FASS Internship Programme
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
FASSIP Eligibility, Pre-Requisites & Preclusions
If my internship requires a commitment of 6 months or longer, is it still eligible for FASSIP?
FASSIP internship course window are at least 12 weeks to 16 weeks (max) during the regular academic semesters, and 8 to 10 weeks (max) during the special term.
The internship to be submitted for FASSIP may vary 1 to 2 weeks from the course window dates. Please submit your FASSIP proposal according to the course window periods for our review.
If the internship requires a commitmtent for 6 months or longer, students may consider applying for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from FASHELP.
Can I apply for FASSIP if I have not fulfilled the pre-requisites?
No. You may not. FASSIP pre-requisites are as follows:
- Cohort 2018 to 2020: CFG1002 Career Catalyst
- Completed at least 2 regular semesters
- Good Disciplinary Record
- FAS2551A: FAS2551 FASS Internship
- FAS2552A: FAS2552 FASS Extended Internship
- FAS2553A: FAS2553 FASS Work Experience Internship
Can I use the same internship to enroll in both the FASSIP and another unit-bearing or non-unit-bearing internship course (e.g., department-administered internship course or CFG2101) within the same semester?
Restriction on Concurrent Enrollment:
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- Students enrolled in any FASSIP course (FAS2551, FAS2551A, FAS2552, FAS2552A, FAS2553, FAS2553A) are NOT permitted to use the same internship for any other unit-bearing internship course* in the same semester.
- If you are currently enrolled in any other unit-bearing internship course*, you cannot use the same internship for credit towards any FASSIP course (FAS2551, FAS2551A, FAS2552, FAS2552A, FAS2553, FAS2553A) during the same semester.
*This restriction includes, but is not limited to:
- Department-administered internships (compulsory or non-compulsory)
- CFG2101 NUS Vacation Internship Programme
- NOC unit-bearing internships
- Any other unit-bearing internship courses
Can I source for my own internship locally or overseas?
Yes. You are expected to source internships on your own. But all internships must be approved by the FASS Dean’s Office if it is to be performed under FASS IP. To have a self-sourced internship reviewed, please ensure that the internship is posted on NUS TalentConnect. International Internships which are conducted overseas and endorsed by NUS may apply for financial aids. Please refer to the CFG Internships website for more information.
Can I enroll in FASSIP while on SEP?
Students going on SEP are not allowed to enroll in any course during the SEP semester. Please refer to the “Important Information – Planning guidelines” section under Overview of Courses for more information.
Should I apply for Faculty/FASS Internship Programme or CFG2101 NUS Vacation Internship Programme?
Students who are ineligible for their Faculty/FASS Internship Programme modules may apply for CFG2101.
Students who are graduating in Semester 2 are not allowed to enrol in FASS Internship Programme /CFG2101 during the summer vacation in the same AY.
I am an international student. Must I apply for work pass for FASSIP?
No. You are exempt from work pass for FASS IP internship. According to the Ministry of Manpower advisory note, work pass is exempt for foreign students if the internship:
- Gains units and contributes towards graduation requirements, or
- Is conducted during the stipulated school vacation.
Guidelines can be found on MOM website.
I am an international student, do I have to pay income tax?
Generally, foreign students with educational institutions are exempt from income tax if they are only paid subsistence allowance to meet their daily expenses and board and lodging in Singapore.
Guidelines can be found on IRAS website.
FASSIP Course Guidelines
Will the Faculty/Department find an internship for me?
The Faculty/Department does not find internships for students, but we do assist in sourcing internship opportunities through our partnerships with companies/organisations and guides them to post their internships on NUS TalentConnect. You need to make your own applications and go through company/organisation selection processes yourself. Securing an internship on your own is intended to be part of the learning process.
Can I renege on an internship offer after accepting it?
You should consider an offer carefully and responsibly before accepting it. Once you have accepted the offer (may it be verbal or signing of contract), you are committed to honouring your contract by completing the internship.
