Known for being a lively city-state with high professional standards, the island country of Singapore is becoming increasingly popular with young people wanting to kick-start their careers. Landing an internship in this dynamic Southeast Asian hub could be the perfect opportunity for people who want to experience a completely different social and professional culture. Singapore is brimming with chances for young people to develop professionally and expand their career horizons.
Get ready to make this skyline the backdrop to a life-changing internship.
In this all-inclusive guide, we'll walk you through the crucial steps for in Singapore, introduce you to some top-notch programs, and address frequently asked questions to help you on your journey. offer a fantastic way to acquire essential skills, build a network, and . Nevertheless, the process of securing one can be quite competitive and demanding, so let’s dive in.
Are internships paid in Singapore?
As you search for internships in Singapore, you might wonder if these opportunities come with any financial compensation. While there’s no mandated minimum wage for interns in Singapore, many organizations offer a monthly stipend or allowance. The amount can vary based on factors like the industry, company size, and internship duration.
Keep in mind that do exist in Singapore, particularly in fields like the arts and nonprofits. Even so, interns might be eligible for a modest stipend or reimbursement for expenses like transportation and meals. However, it’s not unusual for interns to bear all other costs independently.
During your in Singapore, you'll likely find that companies seldom cover logistical expenses such as housing, transportation, and visa sponsorship. So, be prepared to manage these aspects yourself! Also, remember to consider factors like the company’s reputation, the nature of the work, and potential future career opportunities.
Do I need a visa to intern in Singapore?
Wondering if foreigners can do an internship in Singapore? Yes, they can! However, there are specific that must be fulfilled.
The Singaporean government mandates that all foreign interns possess a valid , , or before commencing their internship. You can apply for these passes through Singapore’s .
To obtain a Work Holiday Pass, you must be aged 18 to 25, enrolled in a university or college during the application, and a citizen of Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States. This pass allows a stay of up to six months in Singapore.
Once you know which pass you need, it’s time to send in your application.
For a Training Employment Pass, you need a job offer from a Singaporean company and earn a minimum salary of S$3,000 per month (or be studying as a foreign student at an approved institution with the training part of your course of study). This pass is valid for up to three months.
To secure a Training Work Permit, you must be a semi-skilled or unskilled employee from a related overseas company, or a foreign student enrolled in an , with the training being part of the academic course requirements.
While there are internships available for undergraduates in Singapore, companies often prioritize local students. Although you may enter Singapore with a , working restrictions are stringent, so you must also hold one of the aforementioned visas.
Applying for a Work Holiday Pass or Training Employment Pass might seem overwhelming, but it's crucial for interning in Singapore. Known for its rigorous yet equitable protocols, Singapore makes the process smooth as long as you provide the necessary documents and meet eligibility criteria. The Ministry of Manpower generally takes two to four weeks to process applications, so apply well before your internship begins.
The easiest way to manage these Singapore internship visa requirements will be to apply via an agency that specializes in matching foreign students to internships in Singapore. You may have to pay a fee, but it will be well worth it to avoid the hassle and prevent oversights. Placement programs like , , or should be able to take care of these procedures for you.
8 other requirements for interning in Singapore
Need some more motivation to figure out how to get an internship in Singapore? Just check out this view.
Before you begin to figure out how to , it's essential to understand the necessary requirements to make the process as smooth as possible. Apart from the aforementioned visa requirements, here are some factors to take into consideration as a foreigner coming to intern in Singapore:
- Age requirement: You need to be at least 18 years old.
- Offer letter: An offer letter from the company with which you’ll be interning. A great application, combined with excellent academic results and previous work or , can go a long way in landing the internship in the first place. If you’re doing a paid internship, be sure the company includes the rate of pay in this offer letter.
- Valid passport: You will to enter and work in Singapore. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- Proof of funds: This can come in the form of your bank statements over a period of six months to a year or a letter from your bank testifying to your financial stability. If you’re being supported by your parents or guardians, they must declare their financial support with documentation.
- Proof of health: Depending on the type of visa you’ve applied for, you might need to undergo a medical examination and submit the report to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower before or shortly after arrival into the country.
- Health insurance: It is easy to get access to world-class healthcare in Singapore, even from small neighborhood doctors. However, it is important to in case of a larger emergency that may require hospitalization or even repatriation. This is important for your own protection and to ensure that you are able to receive the necessary medical treatment in case of illness or injury.
- English proficiency: Most internships in Singapore require a high level of English proficiency as you'll be expected to communicate with colleagues and clients effectively. Bonus points if you’re also able to communicate in , Malay, or Tamil, which are the other three official languages in Singapore.
- Accommodation: If you’ve joined an internship independently without a program supporting you, you may need to on your own. The Singapore government took a , so those may be difficult to come by in the island nation. You can look into or for , or rent a serviced apartment during your stay.
