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Part-Time Jobs in Singapore to Manage Your Expenses

Updated on 08 November, 2023

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Studying in Singapore offers many networking opportunities and helps in gaining global exposure. In addition to all the benefits of studying abroad, you would need to learn the art of managing your cost of living in Singapore. And looking for the right part-time job in Singapore can keep you covered.

 

In fact, you can get hands-on learning experience with part-time jobs in Singapore, where you can enhance your academic endeavors and be equipped with transferable skills. Prepare to explore Singapore's part-time job market for a balanced university life.

Work Permits in Singapore

The university or polytechnic where you are studying must first provide its clearance before you can work part-time. Please ask your university or polytechnic for assistance before looking for part-time work. Moreover, while looking for part-time jobs in Singapore, there are a few things you must know:

  • According to the Ministry of Manpower, you can only work 16 hours a week with ongoing semesters and unlimited time during vacations.
  • You must hold a valid student pass issued by the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) to be eligible for a part-time job in Singapore.
  • This is part of an industry attachment program your university or educational institution runs. 
  • The industrial attachment can be compulsory or optional, but it has to count toward your graduation requirements.

Eligibility Criteria to Get Work Permit in Singapore

To do part-time jobs in Singapore, the students need a work permit approved by the ICA. It endorses the work permit if they fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

  • You will only be given a work permit if you are an international student with an offer to study full-time at one of the approved institutions.
  • Your name should be registered at one of the universities at the approved Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) mentioned below:

Local universities 

Local polytechnics

  • Ngee Ann Polytechnic
  • Singapore Polytechnic
  • Nanyang Polytechnic
  • Republic Polytechnic
  • Temasek Polytechnic

Offshore institutes with local campuses

  • DigiPen Institute of Technology
  • INSEAD (Singapore)
  • Sorbonne-Assas International Law School
  • École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales
  • German Institute of Science and Technology – TUM Asia
  • SP Jain School of Global Management

Types of Part-Time Jobs in Singapore

Here is the list of part-time jobs in Singapore for international students to support themselves financially. We have curated the types of part-time jobs in Singapore with the expected salary structures below:

Research Assistant

You can work as a research assistant in any of the departments where there is an opening at the university. The assistants work hours that are separate from their classes and earn around SGD 7,083 per month. 

Student Admissions Executive

You can work with the admissions officer and handle work related to new student admissions. Your job responsibilities include verifying applicants’ data, seeing through the application process, and managing student acceptance offers. Working part-time, you earn SGD 4,300 each month.

Management Assistant Officer

You can manage scholarships and undergraduate admissions. You would need to develop and implement policies related to scholarships, financial aid, and undergraduate admissions. You would get paid monthly approximately SGD 5,000 at any of the approved financial institutions.

Freelance Translator

A freelance translator is one of the most popular part-time jobs in Singapore. If you are an international student in Singapore, search for an opportunity to translate into a language you are fluent in. Freelance translators are paid SGD 10-27 per hour.

Tips to Find Part-Time Jobs in Singapore

Look for part-time job advertisements: 

Browse through online job portals, university career centers, and local classifieds. There are frequently many different part-time job openings on websites like LinkedIn and Indeed Singapore.

Use available resources: 

Use university resources and participate in workshops, job boards, and networking events designed especially for college students seeking part-time employment. 

Reach out to personal connections: 

Contact relatives, family, and acquaintances who may know about or have links to part-time job openings in Singapore. They could offer helpful introductions or insider knowledge.

Create an updated resume: 

Highlight accomplishments, experiences, and skills on your resume that make you a perfect choice for part-time positions. Stress your capacity for multitasking, effective time management, and collaborative teamwork.

Draft a cover letter: 

Create a succinct but compelling cover letter that outlines your interest in the part-time work and demonstrates how your qualifications meet the needs of the opening. 

Be proactive and persistent: 

Submit applications for several job openings and then contact hiring managers after you do so. Being proactive and persistent will improve your chances of getting an interview and a job offer for some part-time positions due to the high demand.

Manage time effectively: 

Juggling work and classes might be difficult. Establish a timetable, order your obligations, and ensure you have adequate time for your work and school obligations. You can achieve in both areas if you manage your time well.

Don’t forget that before starting a part-time job, you must carefully assess the workload and potential effects on your education. Successful academic and professional experience depends on balancing both equally.

More articles about Singapore:

Final Words

To ensure a successful and satisfying experience, there are several criteria that full-time students should consider when looking for part-time jobs in Singapore. You must confirm that you qualify for a work permit because overseas students must adhere to specific rules and regulations. It is crucial to comprehend the policies and rules established by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the educational institution to prevent any academic or legal difficulties.

Students must balance employment and school, even though taking on a part-time job can be financially rewarding and provide valuable experience. 

Disclaimer: All course fees and salaries are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions.

Bachelor’s & Master’s in Singapore:

FAQs

What are the most common part-time jobs in Singapore?

The most popular part-time jobs in Singapore are working as a research assistant, doing admin work, barista jobs, or sales and marketing individuals. 

How much can an international student earn from part-time jobs in Singapore?

According to Glassdoor, on average, working 16 hours a week part-time, an international student can earn around SGD 610 (₹ 38,000) per hour. 

Did you find this article helpful?

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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