Reneging an internship offer is not advisable unless you have valid reasons to do so (such as health issue, company being found to engage in unethical conduct or business, etc).
If you have valid reason/s to renege an offer, we would strongly encourage you to consult your Career Advisors @ FASS (https://fass.nus.edu.sg/career-preparation/career-services-current-student/) or the FASSIP administrator (mailto: fassip@nus.edu.sg) before making the final decision.
Please note that you must adhere to all course application deadlines and guidelines. Also, we will only review one FASSIP proposal per student each semester, and students are not allowed to make changes to their internship once it is approved for FASSIP.
Will there be a situation that I receive an “Unsatisfactory” grade for FASSIP?
Yes. There is a possibility that a student will receive an “Unsatisfactory” grade for FASS IP internship should any of the scenarios listed below happen:
- Unsatisfactory performance feedback by the employer, e.g. student is always late for work or is absent without leave.
- Student withdraws from the company without the consent of the employer and the Faculty
- Student fails to submit all the documents and report within the stipulated timeframe
- Student has serious disputes with the company
Do I need to inform my employer if I plan to use the internship to earn units under FASSIP for a unit-bearing internship course?
Please inform your employer that you intend to use this internship as part of a unit-bearing internship course through FASSIP. Kindly share the following link with them so they are aware of the course requirements and can provide any necessary support or documentation if your FASSIP internship proposal is approved: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/career-preparation/internship/fass-internship/employers-fassip/
What is the role of the Workplace Supervisor (WS)?
This is someone appointed by the employer to guide and review your internship progress. He/she will discuss with you the specifics of the internship and Work Plan, endorse your report before submission, and also provide feedback on your performance once the internship is completed.
Can I apply for leave during the internship?
Yes, in principle. However, leave is granted at the discretion of your employer. It is always best to seek approval from your employer in advance. Please note that students are responsible for the entire period of the FASS IP, i.e. minimum 8 weeks for Special Term or 12 weeks for Semester internship courses.
Am I allowed to take additional courses while enrolled in FAS2552/FAS2552A?
Students who are enrolled in FAS2552/FAS2552A are allowed to have a decreased workload (less than 18 Units) for the semester and are allowed to register for other courses provided they do not interfere with the internship. That being said, you must have a written acknowledgement and understanding from your instructor and your employer before you register for the additional courses.
What should I do if a dispute arises between me and the employer?
What are the roles of my FASSIP Academic Advisor (AA) assigned to my FASSIP course?
In order for students to benefit most from a structured internship under FASS IP, advice and guidance from an academic advisor are important. Specific responsibilities of the AA include:
- Evaluate student's performance with Work Plan, Journals, and Final Internship Report.
- Advice and guide you on the programme procedures, if needed.
- Establish contact with your Workplace Supervisor, if needed.
- Help troubleshoot problems that crop up between you and your employer, should the need arise
The FASS IP course administrator is the default academic advisor for your FASSIP course.
Who can I approach to be my AA, other than the one the Dean’s Office assigns to me by default?
Your AA could be any FASS faculty/staff member who knows you reasonably well. You are advised to secure his/her consent to be your AA before nominating. Through this arrangement, we hope that you get to associate more closely with a faculty member who can become your referee for future job applications.
I have accepted an internship offer after the FASSIP application deadline, can I still submit it via the FASSIP Online Form?
No. You must adhere to all course application deadlines and guidelines. Also, we will only review one FASSIP proposal per student, and students are not allowed to make changes to their internship once it is approved for FASSIP.
General Course Admin & Internship Support Letter FAQs
I have accepted an internship offer after the FASSIP application deadline, can I still submit it via the FASSIP Online Form?
No. You must adhere to all course application deadlines and guidelines.
Can I submit a fresh FASSIP application or change my internship company after my internship proposal is approved by FASSIP?
No. We will only review one FASSIP proposal per student each semester. Students are not allowed to make changes to their internship once it is approved for FASSIP, and are advised to consider their study plans before submitting their application to FASSIP.
