Work & Study in Singapore

For students, especially south Asian students, Singapore has always been the hub of education. Nearer to home, with world class quality of learning and facilities, the country draws huge number of foreign students each year to its various courses and colleges. Work and study in Singapore can be suitably combined by students to reap maximum benefit of your stay there.

For foreign students, there are a few tests that are essential to appear in - The SAT Reasoning Test for undergraduate studies; or the ACT; or GMAT. And an English proficiency test which can be the TOEFL (minimum score of 550 for paper-based or 213 score for computer-based test), IELTS (minimum overall band of 6.5), or the MUET (band score of 5 or 6.

To apply for Student Visa for Singapore, you have to submit the application form with all details duly filled, along with the required documents, and a medical report in the prescribed format (which is available on the ICA website). You will also need a local sponsor who should be a citizen of Singapore. The ideal time taken to receive the visa is ten working days. The Student's Pass is issued only a month prior to the date of commencement of the program.

A foreign student should also possess a valid Student's Pass so as to enable studying there. You will have to be accepted as a student at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) for this. The application for the same is dependent on the college and the course. You have to apply at least a month (and not more than 2 months) before the course is to start.

According to the rules of the Singaporean government, a foreign student, with a valid Student's Pass, is not allowed to work here. And part time work is also not allowed as per law. Most universities and courses however, offer internships as part of the program. This not only helps in gaining practical knowledge and experience, but also earn a reasonable stipend.

You can work during the term and vacation only if you are granted the Work Pass exemption. Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower 'Work Pass Exemptions' Notification, you should acquire either of these – the Training Work Permit, the Training Employment Pass, or the Work Holiday Program. If you are found flouting these norms and not possessing the required work permit, you are bound to be prosecuted under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

A Work Pass is not needed by a foreign student on certain conditions; if you are above 14 years of age; you are on vacation; you are a full time student with any of these institutes - The National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, SIM University, INSEAD Singapore, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in Singapore, S.P. Jain Center of Management Singapore, ESSEC Business School, University of Nevada Las Vegas, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, LaSalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Institute of Technical Education, Government Secondary Schools, Government-aided Secondary Schools, The American College, Australian International School, International Community School, Canadian International School, Lycee Francais De Singapour, Chatsworth International School, German School, Hollandse School, ISS International School, Overseas Family School, Sekolah Indonesia, Waseda Shibuya Senior High School, Singapore American School, Swiss School, Japanese School (Secondary School), United World College of South East Asia, Tanglin Trust School, Emaar International School, Government-aided Junior Colleges, Government Junior Colleges. If you are not enrolled with any of these, then you are not entitled to work part time.

A Work Pass is also not required if you abide by certain conditions. You are allowed to work for 16 hours a week during the term and full time during vacations.

If you are on scholarship, you have to get permission from your sponsor before you can work in Singapore as a student.

Though the rules and conditions for working while studying is quite strict and rigid, it is a great learning experience to work and study in Singapore.