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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

You can stay and work for up to six months on the Work Holiday Programme.

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 (the form will be made available at a later date).

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.