A student visa is recognised in Singapore as a Student’s Pass. Are you going to study abroad in sunny Singapore? Like the mighty bird’s eye chilli native to this area, this tiny Southeast Asian country is small but packs a lot of fire. The education system in the country is considered among the strongest in the world. Some of Asia’s best universities are located here. More than just the “Crazy Rich Asians” spot, this is where you will be able to experience some of the most efficient public transport, the most mysterious hawker centres, and Asia’s best (though costly) bars.
If you’ve been admitted to a university in Singapore, congratulations! Luggage ready? Blessings sought by parents? Now, the next move is to get a Singapore Student Pass. Here’s what it takes you to remember.
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Do I Need a Singapore Student Pass to Apply?
To apply for a Student’s Pass, you must be admitted into an approved full-time course in Singapore, according to Singapore’s Immigration Checkpoint Authority (ICA). There is no eligibility for part-time classes and courses offered at night or on weekends.
Read More: Singapore Allows International Students to Come for New Semester
What Documents Should I Need?
ICA notes that before you apply for a Student’s Pass online, you will need the following documents ready:
- The Letter of Registration Approval from the school you wish to attend
- Biodata page of your travel documents
- Your personal details, including the list of countries you have previously resided in, your background in education, history of jobs and financial support
- Personal information (if applicable) about your parents, spouse, and siblings
- Your Singapore residential address and contact information
- Your address for your account
- A colour, digital, passport-sized photograph (taken within the last three months)
Read More: How to Get Singapore Work Permit Visa?
How Do You Apply for a Student’s Pass in Singapore?
Student Pass applications are made online through the Online Student Pass Application and Registration System (SOLAR), which can be completed once you have been admitted to a university in Singapore. When you have received the SOLAR application number on your acceptance letter, the application will be completed.
With the registration details given by your university, you will need to log in to SOLAR. You will need to complete eForm 16 once you have successfully logged in. Upon completion, insert a colour photograph of the new passport.
Submit the eForm 16 with a non-refundable processing charge of 30 Singaporean dollars using a credit/debit card from Visa or MasterCard – an American Express (AMEX) credit card or internet banking. After you have submitted it through SOLAR, you will need to print a copy of eForm 16 as you will need it to complete the formalities of the Student’s Pass later.
Please notice that Chinese people over the age of 19 who wish to pursue a non-graduate or postgraduate course in the field of language, commercial, vocational or fine arts (including a tuition programme from the University of London) at the EduTrust-Provisional Educational Institution may be required to attend an interview at the Embassy of Singapore in Beijing.
Read More: How to Apply for Singapore Visa?
Next, What Happens?
If your Student Pass application is accepted, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter that will show whether you need to pay a security deposit. The security deposit amount (if required) is as follows:
| Country / Region | Amount per person |
| Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and India | SG$5,000 |
| Indonesia, The Philippines and Thailand | SG$1,000 |
| Others | SG$1,500 |
You are exempted from paying a security deposit if you are:
- A Malaysian or Brunei resident
- A legal Dependant’s Pass holder, Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass holder
- The child or spouse of a citizen of Singapore or Permanent Resident (PR)
- An international student at an EduTrust-accredited PEO (Private Education Organization) attending a full-time course
- An international student enrolled in a full-time (graduate or postgraduate) university programme, with the exception of tuition programmes at the University of London, in an EduTrust-provisional PEO programme
- Under 16 years of age when applying for your Student Pass
- If you have left Singapore and have not violated any of the conditions listed in the safety bond, the security deposit is refundable.
For a Singapore Student’s Pass, How Long Does It Take to Process a New Application?
The general processing period for a new Student’s Pass is approximately four weeks (two weeks for an EduTrust-accredited PEI) from the date your completed application is received, ICA says. Do remember that it can take longer to process certain applications. You will be informed of your application result via the e-Service.
Your Student Pass selection
ICA will give you an IPA letter if your application is successful. Your Student’s Pass will only be given if all the requirements set out in this letter are fulfilled by you. All the papers mentioned in your IPA letter will need to be taken to the ICA Building. You will need to make an appointment with the ICA to pick up your Student Pass before you can do that.
In order to receive your Student’s Pass, ICA notes that you must be in Singapore with a valid immigration pass. The visa will be included in your IPA letter if you need a visa to enter Singapore for this reason. By generating the IPA letter at the immigration checkpoint where you will be given a Visit Pass, you can enter Singapore.
Prepare SG$60 for Student Pass issuance. Click here for FAQs about Singapore’s Student Pass.
Read More: Why are International Students Choosing Singapore to Study Abroad?
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