If you're a Singaporean aged 18-30 and currently studying or a recent graduate, the Work Exchange Programme may be perfect for you!
Want to have the option of travelling for up to 6 months in New Zealand? If you're an undergraduate or recent graduate of a Singaporean University or polytechnic institute, aged 18 – 30, the Work Exchange Programme visa could provide you with the opportunity to explore New Zealand!

Experience the best on offer: from stunning scenery to extreme adventures, café culture to playing soccer with new mates. You can do it all while enjoying New Zealand's clean, green, laidback lifestyle.

The Work Exchange Programme is sometimes referred to as a Working Holiday Scheme. However, Work Exchange Programme visas are unique to Singapore.

The benefits of a Work Exchange Programme are numerous. You can work for 6 months, travel, take a short training course – or do a mix of all three. With the Work Exchange Programme, you can take a job with one employer for up to 3 months – although you can work for as many employers as you like during your time in New Zealand – encouraging you to trial a variety of work opportunities.

To be eligible for the Work Exchange Programme you must:

• Have a Singapore passport that's valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand
• Be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old
• Hold a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• Have a minimum of NZ$2,250 available funds to meet your living costs while you're here
• Meet our health requirements - you must have an acceptable standard of health. If you have active pulmonary tuberculosis or a high probability of needing publicly funded health services, you're likely to be denied a visa.
  • Note: Being from Singapore or Malaysia, you'll have to provide a Temporary Entry X-Ray Certificate.
    Click here to access the form you'll use. If you're currently living in Singapore, you can go to any registered doctor to complete your Temporary Entry X-Ray Certificate.
• hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the length of your stay
• Meet our character requirements – while you won't need to provide a police certificate, you'll need to answer several questions to prove you're not a threat to the security or wellbeing of New Zealanders
• Not bring children with you
• Be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work being a secondary intention for your visit
• Not have been approved a visa or permit under a Work Exchange Programme before.

Also, depending on your student enrolment status, different requirements will apply:

If you're an undergraduate you must be registered with a Singapore university or polytechnic. You can either participate on an agreed exchange between your tertiary institute in Singapore and one in New Zealand or arrange your own employment directly with a New Zealand employer.

If you're a graduate of a Singapore university or polytechnic you must apply for the Work Exchange Programme within three years from the date of your graduation.

Once you've decided that the Work Exchange Programme is what you’re looking for, you can conveniently apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website! Even better, approval for a Work Exchange Programme is often granted within days. The fee for applying for the Work Exchange Programmes visa is SGD$116. Visit Immigration New Zealand to learn more about how to apply for the Work Exchange Programme..

One reason to act now? New Zealand only offers 200 Singapore Work Exchange Programme visas each year. The scheme runs from 1November each year. Make sure you don't lose out on your spot!