How International Students Can Apply for Internships in Singapore During Their Studies

27 October 2025

Singapore has quickly become one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations for international students from around the world. Not only is Singapore known for its strong economy, safe living culture, and global career opportunity avenues, but it is also an extremely rewarding country for students to apply their learning in the real-world context with internships that are valuable supplements to your studies. Internships will help develop the knowledge you build through the delivery of your academic studies, and provide a context of how it relates globally in an Asian industry experience.

For many students, searching for and applying for an internship may appear to be a mountain of a task to navigate through, but it can represent truly valuable experiences, if you know where to start. Let’s take a look at how international students can secure and apply for work as an intern, while studying in Singapore.

Why Singapore for an internship? 

Singapore is a global business connection to Asia. Its industries are dynamic, innovative, and forward thinking, perfect for students who want to experience the workplace of today and learn skills for their career paths.

Internships in Singapore expose students to emerging industries, from finance and banking to technology, biotechnology, hospitality, and sustainability. All these put together make for an easier integration for international students in the multi-cultural environment of the country, with its emphasis on merit and innovation. In addition, most universities encourage students to undergo internships that are either credit-bearing or recognized as part of academic training.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Internships in Singapore

1. Understand Eligibility and Work Regulations

Before applying for internships, be sure to check the latest Ministry of Manpower (MOM) & Student Pass regulations. Most universities allow students with valid Student Passes to work up to 16 hours per week during term time, and full-time during designated vacation times. If your internship is officially part of your academic discipline or approved by your university, you may not need to apply for your own Training Employment Pass. Always double-check with your university’s career department to ensure you are meeting all the requirements. 

2. Determine specificity of your internship purpose

Next, you should establish what you want to accomplish through the internship. Are you looking for industry exposure, technical skills development, or even cross-cultural work environments? Understanding your desired outcome with the internship will allow you to narrow down your potential companies and roles. For students, common fields for internships in Singapore are marketing, IT, engineering and data analytics as they are all in demand in Singapore’s job market.

3. Research & Apply strategically

Once you have identified your potential goal and field of work, use your university job board, official company job boards and accepted job search sites (e.g. LinkedIn, MyCareersFuture, InternSG). Focus on evidence-based resumes and cover letters reflective of Singapore’s professional culture, e.g. explained emphasis of teamwork, punctuality & communication abilities. Convey your value through your international perspective, adaptability, and enthusiasm for learning.

4. Confirmation of the internship details

Before agreeing to any position be sure to confirm some important factors: the length of the internship, the types of responsibilities involved in the position, and to whom you will report. Most organizations will also have placement or internship processes that require you to identify knowledge-objectives, experiences (or learning), and mentorship aspects as part of the internship placement process. Confirm this internship will fit well into your academic schedule, and more importantly, that it furthers your personal and professional development in a meaningful way. 

5. Prepare for the Selection Process

Internship interviews in Singapore often include both questions and behaviours related to technical skill and social interaction. Practise telling your academic and experience background, your project work, and your reasons for wanting to come to the organization. Prepare to extensively research the organization-it is common to assess how well you know the industry and aspects of their operations when interviewing you.

6. Handle Work Pass or Visa Requirements Properly

If your internship is not part of your study curriculum or exceeds permitted work hours, you may need to apply for a Training Employment Pass or Work Holiday Pass depending on your nationality and the type of internship. Your employer will be able to assist with this. Approval from both your university and MOM is usually sufficient for short-term or curriculum-based internships.

7. Create Opportunities and Learn from the Experience

From the moment you start, benefit from every experience. You should look more closely to see how Singapore’s workforce is about decorum, speed, and innovation. You should attend meetings, ask for feedback from your supervisor, and connect with your co-workers across all departments. Networking in your internship is very important because it provides access to enhance the jobs you could take in Singapore or in post-graduate opportunities.

Current Internship Work Practices in Singapore

As we approach 2025, Singapore is engaging in supporting skills-based learning and is creating partnerships with its subsidiary industries that will include university and employer placings. There is an increase in demand for interns who can demonstrate their digital-skilled learning and global-sustainable aware communications.

There are many companies that are hybrid or exclusively working-internships now making it easier for international students to balance their academic responsibilities and work obligations. Companies in fintech, algorithmic, completing green mars rules and managing the research and work found in it also offer internships that are not as developed work practice.

All these conditions present an overall condition where international students can leverage into sustainable growth industries in Singapore by participating and gaining skills on the job to enhance their employability worldwide.

Advantages of Doing an Internship in Singapore

Global exposure: Exposure to different work cultures and environments in an international city.

Skill development: Develop and adapt your professional communications, teamwork, and leadership.

Career networking: Build relationships with industry experts and recruiters.

Enhanced Resume: Experiences that will be recognized by employers worldwide as relevant.

Academic relevance: See and translate classroom learning in real life.

Whether it’s consulting about which top university to pick, or prepping for the internship experience itself, BCES Admissions Abroad supports students through every step of their study abroad experience. Our experienced professionals provide objective career workshops from choosing the course, preparation for cultural change, and work understandings, including the possibility to intern in Singapore and other global opportunity experiences. Connect us at +91 9319996330 for your first career consultation for expert advising.