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
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Recent passport-size photo
Birth certificate
Educational certificates / mark sheets
Admission letter from the school
Personal profile form (e-form 16)
Proof of financial ability:
Bank statement (last 3–6 months)
Fixed deposits
Sponsor’s income proof/tax return
Medical examination form (if required)
Proof of accommodation (optional but useful)
From the School (Institution)
SOLAR+ Reference Number
Admission Confirmation Letter
School Registration Number
Course details
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
Insufficient funds
Weak academic background
Fake documents
Applying through unaccredited colleges
Inconsistent information
Low English proficiency
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
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