There are many polytechnics and universities in Singapore for tertiary and higher education. Some of them are highly ranked in the world.

Please do note that the economic situation and immigration rules in Singapore are aligned towards employing Singaporeans before considering foreigners. Even if you have a local diploma/degree, it may be challenging to secure a job after graduation.

We highly recommend doing your due diligence before applying and accepting offers of admission from any institute of higher learning. This includes checking where graduates of that institution are working now, checking the fees of each institution and that you have the means to afford these fees. Specifically, please check if there are any restrictions on working part-time while studying full-time in that institution. (FAQ #2)

The most highly sought-after institutions include:

Universities:

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Polytechnics:

• Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)
• Ngee Ann Polytechnic
• Republic Polytechnic
• Singapore Polytechnic
• Temasek Polytechnic

Below are the stipulations for working part-time while studying in Singapore

• If you are an exchange student in Singapore, you are NOT allowed to work.
• If you are a full-time student with a Student Pass and you are above 14 years of age, you can work a maximum of 16hours per week ONLY if you are studying in one of these approved institutions listed here:
  https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students
• If you are studying in any other institution not listed here, you are not allowed to work part-time in Singapore.
• For further information, please refer to Ministry of Manpower.
  https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students

Being a cultural and social organisation, SMA is unable to help in your job search.

Singapore has an open job market where people with the right skills are able to find deserving jobs.

We do want to highlight to you that the economic situation and immigration rules in Singapore are aligned towards employing Singaporeans before considering foreigners.

We wish you good luck with your job search.

We have listed a few links which might be helpful for job-seekers below::

• https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-singapore/working#how-to-get-a-job-in-singapore-as-a-foreigner
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs
• https://www.jobstreet.com.sg/
• https://www.monster.com.sg/
• http://www.stjobs.sg/
• https://www.indeed.com.sg/

Disclaimer: SMA has no affiliation or association with any of these listed sites. We bear no responsibility for any information in these sites.

Being a cultural and social organisation, SMA is unable to legally confirm the genuine job offers. However we have some tips for you to verify the same:

1. Check if the company is registered in Singapore

   For every business operating in Singapore, it is a statutory requirement to provide their updated information to ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) https://www.acra.gov.sg/. This enables transparency and prevents unlawful use of information regarding corporate entities.

   As such, your first step to check if an offer letter is genuine, is to check BizFile https://www.bizfile.gov.sg/ and do a background check on the company. This service can be used to verify whether a company exists in Singapore. More information can be found here: https://www.acra.gov.sg/Publications/Guides/ACRA_Consumer_Guide/Use_of_ACRA_s_Business_Information_Services_to_do_Background_Checks/

2. Check if the Employment Agency/ Agent is valid

   Employment Agency / Employment Agent Directory – Employment agencies and personnel search http://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/employment-agencies-and-personnel-search

3. Check your eligibility for an Employment Pass/S Pass

   https://service1.mom.gov.sg/workpass/sat

4. Check the validity of the IPA (In Principle Approval) of your work permit/S Pass

   https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/in-principle-approval

5. Check here to search for registered healthcare professionals

   Ministry of Health – Medical Directory https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/medical-directory.html

We urge you to also read the offer letter thoroughly to identify any red flags.

Common issues that may indicate that an offer letter is fake include:

• Suspicious website. (Note that all Singapore government websites end with .gov.sg )
• If the company website does not provide enough information, it may not be real.
• Grammar and spelling mistakes
• A QR code that when scanned leads you to a text file
• An address that does not exist in Singapore (you may verify if a Singapore address exists using https://gothere.sg/maps using the postal code. Check that the postal code corresponds to the address as well.)
• Salary listed that is not in SGD
• Unusual amount of annual leave (usually it is 14 days annual leave here. If your offer letter states 2 months of leave, then something is likely wrong. )
• If your interview process felt too easy, then it may not be real.
• If the offer letter states that you will have deductions from your salary for CPF (Central Provision Fund), then it is likely false. Only Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents need to contribute to CPF. Further details here https://www.cpf.gov.sg/employers/FAQ/employer-guides/hiring-employees/cpf-contributions-for-your-employees/FAQDetails?category=Hiring+Employees&group=CPF+Contributions+for+your+Employees&ajfaqid=2295994&folderid=14225

To better protect yourself, you may also refer to these articles on job scams in Kerala to understand how scammers work:

• https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/singapore-nursing-job-scam-unearthed-candidates-kerala-karnataka-tn-cheated-78335
• https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2018/06/30/job-scam-keralites-mumbai.html
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/breaking-the-code-of-job-racketeers/articleshow/65715370.cms?from=mdr

We recommend the following resources:

• https://www.gov.sg/factually/content/is-singapore-the-most-expensive-city-to-live-in
• https://www.customs.gov.sg/individuals/moving-to-singapore
• https://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/Individuals/Foreigners/Your-Situation/Relocating-to-Singapore/
• https://www.mom.gov.sg/working-in-singapore/living-in-singapore

We recommend the following resources:

• https://www.99.co/singapore/rent
• https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/
• https://www.gumtree.sg/
• https://sgmalayalees.com
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/sgmallus

Disclaimer: SMA has no affiliation or association with any of these listed sites. We bear no responsibility for any information in these sites.