As an international applicant, how hard is it to secure a finance job in Singapore after the MFin, considering work‑permit rules?

Question

S Raghav · Accepted Answer

Securing a finance job in Singapore after the NUS MFin can be challenging for international students mainly because of visa restrictions. Employers generally prefer candidates who are already PRs or citizens, since it saves them the hassle of passes and approvals. This doesn&rsquo;t mean internationals are shut out, but competition is very high.
Most internationals who do land roles end up in areas like risk management, fintech, or corporate banking rather than front-office investment banking. Networking plays a huge role &mdash; many students rely on alumni connections or internships to make it work. One aspect that&rsquo;s not often discussed is language. While English is the working language, Mandarin gives an edge in client-facing roles, which can limit opportunities if that skill is missing.
On salaries, entry-level finance roles for MFin grads in Singapore typically fall in the SGD 55,000&ndash;70,000 range per year, with investment banking on the higher side if secured.

B.K Sharma · Answer

Plenty of students worry about this, and the concern is valid. Getting into finance in Singapore as a non-PR isn&rsquo;t straightforward, but it&rsquo;s not impossible either.

Large banks and MNCs are more open to sponsoring work permits compared to boutique firms.
NUS career services usually connect students with internships, and these short stints often turn into full-time roles if performance is good.
Jobs in investment banking are limited, but areas like treasury, wealth management, and compliance see more international hires.
Recruiters value strong quantitative skills, so having certifications like CFA or experience in analytics makes an applicant stand out.

For salaries, graduates entering roles in areas like corporate banking, wealth management, or compliance can expect around SGD 55,000&ndash;65,000 annually, while those who break into investment banking or markets see packages closer to SGD 80,000&ndash;90,000. One underrated approach is to look at regional roles &mdash; some firms hire in Singapore but post you in Hong Kong or India for the first year. It&rsquo;s a workaround that still leverages the NUS brand and eventually helps transition back to Singapore.
For more details you can read this blog on "National University of Singapore MFin"

Ishaan M · Answer

Landing a finance job in Singapore after the NUS MFin is achievable, but it&rsquo;s quite competitive for international students because of work-permit regulations. Many graduates secure roles in banks, asset management, and fintech, but firms prioritize candidates eligible for local employment passes.
Singapore&rsquo;s Employment Pass (EP) now uses a COMPASS points system, where salary level, university ranking, and job relevance affect approval. Graduates from globally recognized schools like NUS often meet the criteria, but smaller firms may hesitate due to visa processing complexity.
Most international students who land roles do so through on-campus placements, internships, or prior experience in finance. With strong grades, networking, and internship exposure, finding a job in Singapore is realistic &mdash; though it may take longer than it does for local applicants.