Students undertaking the FASSIP internship during the semester are responsible for ensuring that they register for the correct courses to fulfill their degree requirements in a timely manner.
Please note that the internship cannot be used as an extenuating reason for missing classes of your other courses should the timetable clash with your work schedule. Therefore, please plan your courses around your work schedule or vice versa to avoid clashes.
If you need advice on your study plan or graduation requirements, please email FASHELP@nus.edu.sg. For further enquiries about FASSIP, please contact FASSIP@nus.edu.sg.
How long does it take for my internship proposal to be reviewed and processed after submitting my application via the FASSIP Online Form?
The FASSIP Administrator reviews applications on a fortnightly basis. Upon approval of your internship for FASSIP, the internship support letter will be sent within 5 to 7 working days. Please plan ahead to ensure that you do not miss any key timelines.
FASSIP Timelines & Milestones:
What is the process for obtaining an Internship Support Letter from NUS?
According to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) policy, students who undertake internships during vacation periods or as part of NUS-approved training programmes in Singapore are exempt from CPF contributions. For more details, please refer to the CPF website.
To support this exemption, students may request an Internship Support Letter from NUS, which can serve as a CPF exemption letter for employers.
If you are a FASS student:
The FASS Dean’s Office issues Internship Support Letters to employers for purposes such as:
- CPF/MOM work pass exemption
-
Internship funding opportunities
Support letters are issued only for students participating in:
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FASS Internship Programme (FASSIP) courses:
FAS2551, FAS2551A, FAS2552, FAS2552A, FAS2553, and FAS2553A, or -
Internships approved under a Leave of Absence (LOA).
For other types of internships:
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Non-unit-bearing internships during the semester: Please write to FASSIP@nus.edu.sg to request for the necessary support documentation.
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Vacation internships (May–August / December–January) are managed by the Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG).
For internships not under FASSIP or LOA, please reach out to CFG accordingly to seek advice or request the necessary support documentation.
Can I request Faculty/employer to write a deferment letter if I am recalled by MINDEF for ICT during the course of FASSIP?
No. You must go for ICT when required by MINDEF. Your employer must release you on unpaid leave for ICT.
Do I need to pay tuition fees for FASSIP courses?
Yes. You need to be a registered student and pay tuition fees for the units to be formally recognised. As a registered student, you retain access to student benefits, e.g. medical, library, computer and sports facilities during your internship semester. From AY2015/16 onwards, Special Term course fees are waived for internship courses FAS2553 and FAS2553A.
How should I manage my academic timetable and work load between my FASSIP internship and other courses?
Students undertaking the FASSIP internship during the semester are responsible for ensuring that they register for the correct courses to fulfill their degree requirements in a timely manner.
Please note that the internship cannot be used as an extenuating reason for missing classes of your other courses should the timetable clash with your work schedule. Therefore, please plan your courses around your work schedule or vice versa to avoid clashes.
If you need advice on your study plan or graduation requirements, please email FASHELP@nus.edu.sg. For further enquiries about FASSIP, please contact FASSIP@nus.edu.sg.
Will I be insured during FASSIP internship?
Tuition fees paid by students include University Health Scheme as well as Personal Accident Insurance. A brief summary of the coverage for personal accident coverage:
- 24-hour worldwide
- Death benefit: $30,000
- Permanent disability up to 150%, depending on disability
- Medical expenses relating to accident: $5,000 per accident
For details on Undergraduate Insurance Scheme, please click here for more information.
Employers are recommended to purchase additional insurance with higher coverage.
The University has purchased a blanket travel insurance policy to cover all students travelling overseas for activities or purposes approved, endorsed, organised, sponsored or authorised by NUS. Please click here for more information. Students going on overseas internships are advised to purchase additional insurance with more comprehensive coverage.
Contact Us
| Proof of Internship Offer submission and enquiries regarding FASS IP |
| FASS IP Administrator Email: fassip@nus.edu.sg |