How to Get a DBS Bank Internship in Singapore

DBS Bank is consistently ranked as one of the best employers in Singapore and Asia. Their internship programmes are competitive, well-structured, and a strong launching pad for a career in finance or tech.

Why DBS?

• Asia's leading bank with operations across 18 markets
• Strong tech transformation — half the workforce is in technology roles
• Structured internship programmes with real project exposure
• High conversion rate to full-time roles for top performers
• One of the highest-paying internship employers in Singapore

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DBS Internship Programmes

1. DBS Summer Internship (Most Popular)

• Duration: 10–12 weeks (June – August)
• Who it's for: Penultimate-year undergraduates
• Divisions: Consumer Banking, Institutional Banking, Treasury & Markets, Technology & Operations, Risk, Finance
• Allowance: SGD 1,800 – 3,000/month depending on division

2. DBS Hack2Hire (Technology)

• Format: Hackathon-style interview combined with internship offer
• Who it's for: Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering students
• What to expect: Build a real product prototype in 48 hours; top performers get fast-tracked to offers

3. DBS Industrial Attachment (IA)

• Duration: 4–6 months
• Who it's for: Students on mandatory Industrial Attachment (NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUTD, UniSIM)
• More accessible — broader intake, less competitive than summer programme

4. DBS Part-Time Internship

• Available during academic semesters
• Limited intake, mostly in operations and support functions

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Application Timeline

Tip: Apply early. DBS uses rolling admissions and fills spots before the official deadline.

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The Application Process

Step 1: Online Application

Submit via the DBS Careers portal. You'll need:

• CV (1 page preferred)
• Academic transcript
• Cover letter (optional but recommended for IB/Treasury roles)

Step 2: Online Assessment

• Psychometric test: Numerical and verbal reasoning
• Video interview: 3–5 questions, 60–90 seconds each
• Takes around 1 week to receive

Step 3: Assessment Centre or Panel Interview

• Group case study or individual case presentation
• Competency-based interview questions
• For technology roles: coding challenge + technical interview

Step 4: Offer

Top candidates receive offers 2–4 weeks after the final round.

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Interview Tips

Competency questions to prepare for:

• "Tell me about a time you worked under pressure"
• "Describe a project where you had to lead a team"
• "Why DBS over other banks?"
• "What does DBS's digital transformation mean to you?"

For tech roles:

• Practise LeetCode (medium difficulty)
• Be ready to discuss system design basics
• Know DBS's tech stack: Java, Python, AWS, Kafka

Research these DBS initiatives:

• digibank (digital banking app)
• DBS PayLah!
• DBS LiveBetter ESG strategy
• DBS AI/ML Centre of Excellence

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What Interns Actually Do

Interns at DBS typically:

• Join a specific team and work on a defined project
• Present findings to senior management at end of internship
• Participate in intern cohort events and networking sessions
• Have access to a dedicated internship buddy and manager

Division experience varies significantly. Technology interns often ship real code. IBG and Treasury interns work on live deal support and market research. Risk interns build models and dashboards.

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Conversion to Full-Time

DBS actively converts strong interns to full-time Management Associates or graduate programme offers. The bar is high — standout performance, positive peer feedback, and strong management endorsement are required.

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Final Tips

1. Apply in October — not January when spots are gone
2. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant coursework and projects
3. Know your "Why DBS" answer cold — they ask it every round
4. Network on LinkedIn with current DBS interns 3–6 months before applying
5. Industrial Attachment is easier to get — if you miss summer, use IA as an entry point

Browse current DBS internships on Internship.sg