Singapore’s education system has frequently been touted as one of the best in Asia and among the finest globally. As such, it is unsurprising for numerous students to relocate to the country to further their studies. If you are one of them, you will require a Student Pass – Singapore’s equivalent of a student visa.
The Student Pass is also an excellent pathway for your Singapore PR application if you plan on working and residing in the country for the long term after you graduate. So, how can you qualify and apply for one? Let us help get you started on the application process so that you can have everything prepared ahead of your flight to Singapore.
Who Requires A Student Pass?
Anyone who wishes to pursue a full-time education for longer than thirty days in Singapore must possess a Student Pass, with the following exceptions:
- Your education programme lasts less than thirty days.
- You hold a valid Dependent’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.
- You possess an Immigration Exemption Order (IEO). IEOs are issued to diplomats, consular representatives, military personnel, and family members.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria For A Student Pass?
You can apply for a Student Pass if you have been accepted into an approved Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore. Please note that you must be enrolled in a full-time programme. Students attending part-time, evening, or weekend classes do not qualify for a Student Pass.
Here is a list of the approved Institute of Higher Learning (IHL):
Local universities:
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore Management 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
- INSEAD (Singapore)
- SP Jain School of Global Management
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- German Institute of Science and Technology – TUM Asia
- Sorbonne-Assas International Law School
How To Apply For A Student Pass
Like a PR application, you can apply for a Student Pass online. Your application must be submitted at least one month before the start of the semester but no earlier than two months. We recommend preparing the following documents and have them ready on hand before you apply:
- A recent, passport-sized digital photo (in colour) taken within the last three months.
- The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the IHL.
- Your travel document biodata and birth certificate.
- Your personal information, including the list of countries you have previously resided in, your educational background, employment history, and financial support (if applicable).
- Your parents’, spouse’s, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable).
- Your residential address and contact details in Singapore.
- Your email address.
Please note that you can only apply for a Student Pass after you have been admitted into an approved IHL, as the IHL must kickstart the procedure by providing your personal information to the SOLAR (Student’s Pass On-Line Application and Registration) system. Let us guide you through the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Log Onto SOLAR And Complete Your Application
Log onto SOLAR with the unique application number (stated on your acceptance letter from the school) provided by your IHL and fill out eForm 16. Remember to print a copy of the completed application, as you must present the form to collect your Student Pass. You will also be required to pay a standard processing fee of S$30 before submitting your application.
Step 2: Wait For Your In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter
After your application is processed and accepted, you will receive an IPA letter granting you entry into Singapore. This letter serves as a temporary student visa. It usually takes approximately two weeks for the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to process an application.
Step 3: Receive A Visit Pass
Upon arriving in Singapore, present your IPA letter to immigration officials at the port of entry to receive a visit pass granting you entry into the country.
Step 4: Arrange An Appointment With ICA
Afterwards, schedule an e-appointment with ICA to collect your Student Pass. Please note that the completion of Student’s Pass formalities is strictly by e-appointment only, and ICA do not entertain student walk-ins. If the appointment date is beyond the validity of your social visit pass, you can extend it at ICA’s website.
After arriving at the ICA building, head to the Student’s Pass unit on the fourth floor to pick up your official Student Pass. Don’t forget to bring the required documents listed in your IPA letter. Upon collection, an issuance charge of S$60 is due.
Congratulations! You are ready to take the next step in your educational journey. We wish you the best of luck in your studies. If you have long-term plans to work and reside in Singapore, you may apply for Singapore PR online under the Foreign Student Scheme (FSS) if your Student Pass is still valid. To be eligible for PR, you must reside in Singapore for more than two years at the point of your PR application and pass at least one national exam or be in the Integrated Programme.
At Singapore Immigration Partners, we can help you take the next step towards becoming a Singapore PR. Our PR application agency can provide a personalised, step-by-step walkthrough of the process and ensure that your PR application stands out from the crowd. Contact us today to learn more about our services.