Work Holiday Programme
So you have just enrolled at a university, are graduating soon, or have just embarked on your career.
What are your options ahead? What could your future be like? There is a good place to channel all your knowledge and enthusiasm – a short-term work stint in Singapore that is exciting and full of promise.
The Work Holiday Programme (WHP)
Introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore , the Work Holiday Programme attracts university students and recent graduates of between 17 and 30 years of age, to a rewarding experience living and working in vibrant Singapore for six months.
Our cosmopolitan city offers you the chance to gain exposure in a modern workplace and immerse yourself in Asia’s cultures and way of life. Perfect for the young people who enjoy travel and new experiences, the WHP is your gateway to Singapore and the dynamic Asian market.
Opportunities Await you
You are free to look for your own job opportunities in Singapore. For a start, the host of job opportunities begins with Singapore’s growth industry sectors, which include biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace, interactive and digital media, financial services and accounting, and the tourism sector.
Prospective employers include top MNCs based in Singapore, along with local companies which serve the regional and global market. A sample of partner employers who have indicated interest to employ WHP holders is available here . Another good source of job opportunities is the Contact Singapore Job Portal. However, you are not restricted to these employers only. You can also choose to enlist in a structured internship programme with some of the companies. Suggested internship and job placement sites are here .
Eligibility
Contact Singapore (CS) welcomes full-time students, including those who have gained admission but have yet to commence study, and recent graduates below the age of 30 years, to apply for the Work Holiday Pass (WHP). Currently, only graduates from universities recognised at the national government level of the following 8 countries are eligible for the WHP: Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
Application procedures and more details on the WHP can be found at the MOM website.
Looking for Accommodation
Whilst in Singapore, a wide array of accommodation options are available from Singapore’s unique Housing Development Board (HDB) flats that offer quality living at affordable prices to landed properties and various hostels and boarding houses. For more information on where to live in Singapore, please visit the housing section.
Networking in Singapore
Contact Singapore organises networking events for newly arrived and current holders of the WHP to enable all of you to meet and widen your circle of contacts. These sessions also incorporate a segment of “Getting to Know Singapore” where a short guided tour / activity will be organized for you to appreciate Home away from home. Information on these activities can be found on our events calendar.
Who's Employing WHP Applicants?
Employers who offer internship and permanent positions can be found at www.jobsatsingapore.sg.
Other employers across sectors who welcome Work Holiday Pass holders:
Banking/Financeand Accounting Services
Engineering
Tourism & Hospitality (Hotels)
Tourism & Hospitality (Others)
Others