How to get an internship in Singapore
Step 1: Decide when to go
No matter when you decide to intern, your arrival in Singapore will be the start of an adventure.
Timing is everything! Main factors to consider include your work or academic schedule and your budget. Do you want to intern between semesters or as ? How long are you able to stay—a month, three months, or ?
Singapore is a small city-state with hot, rainy, and humid weather all year round, so there are no seasonal weather changes. However, companies tend to get less busy and go on holiday in the month of December.
Step 2: Research companies and industries
Singapore has a diverse range of industries, including , , , and , just to name a few. You can contact a company you’re interested in directly or look for internship programs that could potentially get you placements with them.
Many companies offer internships in Singapore for undergraduates, and universities often have resources and programs to help students find internships. Checking with your university's career services office could be a great first step toward finding the information you need—you never know, your university might already be connected to a company in Singapore!
Step 3: Figure out your Singapore internship visa requirements
You now have the answer to the question, “can foreigners do an internship in Singapore?” As mentioned above, there are different passes and permits to apply for if you’re doing this process on your own. A placement program can typically help you take care of these procedures.
Step 4: Tailor your resume and cover letter
After figuring out the companies and fields that catch your eye, it's time to customize your resume and cover letter for the specific internship you want. Focus on the skills, experience, and education that match what the internship is looking for. If you’re applying for something in the , for example, be sure to highlight the relevant health care experience you’ve had.
Don't forget to show how excited and passionate you are about the industry and the company. Avoid the major blunder of using a generic cover letter and sending it to lots of companies at once! Here's a cool idea: Why not make a video of yourself instead of writing a cover letter?
Step 5: Apply for internships
Even with the big time difference, you’re ready to ace that online interview.
When you're applying for internships, be sure to pay close attention to the application guidelines. Get your application in before the deadline and double-check that you've included all the necessary documents.
Be ready for possible phone or face-to-face interviews, and remember that Singapore is 13 to 15 hours ahead of North America, so at odd hours of the night! Don't forget to look up information about the company ahead of time to make sure you stand out from the other applicants.
Step 6: Secure the internship!
Awesome, you got the internship offer! Now, to lock it in, you'll need to sign a contract or agreement with the company. Make sure you carefully go through the terms and conditions, and ask for legal help if you need it.
As previously mentioned, an offer letter from the company can be instrumental depending on the visa you’re applying for, so make sure to request that clearly. Also, ask questions about the working hours and the location of the workplace, because this can help you plan for things like accommodation and budget for transportation.
Finally, don't forget to thank the company for this amazing chance—then get ready for a fun and fulfilling internship adventure in Singapore.
Step 7: Prepare yourself financially
Are internships paid in Singapore? As previously mentioned, not all of them are, and some paid internships only offer a small stipend.
Remember to in Singapore and in case the internship doesn't cover all your expenses. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your parents or relatives who could help contribute, and . Another way to curb costs would be to go for short-term internships with large companies, so you can take your skills anywhere you want when you’re done!
3 internships in Singapore to consider
1.
- Highlights: Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Look no further than Absolute Internship's Intern in Singapore program! With customized internship placements in a range of fields, including , , and , this program offers participants the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and make connections with industry professionals.
- Participants will also have the chance to explore Singapore's unique blend of cultures and modern city life. With comprehensive support and a commitment to providing high-quality internships, Absolute Internship is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a transformative internship experience in Singapore.
2.
- Highlights: Join this paid Singapore internship program for professional experience and cultural immersion. With connections to a network of 1,500 companies, you’re sure to find a placement matching your skills and field.
- Enjoy local engagement, , and receive post-graduation job search assistance. This program is open to undergraduates and graduates aged 18-25 from Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
3.
- Highlights: Are you on the hunt for an exceptional international student program that offers an unforgettable blend of cultural and professional experiences? Look no further than the NSC Global Student Program in Singapore, offered by Next Step Connections! With customized internships in fields like , , and , as well as immersive cultural activities and events, this program promises a truly enriching experience amongst the internships in Singapore for undergraduates.
- Explore the fascinating history and diverse culture of Singapore while receiving comprehensive support and guidance for your personal and professional growth. The NSC Global Student Program is your ideal gateway to a transformative and fulfilling journey in Singapore. So why wait? Sign up now and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
You’re on your way to intern in Singapore!
You can’t beat Singapore as the ultimate internship destination.
If you're looking for an enriching internship experience, you should definitely think about heading to Singapore. With its booming economy, amazing blend of cultures, and fantastic quality of life, Singapore is the perfect place for you to grow your skills, , and set yourself up for an incredible career.
We know getting an internship can be tough, but hopefully figuring out how to find internships in Singapore is easier with this guide! Start your search early, make your application stand out, get ready to rock that interview, connect with people, and stay open to different opportunities.
Keep at it with enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work, and you'll be on your way to landing that dream internship in no time. Best of luck on your exciting journey to an in Singapore!
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