Ultimate Guide to Singapore Student Visa Applications

The Ultimate Guide to Singapore Student’s Pass for International Students

An easy guide to follow for securing a student visa to pursue your dream of studying in Singapore

Singapore has become a highly popular educational destination among international students owing to its high quality of educational offerings, multiculturalism, and bright work prospects.

One of the good things about studying in Singapore is the relatively uncomplicated student visa process and short student visa processing time. In fact, among the more popular study abroad destinations around the world, Singapore has one of the easiest visa procedures. On top of that, it also has a 90% student’s pass application acceptance rate, which means you need not worry much about student visa rejection.

However, you still need to go through the visa application process and ensure that you do not make any mistakes while going about your visa application. This guide will give you an insight into the kinds of visa students can apply for, visa eligibility criteria, the application process for obtaining a student visa in Singapore, visa cost and other fees involved, how to cancel the visa, and new updates following COVID.

What is a Student’s Pass?

A Student’s Pass can be described as a document that international students need in order to be able to pursue full time courses, lasting more than 30 days, in Singapore. You would need a Student’s Pass if you plan to study at any of the following categories of educational institutes in Singapore:

The Ultimate Guide to Singapore 1st What is a Student’s Pass(post)

Singapore Institutes of Technical Education (ITE)	Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL)
ITE College Central  ITE College East  ITE College West	Local Universities National University of Singapore Nanyang Technological University Singapore Mangement University Singapore Institute of Technology Singapore University of Social Sciences Singapore University of Technology and Design	Local Polytechnics Nanyang Polytechnic Ngee Ann Polytechnic Republic Polytechnic Singapore Polytechnic Temasek Polytechnic	Offshore Institutes with Local Campuses École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales INSTEAD (Singapore) SP Jain School of Global Management University of Chicago – Booth School of Business University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Singapore DigiPen Institute of Technology German Institute of Science and Technology – TUM Asia Sorbonne-Assas International Law School

Of course, there are certain other categories of institutions as well for which one requires a Student’s Pass, such as Approved Private Educational Institutions, Foreign System Schools and Privately-Funded Schools, Kindergartens and Childcare Centres, and Government/Government-Aided/Independent Schools. However, these are not institutions that one would get into for their degree education. If you apply for degree education in Singapore, you would apply to one of the ITEs or IHLs mentioned above.
You will need a local sponsor if you are applying for a Student’s Pass to study at one of ITEs. The local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR) and aged 21 or older. Companies and organizations cannot act as sponsors. This is a special requirement only for students who aspire to study at an ITE. If you have an SC or PR parent or step-parent, he/she must act as the local sponsor of your Student’s Pass application.
There are some other types of student visas as well such as:

Training Work Permit

Those aspirants who are undergoing a practical training of equal to or less than six months. It is also applicable for semi-skilled international people.

Training Employment Pass

It is applicable for international aspirations who are undergoing practical training and should be earning at least’s $3,000 a month.

Work Holiday Pass

As part of the Work Holiday Program, those aspirants who belong to the age group of 18 to 25 years who are seeking an opportunity to work and holiday in Singapore for up to six months.

However, if you are someone who is applying for your degree education in a Singaporean educational institute, the type of student visa you will need is the Student’s Pass.

Documents Required for obtaining Singapore Student’s Pass

Whether you have gained admission to an ITE or an IHL, the following is what you need to have before you begin your Student’s Pass application:

The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the school you plan to attend

Your travel document biodata page (first and last page of passport) and birth certificate (if applicable)
Your personal information, which includes the list of places/countries where you have previously resided in, your academic background, employment history, as well as financial support
Your parents’, spouse’s, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable)
Residential address and contact details in Singapore
Your email address

Four Recent, passport-sized, digital, color photographs which were taken within the last three months. For photographs, there is a detailed list of guidelines that you need to adhere to.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Singaporean Student’s Pass

For giving out Student’s Passes, a system has been set in place, called as SOLAR (Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration). The SOLAR is the authoritative department that is responsible for monitoring all the visa related queries and applications that come in.

Before you begin applying for the Student’s Pass, you need to obtain a Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the academic institution from where you have got an admit. Usually, you will receive an email which will specify how you can proceed with obtaining a Registration Acknowledgement Letter. After you apply for this letter, you should receive it within a matter of two days. Once you obtain this letter, you can move ahead with the process.

