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International students looking to study in Singapore
If you’re thinking of studying in Singapore – great choice.
Singapore’s education system is one of the best in the world. In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings, Singapore-based students consistently scored well above Japan, South Korea and the United States in mathematics, reading and science.
However, if you’re planning on pursuing an overseas education in Singapore, you’ll want to keep a couple of things in mind.
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What do I need to know before I study in Singapore?
The high quality of education in Singapore also means a higher price to pay. Besides tuition fees, you will also have to consider the cost of visas, accommodation and living expenses, to name a few.
Do I need a visa to study in Singapore?
Yes. International students looking to study at a Private Education Institution (PEI) in Singapore for any course lasting more than 30 days need to apply for a student visa, referred to as the Student’s Pass or Singapore Student’s Pass (STP). This pass is a prerequisite for acceptance in 34 Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). This requirement is waived if you hold a valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order.
You must submit your application online through the Student's Pass On-Line Application and Registration (SOLAR) system, Singapore’s official online portal for Student’s Pass registration. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reviews all applications. In some cases, students over 21 years old applying for vocational, commercial, language or fine arts courses may be asked to attend an interview.
What type of visa do I need to study in Singapore?
The Student’s Pass has several variants. The specific pass that applies to you will depend on the length of your course, the type of educational institution and programme in which you intend to study and whether you plan to work or receive training during your studies.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
How much does a Student’s Pass cost?
There are two types of fees:
| Fee | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa application processing fee | A non-refundable processing fee of S$45 is incurred upon submission of your application to the Singapore ICA. If applying via the SOLAR system, payment can be made by bank transfer, debit or credit card. |
| Visa issuance fee | A S$60 fee applies for each Student’s Pass issued. If you plan to exit and re-enter Singapore during your studies, an additional S$30 multiple-entry fee will also apply. Both the issuance and multiple-entry fees are payable upon collection of your Student's Pass. |
How long does it take to process the Singapore Student's Pass (Study Visa)?
Processing your Singapore Student's Pass application generally takes between 1 and 4 weeks. However, applications submitted between July and August may experience longer processing times, as this period coincides with the peak intake for most Singaporean universities.
What documents do I need to apply for a Singapore student visa?
To apply for overseas study in Singapore, prepare the following documents:
- Your current and legible passport, with at least three months’ validity remaining
- All student visa application forms, with all
required fields completed:
- Form 16 (main application for Student’s Pass)
- Form V36 (for additional information on the applicant)
- Original receipt of visa application fee
- Invitation letter issued by the IHL in Singapore
- Bank statements showing you have the means to fund your education in Singapore, including both tuition fees and living expenses
- Bank loan sanction letter (if you are financing your studies with a loan), along with proof of investments if requested by the ICA
- Official transcripts, degrees, diplomas and any other academic certificates from all educational institutions attended
- Official test scores (example, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, PTE), as required by your programme or institution
What accommodation options are available for foreign students?
International students in Singapore can choose from several housing options:
- On-campus accommodation (hostels)
- Private student housing
- Shared apartments (example HDB flats, condominiums)
- Homestays
Ultimately, your housing choice hinges on your needs, budget and what's available. While on-campus accommodation and nearby private apartments offer significant convenience, their cost can vary greatly depending on the university's location. For institutions situated in central areas, convenient options near campus typically come with a higher price tag. However, for universities with larger campuses located in the heartland (or suburban) areas, on-campus or student housing nearby can often be a more affordable choice.
For more economical options, you might need to explore various housing types and locations across the island, carefully balancing rental costs against accessibility, commuting time and public transport expenses. Finally, sharing a home with a host family or housemates can significantly reduce expenses but might mean sacrificing some privacy.
Should I set up a bank account in Singapore?
Opening a local bank account should be among the first things you do once you move to your destination country. This will allow you to pay for daily expenses, avoid high transaction fees on international transfers and receive money from abroad more easily.
When choosing a bank to open your account with, look for one with branches or ATMs near your school or accommodation. Certain banks allow you to open an account prior to your arrival in Singapore, enabling you to transfer funds in advance.
Another consideration is transfer fees. High international transfer fees can quickly add up, so look for a service that offers free transfers, making it cheaper and easier to send or receive money from home.
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