If you’ve ever wondered whether a university degree is still worth the time, money, and effort in today’s fast-changing job market, especially here in Singapore, you’re not alone.
I’ve worked in the workforce for over 15 years. I started with an ITE certificate, served my National Service, and jumped straight into the working world without a second thought about further studies. For a long time, I believed what many still say: “Experience matters more than a degree.”
And in many ways, that’s true, especially for entry-level or operational roles. But after more than a decade of building my career, I hit a wall that surprised me. And it’s why I’m writing this.
My Turning Point: When Experience Wasn’t Enough Without a Degree
For 10 years, I worked in service and operations roles where hands-on skills, reliability, and problem-solving mattered most. I climbed from a junior staff to team lead, then supervisor. I thought I was on track.
Then, I applied for a managerial role that perfectly matched my experience. The job description did mentioned a degree but I still applied. During the interview call, the hiring manager said something I’ll never forget:
“Your experience fits what we need, but unfortunately, our policy requires a degree for this level. Without one, the best we can offer is a junior position.”
That moment was eye-opening. I wasn’t rejected because I lacked skill. I was filtered out before I even got a fair shot, simply because my resume didn’t have those two words: Bachelor’s Degree.
So, Is a University Degree Still Necessary in Singapore Today?
The honest answer? It depends on where you want to go.
For Junior Roles: A Degree May Not Be Essential
If you’re aiming for roles in retail, F&B, logistics, customer service, or technical support, a diploma, ITE certificate, or strong track record can absolutely get you hired and even promoted. Many SMEs in Singapore value skills, attitude, and reliability over academic credentials.
For Managerial, Corporate, or Public Sector Roles: Often Yes
Once you aim for team lead, manager, or specialist positions, especially in larger companies, government-linked organisations (GLCs), or multinational corporations (MNCs), a degree becomes less of a “nice-to-have” and more of a screening requirement.
Why? Because in high-volume hiring, HR teams use degrees as a quick filter. It’s not always fair but it’s efficient. And in Singapore’s competitive job market, companies often have hundreds of applicants for one role. A degree becomes the baseline.
Even if a job ad says “degree preferred,” in practice, those without one rarely make it past the first round.
What About Self-Made Success Stories?
You’ve probably seen viral videos like that TikTok clip of someone in a senior, high-paying role saying, “I don’t have a degree!” And yes, those stories exist. Some people break through thanks to timing, connections, niche skills, or exceptional performance.
But here’s the truth: those are exceptions, not the rule.
For every self-made success without a degree, there are hundreds who hit invisible ceilings, just like I did. A degree doesn’t guarantee a promotion, but it does give you the right to knock on doors that would otherwise stay closed.
Think of it this way:
• Without a degree: You wait for someone to open the door and invite you in.
• With a degree: You get a key and the confidence to knock.
What If You’re in a Small Business?
In smaller companies or family-run firms, degrees often matter less. The boss may care more about whether you show up on time and solve problems.
But there’s a trade-off:
- Career progression can be slower or less structured.
- Managerial roles are rarely advertised, they’re often given to insiders.
- Salary benchmarks tend to be lower than in larger, degree-requiring organisations.
So while you can thrive without a degree in an SME, your long-term earning and growth potential may be capped, especially if you ever want to move to a bigger company later.
My Takeaway After 15+ Years in the Workforce
A degree isn’t a magic ticket to success. I’ve seen graduates struggle to hold a job, and non-graduates lead teams brilliantly.
But in today’s Singapore job market, where competition is fierce and AI is reshaping roles, a degree expands your options. It’s not about prestige. It’s about access.
If you’re:
- Early in your career → Focus on skills and experience first. A part-time degree later can future-proof you.
- Mid-career and aiming higher → Consider a part-time or online degree (like those from SUSS, UniSIM, or PSB Academy with UK universities). Many working adults do this.
- Happy in a non-corporate path → You may not need one and that’s perfectly valid.
Just know this: not having a degree won’t stop you from working but it might stop you from advancing in certain sectors.
Final Thought
I eventually went back to study for a business degree. Not because I thought it would make me “smart,” but because I wanted the choice to apply anywhere, anytime, without being auto-rejected.
In the end, education is just one tool. While it does provide structured knowledge, often in ways you can’t easily pick up on the job, it’s also more than theory; it’s a credential that opens doors. And in a world where opportunities are often gated, it’s a tool worth having.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself:
“Do I want to leave my future to chance or give myself more doors to walk through?”
The answer might surprise you.
If you’re considering returning to study, SkillsFuture Singapore offers subsidies and guidance for adult learners.