Diploma vs Degree Salary in Singapore: What You Need to Know

If you are a student or a young professional in Singapore, you may be wondering how your level of education affects your earning potential and career prospects. In this blog post, we will compare the salary differences between diploma and degree holders in Singapore, as well as the benefits and challenges of pursuing higher education.

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What is a diploma and what is a degree?

A diploma is a certificate that you earn by completing a specialised course in a polytechnic. Polytechnics offer vocational and technical education that prepare students for specific industries or professions. A diploma course usually takes three years to complete, and some polytechnics also offer part-time or online courses for working adults.

A degree is a certificate that you earn by completing an undergraduate or graduate course in a university. Universities offer academic and research-based education that equip students with broad knowledge and skills across various disciplines. A degree course usually takes three to four years to complete for undergraduates, and one to two years for graduates. Some universities also offer part-time or online courses for working adults.

Diploma vs Degree Salary in Singapore

According to the latest graduate employment survey by the Ministry of Education, the median gross monthly salary for fresh diploma graduates in Singapore ranges between $2,300 and $2,614, depending on the course of study. For example, fresh graduates from engineering courses earn a median salary of $2,500, while those from health sciences courses earn a median salary of $2,614.

In contrast, the median gross monthly salary for fresh degree graduates in Singapore ranges from $3,100 to $5,600, depending on the course of study and the university. For example, fresh graduates from computer science courses earn a median salary of $4,400, while those from law courses earn a median salary of $5,600.

The table below shows the median gross monthly salary of fresh diploma and degree graduates in Singapore by course of study, based on data from Indeed.com.sg and the Ministry of Manpower .

Course of Study	Diploma	Degree
Accountancy	$2,400	$3,500
Architecture	$2,300	$4,000
Business	$2,400	$3,600
Computer Science	$2,500	$4,400
Engineering	$2,500	$3,700
Health Sciences	$2,614	$3,600
Humanities	$2,300	$3,100
Law	N/A	$5,600
Social Sciences	$2,300	$3,400

As you can see from the table, having a degree generally leads to higher salaries than having a diploma in Singapore. However, this does not mean that having a degree is always better than having a diploma. There are other factors that may influence your career choices and outcomes besides your level of education.

What are the benefits of getting a degree in Singapore?

Some of the benefits of getting a degree in Singapore are:

Better job opportunities: Having a degree can qualify you for more jobs that require higher levels of expertise and training. For example, if you want to become an electrical engineer, you may need to have advanced courses in data analysis and design that are not covered in diploma programmes. Having a degree can also give you more flexibility in choosing a job that suits your preferences and goals.
Better job security: Having a degree can increase your chances of keeping your job or finding a new one in case of economic disruption or unforeseen circumstances. Employers may value degree holders more than diploma holders because they have undergone more rigorous and comprehensive education that can help them adapt to changing situations and demands.
Better career progression: Having a degree can help you advance faster in your career by opening up more opportunities for promotion and leadership. For example, if you want to become a manager or an executive in your field, you may need to have a degree that demonstrates your competence and credibility. Having a degree can also help you pursue further education or specialisation that can enhance your skills and knowledge.
Better personal development: Having a degree can help you develop personally by exposing you to different perspectives and experiences that can broaden your horizons and enrich your life. For example, if you study abroad or take part in exchange programmes or internships during your university years, you can learn about different cultures and lifestyles that can expand your worldview and network.

What are the challenges of getting a degree in Singapore?

Some of the challenges of getting a degree in Singapore are:

Higher cost: Getting a degree can be more expensive than getting a diploma in Singapore. According to the Ministry of Education, the average annual tuition fee for a degree course in a local university is about $9,000 for Singapore citizens, $14,000 for permanent residents and $25,000 for international students. This does not include other expenses such as accommodation, transport, books and living costs. You may need to apply for scholarships, bursaries, loans or grants to finance your education.
Higher competition: Getting a degree can be more competitive than getting a diploma in Singapore. According to the Ministry of Education, the average admission rate for a degree course in a local university is about 30%, while the average admission rate for a diploma course in a polytechnic is about 80%. You may need to have good academic results, co-curricular activities, portfolios or interviews to secure a place in your desired university and course.
Higher stress: Getting a degree can be more stressful than getting a diploma in Singapore. According to the National University of Singapore, the average workload for a degree course is about 20 hours per week, while the average workload for a diploma course is about 15 hours per week. You may need to cope with more assignments, projects, exams and deadlines during your university years. You may also face more pressure from your peers, parents or society to perform well and achieve your goals.

How to get a job without a degree in Singapore?

If you do not have a degree or do not plan to pursue one in Singapore, you can still get a job and have a successful career. Here are some tips on how to get a job without a degree in Singapore:

Focus on your skills and experience: Instead of relying on your academic qualifications, highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a web developer position, showcase your portfolio of websites that you have created or contributed to. If you are applying for a sales executive position, emphasise your achievements and targets that you have met or exceeded.
Seek continuous learning and improvement: Even if you do not have a degree, you can still learn new things and improve yourself by taking online courses, attending workshops, reading books or joining communities that are related to your field of interest. For example, if you want to learn more about digital marketing, you can enrol in online courses offered by Google or Facebook. If you want to improve your communication skills, you can join Toastmasters or other public speaking clubs.
Build your network and reputation: Having a strong network and reputation can help you find more job opportunities and referrals without having a degree. For example, if you have worked with clients or partners who are satisfied with your work, ask them for testimonials or recommendations that you can use on your resume or LinkedIn profile. If you have friends or acquaintances who work in the industry that you are interested in, ask them for advice or introductions to potential employers.
Be flexible and adaptable: Having a flexible and adaptable attitude can help you overcome the challenges of getting a job without a degree in Singapore. For example, if you cannot find a job that matches your expectations or preferences, be open to exploring other options that may suit your skills and experience. If you encounter difficulties or setbacks during your job search or career journey, be resilient and optimistic and learn from your mistakes.

Conclusion

Getting a diploma or a degree in Singapore can have different impacts on your salary and career prospects. There is no definitive answer to which one is better as it depends on various factors such as your goals, interests, abilities and circumstances. The most important thing is to choose the path that suits you best and make the most of it.

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