Study in Singapore: How to Apply for a Student Pass and Visa

Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue high-quality education in a multicultural and safe environment. Singapore has many renowned institutions, such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) that offer a wide range of programs and courses for different levels and interests. 

However, before you can study in Singapore, you need to obtain a valid student pass and visa, which are the official documents that allow you to enter and continue to remain in the country during your academic program. 

What is a Student Pass and Visa for Singapore?

A Singapore student pass is a type of immigration pass that grants you permission to study in Singapore at an approved educational institution. A visa is a type of endorsement that allows you to enter Singapore for a specific purpose and period. Depending on your nationality and the length of your program, you may need both a student pass and a visa, or only a student pass, to study in Singapore.

According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA), you need to apply for a student pass unless you have:

• An Immigration Exemption Order, or
• A Short-Term Visit Pass at a Singapore Checkpoint and wish to attend a short course that is completed within 30 days or less.

You can check if you need a visa to enter Singapore by visiting the ICA website.

What are the Types of Student Passes and Visas for Singapore?

There are different types of student passes and visas for Singapore based on the duration and type of your program. Here are the common ones:

✔ Short-Term Student Pass

This is for students who want to attend a short course that is less than 30 days long. You do not need to apply for this pass in advance, but you need to have a valid Short-Term Visit Pass at the point of entry into Singapore. You also need to satisfy the followings:

• The course must be a complete and stand-alone module; courses with multiple program modules are excluded from the Singapore student pass scheme.
• The course must not include hands-on practical occupational training and/or industrial attachment that involves interacting with walk-in customers or is conducted at premises that are also a place of business (such as a salon).

✔ Long-Term Student Pass

This is for students who want to attend a full-time course that is more than 30 days long. You need to apply for this pass online through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system at least one month before the commencement of your course. Furthermore, you need to comply with these requirements:

• You must be enrolled in a full-time program that is authorized in Singapore.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Singapore.
• You must have adequate medical insurance coverage in Singapore.
• You must have good academic records and English proficiency.
• You must have no criminal records or adverse immigration history.

✔ Single-Entry Visa

This is for students who need a visa to enter Singapore for the first time. You need to apply for this visa together with your student pass application through SOLAR. Once your application is approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which will serve as your single-entry visa. You need to present this letter at the immigration checkpoint when you arrive in Singapore.

✔ Multiple-Entry Visa

This is for students who need a Singapore Student visa to enter multiple times during their course of study. You need to apply for this visa after you have collected your student pass from ICA or your educational institution. You can apply online through e-Service or in person at ICA.

Process and Cost of Applying for a Student Pass and Visa for Singapore

The process and cost of applying for a student pass and a Singapore student visa vary depending on your nationality, type of program, and educational institution. However, here are the steps that you must follow:

1. Check if you need a student pass and/or visa to study in Singapore by visiting the ICA website.
2. Apply online for a student pass through SOLAR at least one month before your course starts. You will need an SOLAR application number from your educational institution to do so.
3. Pay the application fee of SGD 30 (INR 1825) online through SOLAR.
4. If you need a visa, apply for it together with your student pass application through SOLAR. You will need to pay an additional fee of SGD 30 (INR 1825) for the visa.
5. Wait for the outcome of your application, which will be sent to you by email or post. If your application is approved, you will receive an IPA letter, which will serve as your single-entry visa (if applicable).
6. Print out the IPA letter and prepare the required documents for the collection of your student pass. These may include:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photo
• A copy of the IPA letter
• A medical report (if required)
• An original copy of your educational certificates and transcripts
• A signed declaration form
• A signed terms and conditions form
• A signed vaccination declaration form (if applicable)

1. Collect your student pass from ICA or your educational institution within two weeks of your arrival in Singapore. You will need to pay an issuance fee of SGD 60 (INR 3651) and a multiple-entry visa fee of SGD 30 (INR 1825) (if applicable) by NETS or CashCard.
2. If you need a multiple-entry visa, apply for it after you have collected your student pass from ICA or your educational institution. You can apply online through e-Service or in person at ICA.

For more information on your application process to study in Singapore, contact our immigration consultant at +91- 8595338595 or send us an email at web@studyabroadexpert.com.