A university degree in Singapore isn’t cheap. For example, a bachelor’s degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS) can cost you anywhere from S$8,250 a year to S$30,200 a year.
Given the cost, you might want to consider a degree with a high starting salary for graduates in Singapore. This can help you to maximise your return on investment.
Here are 10 of the highest starting salary degrees in Singapore for 2024 and their 10th percentile entry points for polytechnic and A-Level graduates. The salaries are based on the Ministry of Education’s Graduate Employment Survey (GES) in 2023.
1. NUS Law: S$7,000/month
What the GES says about NUS Law grads
According to the GES 2023 report, fresh graduates from the NUS Bachelor of Laws program walk into the workforce with an impressive S$7,000 basic monthly salary on average. That’s the highest median basic salary among all the degree categories in the survey.
So, how do they land that pocket‑featuring paycheck?
- High demand for legal talent – the legal sector loves a solid law degree, especially from a top school like NUS.
- Strong interview prep – those students ace the interview, turning the buzz into bucks.
- Boosted credentials – a prestigious law degree lights up résumé like fireworks.
10th percentile entry point (2023)
- NUS Bachelor of Laws: A‑Level candidates need a minimum of 85 Rank Points to even get their foot in the door.
- Polytechnic Diploma applicants on the same track require a 3.75 GPA.
In short, if you’re eyeing a future in law, a solid NUS education and a rock‑solid academic record are your keys to unlocking a lucrative career right out of school. Happy studying, law enthusiasts!
2. SMU Law: SGD 6,500/month
SMU Law Graduates Land a Sweet 6.5K Per Month
According to the 2023 Government Employment Survey (GES), fresh‑out law students from Singapore Management University (SMU) are stepping into the workforce with a basic monthly salary of S$6,500. That’s not just a pretty number—it’s the second‑highest median salary among all degrees featured in that survey.
What the numbers really mean for you
- Med 6.5K a month – That’s your take‑home before taxes, benefits, and the occasional “pay what you deserve” dilemma.
- It puts SMU Law graduates just one step behind the top earner in the survey—talk about bragging rights.
- Compared to other popular courses, and their entry points, SMU Law is clearly a hot ticket.
10th Percentile Entry Point Snapshot
While the specific 10th‑percentile entry point for SMU Law isn’t listed in the snippet above, here’s a quick snapshot of what the survey shows for other programmes so you can gauge the competitive landscape:
| Course | Qualification | 10th Percentile Entry Point |
|---|---|---|
| NUS Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science | A‑Level | 83.75 Rank Points |
| Polytechnic Diploma (sample) | — | — |
Bottom Line
SMU Law is proving that a solid education can translate directly into a strong start in the job market. If you’re contemplating law, keep in mind this 6.5K figure—it’s a good baseline to negotiate from. And remember: the 10th percentile entry point gives you an idea of what academic performance you’ll need to stand out.
So next time you’re looking at career prospects, think of SMU Law as the place where law meets lucrative living.
3. NTU Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering/Computing: S$6,200/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average fresh graduate with an NTU Double Degree in Business and Computer Engineering/Computing has a basic monthly salary of S$6,200.
This is the third highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here was the 10th percentile entry point for the degrees in this degree course in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
NTU Bachelor of Business
A-Level
73.75 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.64 GPA
NTU Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
A-Level
75 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.60 GPA
NTU Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
A-Level
83.75 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.72 GPA
4. NUS Computer Science: S$6,181/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average fresh graduate with an NUS Computer Science degree has a basic monthly salary of S$6,181.
This is the fourth highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here was the 10th percentile entry point for this degree course in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
NUS Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science
A-Level
85 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.84 GPA
5. NUS Business Analytics: S$5,500/month
Fresh‑Graduate Wage Snapshot for the NUS Business Analytics Track
In 2023, the Global Employment Survey (GES) revealed that a brand‑new graduate fresh out of the NUS Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics can expect a base monthly salary of S$5,500. That puts them in the fifth‑highest median spot among all degree holders surveyed.
What’s the 10th Percentile Entry Point?
- Senior Level—NUS B.Sc. Business Analytics — A‑Level + 85 Rank Points
- Polytechnic Diploma Credential — Minimum 3.78 GPA
So, if you’re ready to crunch numbers by day and explore the data‑driven world by night, this is the golden ticket you’re looking for. Good luck, future analytics ace!
