How to Get an Internship in Singapore

Quick answer: To get an internship in Singapore as an international student, sort out your pass first, then apply 12 to 16 weeks ahead through your university, LinkedIn, company websites or a placement program. Many foreign students use the Work Holiday Program (ages 18 to 25, from eligible countries). Rent is the biggest cost, and many internships are unpaid or pay a small allowance.

Start with the visa

Singapore does not let you simply turn up and intern. You need a pass that allows you to work, and the rules depend on where you study. Always check the Ministry of Manpower website (mom.gov.sg) before you commit, because rules change.

Work Holiday Program

This is the route many foreign students and recent graduates use. At the time of writing, the official rules say:

• You must be aged 18 to 25 when you apply.
• You must be an undergraduate or graduate of a university recognized by the government of one of these countries: Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States.
• The pass lets you stay and work for up to 6 months.
• The program has a capacity of 2,000 pass holders at any one time, so being eligible does not promise approval.

Note that the country list is about where your university is, not only your passport. Some older guides list fewer countries, so check the current list.

Training Employment Pass

This pass is sponsored by the employer. For foreign students, the training must be part of your course of study and you must attend an institution MOM accepts. Otherwise, you must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 (about US$2,300), which is rare for interns. It is valid for up to 3 months and cannot be renewed.

If you study in Singapore

Students at Singapore universities follow different rules, and your school usually handles internship approval. Ask your career office before you apply anywhere.

Which sectors are strong?

Singapore is a regional hub, so these fields have plenty of employers:

• Finance and banking
• Consulting and business development
• Technology and software engineering
• Logistics and supply chain
• International trade

Pick one or two fields and aim your applications at them. A focused CV beats a general one.

When to apply

Start 12 to 16 weeks before your planned start date. You need time to find companies, interview and handle the pass. Applying a few weeks out is the most common reason students miss out.

CV tips for Singapore

• Keep it to one or two pages.
• You do not need a photo.
• Put education, relevant projects and skills near the top if you have little work experience.
• Use bullet points with results, such as what you built, improved or analyzed.
• Match the CV to each role, using words from the job post.
• Say why Singapore and why this company in a short cover note.

Where to look

• University career services: often the best start, and some have partner companies in Singapore.
• LinkedIn: search for internships in Singapore and message people at companies you like.
• Company websites: larger firms post internship dates on their careers pages.
• Placement programs: a program can match you with host companies and help with visa checks.

The government job portal MyCareersFuture requires a Singpass login, which is for citizens and permanent residents, so most foreign students cannot use it directly.

Interview tips

• Be on time. Singapore workplaces value punctuality, so log in or arrive a few minutes early.
• Know your pass situation and dates, and say them clearly.
• Explain what you can contribute in the first few weeks.
• Ask about your tasks, who you will report to and how you will be supported.
• Follow up with a short thank you message.

The cost of living reality

Singapore is expensive, and rent is the biggest cost. Recent rental listings put a room in a shared flat at roughly S$1,000 to S$1,600 per month (about US$750 to US$1,250), with central areas costing more. These are approximate figures and vary by area. Food courts and hawker centers keep meals affordable, and the MRT and buses are an easy way to get around. Many interns are unpaid, so plan to cover your own costs.

Tips for working life in Singapore

• Be punctual. Arriving late looks careless.
• Respect hierarchy. Be polite with seniors, ask questions, and wait for the right moment to share ideas.
• Use the MRT. It is cheaper than taxis, and it reaches most areas.
• Eat local. Hawker centers and food courts are cheap and good.
• Do not worry about tipping. It is not expected.
• CPF: the national pension scheme is for citizens and permanent residents, so foreign interns do not take part.

How AIP can help

The Asia Internship Program (AIP) offers Explorer, Traveler and Pioneer in Singapore. Traveler and Pioneer include housing, which matters because rent is the biggest cost. AIP checks your Work Holiday Program eligibility before you enroll.

Popular fields include finance, consulting, business development, supply chain, international trade and software engineering. Many internships are unpaid and some pay a small allowance. You should apply 12 to 16 weeks ahead, and if we accept you and can't place you, you get your full deposit back. See the Singapore destination page and how it works.

FAQs

Can international students intern in Singapore?

Yes, but you need the right pass. Many foreign students use the Work Holiday Program, which is for ages 18 to 25 from universities in a list of eligible countries. Others may qualify for a Training Employment Pass. Check mom.gov.sg for your case, or ask AIP to check before you enroll.

Are internships in Singapore paid?

Some are, but many internships for international students are unpaid, and others pay a small allowance. Do not count on a salary. Plan your budget as if you will cover your own costs.

When should I start applying?

Start 12 to 16 weeks before you want to begin. Visa steps and company interviews take time. With AIP, placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit.

Do I need a photo on my CV for Singapore?

No. A photo is not required. Keep your CV to one or two pages, with clear headings and results you can point to.

Does AIP promise an internship in Singapore?

We only accept you when we're confident we can place you. If we accept you and can't find you a placement, you get your full $500 deposit back. We match you with host companies based on your field, skills and dates, and we check your visa eligibility before you enroll.

Want to know what else to expect? Read things to know about Singapore, or see pricing.