How hard is it for international students without PR to get into investment banking or other finance roles after NUS MFin?

Question

Many applicants are concerned about visa hurdles and local preference in Singapore. How realistic are placements in IB, PE, or asset management for NUS MFin internationals, and is the ROI worth it?

Hema A · Accepted Answer

Yes, it is hard for international students without PR to break into investment banking in Singapore after NUS MFin, though not impossible. Visa sponsorship is the biggest hurdle since many banks prefer locals or PRs to avoid extra paperwork. As a result, only a small number of international graduates land IB or PE roles, and those usually come with strong CFA progress, prior internships, or a very high GMAT Focus score.
More realistic outcomes for internationals are in corporate banking, asset management, or risk analytics, where firms are more open to sponsoring work passes. Average salaries for these roles range between SGD 60,000&ndash;75,000, while IB can cross SGD 90,000 if secured. With tuition and living costs of about SGD 100,000&ndash;110,000, ROI is achievable in 2&ndash;3 years for those who get placed in Singapore, but the competition makes it harder for internationals compared to locals.

V Ritik · Answer

The toughest part isn&rsquo;t the program itself &mdash; it&rsquo;s the job market after.

Investment banking seats in Singapore are very limited, and banks prefer PRs, so internationals face steep odds unless they already have IB internships or CFA Level 2/3.
Private equity is even harder for fresh grads, as firms in Singapore typically hire laterally.
Asset management and wealth management are more accessible. Big firms like GIC, Temasek, or BlackRock hire NUS grads, and these roles pay around SGD 65,000&ndash;75,000 starting.
Networking is critical. Many internationals who make it credit alumni referrals or internship conversions rather than just applying online.
From an ROI perspective, the degree pays off if you stay in Singapore for a few years, but returning home right after can make repayment tougher since salaries in India are much lower.

So while IB is possible for a few, asset management and corporate finance are more realistic pathways for internationals after NUS MFin.
For more details you can read this blog on "NUS MFIN"

Shruti T · Answer

Breaking into investment banking or PE in Singapore after NUS MFin is tough for internationals, mainly because banks here often prefer citizens or PRs for front-office roles. The visa process adds another layer of complexity, especially at big global banks that already have strong local pipelines.
That said, internationals do get placed, but usually in smaller boutiques, corporate banking, or asset management firms where niche skills or language ability make them stand out. The program&rsquo;s brand and network help open doors, but most students need to be flexible about starting in middle-office, risk, or advisory roles before moving into IB.
For ROI, front-office IB roles in Singapore can pay SGD 90k&ndash;120k early on, but internationals more often start with packages in the SGD 60k&ndash;80k range. It&rsquo;s realistic if you&rsquo;re open to related tracks and regional opportunities, less so if the only goal is IB in Singapore.

D. Aarav · Answer

Landing IB or PE roles in Singapore as an international from NUS MFin is possible, but not common. The market leans heavily toward locals for front-office jobs, so internationals often have to work harder to prove value.
&bull; Top IB and PE seats are limited, so many internationals start in corporate banking, risk, or consulting before transitioning. &bull; Moving into IB/PE can take 2&ndash;3 years of experience after graduation, usually by leveraging skills from middle-office or corporate banking roles. &bull; Asset management is slightly more open, especially if you bring CFA credentials or strong quant skills. &bull; Language can be an advantage &mdash; Mandarin or another Asian language sometimes helps in regional roles. &bull; ROI is often realized through regional mobility. Alumni without PR often move to Hong Kong, Dubai, or back to India, where pay scales can still justify the tuition.
The path exists, but it&rsquo;s usually indirect, and patience plus flexibility are key.