You Need to Know about Singapore Student Visa Requirements

Type of Visa

Singapore Student Visa

Cost of Visa

SGD 30 for registration and SG$60 for issuance

How to Apply

Register on the website of your chosen university

Essential facts

Understanding the Singapore SOLAR system and the ICA requirements

Singapore's education system continues to excel globally. In the 2022 PISA rankings, Singapore topped the charts with an impressive overall score of 560, maintaining its position as a leader in education.

Regarding universities, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) continue to be highly ranked, both ranking within the top 15 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

Not surprisingly, Singapore is a popular study abroad destination for Indians. Its proximity to India also helps its case.

If you have managed to get an admission into one of the country's institutes of higher learning, then the first thing you will need is a student visa. We've got you covered. Here's all you need to know about Singapore student visa requirements for Indian students.

(*PISA stands for Programme for International Student Assessment. It measures 15-year-olds' ability in reading, mathematics and science in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.)

Singapore Study Visa

Singapore Study Visa - An Introduction

In Singapore, a student visa is referred to as a Student’s Pass (STP), and universities in this country are known as Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). As an international student in Singapore, intending to attend any academic program lasting more than 30 days, you must apply for this student pass. Your visa or pass application is submitted to the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration or SOLAR system, the country's official registration system.

Student pass applications are processed directly by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for applicants up to 18 years who wish to attend a private institution. Students above the age of 21, who wish to study vocational, commercial, language or fine arts courses, may be asked to appear for an interview.

When to Apply For
A Singapore Student Visa

Singapore Study Visa

You can begin applying for your student visa to Singapore after receiving a formal, written invitation to join an IHL. Singapore study visa applications are usually processed swiftly. In most cases, if you have complied with all the Singapore study visa requirements, you may get your visa within 15 days to a month. However, sometimes the immigration officers may need more information. They may ask students to appear for an interview at the embassy. In such cases, it can take up to four months for the student pass to be processed.

 

Universities typically insist that you file your visa application at least a month before your course commencement date, academic year or semester is due to begin. But it is better to start the visa process at least two months in advance.

Types of Singapore Student Visas

Singapore has only one study visa -- the student pass. This pass is accepted in all 34 IHLs in Singapore that accept international students. But there are variants of the pass.

  1. Student Pass based on the type of program you wish to attend

    Depending on the length of the program you intend to attend, you can apply for a short term or a long-term student pass. The short-term pass is ideal for students planning to attend certificate or diploma courses, typically lasting for up to 3 months. If you wish to gain admission in a bachelor's or master's program, you will need a long-term pass.

  1. Student Pass based on the type of program you wish to attend

    Your student pass typically includes details of the course you are attending. Singapore offers a wide range of courses including diplomas, certificate courses, vocational courses, practical training courses for international students, along with Bachelor's and Master's Courses.

The registration and issuance fees for both categories of student pass are the same. Apart from these, Singapore also offers the following passes to students:

Type of Pass

Requirement

Training Employment Pass

Foreign professionals earning at least SGD 3000 pm and undergoing practical training in Singapore

Work Holiday Pass

Students/Graduates in the age group of 18 and 25 years intending to work and holiday in Singapore

Training Work Permit

Students/ semi-skilled trainees undergoing practical training for up to six months

Note: The student pass also doubles as a part-time employment pass, which you can use to get a job while you are studying. However, you have to surrender your pass within a week of completing your course.

Cost of Singapore Student Visa

Cost of Singapore Student Visa

As an Indian student looking to study in Singapore, you have to pay two types of fees:

 
The Visa Processing Fee

The Visa Processing Fee

You have to pay a visa processing fee of SGD 30. It is an advance, non-refundable fee and you have to pay it when you submit your application to the Singapore ICA. If you choose to submit your student pass application via the SOLAR system, you will have to pay the processing fee through your internet banking account or debit/credit card.

 

The Visa Issuance Fee

The Visa Issuance Fee

You also have to pay a visa issuance fee of SGD 60 for every student pass issued in your name. Additionally, if you want to exit and re-enter Singapore during your academic course tenure, you have to pay SGD 30 as a multiple-entry fee. You have to pay the issuance and multi-entry fees when you collect your student pass.

Documents required for Singapore student visa

Documents required for Singapore student visa

To meet with Singapore study visa requirements, you must submit the following documents:

  • Your current and legible passport, valid for a minimum of three months
  • All completed student visa application forms -- Form 16 (the main application for student pass) and Form V36 (for additional information on the applicant)
  • The original receipt showing that you have paid the visa application fee
  • The invitation letter issued by the IHL in Singapore
  • Your bank statements showing that you can fund your education in Singapore (both tuition fees and living expenses while studying)
  • Bank loan sanction letter (if applying for a student loan), along with proof of investments, if requested by the ICA
  • Transcripts of your degrees, diplomas or any certificates received from schools attended in India
  • Test scores required by your college, which could be GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, PTE etc.
  • Document showcasing how you intend to bear all the costs associated with living in Singapore.

Process Of Applying For A Singapore Student Visa

Process Of Applying For A Singapore Student Visa

You need to submit the student pass application between one and two months before your course begins. Here are the steps you need to follow while applying for a Student visa for Singapore:

01. The IHL registers an application on the SOLAR website on your behalf.

Secure the admission letter from your chosen IHL in Singapore and check that they are registered with the SOLAR system. The IHL typically provides your details such as your name, nationality, date of birth, gender, course detailsetc. to SOLAR. You will also get an application reference number from the IHL, which you can use to access SOLAR and get started with the visa application process.

 

02. Submit Form 16 and Form V36

Next, you need to log in to the SOLAR website to submit e-Form 16. Ensure you have the following details before you log in:

  • Registration acknowledgement note and login information provided by the IHL
  • Your passport number and expiration date
  • Your address and contact details in Singapore. You may provide your IHL's registered address if you don't have these details.
  • Your email address
  • A recent passport-size photograph

 

03. Pay the application fee

Review the form and proceed to pay the application processing fee of SGD 30.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process the Singapore study visa?

It typically takes up to 10 business days for your Singapore study visa application to be processed. However, if you are applying in July- August, you should note that it may take longer since this is a busy period when most universities in Singapore resume their courses.

How can I apply to study in a Singapore University?

Most universities in Singapore, especially government universities, have an online presence. You can apply to study in a Singapore university directly through its website.

What is the standard duration for Bachelor's and Master's courses in Singapore's universities?

A standard Bachelor’s program can last anywhere from 3 to 4 years. Several universities also offer fast-track programs lasting 2 to 2.5 years. A Master's program may last from 1.5 to 2 years.

Can I use my student visa to gain employment in Singapore?

Yes, the Ministry of Education, Singapore, permits students to work part-time. You can work for a maximum of 16 hours per week on your student pass.

Can I convert my student pass into a full-time employment pass?

If you intend to stay back in Singapore and look for employment, you must convert your student pass into a visit pass. The visit pass is valid for one year during which you have to find employment in the country. If you are successful in procuring employment, you or your employer can apply for an employment pass.

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