The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will introduce a Work Holiday Programme (WHP)
from 1 December 2007 to allow undergraduates and graduates from overseas to
experience living and working in Singapore for a short period. There is a
growing trend of well-qualified young people travelling abroad to gain
exposure and experience foreign cultures. A positive experience of living
and working in Singapore under the programme could encourage some of them
to work here when they graduate, or at a later stage in their careers. This
programme will help enhance Singapore's reputation as a talent destination,
valued for its working and living experiences.
This new programme will first start with 2,000 places for students
and graduates from universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong,
Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. Students who have
gained admission but are awaiting commencement of their courses may also
apply. Applicants must be between 17 and 30 years of age. MOM will review
the scheme over time and make changes if necessary, including to the list
of locations allowed.
The WHP pass is valid for six months. Participants of the WHP are
allowed to work during this period. They are not restricted to only specific
types of work. Since this is a short work stint, they are also not subject
to any minimum salary requirement. They must however be able to support
themselves during their stay in Singapore and show proof of exit after
six months.
What is the Work Holiday Programme?
The Work Holiday Programme (WHP) is a scheme that allows university
students and recent graduates, between 17 and 30, to come to Singapore
for a limited period. Successful applicants can live and work in Singapore
for up to six months.
Eligibility
How can I qualify for the WHP?
You must be a full-time student or graduate from a university in one
of the following locations:
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
You may also apply if you have gained admission to the university but
have not commenced your studies. All applicants must be between 17 and
30 years of age. A list of the universities will be made available at
a later date.
I am not a citizen of one of the eight locations on the list, but I
am a full time university student studying in one of the locations.
Do I qualify for the WHP?
Yes, you will qualify as long as you are a full time student or recent
graduate from a university from one of the locations on the list.
Why is the Work Holiday Programme open to only eight locations?
We are introducing the Work Holiday Programme as a pilot scheme,
starting with these eight locations. MOM will review the scheme
over time and make changes if necessary, including to the list of
locations allowed.
How do I know if my university is approved under the Work Holiday Programme?
A list of the universities will be made available at a later date.
Can I work on the WHP? Are there any employment restrictions?
You may work on the WHP for a period not exceeding six months.
You will not be restricted to only specific types of work. Since
this is a short work stint, there is also no minimum salary
requirement.
What other requirements are there for the WHP?
You need to be able to support yourself financially during your time
in Singapore. As part of the Work Holiday application process, we
will require you to declare that you have sufficient funds for your
stay, maintenance, and departure.
Must I secure employment before I apply for the WHP pass?
No, you do not need find a job before you apply for the WHP.
How long can I stay in Singapore under the WHP?
You can stay and work for up to six months on the Work Holiday Programme.
How can I extend my stay on the WHP?
You cannot extend your stay here on the Work Holiday Programme.
However, you may apply to switch to one of the work passes offered
by MOM. Find out more
about MOM's work passes.
Application and Processing
When can I start applying for the WHP?
You can start applying for the WHP from 1 December 2007.
How can I apply for the WHP?
You must complete the soft copy application form (in MS Word format)
which you can download the from the MOM website.
Once you have completed the form, send it as an e-mail attachment
to MOM. We will provide the e-mail address at a later date. The
subject of your e-mail should read “Application for WHP”.
What documents must I submit with my application?
You must attach a letter from your University/College as proof
that you are a student, or have been accepted as a student of
that university. The letter should include your name, nationality,
gender and date of birth.
If you are a graduate, a copy of your degree certificate or
transcripts must be submitted.
In addition, you must attach a copy of your passport particulars
page showing your name, date of birth, gender and photograph.
These soft copy documents, to be attached for submission along
with your application form, must be in image files in JPEG
format ('jpg' extension). Please ensure that the images are clear.
How long will the processing of the application take? How will I
be informed of the outcome?
WHP applications will be processed in 21 days. An e-mail will be
sent to you to inform you of the outcome of your application.
More Information on the Work Holiday Programme (Ministry of Manpower website)