Singapore is widely recognized as a business-friendly hub and is home to multinational companies, universities, and research institutions. Additionally, Singapore is home to reputable universities and institutions known for their high academic standards and quality education. Institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) rank highly in major global rankings. NUS is ranked 10th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 17th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
Studying abroad comes with challenges, and finances are among the most significant issues international students face. Finding lawful employment can help students earn additional income to cover some of their academic and living expenses.
In this article, we will examine how eligible international students in Singapore can work while studying and the conditions they must follow.
Ways to Work While Studying in Singapore
International students considering part-time work in Singapore can explore the following options, provided they meet the Ministry of Manpower’s eligibility requirements.
1. Part-time Work on a Student Pass
International students holding a valid Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) may work without a separate work pass only if they are full-time matriculated or registered students at an institution included on the Ministry of Manpower’s approved list.
During the school term, the work must meet one of two conditions: it must be limited to a maximum of 16 hours per week, or it must be an industrial attachment or internship conducted by the student’s educational institution. An industrial attachment or internship may be compulsory or elective, but it must contribute toward the student’s graduation requirements.
During official vacation periods, eligible students who are at least 14 years old may work without a work pass, and the 16-hour term-time limit does not apply. Students do not need to notify MOM before starting work under this exemption. Exchange students are not permitted to work under the foreign-student work exemption.
An ordinary part-time job of no more than 16 hours per week during the school term does not have to contribute toward a student’s graduation requirements. However, a student relying on the industrial-attachment or internship provision must ensure that the placement is conducted by the educational institution and contributes toward graduation. Students should confirm their eligibility with their institution before accepting a position.
2. On-campus Employment
Eligible international students may take on-campus jobs, but on-campus employment is subject to the same MOM conditions that apply to other work. During the school term, students are generally limited to 16 hours per week unless the work is a qualifying industrial attachment or internship. Universities may also impose their own approval procedures and working-hour limits.
For example, the SMU Work-Study Grant gives financially eligible undergraduates an opportunity to earn income through on-campus work. SMU’s current payment table lists a rate of S$14.50 per hour on weekdays and S$22 per hour on weekends and public holidays for Work-Study Grant appointments. Foreign students must complete the required income-assessment process when applying.
3. Internships and Work Placements
Some academic programs in Singapore include internships or work placements. Depending on the institution and program, an internship may be credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing, paid or unpaid. Students should check their program requirements rather than assume that every internship will count toward academic credit.
For example, the National University of Singapore offers several internship programs, including credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing options. NUS currently describes its Internship-As-A-Service program as non-credit-bearing and states that new IAAS postings are temporarily paused while it reviews and improves its part-time internship and work-while-studying arrangements. Students should check the NUS page for the latest availability before applying.
4. Freelance Work
International students should not assume that independent freelance or self-employed work is automatically permitted. ICA’s Student’s Pass conditions restrict paid employment and engagement in a business, profession, or occupation unless the student has the required authorization. MOM’s foreign-student exemption applies only when its stated conditions are met.
Online platforms may offer tutoring, writing, photography, graphic design, and other freelance projects, but the availability of a project does not establish that a Student’s Pass holder may legally accept it. Students should obtain confirmation from MOM or ICA and consult their institution before accepting independent-contractor or self-employed work. Because freelance earnings vary substantially, students should not base their budgets on a generic monthly income estimate.
FAQs: Working While Studying in Singapore
Is there a Work-Study Program in Singapore?
Yes. SkillsFuture Work-Study Programs combine employment with structured workplace training and are delivered through institutes of higher learning and participating employers. Program structure and duration vary by track; the official overview describes structured training lasting 12 to 18 months for applicable programs rather than a general duration of six to 12 weeks.
The national SkillsFuture Work-Study eligibility criteria generally target Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents who meet the requirements of the relevant track. Merely residing in Singapore on a Student’s Pass does not make an international student a Singapore permanent resident. International students should therefore check the eligibility conditions for a specific university program rather than assume that they qualify for the national scheme.
Additionally, institutions such as Nanyang Technological University offer work-study tracks as part of selected undergraduate programs in engineering, computing and data science, the sciences, business, and accountancy. Students must check the requirements of the relevant NTU program before applying.
Can You Work in Singapore While on A Student Visa?
International students may work while studying if they are full-time matriculated or registered students at an institution listed by MOM and hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by ICA. During the school term, they may work for a maximum of 16 hours per week or participate in a qualifying industrial attachment or internship conducted by their institution and contributing toward graduation requirements.
Eligible students may also work during official vacation periods without the 16-hour term-time limit. The Student’s Pass is issued by ICA, not MOM, and the same MOM work-exemption conditions apply whether a job is on campus or off campus. Exchange students are not eligible to work under this exemption.
Singapore offers international students opportunities to gain work experience alongside their studies, but employment must remain secondary to their academic responsibilities. Students should manage their time carefully and follow the conditions established by MOM, ICA, and their educational institution. Violating these conditions could affect a student’s immigration status and ability to work legally in Singapore.
We hope this article helps you understand the work opportunities available while studying in Singapore. To learn more about studying abroad, visit our Study in Singapore Page. If you are interested, you can also search our Available Courses for International Students!
