Many international medical graduates (IMGs) imagine working as residents in the United States.
However, Singapore also offers opportunities to work as a resident physician, provided you meet certain conditions—and the compensation is among the best in the world.
This article explains the steps to work as a doctor in Singapore.
This article is written by OET Bank, where we specialize in helping healthcare professionals prepare for OET and support their overseas career opportunities.
Steps to Becoming a Doctor in Singapore
To work as a doctor in Singapore, there are five main steps:
- Graduate from a recognized medical school
- Accumulate at least three years of medical experience
- Meet the English language requirements
- Pass the interview process
- Obtain the appropriate visa
In other words, if you meet the educational and experience criteria and can demonstrate strong English proficiency, you may qualify to practice in Singapore. Unlike the U.S., there is no need to take exams like the USMLE, making this pathway somewhat less demanding.
Let’s look at each step in detail.
1. Graduate from a Recognized University
To work as a doctor in Singapore, you must graduate from a medical school listed by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC).
For example, in India, the following universities are recognized:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (from 2006)
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (from 2006)
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune (from 2006)
Only graduates from these universities (from the specified years onward) are eligible. Graduates of other universities are not eligible for direct employment as doctors in Singapore.
For the latest list of recognized schools, refer to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC)
website: smc.gov.sg.
2. Three Years of Work Experience
Another key requirement is at least three years of post-housemanship (postgraduate internship) experience at an acute hospital.
Housemanship in Singapore is equivalent to a two-year internship in many countries. However, this period does not count toward the required work experience—the three years must be as an independent doctor.
Additionally:
- The hospital must be an acute hospital, meaning it provides emergency care, surgeries, and inpatient treatment.
- The role must be as a Medical Officer (MO) or an equivalent position.
3. English Language Proficiency
Proof of English proficiency is essential. According to the SMC, the following tests are accepted:
- IELTS: Minimum 7.0 in each band
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 100, with at least 25 in each section
- OET: Minimum grade B (350 points) in each component
While any of these tests are accepted, OET is often the most practical choice for doctors. IELTS and TOEFL tend to be more challenging in the Speaking and Writing sections, whereas OET focuses on clinical English, making it both more relevant and useful for actual practice in Singapore.
4. Interview
Once you meet the English requirement, the next step is the interview process. This involves:
- An interview with an SMC-approved recruitment agency
- A hospital interview
Both interviews can be conducted via Zoom, so travel to Singapore is not required.
During the interview, your resume, English skills, clinical experience, and motivation to work in Singapore will be evaluated.
5. Visa Application
After successfully matching with a hospital, the visa process begins.
To work as a doctor, you need an Employment Pass (EP). This is the primary work visa for foreign professionals, and it requires meeting government standards for salary and qualifications.
Once the hospital signs you as an RP, they will sponsor your EP application. Upon approval, you can legally practice in Singapore.
Doctors holding an EP can also bring their families under the Dependent Pass (DP), which is available for spouses and unmarried children under 21.
This system allows IMGs not only to work in Singapore but also to move with their families.
Resident Physician vs Specialist (Consultant)
A crucial distinction in Singapore’s system is between Resident Physicians (RPs) and Specialists (Consultants).
- If you have not completed specialist training in major English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), you are typically only eligible to apply for Resident Physician roles.
- Even if you trained in a non-English-speaking country and later became a registered specialist in one of the above regions, applications are often rejected unless you have at least six years of substantial post-specialization experience.
- Without strong personal connections or an exceptional professional record, entry into consultant-level positions is extremely difficult.
For most IMGs, the realistic entry point is as a Resident Physician, with opportunities to progress over time.
If You Did Not Graduate from a Recognized University
If your medical degree is not from an SMC-listed university, you cannot register as a doctor in Singapore under normal conditions.
There are limited exceptions:
- Some doctors may work in non-SMC-registered private clinics (for example, expatriate-focused clinics).
- These positions are restricted by strict government quotas (around 30 per year) and are extremely competitive.
- Without SMC registration, clinical duties are restricted.
Another possible pathway: if you are already a specialist registered in countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Australia, and have years of clinical experience there, you may be eligible for Conditional Registration in Singapore.
Final Thoughts
This was an overview of how IMGs can work as doctors in Singapore.
English preparation often takes longer than expected, so start early. Singapore offers highly competitive salaries for Resident Physicians, typically including:
- Base salary: SGD 8,000 – 15,000/month
- Housing allowance: SGD 1,500 – 2,000/month
- Variable pay (on-call, night duties, overtime)
- Annual bonus: SGD 65,000 – 70,000
In addition, long-term employment can make you eligible for Permanent Residency.
For doctors seeking both strong career opportunities and a rewarding lifestyle in an English-speaking environment, Singapore is an excellent option.
If you’re preparing for OET, consider exploring our practice resources at OET Bank. They’re designed not just as mock tests, but as powerful review tools that make it easier to analyze weaknesses and focus on what’s needed to pass.