6. NUS Computer Engineering, NUS Information Systems, NUS Information Security: S$5,450/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average fresh graduate with an NUS Computer Engineering, Information Systems or Information Security degree has a basic monthly salary of S$5,450.
This is the sixth highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here were the 10th percentile entry points for these degree courses in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
NUS Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering
A-Level
82.5 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.85 GPA
NUS Bachelor of Computing in Information Systems
A-Level
83.75 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.77 GPA
NUS Bachelor of Computing in Information Security
A-Level
85 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.89 GPA
7. NTU Double Degree in Engineering and Economics: S$5,285/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average NTU Double Degree in Engineering and Economics fresh graduate has a monthly basic salary of S$5,285.
This is the seventh highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here was the 10th percentile entry point for the NTU Economics degree course in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
NTU Bachelor of Social Science in Economics
A-Level
77.5 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.76 GPA
The 10th percentile entry point for an engineering degree course in NTU varies based on engineering specialisation.
8. SMU Information Systems: S$5,250/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average fresh graduate with an SMU Information Systems degree has a basic monthly salary of S$5,250.
This is the seventh highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here was the 10th percentile entry point for this degree course in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
SMU Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
A-Level
75 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.71 GPA
9. NTU Computer Science: S$5,200/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average NTU Computer Science fresh graduate has a monthly basic salary of S$5,200.
This is the eighth highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here was the 10th percentile entry point for this degree course in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
NTU Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
A-Level
83.75 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
3.72 GPA
10. NTU Medicine: S$4,700/month
According to the GES in 2023, the average NTU Medicine fresh graduate has a monthly basic salary of S$4,700.
This is the ninth highest median basic salary of any degree in the survey.
Here was the 10th percentile entry point for this degree course in 2023.
Course
Qualification
10th Percentile Entry Point
NTU Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
A-Level
85 Rank Points
Polytechnic Diploma
–
Tuition fee loans for the highest starting salary degrees
The degrees above each boast a high graduate salary in Singapore in previous years. Although they can help you to build wealth quickly after graduation, you might need help initially with footing the tuition fees.
A tuition fee loan could be the solution.
How does a tuition fee loan work?
A tuition fee loan is a type of loan that you can take to cover your school fees and finance your education. You don’t have to pay back the loan when you’re studying, and the interest rate on the loan can be 0% during the course of your studies. This means that the loan provider will not charge you interest until you graduate and begin working.
How do you pay back a tuition fee loan?
Most education loans offer flexible repayment schemes. This means that you don’t have to return the money and interest within a short period of time after graduation. For example, the OCBC Frank Education Loan has three repayment options: Standard, Graduated and Graduated Plus. These options allow you to choose when to start paying off the principal sum and interest of your loan.
How do you choose a tuition fee loan?
There are some factors to consider when choosing a student loan to fund your education. These include the processing fee, the interest rate on your loan, the maximum principal sum of the loan and the tenure of the loan. The income of your guarantor may also affect your choice of loan.
Here are some of the best education loans in Singapore to help you pay for your degree.
Best tuition fee loan for local studies: OCBC FRANK education loan
Consider this if you require an education loan for a local university
OCBC FRANK Education Loan
Processing Fee
2.5%
Interest Rate
4.50%
Tenure
1-8 Years
Max Principal
S$150,000 or 10x monthly income of guarantor
Annual Income Requirement of Guarantor
S$24,000
Best tuition fee loan for low-income students: Maybank education loan
Consider this if you require a student loan with a low minimum income requirement for part-time studies
Maybank Education Loan
Processing Fee
1.5% – 2.0%
Interest Rate
4.50% – 4.78%
Tenure
1-8 Years
Max Principal
S$200,000 or 8x monthly income of guarantor
Annual Income Requirement of Guarantor
S$30,000
Best tuition fee loan with the lowest penalty fees: POSB further study assist
Consider this if you need a student loan and are worried about making on-time payments
POSB Further Study Assist – Preferred Institutions
Processing Fee
2.00%
Interest Rate
4.38%
Tenure
1-10
Max Principal
S$80,000 or 10x combined monthly income of you and your guarantor
Annual Income Requirement of Guarantor
S$24,000
Conclusion
Choosing which degree to take in university is a huge milestone for many of us here in Singapore. We hope that this article has helped you better understand what degrees you can pursue to get the most bang for your buck.
ALSO READ: Highest paying jobs in Singapore 2023: Which industries pay 6-figure salaries?
This article was first published in ValueChampion.
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