The Student’s Pass application process varies slightly depending on whether you have secured admit to an ITE or IHL. This is because, as we have seen before, for ITE, you need a local sponsor for your Student’s Pass.

First, we look at the process for Student’s Pass application for ITEs:

Student’s Pass application process for studying in Institutes of Technical Education

Submitting your Student’s Pass application

The first step is to create a new Student’s Pass online application. This is what needs to be done at this stage:

2. Go to the following link:

[[Student Login – Student’s Pass Application for Studying at ITE]]

Login to the link using the unique reference number on your Registration Acknowledgement Letter and complete the application forms: Form 16A (Student’s Details) and Form V103 (Student’s Parents)

3. Next, your local sponsor needs to go to the following link:

[[Local Sponsor Login]]

After logging in to this link, the local sponsor needs to complete the ‘Undertaking by Local Sponsor’ which involves completing and submitting forms V39s and V39Q.

4. Fee Payment

You will now need to make the fee payment, for which, you need to go to the following link:

[[Singapore Student’s Pass Fee Payment]]

Student’s Pass application process for studying in Institutes of Higher Learning

1. Submitting the Student’s Pass Application

To submit the Student’s Pass application, a student needs to go on the following link:

[[Student Login – Student’s Pass Application for Studying at IHL]]

2. Fee Payment

Now, you will need to pay the fees on the following link:

[[Singapore Student’s Pass Fee Payment]]

During the Step 2 of Student’s Pass application process mentioned above for both ITE and IHL, a non-refundable visa fees of $30 (30 Singaporean dollars) has to be made. This payment can be done by:

Visa/Mastercard credit or debit card
American Express (AMEX) credit card
Internet Direct Debit (DBS/ POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore)
PayNow

From here on, the process is the same for both ITEs and IHLs. If your application thus far is successful, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will issue you an ‘In-Principle Approval Letter’ (IPA). Now remember, all the procedures that you need to do until you receive the IPA can be done from outside of Singapore.

However, once you receive the IPA letter, you will need to complete the remaining procedures for obtaining the Student’s Pass by traveling to Singapore. But before you travel, make sure that you are in a position to meet all the conditions mentioned in the IPA, as it is only then that you will be granted the Student’s Pass. These conditions may include getting a medical check-up done or paying a security deposit.

To complete the formalities for the issuance of the Student’s Pass, it is necessary for you to be present in Singapore with a valid immigration pass. If you require a visa to enter Singapore, it will be automatically included in your IPA letter. At the immigration checkpoint, you can enter Singapore by presenting your IPA letter and you will be granted a Visit Pass for a 30-day period. Ideally, you need to complete the formalities for obtaining the Student’s Pass during these 30 days when the Visit Pass is valid. If you fail to do so, you would need to request for an extension of the same to avoid overstaying.

3. Acknowledging Terms and Conditions

As a precursor to the issuance of your Student’s Pass, you will need to download and acknowledge the following form:

[[Student’s Pass Terms and Conditions form]]

4. Booking an appointment with Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Once you have done all of the above, you need to book an appointment with the ICA, which you can do using the following link:

[[Book e-Appointment with ICA]]

By visiting the link, you would be able to book a date and time suitable for you. Once you schedule this appointment, you would need to visit the ICA building at that time. The address for the ICA Building is as follows:

Visitor Services Centre, ICA Building

10 Kallang Road, Level 4,

Singapore 208718

(Landmark: Next to Lavender MRT station)

Upon arriving for the appointment, you can proceed to the Self-Service Ticketing Kiosk for collecting a queue ticket.

At this stage, you will need to make the following fee payments:

Visa Issuance Fee (SGD 60)

Multiple Entry Fee (SGD 30) You need to pay this fee if you want to leave and return to Singapore during your academic program

Student’s Pass application process for studying in Institutes of Higher Learning

1. Submitting the Student’s Pass Application

To submit the Student’s Pass application, a student needs to go on the following link:

[[Student Login – Student’s Pass Application for Studying at IHL]]

2. Fee Payment

Now, you will need to pay the fees on the following link:

[[Singapore Student’s Pass Fee Payment]]

