Email:info@astaachiever.com
Talk to Our Experts:+91 9991406306, +91 9871882724, +91 9911309699, +91 9911309695

Study in Singapore

Home
-
Study in Singapore

Singapore Student Visa (Student pass): A Complete Guide.

Singapore is one of the world’s top study destinations, and all international students need a Student Pass (visa) issued by ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) to study in Singapore for full-time courses.

1. Understand What a Student Pass Is

A Student Pass is a study visa that allows foreign students to stay in Singapore for the duration of their course.

You need a Student Pass if:

  • You are NOT a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • You want to pursue a full-time course at an EduTrust-certified school or a MOE-approved institution

🔸 Part-time courses do NOT qualify for a Student Pass.

2. Types of Singapore Study Passes

Type of Pass

Who Needs It

Student Pass

Students enrolled in full-time courses (Diploma, Degree, Masters, Language programs)

Training Employment Pass

Internships or industrial attachments

Short-Term Visit Pass

Short courses (less than 30 days)

For most students, the Student Pass is required. 

3. Check Eligibility

You must:

✔ Be accepted by a recognized Singapore educational institution

Examples:

  • NUS, NTU, SMU
  • Kaplan, PSB Academy
  • MDIS, James Cook University
  • Government schools & international schools

✔ Enroll in a full-time course

Part-time courses do NOT qualify.

✔ Submit application through the SOLAR+ system (explained below)

4. Required Documents (Checklist)

From Student

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

2. Recent passport-size photo

3. Birth certificate

4. Educational certificates / mark sheets

5. Admission letter from the school

6. Personal profile form (e-form 16)

7. Proof of financial ability:

o Bank statement (last 3–6 months)

o Fixed deposits

o Sponsor’s income proof/tax return

8. Medical examination form (if required)

9. Proof of accommodation (optional but useful)

From the School (Institution)

1. SOLAR+ Reference Number

2. Admission Confirmation Letter

3. School Registration Number

4. Course details

5. Fees and duration letter

5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Singapore uses the SOLAR+ System (Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration).

STEP 1: Receive Offer Letter from School

The institution accepts you and enters your details into SOLAR+.

They provide you:

  • SOLAR+ Application Number
  • Login Instructions for e-Form 16

STEP 2: Log in to SOLAR+ and Fill E-form 16

You must fill:

  • Personal details
  • Passport details
  • Family details
  • Education background
  • Financial sponsor details
  • Singapore address (temporary allowed)

Upload:

  • Passport copy
  • Photo
  • Certificates

STEP 3: Pay Processing Fee

ICA fees:

  • SGD 30 (application fee)
  • SGD 60 (issuance fee after approval)

Payment methods:

  • Debit/Credit card
  • PayNow
  • Internet banking

STEP 4: Submit Documents

Upload required documents in the portal. Make sure documents are:

✔ Clear
✔ In PDF format
✔ In English (or translation provided)

STEP 5: Wait for ICA Decision

Processing time:

  • 2–4 weeks for private colleges
  • 1–2 weeks for universities
  • Sometimes up to 8 weeks

STEP 6: Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

Once approved, the ICA issues an IPA Letter.

IPA Letter =
✔ Approval for Student Pass
✔ May act as a temporary visa to enter Singapore
✔ Contains instructions for medical check-up (if required)

STEP 7: Travel to Singapore

Carry:

  • IPA Letter
  • Admission letter
  • Passport
  • Fee/financial proof

At immigration, show the IPA letter.

You will be given a Visit Pass at the airport.

STEP 8: Medical Check-up (if required)

Tests usually include:

  • Physical exam
  • Chest X-ray
  • HIV blood test

You can do this:

  • In Singapore, OR
  • In your home country (depending on ICA instructions)

STEP 9: Book Appointment with ICA to Issue Student Pass

Visit the ICA Building for fingerprinting and document submission.

Bring:

  • Original passport
  • Photo
  • IPA letter
  • Medical report
  • Attendance pass

ICA issues:

  • A digital Student Pass (no physical card)

6. Working Rights on Student Pass

✔ University students:

Allowed to work up to 16 hours/week during term
Allowed full-time during vacations

✔ Private college students:

Usually NOT allowed to work
(depends on MOE regulations)

7. Conditions to Maintain Student Pass

You MUST:

✔ Maintain at least 90% attendance
✔ Pass your exams regularly
✔ Not work illegally
✔ Only stay in approved accommodation
✔ Renew your Student Pass before expiry

Failure may cause:

·        Suspension

·        Cancellation

·        Dependent visa rejection later

8. Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Insufficient funds

2. Weak academic background

3. Fake documents

4. Applying through unaccredited colleges

5. Inconsistent information

6. Low English proficiency

7. Previous visa refusals

9. Tips for a Successful Approval

✔ Choose a reputable institution
✔ Apply early (at least 2 months before intake)
✔ Maintain clean financial records
✔ Provide a genuine study purpose
✔ Upload documents clearly
✔ Do not hide past visa refusals

10. Post-Arrival Steps

After receiving the Student Pass:

  • Register with your institution
  • Attend orientation
  • Open a bank account
  • Apply for SingPass (Singapore digital identity)
  • Arrange housing
  • Attend classes regularly

Asta Achievers (Head Office)

Plot No. 27, Sector-28 Near DLF Phase-1,

Rapid Metro St. Golf Course Road,

Gurugram 122002, Haryana, India

Contact No. - 9871882724, 9991406306.     

Website: www.astaachiever.com

Email Id - info@astaachiever.com

Gurgaon (Branch Office)

3rd floor, JDM Square,

Maruti Kunj Rd, Sohna Road,

Gurgaon, Haryana 122102