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Published on 28 Jan 2026 by Una Z
Working as a domestic helper in Singapore doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of higher education. In fact, real stories from helpers show that with determination, good planning, and support, earning an online degree while working full-time is indeed possible, even if it’s not easy.
A real example: Siti’s journey
One inspiring example comes from Siti Mujiati, an Indonesian domestic helper who worked in Singapore while raising her children and managing her household duties. Despite her busy schedule, Siti pursued online classes over three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia Open University).
She balanced study on public transport, late at night after work, and early mornings before the next workday, all while saving up for her tuition. Her employer even supported her by giving her a laptop to help with her studies.
Siti’s story shows that it is possible with discipline, careful time management, and personal determination.
Source: Indonesian maid earns online degree while working in Singapore. (n.d.). Inquirer.Net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/291638/indonesian-maid-earns-online-degree-while-working-in-singapore
How helpers can make it work
Here are the key factors that helped Siti and others like her succeed:
- Flexible online programs: Online degrees from recognised institutions allow helpers to study at their own pace, often at times that fit around their work schedule.
- Self-motivation and time management: Studying while working full-time means sacrificing free time and requires strong commitment.
- Support systems: Encouragement from employers, help from community groups or charities, and access to resources (e.g., a laptop or internet access) can make a huge difference.
- Financial planning: Saving for tuition and other expenses is part of the journey; many helpers sacrifice leisure time and spend on courses from their own savings.
What helpers should know
- Legality of work and study: Domestic helpers on work permits cannot take additional paid work in Singapore, but taking unpaid online courses or study in your free time isn’t restricted. (Note: paid work outside your employer without a proper permit can lead to penalties.)
- Work permit requirements: To work in Singapore as a domestic helper, you must meet certain education criteria before coming here, typically at least 8 years of formal education, but that doesn’t stop you from studying more after you arrive.
- Use of free time: Helpers can use their rest days, evenings, and commutes to progress through study modules, the same way Siti did.
Support from charities and community groups
Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Singapore offer courses and learning opportunities tailored to domestic workers. While these are typically shorter skill-based programmes (e.g., financial management, computer skills, entrepreneurship), they can provide useful foundations for broader learning and sometimes inspire helpers to continue toward further education like an online degree. Organisations such as Aidha focus on empowering helpers with both practical and personal development skills.
In addition, platforms like Ministry of Helpers highlight and support domestic helper training programmes, including structured courses that help helpers build confidence, upgrade skills, and prepare for long-term personal and professional growth.
What this means for you
Yes, if you’re willing to commit the time, you can work toward an online degree while working as a domestic helper in Singapore. It won’t be easy, but the experiences of helpers like Siti show it’s possible. With careful planning, steady savings, smart use of free time, and support from your employer and community, you can build a future that includes both work and learning.
You might be interested in:
How to Prevent Domestic Helper Transfers in Singapore: A Practical Guide for Employers and Helpers
Fair Pay for Helpers: Understanding the 2025–2026 Domestic Workers Wage Hike in the Philippines
A Practical Guide for Domestic Helpers in Saudi Arabia
Understanding the Age Rules for Domestic Helpers in Singapore
How Do Helpers Decide Which Maid Agency or Hiring Platform to Join
Working as a domestic helper in Singapore doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of higher education. In fact, real stories from helpers show that with determination, good planning, and support, earning an online degree while working full-time is indeed possible, even if it’s not easy.
A real example: Siti’s journey
One inspiring example comes from Siti Mujiati, an Indonesian domestic helper who worked in Singapore while raising her children and managing her household duties. Despite her busy schedule, Siti pursued online classes over three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia Open University).
She balanced study on public transport, late at night after work, and early mornings before the next workday, all while saving up for her tuition. Her employer even supported her by giving her a laptop to help with her studies.
Siti’s story shows that it is possible with discipline, careful time management, and personal determination.
Source: Indonesian maid earns online degree while working in Singapore. (n.d.). Inquirer.Net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/291638/indonesian-maid-earns-online-degree-while-working-in-singapore
How helpers can make it work
Here are the key factors that helped Siti and others like her succeed:
- Flexible online programs: Online degrees from recognised institutions allow helpers to study at their own pace, often at times that fit around their work schedule.
- Self-motivation and time management: Studying while working full-time means sacrificing free time and requires strong commitment.
- Support systems: Encouragement from employers, help from community groups or charities, and access to resources (e.g., a laptop or internet access) can make a huge difference.
- Financial planning: Saving for tuition and other expenses is part of the journey; many helpers sacrifice leisure time and spend on courses from their own savings.
What helpers should know
- Legality of work and study: Domestic helpers on work permits cannot take additional paid work in Singapore, but taking unpaid online courses or study in your free time isn’t restricted. (Note: paid work outside your employer without a proper permit can lead to penalties.)
- Work permit requirements: To work in Singapore as a domestic helper, you must meet certain education criteria before coming here, typically at least 8 years of formal education, but that doesn’t stop you from studying more after you arrive.
- Use of free time: Helpers can use their rest days, evenings, and commutes to progress through study modules, the same way Siti did.
Support from charities and community groups
Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Singapore offer courses and learning opportunities tailored to domestic workers. While these are typically shorter skill-based programmes (e.g., financial management, computer skills, entrepreneurship), they can provide useful foundations for broader learning and sometimes inspire helpers to continue toward further education like an online degree. Organisations such as Aidha focus on empowering helpers with both practical and personal development skills.
In addition, platforms like Ministry of Helpers highlight and support domestic helper training programmes, including structured courses that help helpers build confidence, upgrade skills, and prepare for long-term personal and professional growth.
What this means for you
Yes, if you’re willing to commit the time, you can work toward an online degree while working as a domestic helper in Singapore. It won’t be easy, but the experiences of helpers like Siti show it’s possible. With careful planning, steady savings, smart use of free time, and support from your employer and community, you can build a future that includes both work and learning.
You might be interested in:
How to Prevent Domestic Helper Transfers in Singapore: A Practical Guide for Employers and Helpers
Fair Pay for Helpers: Understanding the 2025–2026 Domestic Workers Wage Hike in the Philippines
A Practical Guide for Domestic Helpers in Saudi Arabia
Understanding the Age Rules for Domestic Helpers in Singapore
How Do Helpers Decide Which Maid Agency or Hiring Platform to Join