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Part-Time Jobs for Students in Singapore: A Guide to Opportunities and Legal Rights

Jonathan Herbsman on April 8, 2025 at 9:49 am | Reading time: 2 minutes

Balancing studies with part-time work has become an increasingly common and rewarding choice for students in Singapore. Beyond providing financial independence, part-time jobs offer practical experience and essential life skills that prepare young individuals for the professional world. However, students must be aware of the legal framework and employment regulations that govern part-time work—particularly in popular sectors such as food & beverage (F&B), restaurants, and hospitality.

Legal Guidelines for Student Employment in Singapore

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore sets out clear guidelines on the employment of young persons and students. Understanding these legal boundaries is key to ensuring a safe and lawful working experience.

Minimum Working Age

  • 13 to 15 years old: Students in this age group are allowed to work only in non-industrial roles. Permissible jobs include retail assistance, clerical work, and selected roles in the F&B sector.
  • 16 years and above: Students aged 16 and older are legally permitted to take on most part-time roles, provided they comply with national labour regulations.

Working Hour Limitations

  • Ages 13–15: Limited to a maximum of 6 working hours per day and no more than 30 hours per week. Night shifts are strictly prohibited.
  • Ages 16+: Although fewer restrictions apply, students are encouraged to manage their time responsibly. Employers often design rosters that accommodate school schedules and examination periods.

Overtime and Rest Breaks

Under the Employment Act, employers must:

  • Ensure proper rest breaks during shifts.
  • Limit overtime hours.
  • Provide a safe and supportive working environment for young part-time workers.

Top Industries for Student Part-Time Jobs

Several sectors are especially attractive to students due to their flexibility and accessible entry-level roles.

1. Restaurants and F&B Industry

The F&B sector is one of the most student-friendly industries in Singapore, offering roles such as:

  • Waitstaff
  • Baristas
  • Kitchen assistants
  • Cashiers

These positions typically require minimal prior experience, making them ideal for students. They also foster transferable skills in customer service, teamwork, and multitasking.

2. Hospitality Sector

Jobs in the hospitality industry include:

  • Hotel receptionists
  • Event crew
  • Banquet servers
  • Housekeeping assistants

Working in hospitality sharpens interpersonal skills and offers insight into customer-facing roles. It’s also an excellent avenue for networking within one of Singapore’s most vibrant sectors.

How to Find Safe and Flexible Student Jobs

While opportunities abound, it’s vital to seek reputable employers who comply with local labour laws and respect students’ educational commitments. Jobs should be:

  • Flexible around school schedules
  • Located in safe, accessible environments
  • Aligned with the student’s personal and career development goals

Recommended Platform: Anytime Anywork

A trusted platform tailored for student jobseekers in Singapore, Anytime Anywork connects students with verified, flexible part-time opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a weekend shift at a café or evening event support roles, this platform offers a curated list of compliant and student-friendly positions in F&B, retail, events, and hospitality.

Final Thoughts

Part-time work offers students in Singapore much more than just extra income—it builds a foundation for future professional success. From learning responsibility and time management to developing valuable workplace skills, the experience can be profoundly enriching. To make the most of it, students should stay informed of their rights and seek out trusted employment platforms like Anytime Anywork, ensuring a positive and lawful work experience that complements their academic journey.

Jonathan Herbsman
Jonathan Herbsman

Jonathan Herbsman is the CEO and co-founder of Anytime AnyWork, a flexible staffing platform connecting businesses with reliable part-time workers in Singapore. With a deep understanding of the gig economy and a passion for empowering people through accessible work opportunities, Jonathan leads the company’s mission to revolutionize how businesses hire and how individuals find work. Driven by innovation and data, he combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to build scalable hiring solutions tailored to the needs of modern workplaces—especially in industries like F&B, retail, logistics, and events. Under his guidance, Anytime AnyWork has grown into a trusted platform for employers seeking quality staff and job seekers looking for flexible, on-demand roles. Jonathan regularly shares insights on workforce trends, part-time employment, and digital hiring strategies to help both employers and workers thrive in today’s fast-moving job market.