Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Singapore

Getting into a top university in Singapore is a big win. And for many Indian students, it’s a dream come true. You’ve got access to amazing education, global job opportunities, and a safe, multicultural environment. But let’s be honest, it’s not cheap. Between tuition fees (which can be ₹12–30 lakhs a year) and monthly expenses like rent, food, transport, and internet, things add up quickly. 

That’s why many Indian students turn to part-time work. And it is not just to earn money, but also to gain independence and practical experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Who is allowed to work part-time as an international student
• What kinds of jobs Indian students usually take
• Where you can find these jobs (online and offline)
• How much you can expect to earn every month
• And what skills employers actually care about

So, if you’re ready to make the most of your student life in Singapore, and earn while you learn, this guide is for you.

Why Do Indian Students Look for Part-Time Jobs in Singapore?

Studying in Singapore is a dream come true for many Indian students. It has top unis, excellent courses and a multicultural environment. But to be honest, it also comes with a high price tag. From hefty tuition fees to monthly living costs, expenses can quickly stack up. On average, students spend:

• SGD 20,000–45,000 per year on tuition (INR 12–30 lakhs)
• SGD 1,200–2,500 per month on living costs (INR 74,000–1.5 lakhs)
• Extra for insurance, student pass, textbooks, and deposits

No wonder over 72% of international students in Singapore work part-time. And a large portion of them are Indian students. Here’s why part-time work is more than just a side hustle:

1. To Manage Daily Expenses: From rent to groceries, transport to mobile bills, everyday costs are high. A part-time job helps students stay financially stable without stressing over every dollar.

2. To Reduce Dependence on Parents: Instead of asking for money every few weeks, part-time income allows students to take charge of their budget.  It will also help you ease the financial load on families back home.

3. To Gain Global Work Experience: Jobs like tutoring, retail sales, or serving coffee teach real-world skills. Plus, having local work experience on your resume boosts your chances for internships or full-time jobs later.

4. To Build a Local Network: Working part-time helps students meet locals, colleagues, and fellow internationals. These contacts often turn into job referrals, freelance leads, or helpful mentors.

5. To Learn Soft Skills That Matter: Part-time jobs teach you how to manage time, solve problems, and communicate professionally. These are the skills recruiters genuinely care about.

What Are the Work Rules for Indian Students in Singapore?

Thinking about earning a bit on the side while studying in Singapore? You’re not alone. And honestly, it’s a smart move. But before you send that CV to a bubble tea shop or apply for a tutoring job, there’s something you must know. Singapore takes its work rules for international students very seriously. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have strict guidelines in place.

Break them, even by accident, and you risk losing your Student Pass, getting fined, or being banned from returning. Yikes. But don’t worry. If you’re studying at the right kind of university and stick to the allowed work hours, you’re good to go. Following is the work eligibility rules for Indian Students in Singapore:

What Are the Most Popular Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students?

Finding the “right” part-time job in Singapore isn’t just about earning extra cash. For most Indian students, it’s also about staying flexible, gaining work experience, and building confidence in a new country. The good news? Singapore’s job market is super student-friendly if you know where to look.

According to the 2024 Glints Career Insights Report, nearly 74% of international students in Singapore take up part-time roles in sectors like F&B, retail, education, and digital freelancing. Why? Because these roles offer flexible shifts, relatively easy entry, and quick payouts. Let’s explore the top part-time job categories where Indian students thrive:

Food & Beverage (F&B)

F&B roles are beginner friendly. They don’t require prior experience. And usually comes with flexible shifts that work well around class schedules. F&B made up 46% of all part-time listings on Glints and FastJobs in 2024. The average pay in food and beverage is SGD 10–14/hour (₹620–₹880). Following are the top roles in this industry: 

• Waitstaff & Cashiers: Restaurants like Toast Box, McDonald’s, and Starbucks frequently hire students for customer service and billing roles. You’ll need to be quick, friendly, and able to handle lunchtime rush hour. 
• Baristas: Coffee chains like KOI Thé and Coffee Bean often train you on the job. Bonus: You’ll get free drinks and a real feel for Singapore’s café culture. 
• Kitchen Assistants: If you’d rather work behind the scenes, kitchens offer part-time roles in prep work, cleaning, and plating. 

Retail & Sales Jobs

Retail roles are perfect for weekend shifts and require minimal technical skills. It requires people skills and reliability. It is best for students who are free on weekends or public holidays. The average pay for this is SGD 10–12/hour (₹620–₹750). Following are the top roles of this industry:

• Sales Assistants: Clothing and beauty stores like Uniqlo, Guardian, and Watsons look for part-timers to help customers, organize shelves, and restock.
• Cashiers: Common in department stores and supermarket chains. You’ll scan items, bag purchases, and handle basic billing software.

