Work Permit for International Students in Singapore: New Laws, Compensation, and Prospects
24 September 2025
Pursuing a university-level education in Singapore provides a chance to benefit from a prime educational system and an exciting lifestyle. However, the problem of paying tuition fees, cost of living, and personal expenses has to be paid for. An effective measure of international students mitigating their expenses entails utilizing part-time job opportunities in Singapore. Apart from offering a financial wage, the jobs also grant exposure of a practical nature, valuable skills, and a chance of experiencing the cultural diversity of Singapore.
BCES Admissions Abroad helps you navigate each and every aspect of studying abroad—from selecting the appropriate course and dealing with visas and part-time work rules. If you are about to study in Singapore, this article presents an updated, student-centric guide regarding work while pursuing.
Why Overseas Students Like Part-Time Employment in Singapore
Singapore is one of Asia’s safest and most advanced study destinations, but living costs—especially rent and food—can be high. By working part-time, you can:
- Offset monthly bills while you are attending college.
- Gain practical experience that enriches your curriculum vitae.
- Build confidence, independence, and cultural sensitiveness.
- Broaden your professional network, as such may lead to prospects of interning or permanent jobs after graduation.
Singaporean employers often welcome hardworking students for part-time jobs, especially at hospitality, retails, and tutoring.
Singaporean Laws Controlling Part-Time Employment (As amended up to 2025)
Singapore’s government has certain policies that concern international students and part-time employment. Staying current assists you with avoiding penalties and being compliant:
1.Eligibility: You should remain a holder of a valid Student Pass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and you should also enroll into an approved university, polytechnic or institute from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
2.Working Hours: During academic terms, you can work up to 16 hours per week. This is designed to ensure your studies remain your main priority.
3.Vacation Periods: During holiday breaks or semester breaks, you can work full-time (40 hours or fewer a week) with no special permission.
4.No Special Work Permit Required: No special work permit is required especially for authorized part-time employment.
5.Illicit Activities: Freelance work or obtaining a job in a prohibited branch of business, e.g., nightclubs or illegal activities, are strictly prohibited.
Violations of these rules may bring a fine, suspension of your Student Pass, or deportation.
Top Part-Time Jobs For Students
Some of Singapore’s industries welcome international students. These are among the most frequent occupations:
- Retail Work Assistantship: Shopping malls and department stores appoint students as customer service or stock persons.
- Hospitality and Food Service: Cafes, hotels, and restaurants are adaptable employers of students.
- Tutoring: If you excel academically, tutoring can pay more and fit around your class schedule.
- Administrative Support: Business houses and colleges frequently demand part-time administrative personnel or clerical assistants.
- Event Staff: Singapore hosts conferences and exhibitions where casual staff are needed.
These prospects serve to enhance your financial resources while concurrently advancing your professional opportunities and interpersonal abilities.
Singaporean Compensation Structures of Part-Time Work
Compensation varies with the type of work done and the skills of the individual. By the year 2025, students can generally expect:
- SGD 8–10 per hour for jobs in retail and hospitality.
- SGD 12–20 per hour for special tasks or tutoring.
- SGD 10–15 per hour for event or administrative work.
A part-timer with a limit of 16 hours a week can afford around SGD 500–750 a month or reduce the cost of living significantly. Full-timers during semester breaks can save even more.
Additional Advantages of Employment During Academic Pursuits
It’s not only about earning. Part-time work helps Singaporean students become more confident and flexible and career-prepared. Your exposure to workplace culture increases and you learn problem-solving skills. And of course, you forge links that will get you into Singapore’s professional job market once graduation is complete.
At BCES Admissions Abroad, we are here to make your international venture a smooth and enriching one. From learning rules regarding part-time jobs to selecting an appropriate course and university, we are one-stop experts offering advice to students looking at studying in Singapore. Contact us now at +91 9319996330 and embark upon the journey of a successful abroad education and career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Only legitimate students with a current Student Pass enrolled at approved institutions are authorized to work part-time.
You can work a maximum of 16 hours a week through term time.
Yes, during holiday vacations you are permitted to work up to 40 hours a week.
Yes. Your Student Pass comes with approved part-time work.
Hospitality jobs, tutoring, and event staffing frequently have desirable hours.
Working outside of authorised hours or engaging in forbidden activities may land you fines or termination of your Student Pass.Â
Yes, tutoring is among the highest paying jobs for students and frequently crosses SGD 20 per hour.Â
Yes, but you will have to make an application for a post-study work visa like an Employment Pass or an S Pass.Â