During the Step 2 of Student’s Pass application process mentioned above for both ITE and IHL, a non-refundable visa fees of S$30 (30 Singaporean dollars) has to be made. This payment can be done by:

Visa/Mastercard credit or debit card
American Express (AMEX) credit card
Internet Direct Debit (DBS/ POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore)
PayNow

3. Acknowledging Terms and Conditions

As a precursor to the issuance of your Student’s Pass, you will need to download and acknowledge the following form:

[[Student’s Pass Terms and Conditions form]]

4. Booking an appointment with Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Once you have done all of the above, you need to book an appointment with the ICA, which you can do using the following link:

[[Book e-Appointment with ICA]]

Visitor Services Centre, ICA Building

10 Kallang Road, Level 4,

Singapore 208718

(Landmark: Next to Lavender MRT station)

Upon arriving for the appointment, you can proceed to the Self-Service Ticketing Kiosk for collecting a queue ticket.

At this stage, you will need to make the following fee payments:

Visa Issuance Fee (SGD 60)

Multiple Entry Fee (SGD 30) You need to pay this fee if you want to leave and return to Singapore during your academic program

Issuance of Student’s Pass

Since February 27, 2023, the issuance of the Student’s Pass in Singapore is now exclusively in digital form.

Once the formalities at the ICA Building or school enrolment have been completed, a notification email will be sent to the email address provided in the Student’s Pass application. The email will come from no-reply@file.gov.sg and will contain instructions on how to retrieve the digital Student’s Pass on the FileSG website.

You may refer to the following links to retrieve your Student’s Pass:

Retrieve STP with Singpass login

Retrieve STP without Singpass login

How We can Help

While the Singapore Student’s Pass is relatively simple to apply to and obtain, there are still certain things that you need to get right. This includes planning your finances well, following the process and filling all the Visa forms accurately. We can help you with all of this. Also, in case your Student’s Pass application gets rejected, it isn’t the end of the road for you. After assessing what went wrong in your earlier application, we could help in correcting your mistakes and make a stronger case for yourself in your next attempt.

FAQs

What is the validity period of a Singapore student pass?

The validity period of student pass in Singapore varies depending on the duration of the course of study. Generally, the student pass is valid for the entire duration of the course, up to a maximum of 4 years for undergraduate courses and up to the duration of the course for postgraduate courses.

When would I need to cancel my Student’s Pass and how do I get my Student’s Pass cancelled?

If you need to cease or terminate your studies, you need to cancel your Student’s Pass within 7 days. You can do this online by visiting the following link:

[[Cancellation of Student’s Pass]]

If you are unable to do the cancellation online, you can do the same in person at the above-mentioned ICA building address between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays). You would need to submit a fully-filled Student’s Pass Cancellation Form and present your valid travel document.

What is the student visa age limit for Singapore?

In Singapore, there is no specific age limit for student visas. However, applicants are generally expected to be of legal age and have completed their secondary education or equivalent qualifications. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the educational institution and program of study. It is recommended to check with the respective educational institution or the Singapore immigration authorities for specific requirements regarding age limits for student visa applications.

What are student visa benefits in Singapore?

There are several benefits of holding a student visa in Singapore:

Study Opportunities: With a student visa, you can pursue your chosen academic program at prestigious educational institutions in Singapore, gaining access to high-quality education and a wide range of study options.
Work Opportunities: The student visa allows you to work part-time during your studies, enabling you to gain practical experience, earn an income, and develop valuable skills that can enhance your career prospects.
Post-Study Work Visa: Upon completing your studies, Singapore offers various options for post-study work visas, allowing you to stay and work in the country for a certain duration. This provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Singapore’s thriving job market.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Singapore offers favorable immigration policies for skilled professionals, and holding a student visa can be a pathway to obtaining permanent residency in the country after meeting certain criteria.
Multicultural Experience: As an international student in Singapore, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in a multicultural society, interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and expand your global network.

What should I do if I am a Student’s Pass holder and my local address has changed?

