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Student Internship Programme

Student Internship Programme (SIP) provides students with the opportunity to relate their academic learning in their course of study to a relevant work environment. This experience will facilitate their ability to adapt when joining the workforce in the future.


SIP is usually carried out with local organisations in a relevant industry where students undertake various activities and experience problem-solving in practical, real-life situations. Alternatively, SIP can be held overseas (OSIP), where students can gain global exposure and valuable life skills. 


Please click here for more information on OSIP. 

Internship Period

SIP starts between March and October and the duration generally ranges from 16 to 26 weeks. Please click here to view the internship duration and available period of the participating diplomas.


The polytechnic processes the SIP applications as early as four months before the respective SIP periods to allow sufficient time for clarification, processing and allocation. We encourage organisations to apply early to secure placements.

Application Form


We welcome you to be our partner-in-training, both in Singapore and/or overseas. Based on your internship requirements, please refer to the specific schools for their SIP information and their relevant application forms below. For more information, please contact the specific schools. 

 

School

Contact

SIP Application Form

Application Closing Date for AY24/25

School of Applied Science

 

ascsip@tp.edu.sg

Click here

Closes six weeks before SIP starts, subject to early fulfilment. However, ‘late’ requests are still welcomed for shuffles due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

School of Business

 

bussip@tp.edu.sg

Click here

24 Nov 2023 (BUS, CCM, CMM & ITL)

 

26 Apr 2024 (A&F, LAW, MKG, HTM)

 

School of Design

 

dessip@tp.edu.sg

Click here

Two months before SIP start date

 

School of Engineering

 

engsip@tp.edu.sg

Click here

Two months before SIP start date

 

School of Humanities & Social Sciences

 

hsssip@tp.edu.sg

Click here

End of April

School of Informatics & IT

 

iitsip@tp.edu.sg

Click here

One month before SIP start date

 

 

Questions? Please visit the SIP FAQ.


For information on TP’s full-time diploma courses, click here.

SIP Mentorship 

In line with the SkillsFuture movement, our polytechnic encourages organisations to provide mentorship to our students. The role of this mentor is different from the day-to-day internship work supervision and guidance typically undertaken by an assigned supervisor. A mentor takes on a long-term view to provide guidance, support, encouragement and inspiration to his/her student through sharing knowledge and experience relevant to work, career and/or professional development. 

If you would like to view the one-page infographic which provides a summary of the video, please click here.

Internship Funding

Enterprise Singapore (ESG)

The Global Ready Talent Programme (Internships) by ESG supports enterprises that are keen to build talent pipeline to support expansion plans. Singapore enterprises offering student internships to Institute of Technical Education (ITEs), Polytechnics and Universities are eligible for up to 70% funding on the monthly internship stipend. You could visit the ESG website for more information on the funding.

 

The programme also supports enterprises in building a young talent pipeline for their expansion plans through overseas internships. Please click here for information on the overseas funding.

 

 

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

Under the Internship Reimbursement Scheme, MPA supports maritime-related business entity providing internship opportunities to local students. Maritime-related business entities would include companies in the port, shipping and maritime services (e.g. maritime finance, law, insurance) sectors. You could visit MPA website for more information on the Talent@MaritimeSingapore programme.

SIP FAQ

What can the Student Internship Programme (SIP) offer Industry Partners?

What can the Student Internship Programme (SIP) offer Industry Partners?

Students taking part in the internship programme locally (SIP) or overseas (OSIP) are final year students of Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Their capability is determined by the course of study. You can find the relevant SIP diplomas here.

Industry partners can access a pool of students who are well-equipped with in-demand skills and can provide a fresh perspective on processes, ideas and projects. You gain interns who are passionate about what they do, hungry to learn and eager to contribute to the organization.

Beyond these, industry partners may also find students that are suitable for full-time employment post-graduation. 

How long is the internship attachment?

How long is the internship attachment?

The duration of the internship generally ranges from 16 to 26 weeks and it varies for the different diplomas. Click here for SIP dates.

How does the Student Internship Programme (SIP) work?

How does the Student Internship Programme (SIP) work?

SIP can be held locally or overseas. Participating organisations undertake the following key responsibilities:-

  • Training Programme

Submit the Student Internship Programme (SIP) Application Form and provide the interns' training programme/project outline/job scope. This form will help identify the nature of training the student will be receiving and match the right student (in terms of specialisation) to the job.

The organisation is required to work with the polytechnic on a set of mutually agreed learning outcomes before the SIP commences. The training programme should provide relevant learning activities that will lead interns towards the desired learning outcomes. These learning outcomes and training programmes will prepare students for the organisation’s expectations and requirements.

  • Organisation Supervision

Student Internship Programme (SIP) intern should have an in-organisation supervisor to oversee his/her performance. This will help ensure compliance with job requirements and practices of the organisation. At the end of the SIP, the supervisor will assess the performance of the intern; ascertain if opportunities are given to him/her and if the desired learning outcomes are met.

