By the WahLiao desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
Singapore’s Work Holiday Pass lets students and recent graduates aged 18 to 25 work and holiday here for up to six months. You must study, or have studied, full-time at a recognised university in one of ten countries or regions: Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States. MOM caps the programme at 2,000 pass holders at any one time, so apply early.
For a young graduate, it is the lightest way to try Singapore: no employer sponsorship to start, and time to work, travel and decide whether to come back on a full work pass.
Work Holiday Pass: quick facts
| Age | 18 to 25 when you apply |
| Who | Undergraduates and graduates of recognised universities in ten countries or regions |
| Undergraduates | Must have been resident, full-time students for at least 3 months before applying |
| Length | Up to 6 months |
| Cap | 2,000 pass holders at any one time |
| Regulated professions | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture and law need registration to practise |
The WahLiao Verdict
| Best for | Students and new graduates who want to try Singapore. |
| The catch | Six months only, and places are capped. |
| The money | Singapore is expensive; budget for rent before the first payslip. |
| Next step | A full work pass through an employer if you want to stay. |
| Check | Whether your university and country qualify. |
Who is eligible
MOM’s rules require you to be aged 18 to 25 when you apply, and an undergraduate or graduate of a university in one of the ten listed countries or regions, recognised by that government. Undergraduates must have been resident, full-time students for at least three months before applying; graduates must have been resident, full-time students.
What you can do
The pass lets you stay and work in Singapore for up to six months. If you will work in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture or law, you must meet the registration rules for practising here. Because the programme is capped at 2,000 holders at any time, applications may close when it is full.
After the six months
To stay longer, you need a different pass, usually an Employment Pass or S Pass applied for by an employer; see work passes explained. MOM also runs a separate work and holiday programme with different rules for some nationalities; check MOM’s pages for yours.
Work Holiday Pass: FAQ
Who can apply for Singapore’s Work Holiday Pass?
Students and graduates aged 18 to 25 of recognised universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States.
How long does the Work Holiday Pass last?
Up to six months.
Is there a limit on Work Holiday Passes?
Yes. MOM allows 2,000 pass holders at any one time.
Can I stay after my Work Holiday Pass ends?
Only on a different pass, such as an Employment Pass or S Pass applied for by an employer.
Read next
This page belongs to Moving to Singapore. For the cost of living, see a monthly household budget.
Sources checked 29 September 2026: MOM, eligibility for the Work Holiday Programme. General information, not immigration advice. Last updated 29 September 2026.
