Youth unemployment rate in Singapore 2011-2020

In 2020, 9.7 percent of the labor force aged 15 to 24 years in Singapore were estimated to be unemployed. It was reported that approximately 916 thousand people who were 15 years and older who were in the labor force in 2020 had a degree.

Youth tend to be in informal employment

As compared to other countries in the Asia Pacific region, Singapore recorded one of the highestyouth unemployment rates. Across the region, the majority of youths work in informal employment. This was found most among graduates in Singapore’s private universities where many were either unemployed, or in part-time and temporary employment.

Finding employment after higher education

On average, almost 90 per cent of university graduates would have managed to secure a job within six months of graduation. However, amidst COVID-19, this number is expected to drop. Since March 2020, the government has set up a few funds to assist these youths. For example, graduates from Singapore’s six universities will be provided with free training and courses upon graduation this year. Traineeship opportunities have also been extended to graduates of other post-secondary education institutions, such as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnics.