Is it true that students cannot work during bachelor's in Singapore and have to return to India after completion?
No, this is not entirely true. Public university students at NUS, NTU, or SMU can work up to 16 hours weekly in term time, and graduates get a 1-year job-hunting pass. Private institution students cannot work at all and get only 1 to 3 months after graduation.
Do not let this rumor stop you from choosing Singapore. Your actual rights to work during your degree and stay back after depend heavily on whether you pick a public university or a private institution.
Working Rules During Your Bachelor's
| Institution Type | Part-Time Work Rule |
|---|---|
| Public universities (NUS, NTU, SMU) | Up to 16 hours per week in term time, unlimited during official vacations, no separate work permit needed if the school is MOM-approved |
| Private institutions (Kaplan, SIM, MDIS, and similar) | Working part-time is strictly prohibited; doing so illegally can get your Student's Pass revoked |
Your Options To Stay Back After Graduation
- Public university graduates can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), valid up to 12 months to job hunt, though you cannot work while holding it
- Private institution graduates get a Short-Term Visit Pass valid for just 1 to 3 months
- Once you secure a job offer meeting the salary threshold, your employer sponsors an S Pass or Employment Pass
My Advice
If working part-time and staying back to job hunt both matter to you, prioritize a public university admission over a private institution, since the gap between a 12-month LTVP and a 1 to 3 month Short-Term Visit Pass is enormous for your job search.
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