If you are a Student’s Pass holder in Singapore and your local address has changed, it is important to follow the necessary steps to update your address with the relevant authorities. Here’s what you should do:

Report the change of address to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA): According to regulation 8(5)(b) of the Immigration Regulations, you are required to report any change in your local address within 14 days after the change of residence. Failing to do so may result in penalties or complications with your Student’s Pass.
Access the e-Service with Singpass: If you have a valid Singpass account, you can use the e-Service provided by ICA to report the change of address. Log in to your Singpass account and access the e-Service specifically designed for updating your address details.
Seek assistance from your educational institute or local sponsor: Alternatively, you can approach your educational institute or local sponsor (if applicable) for assistance in updating your address. They may have designated staff or procedures in place to facilitate this process for students.

If you prefer to do this offline, here’s what you should do:

Fill the Change of Address form: If you prefer an offline method, you can download the Change of Address form from your educational institution, complete it accurately, and sign it.
Send the filled form to the relevant ICA email address: Once you have filled the above form, send the duly filled and signed form via email to the appropriate ICA email address based on your institution type:
ICA_STP1@ica.gov.sg for pass holders from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL), Foreign System Schools (FSS), Institutes of Technical Education (ITE), and Government/Government-Aided/Independent Schools (GOV).
ICA_STP2@ica.gov.sg for pass holders from Approved Private Education Institutions (PEI), Kindergartens, and Childcare Centres (KID).

Ensure that you use the subject title “Change of Residential Address for STP” in the email for easier identification by the authorities.

By promptly reporting the change of address and updating your records, you can ensure that your Student’s Pass information remains accurate and up to date.

What public health and general entry requirements are travellers seeking to enter Singapore have to follow?

If you wish to enter Singapore, you need to comply with certain requirements with regards to Public Health and General Entry rules. You may check the following page to check the latest requirements:

Public Health and General Entry requirements

Can I travel outside of Singapore with my student pass?

Yes, as a Student’s Pass holder in Singapore, you are generally allowed to travel outside of Singapore while holding a valid student pass. However, there are a few important points to consider:

Validity of the Student’s Pass: Ensure that your Student’s Pass is valid during the period of your intended travel. If your student pass is nearing expiration, it is advisable to renew it before making any travel plans.
Re-entry Permit (REP): If you plan to leave Singapore and return during your course of study, you must ensure that you have a valid Re-entry Permit (REP). The REP allows you to re-enter Singapore without any issues. It is automatically issued upon the approval of your Student’s Pass and is typically valid for the duration of your student pass.
Return before the course commencement or completion: It is important to plan your travels in such a way that you return to Singapore before the commencement of your course or before it concludes. Missing the start of your course or failing to return for examinations or other academic commitments can have serious consequences.
Check visa requirements for other countries: If you plan to travel outside Singapore, make sure to check the visa requirements of the countries you intend to visit. Different countries have different visa policies, and you may need to apply for a visa in advance depending on your nationality and the destination.
Keep important documents with you: When traveling, carry your valid passport, Student’s Pass card or e-copy, and other necessary identification and travel documents. These will be required for immigration checks during departure and re-entry into Singapore.

It is always recommended to consult with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or your educational institution for the most up-to-date information and specific guidelines regarding travel while holding a Student’s Pass in Singapore.

What happens if I overstay my student pass in Singapore?

Overstaying your student pass in Singapore is a violation of immigration regulations and can lead to serious consequences. Here’s what may happen if you overstay your student pass:

Immigration Offense: Overstaying is considered an immigration offense in Singapore. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes violations of immigration regulations seriously.
Penalties and Fines: If you overstay your student pass, you may be liable for penalties and fines imposed by the authorities. The fines can vary depending on the student visa duration of the overstay and the circumstances of the case. These fines can be substantial and may increase the longer you overstay.
Future Immigration Issues: Overstaying can have long-term implications for your immigration status and future visits to Singapore. It may affect your ability to obtain visas or passes for Singapore in the future, including employment passes or long-term visit passes.
Deportation and Ban: In some cases, if you overstay your student pass, you may be subject to deportation from Singapore. Deportation involves being sent back to your home country at your own expense. Additionally, you may face a ban from re-entering Singapore for a specific period, which can vary depending on the severity of the offense.
Negative Impact on Education: Overstaying can also have negative consequences for your education. Your educational institution may take disciplinary action, including terminating your enrolment or withholding important documents and certifications.

To avoid these complications, it is crucial to ensure that you adhere to the terms and conditions of your student pass and leave Singapore before the expiration of your pass. If you have any concerns or need to extend your stay, it is advisable to consult with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or your educational institution for guidance and assistance.