Tutoring & Academic Support

It offers great pay with minimal hours. And you get to use your academic strengths to help others. Nearly 1 in 5 Indian students opt for tutoring jobs by their second semester, according to the 2023 Singapore Student Living Report. The average pay in this industry is SGD 20–30/hour (₹1,200–₹1,800). Below are the top roles in tutoring & academic support:

• Private Tutors: Indian students often find gigs teaching Maths, Science, or English to schoolkids. Especially if you scored well in these subjects. Apps like Tutoroo and local WhatsApp groups are great places to start. 
• Teaching Assistants (TAs): Some universities hire students for lab sessions, grading, or helping professors manage tutorial groups.
• EdTech Interns: Work for learning startups creating lesson plans, moderating quizzes, or helping in curriculum development.

Freelancing & Digital Work

You can work from your hostel, choose your own hours, and earn more based on skills, not experience. You can find these jobs on Fiverr, Upwork, and local Facebook groups. The average pay in this is SGD 15–30/hour (₹900–₹1,800).  Popular roles in this industry include:

• Content Writers: Write blogs, website content, or product descriptions for local businesses, marketing agencies, or e-commerce brands.
• Graphic Designers: Students skilled in Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Figma can land part-time gigs designing logos, posters, or social media creatives.
• Digital Marketing Assistants: Help businesses with their Instagram pages, Google Ads, SEO strategies, and newsletters.                                                                                                                                            

Where Can Indian Students Find Part-Time Jobs in Singapore?

So, you’ve sorted your Student Pass and checked the legal rules great. Now comes the big question. Where are you going actually find a part-time job in Singapore? Truth is that the job hunt isn’t that scary here. As long as you know where to look. This place has a well-connected ecosystem of job platforms, campus services, and even casual walk-in hiring.

And for Indian students in particular, the mix of English-speaking employers and student-friendly roles makes it easier to land something flexible and decent-paying. According to the 2024 Glints Student Job Index, more than 65% of international students in Singapore found their first part-time job through either online portals or university referrals. So, let’s break down your top options, one by one:

1. Online Job Portals: Through them, it is easy to apply for jobs. They are sorted by industry and regularly updated with student-friendly roles. Below are some of the online platforms that will help you find part-time jobs in Singapore:

• JobStreet.sg: Singapore’s biggest hiring platform. You can filter for “Part-Time” or “Student Jobs” and even set up alerts.
• FastJobs – Great for quick-service roles in food, retail, and customer service. The app version is handy for applying on-the-go.
• MyCareersFuture – This one’s run by the Ministry of Manpower. It features verified listings and flags jobs that are “student-pass friendly.”

2. University Career Services: Your university wants you to succeed. These roles are usually vetted, legal, and sometimes on-campus. According to the 2023 Asia Student Work Study Report, 28% of Indian students found their first job through campus career services.

3. LinkedIn & Social Media: These platforms let you tap into less formal or last-minute openings you won’t find on job boards. DM local business pages if you see a hiring post, they often respond faster than through email.

4. Referrals & Networking: Singapore’s student communities are tight-knit. A single WhatsApp forward from a friend can land you a gig. In some courses, faculty members know about opportunities and recommend responsible students.

How Much Can You Earn from a Part-Time Job in Singapore?

Living in Singapore as a student comes with its financial challenges. From rent and transport to bubble tea cravings and weekend movie nights, the expenses stack up fast. That’s why many Indian students turn to part-time jobs. It is not just for survival, but to gain independence, save up, or even fund short getaways around Southeast Asia.

But how much can you actually earn? It really depends on what job you do, your experience level, and sometimes even when you work. For example, late-night shifts or weekend gigs often pay slightly more. Some roles also come with perks like free meals or weekly payouts. Below is a breakdown of common student-friendly jobs, their average hourly wages (in both SGD and INR), and what makes each one worth considering: 

What Skills Do Employers Look for in Student Part-Time Workers?

Singapore’s part-time job market is competitive, but in a good way. You don’t need a stacked resume or years of experience to get hired. What really makes you stand out are the soft skills you bring to the table. Singaporean employers expect student workers to be reliable, adaptable, and professional from Day 1. The city runs on efficiency, punctuality, and respect for structure. And yes, that applies to part-time roles too.

According to the 2024 Singapore Student Employment Trends Report, 82% of hiring managers preferred students with solid interpersonal skills. Why? Because a motivated and polite student often learns faster, fits in better, and causes fewer problems in customer-facing roles. Below are the top skills employers want in student part-time workers in Singapore:

Conclusion

Living in Singapore comes with its own set of expenses, but part-time jobs can make things a lot easier. You’re not just earning money, you’re learning life skills that will stay with you long after graduation. Part-time work helps you manage your budget, cut down on asking for money from home, and even fund short holidays. You’ll also build confidence, meet new people, and get a solid head start in your career.

And hey, if you’re still figuring out where to live while juggling studies and part-time work, we’ve got your back. At University Living, we help Indian students find safe, budget-friendly, and fully verified student accommodations across Singapore. Visit University Living and book your stay with just a few clicks.

Frequently Asked Questions