In addition, the organisation supervisor will oversee matters such as endorsing the daily attendance, verifying the intern’s record of activities, supervising his/her training, etc. If there are any doubts, organisation supervisor can co-ordinate with the Liaison Officer assigned by the polytechnic.

  • Liaison Officer

One or more assigned TP staff will act as Liaison Officer(s) between the organisation and the interns. The organisation will liaise with the Liaison Officer (LO) from the polytechnic on all matters relating to the SIP interns.

The role of the LO is NOT to provide technical advice/assistance to interns or the project(s) assigned to the interns.  His/her role is to mediate on any issues, if any, arising between the organisation and the interns. 

  • Performance Appraisal

The organisation, in particular the supervisor, will be required to provide feedback on the performance of each SIP intern by completing a Performance Appraisal Form. This will be submitted to the polytechnic through the Liaison Officer at the end of the attachment period.  The overall result will be recorded in the intern’s transcript.

When can I apply for SIP?

When can I apply for SIP?

SIP takes place every academic year (click here for the Academic Calendar). The polytechnic begins to process the SIP applications as early as four months before the commencement of the respective SIP periods (click here for SIP dates). This is to allow sufficient time for clarification, processing and allocation. The polytechnic encourages organisations to apply early to secure placements. Please refer to the information here.

How much do I have to pay the student interns?

How much do I have to pay the student interns?

The amount differs amongst different industry sectors. As a general observation, the minimum amount ranges from S$450 to S$850 (inclusive of public holidays). Allowance should be paid directly to the intern by cash, cheque or through a bank transfer.

Organisation should inform the polytechnic in advance on payment/non-payment of other allowances such as overtime. Although overtime is not encouraged, off-in-lieu is expected for work beyond 44 hours per week. The overtime work should be limited to 12 hours per day and not more than 72 hours of overtime work per month.

For an Overseas SIP (OSIP), the polytechnic will cover the student’s airfare (inclusive of airport taxes) and VISA application, subject to a cap of S$1,000. It is recommended that participating organisation provides accommodation and/or an allowance to the interns, though this is not a requirement. Nonetheless, organisation is requested to assist the interns to make accommodation arrangement regardless of whether free accommodation is given.

Is there CPF Contribution & Work Permit Requirement?

Is there CPF Contribution & Work Permit Requirement?

Participating organisation need not:

  • Contribute to the Central Provident Fund and Skills Development Fund.
  • Apply for work permit for non-Singapore citizen student.

What are the working hours of the interns?

What are the working hours of the interns?

Interns are generally expected to follow the operating hours of the organisations to which they are attached. If shift work is required, this should be made known to the polytechnic before the internship commences.

The total number of working hours for each intern should not exceed 12 hours (including overtime) in a day and the total number of working hours should not exceed 44 hours per work-week to align with the Ministry of Manpower’s Singapore Employment Act. Interns should also be given a reasonable break time for meals.

All interns should work in the organisation’s premises made known to the polytechnic. Liaison Officer must be informed of alternate arrangements, if any. 

Can my organisation select/interview the students?

Can my organisation select/interview the students?

It is possible for the polytechnic to work with your organisation to identify student(s) for the internship position(s) and arrange for appropriate interview(s).

How does Overseas SIP (OSIP) work?

How does Overseas SIP (OSIP) work?

Organisations keen on participating in our OSIP scheme may choose one of the following models of collaboration:-

  • Interns are assigned to your organisation for the entire period of the work attachment. This scheme is the most common model of OSIP.
  • Interns work in your Singapore branch/office for a period of time, followed by a stint in your overseas branch/office.
  • Interns undertake project work on the polytechnic's campus in Singapore followed by an overseas attachment for the rest of the attachment period. This scheme will allow the students to complete part or all of the development work in Singapore, and allow time for them to install/implement the system and conduct training on how to operate the system/machine within your organisation.

It is recommended that interns go in pairs i.e. two students of the same gender.  This is because two interns can be housed together for cost consideration and companionship.

Subject to negotiation, the host organisation should work with the polytechnic and assist in the following (where possible):

  1. Provide or source for suitable accommodation for the interns.
  2. Advise on insurance coverage/ immigration requirements for interns (if applicable).
  3. Liaise with the local authorities regarding the necessary documentation for the interns (if necessary).
  4. Arrange transfers to & from airport/train/coach station.
  5. Provide a letter indicating that the company will sponsor the interns during their stay in the host country. This letter is necessary for the interns to apply for the student visas.

What is the notification period prior to overseas trips?

What is the notification period prior to overseas trips?

Parental consent is needed for all overseas attachments/assignments. They are subject to the polytechnic's approval as well.

It is good to give sufficient time for the interns to prepare for the trips and comply with relevant requirements such as vaccination and regulatory clearance.

  • At least three months from the departure date is required for working outside Singapore for the entire period.
  • At least three weeks in advance from the departure date is needed in the case of short trips (e.g. a few days to two weeks) to neighbouring countries.

Who can I reach out to for more information?

Who can I reach out to for more information?

Please contact the relevant schools directly here.

For general enquiries, you may contact internship@tp.edu.sg

For overseas SIP (OSIP), please contact irhotline@tp.edu.sg

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