Quick answer: Singapore runs two separate schemes, and they are often confused. The Work Holiday Programme is for students and graduates aged 18 to 25 from universities in 10 eligible countries, and the pass lasts up to 6 months. The Work and Holiday Visa Programme is for citizens of Australia or New Zealand aged 18 to 30, and that pass lasts 12 months and is issued only once. The Work Holiday Programme has a capacity limit of 2,000 pass holders at any one time.
If you have read that the pass is “6 months for 18 to 25” and also “12 months for 18 to 30”, both are right. They are different programmes.
The two schemes side by side
| Work Holiday Programme | Work and Holiday Visa Programme | |
|---|---|---|
| Age at application | 18 to 25 | 18 to 30 |
| Who qualifies | Undergraduate or graduate of a university in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States | Citizens of Australia or New Zealand |
| Study requirement | Undergraduates need at least 3 months of full-time study at the university before applying | A university degree, or the equivalent of 2 years of full-time undergraduate study |
| Pass duration | Up to 6 months | 12 months |
| How often | Subject to programme rules | Issued once only |
| Capacity | 2,000 pass holders at any one time | Set under the respective bilateral arrangement |
Note the difference in the test. The Work Holiday Programme looks at where you study, so a non-citizen studying at a qualifying university can be eligible. The Work and Holiday Visa Programme looks at citizenship.
What the pass lets you do
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work | You may take up employment in Singapore during the validity of the pass |
| Employers | You are not locked to a single employer for the whole period |
| Study | The pass is for working and holidaying, not for enrolling in a course of study |
| Family | Family passes are not part of these schemes |
| After it expires | It does not convert into another pass. A further stay needs a different pass, applied for on its own criteria |
Fees
MOM’s published application fee for a Work Holiday Pass has been S$175, with S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where the nationality requires one. Fees change, so confirm the current figure on MOM’s site before you apply.
How to apply
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check which of the two programmes you fit, by age, nationality and university |
| 2 | Apply online through MOM’s Work Holiday Pass e-Service |
| 3 | Pay the application fee |
| 4 | If approved, you receive an In-Principle Approval letter |
| 5 | Enter Singapore within the validity on the letter and complete the formalities |
You apply for yourself. No employer sponsorship is needed to get the pass, which is what makes it different from an Employment Pass or S Pass.
When it is the wrong pass
| Situation | Better option |
|---|---|
| You have a job offer and want to stay long term | Employment Pass or S Pass. See EP eligibility |
| You are over the age limit | A standard work pass |
| You want to study in Singapore | A Student’s Pass. See can a student pass holder work in Singapore |
| You only want to visit | A Short-Term Visit Pass. See our STVP guide |
| You want to settle here | Singapore PR, once you have a work history |
Our guide to every pass type sets out the full map.
How First Immigration can help
The work holiday schemes are designed to be applied for directly, and most applicants do not need help with them. Where we add value is the step after: if an employer wants to keep you beyond the pass, that is an Employment Pass or S Pass application with its own salary and COMPASS tests.
Book a free assessment through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Work Holiday Pass in Singapore?
A pass that lets eligible students and graduates work and holiday in Singapore. There are two schemes with different age limits and durations.
What is the age limit?
18 to 25 for the Work Holiday Programme, and 18 to 30 for the Work and Holiday Visa Programme.
How long does the pass last?
Up to 6 months under the Work Holiday Programme, and 12 months under the Work and Holiday Visa Programme.
Which countries are eligible for the Work Holiday Programme?
Undergraduates and graduates of universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Do I need to be a citizen of those countries?
For the Work Holiday Programme the test is the university you attend. For the Work and Holiday Visa Programme you must be a citizen of Australia or New Zealand.
Do I need a job offer first?
No. You apply for the pass yourself, without employer sponsorship.
How much does it cost?
MOM’s published fee has been S$175, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where required. Check the current figure before applying.
Is there a quota?
The Work Holiday Programme is capped at 2,000 pass holders at any one time.
Can I extend the pass?
No. A longer stay requires a different pass applied for on its own criteria.
Can my partner come with me?
Family passes are not part of these schemes.
Official sources: MOM, Work Holiday Programme eligibility, Work and Holiday Visa Programmes eligibility and key facts, and the Work Holiday Pass application pages.
Disclaimer: Criteria, fees and capacity limits are set by MOM and can change. Checked October 2026. Confirm current details on MOM’s website before applying.
Hiring, or applying for a work pass?
We review salary, COMPASS and documents before the application goes to MOM. See our Employment Pass service and S Pass service, or ask us about your case.
