they sometimes lack key resources. For example, many don’t have well-developed career offices to support students in securing internships or jobs. I was fortunate to do an overseas internship in Hong Kong through my school’s partnership with Sing Tao News Corporation.

Others in my program also had opportunities to intern or go on overseas trips in places like Nepal, Cambodia, Spain, and even North Korea.

However, friends from private universities have shared that their career offices were often under-equipped. That said, these experiences were from a few years ago, and things may have improved since then.

Ultimately, if you come from a privileged background, the university you attend may matter less.

For instance, graduates from private universities with well-connected parents often find their way into competitive Management Associate programs as much as this may seem unfair to those who worked hard academically.

How my own views on university spaces have evolved over the years

I used to believe that limiting university spots to only the most hardworking students was the fairest way to maintain standards. After all, it seemed logical—reward effort, reward results.

Over time, I began to realise that not all students start from the same place. Some grow up with access to tuition, stable home environments, and enrichment opportunities. Others may be caring for family members, working part-time, or facing other challenges outside their control. In those situations, effort alone doesn’t always lead to the same outcomes.

That’s why I now believe we should focus on expanding access to higher education. It’s not about lowering standards—it’s about recognising that potential exists across every community, and we need to create more pathways for people to reach it.

I understand the concern that more graduates might mean fewer job opportunities. However, the world is changing. We’re seeing growth in areas like AI, green energy, healthcare, and the creative industries—fields that need adaptable, thoughtful, and skilled talent.

More importantly, education isn’t just about getting a job. It’s about building confidence, learning to think critically, and being ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

A future-ready economy needs a future-ready education system—one that gives everyone a fair shot.

–

These thoughts are based on my own experiences, and while I may not be entirely correct, I hope they encourage reflection on how we can better support one another as we navigate these challenges.