Are there any stay-back options or post-study work opportunities in Singapore after completing the LLM course?
Singapore does not have an automatic open post study work visa. To stay, you need an employer sponsored Employment Pass, requiring a minimum monthly salary of S$5,600 and passing the points based COMPASS framework, or an S Pass, which has a lower salary threshold of S$3,300 for mid skilled roles.
Unlike the UK, US or Australia, Singapore does not give you an automatic, open post study work visa after your LLM, so you cannot simply graduate and stay to job hunt indefinitely. You can still stay and work if you secure a job and your employer sponsors a valid work pass for you.
Main Work Passes For LLM Graduates
| Work Pass | Who It Targets | Salary Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Foreign professionals, managers and executives | Minimum S$5,600 monthly, around S$6,200 for financial services, plus COMPASS points (at least 40) |
| S Pass | Mid skilled technical staff, less common for legal roles | Minimum S$3,300 monthly |
Managing Your Job Hunt And Timeline
Because there is no open job seeker grace period pass for blanket job hunting, you need to start networking and applying for training contracts, legal consultant roles, compliance positions or corporate counsel openings several months before your LLM programme ends. Once your course finishes and your Student's Pass is cancelled by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, you are generally only granted a short term visit pass, so your employment plans need to move efficiently.
My Advice
Begin your job search well before your LLM ends, since Singapore gives you no built in grace period to look for work. Also keep in mind that your LLM alone does not qualify you for the Singapore Bar, so if you want to practise Singapore law rather than work in international or corporate advisory roles, plan separately for the Singapore Institute of Legal Education requirements.
More expert answers
Yes, Singapore offers post-study work options and internships for international students.
After completing your studies, you can apply for work passes such as:
- Employment Pass: For professionals with a typical minimum salary of S$5,000/month (subject to change).
- S Pass: For mid-level skilled workers, with a typical minimum salary of S$3,150/month (subject to change).
- Work Holiday Pass: For young graduates from eligible countries, valid for up to 6 - 12 months.
- Training Employment Pass: For training roles, with a typical minimum salary of S$3,000/month.
International students can also take internships if they meet visa requirements. Student Pass holders may work during vacations without a separate work permit.
Visa rules and work pass requirements are subject to change. For personalized guidance, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
Yes, you can stay in Singapore after completing your studies, but post-study work options are limited and depend on your situation.
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Graduates from recognized institutions can apply for an LTVP, allowing you to stay up to 12 months to look for a job. You cannot work until you secure employment and your employer sponsors your work pass.
- Employment Pass (EP): Once you have a job offer, your employer can apply for an EP. The minimum salary is typically SGD 5,600/month, subject to change and assessment criteria.
- S Pass: For mid-skilled roles, the S Pass requires a lower minimum salary (SGD 3,300/month), but also needs employer sponsorship.
- Work Holiday Pass (WHP): If you are 18 - 25 and from an eligible university, you may qualify for a WHP to work and holiday in Singapore for up to 6 months.
You must secure employment and the relevant work pass before your LTVP or WHP expires. Eligibility and policies are subject to change. For personalized guidance, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
How long can you stay and work after a Singapore master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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