Can International Students Get Permanent Residency in Singapore Upon Graduation?

05 September 2025

Singapore is now one of Asia’s top education hubs, with top institutions, degrees that have global recognition, and a new, safe place to study in. Each year thousands of foreign students choose Singapore not only for its education offerings, but also for the potential career opportunities upon graduation. Naturally, as they approach graduation, students begin to think if they might remain in Singapore long-term and apply for PR after graduation.

The simple answer is that Singapore does not provide graduate students with an automatic pathway to PR. However, if a graduate has the right qualifications, employment, and contributions to the nation, they can certainly build themselves as an international graduate, and make a persuasive application to be granted PR.

Pathways to PR for International Graduates

Earning a degree in Singapore enhances your qualifications, but it is not enough to be assured of PR. To qualify, graduates usually must find full-time work upon finishing their studies. It is typically facilitated through an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass that enables you to work legally within Singapore.

Once working and settled, international graduates can seek PR via the Professional, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses applications based on several key attributes:

Educational Qualifications– A degree from an established Singaporean institution will strengthen your profile.

Employment Status– Having a secure and suitably paying job will assist your prospects.

Stay duration– Staying and working in Singapore for some years reflects stability.

Contribution to the economy– Contributing through taxes and as an asset to the working population of Singapore is a reflection of commitment.

Family connections– Possessing close family members who are Singaporean or PR holders can be a positive plus.

Is Getting PR Easy for International Students?

Acquiring PR in Singapore is a competitive procedure. The state is sustained on a selective policy, targeting those who will be able to play a vital role in the country’s long-term development. Although international graduates enjoy a higher chance, approval is not definite.

Scholars in high-demand sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and biotechnology tend to fare better because Singapore has an increasing talent requirement in these fields. Applications are nonetheless considered holistically and a mix of qualifications, working experience, and assimilation into society comes into play substantially.

Advantages of Permanent Residency in Singapore

GRASping the PR provides access to a number of long-term benefits:

• Freedom to reside and work in Singapore without further passes.
• Access to home ownership and certain housing schemes.
• Priority entry for kids into public schools.
• More job security and greater career prospects.
• A clear path towards Singaporean citizenship in the future.

For students who wish to establish a career in one of Asia’s most vibrant economies, gaining PR can be a life-altering achievement.

Though international students cannot get PR directly after graduation, studying in Singapore provides them with a solid footing. By acquiring work experience, making contributions to the economy, and demonstrating long-term commitment, graduates strongly improve their chances of gaining PR.

While at BCES Admissions Abroad, we don’t only assist in choosing the appropriate course and university but we also assist in choice of career paths and long-term prospects, such as PR. If you plan to study in Singapore and are interested in learning about your future after graduation, contact BCES Admissions Abroad at +91 9319996330 for one-to-one assistance.