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STUDYING IN SINGAPORE: PART-TIME WORK REGULATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Người đăng: Tohoku Sông Đà Công ty cổ phần - 31/07/2026

One of the most common questions asked by students and parents before choosing Singapore as a study destination is:

"Can international university students work part-time while studying in Singapore? If so, how many hours are they allowed to work, and how much can they earn?"

The answer is yes. International students in Singapore are permitted to work part-time, provided they comply with the regulations set by the Singapore Government and meet the conditions of their Student's Pass.

1. How Many Hours Can International Students Work?

International students who:

  • Hold a valid Student's Pass;

  • Are enrolled in a full-time programme; and

  • Study at an eligible institution recognised by the Singapore Government, such as:

    • National University of Singapore (NUS)

    • Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

    • Singapore Management University (SMU)

    • Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

    • Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

    • Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

are subject to the following regulations.

During the Academic Term

Students may work up to 16 hours per week during the academic term without applying for a separate Work Pass.

This policy allows students to earn additional income to help cover living expenses while ensuring that their primary focus remains on their studies.

During Official School Vacations

During official vacation periods, eligible international students may work full-time (with no hourly limit), provided they continue to meet the requirements established by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Internship and Industrial Attachment

If an Internship or Industrial Attachment is organised by the university and forms an official part of the academic programme, students may undertake the placement according to the university's requirements without being subject to the 16-hour weekly limit.

These placements provide valuable opportunities to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and improve future employability.

2.  MOM (Ministry of Manpower) is the Singapore Government agency responsible for labour and employment policies. The regulations governing part-time employment for international students are administered and enforced by MOM.

3. Eligibility Requirements for Part-Time Work

Not all international students are automatically eligible to work while studying.

To work legally in Singapore, students must:

  • Hold a valid Student's Pass.

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student.

  • Study at an institution that is approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

  • Comply with all conditions attached to their Student's Pass and university regulations.

4. Hourly Wages for Part-Time Jobs

Singapore does not have a nationwide minimum wage. Hourly pay depends on the type of job, the employer, and the student's experience.

Job Hourly Wage (SGD) Approximate Equivalent (VND)
Restaurant/Café Service Staff 10–15 VND 205,000–307,500
Retail Assistant 10–14 VND 205,000–287,000
Cashier 11–15 VND 225,500–307,500
Office Assistant 12–18 VND 246,000–369,000
Private Tutor 20–40 VND 410,000–820,000

Exchange rate used for reference: 1 SGD ≈ VND 20,500.

5. How Much Can Students Earn Per Month?

If a student works the maximum permitted 16 hours per week (approximately 64 hours per month), estimated monthly earnings would be:

Hourly Wage Monthly Income Approximate Equivalent (VND)
SGD 10/hour SGD 640 Around VND 13.1 million
SGD 12/hour SGD 768 Around VND 15.7 million
SGD 15/hour SGD 960 Around VND 19.7 million

This income can help cover expenses such as food, transportation, and part of the accommodation costs.

However, students should note that part-time work is generally not sufficient to cover university tuition fees, as the primary purpose of a Student's Pass is education rather than employment.

6. Important Things to Remember

One common misconception is that all international students in Singapore are automatically allowed to work part-time.

In reality, the 16-hour-per-week exemption applies only to students studying at eligible educational institutions recognised by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Before accepting a part-time job, students should:

  • Confirm that their university is on the list of eligible institutions.

  • Ensure the job complies with the conditions of their Student's Pass.

  • Never exceed the permitted working hours during the academic term.

  • Prioritise their academic performance, as maintaining full-time student status is essential for retaining their Student's Pass.

Conclusion

Singapore's part-time work policy offers international students an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience while easing the financial burden of living expenses.

Students who meet the requirements of their Student's Pass and the regulations established by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) may work up to 16 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during official university vacations.

Although part-time employment can provide valuable work experience and additional income, students should always maintain a healthy balance between work and study to ensure academic success throughout their university education.

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