Can We Do Part-Time Job While Studying in Singapore?

Singapore is known for its demanding educational system, and students are frequently expected to prioritize their studies above all else. However, due to Singapore’s high cost of living, some students may consider working part-time to supplement their income. International students, throughout the duration of their courses, are allowed to work part-time, observing a maximum of 16 hours per week during their academic term, and full-time during the approved vacation periods.

While working part-time can bring valuable experience and extra income, it is critical to weigh the potential consequences for academic achievement and overall well-being. In this post, we will look at the prerequisites, different sorts of part-time jobs, working hours, and income, as well as advice for successfully balancing job and scholastic commitments.

Requirements:

• To work part-time in Singapore, you must be at least 13 years old, and if you are below 16 years old, you will need a valid work permit.
• Students aged 16-18 years old can work part-time during the school term, but they must obtain a work permit if they are non-Malaysian or non-Singaporean
• Students aged 16-18 years old can work up to 16 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week during the school holidays
• For foreigners, you will need a valid work pass or a letter of consent from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

Working in Singapore

• Part-time employees have rights to rest days, public holidays, overtime pay, and leave. These rights are calculated based on their work hours and pay rates.
• They are entitled to a continuous 24-hour rest day and pay for working on their rest day.
• Part-time employees also receive public holiday pay, calculated using their hourly or daily pay rate and the hours they work on the holiday.
• They are eligible for various types of leave, including annual, sick, maternity, and childcare leave, which are calculated based on their working hours and pay rates.
• Foreign students in Singapore can work part-time for up to 16 hours per week during the school term.
• Part-time jobs typically offer flexible hours, allowing individuals to balance their studies and work.
• The working hours vary depending on the job, but most part-time jobs offer shifts during the day, evening, or weekend.

Also Check: How to get PR in Singapore after study?

Types of Part-time jobs

There are various part-time job options available for students in Singapore, including:

• Retail: Sales assistant, cashier, or store assistant in shopping malls, supermarkets, or clothing stores.
• Food and Beverage: Waitstaff, bartender, or kitchen assistant in restaurants, cafes, or fast-food chains.
• Hospitality: Front desk agent, housekeeper, or bellboy in hotels.
• Tutoring: Private tutor for primary, secondary, or tertiary students.
• Customer Service: Call center agent, receptionist, or customer service representative in various industries.
• Admin and Clerical: Data entry, filing, or administrative support in offices.

Part-Time Job in Singapore Advantages

There are several advantages of part-time jobs for masters students, some of which are listed below:

• Financial support: Part-time jobs can help students cover their day-to-day expenses and gain financial independence.
• Skill development: Part-time jobs can help students develop skills like time management, communication, leadership, and multi-tasking.
• Networking opportunities: Part-time jobs can help students grow their professional network and build connections for future career opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Part-time jobs can allow students to maintain a better work-life balance, reducing the risk of burnout and improving overall mental and physical health.
• Career exploration: Part-time jobs can serve as a way for students to gain exposure to various industries and roles before committing to a full-time career.

Salary

Part-time job salaries in Singapore can vary depending on the industry and employer.

• Common part-time job options include roles in F&B, retail, customer service, and sales, with pay rates typically ranging from around $7 to $10 per hour.
• Major recruitment agencies like Capita, RecruitFirst, and RecruitExpress, along with platforms like FastJobs and JobsDB, are avenues to explore job opportunities
• Telegram job channels are a fast way to access job listings, and recruitment posters at places like McDonald’s and KFC also offer job opportunities

Part-Time Job Tips

• Ensure that your resume and cover letter for part-time employment applications are customized to the particular job prerequisites, emphasizing any pertinent skills or experience.
• When negotiating your salary, consider the industry standards, your level of experience, and the value you can bring to the company
• When working part-time, make sure to efficiently manage your time and prioritize your academic or professional duties.

Know More: Singapore Student Visa Guide for International Students

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