Singapore IB Summer Internship for EU Students
Hi all, first time posting. I am currently studying in the EU (target but not a UK uni, probably not known in Asia) and going to Taiwan as an exchange student next year (25-26). I have a conversational/advanced level in mandarin despite no asian roots, as well as bilingual in English and another european language. Have previous internships in IB at a top tier chinese IB in european office, tech strategy consulting, and most likely will be doing an IB internship this summer too.
With my background, would it be possible to land an internship in Singapore for summer 2026? If so, what should my strategy be when approaching this? Any tips for Singapore application processes as a foreigner are of great help. What firms should I target (BB/EB, Asian IBs, ¿PE firms?)? Is networking impactful to get interviews?
I have discarded internships in Taiwan and HK due to the requirement of proficiency in mandarin. It is a bit early but if possible would like to give it a fair shot. Any insight on when the processes start and requirements?
Investment banks in Singapore as relatively more school-agnostic than other places so I think you’re fine. But remember you gotta compete against nus/ntu/smu kids who are extremely smart and been grinding for internships ever since first year, plus most ppl who managed to receive offer had at least 1-2 big brand names on their CV (thinking big4, top local IBs, well-known MMs etc). But I think you’re good with your Chinese IB experience. And networking is not a thing in SG, like any Asian countries even in Europe so you just gotta apply early and pray lol, make sure your CVs are stacked with relevant work experiences, and if you managed to get the interviews, make sure your technicals are solid
agree but also recommend trying to figure out the whole sponsorship situation. Ive heard its not that easy to get.
Curious how it works for UK/EU students ngl, following
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Why don't you apply to Europe/London? i think u'll have relatively better chances. SG's ib SA/FT cohort HC pales in comparison to any other major region and basically all of it is taken up by Local students/singaporean from Ivies and Oxbridge. They also want people who can speak SEA languages.
Sponsorship / visa will be biggest hurdle. they aren't handing those out for free and they are much harder to get now. Working holiday visa might be a good option but from what I've heard is quite difficult. same with comment above, NTU/NUS kids will probably outperform you on 1. University name brand 2. familial connections 3. grades. Not saying don't do it just keep in mind the hurdles that will exist. your mandarin is a positive but again, lots of these guys are close to native or at least fluent / conversational on account of their upbringing. Best way into Singapore is get a job elsewhere and use the experience to convince a company to sponsor you.
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