Working in Singapore
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Singapore
1,634
Main language(s) spoken in Singapore
English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
NA
It is compulsory to join the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
Yes
With the implementation of the Allied Health Professions Bill in May 2013, graduates must be from the Singapore’s Ministry of Health's recognised list of qualifications for registration without the need for certification examination:
https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/81/5838df1c-b514-422d-afb3-1d4f9aa6d416/OT%20List%20of%20Recognised%20Qualifications_May%202025.pdf (External) ↗
Those occupational therapy qualifications not on the list will need to sit for and pass the certification examination (called occupational therapy qualifying examination) to register.
https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/81/5838df1c-b514-422d-afb3-1d4f9aa6d416/OT%20List%20of%20Recognised%20Qualifications_May%202025.pdf (External) ↗
Those occupational therapy qualifications not on the list will need to sit for and pass the certification examination (called occupational therapy qualifying examination) to register.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
English
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
1. Have an offer of employment as an occupational therapist in Singapore.
2. Be of good standing/reputation/character through certificate of good standing provided by a country's registration board or educational institution awarding the occupational therapy qualification.
2. Be of good standing/reputation/character through certificate of good standing provided by a country's registration board or educational institution awarding the occupational therapy qualification.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
The following are links to the health and social sectors under the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social and Family Development respectively. There are other smaller private establishments for which we do not keep a comprehensive list:
https://e-services.ncss.gov.sg/Career/Job/Search (External) ↗, http://www.caretogobeyond.sg/ahp (External) ↗, https://www.moh.gov.sg/hpp/all-healthcare-professionals/useful-links (External) ↗, http://www.saot.org.sg (External) ↗
https://e-services.ncss.gov.sg/Career/Job/Search (External) ↗, http://www.caretogobeyond.sg/ahp (External) ↗, https://www.moh.gov.sg/hpp/all-healthcare-professionals/useful-links (External) ↗, http://www.saot.org.sg (External) ↗
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Singapore
Yes
Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in Singapore
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in Singapore
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in Singapore
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists and was last updated on 19th May 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Singapore
1