How to Get Student Visa for Singapore (2025 Requirements)

How to Get Student Visa for Singapore (Requirements)

The “Lion City”, Singapore is not only a popular tourist destination in Asia, but also a top option for international students seeking world-class education and a sophisticated lifestyle. Despite its small land area, Singapore proves that size does not matter. It is considered a first-world country holding some of the world’s biggest and strongest economies, financial centers, and ports. Likewise, it is home to several internationally recognized institutions that pulls thousands of students from around the globe. If you are a prospective student hoping to study at a university in Singapore, you have to start your preparations as an international student in the Lion City. One important document to allow you to study in Singapore is a student visa. Find out how to get a student visa for Singapore through our comprehensive guide below.

What is a Singapore Student Pass?

In Singapore, a visa is called a ‘Pass’. So a student visa in other countries is a ‘Student Pass’ in Singapore. Also, universities in Singapore are commonly referred to as IHLs or Institutes of Higher Learning.
International students whose study program in Singapore lasts for more than 30 days should apply for a Student Pass. In other terms, prospective full-time international students should hold a Student Pass.
All Student Pass applications are submitted to the SOLAR (Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration) system, Singapore’s official registration system.
A prerequisite in applying for a Student Pass is an admission notice from a university in Singapore.
Applications for the Student Pass should be made at least a month before the start of the semester or academic year.
Applications for the Student Pass are directly processed by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) if the applicant is aged 19 or below and seeking to study in a private institution. However, if the applicant is aged 20 or above who wishes to study a language, commercial, vocational, or fine arts degree course, the Embassy usually demands an interview.
Typically, the processing of Student Pass applications can be swift. At times, it takes just about 2 weeks to a month. After such time, you will be notified if you have been approved for the Student Pass. There are cases when the processing takes a longer time, especially when the immigration office demands further information or requirements about one’s application. Sometimes, if an applicant is called for an interview at the embassy, the processing takes 4 months at most.
Within a week after the study program is completed, the Student Pass must be surrendered to the immigration office.
Student Pass holders in Singapore are allowed to have part-time work while studying. They will no longer need to apply for a Work or Employment Pass if their job is only for a maximum of 16 hours in a week.
Singapore is strict when it comes to the validity of passes. Hence, students with an expired Pass should leave the island as soon as the stamped date lapses.
International students who wish to seek employment in Singapore after the completion of their study program can apply for a Visit Pass. The Visit Pass allows the holder to stay in Singapore for 1 year. Should you be successful in getting an employment contract, you (or your company) can then apply for an Employment Pass.
For graduate students in Singapore who hold a Student Pass, the university can sponsor the students’ spouse and children for a Social Visit Pass. This Pass will allow them to stay in Singapore for 4 weeks.

Requirements for Singapore Student Pass Application

The following are the documents needed for the Singapore Student Pass application:

Valid passport (should be valid for at least 3 months after the study program)
Valid identity card
Passport-style recent photograph
Letter of acceptance from a Singaporean university
Printed copy of the eForm 16 and Form V36 (from SOLAR)
Comprehensive study plan (signed)
Medical certificate (consistent with the ICA format)
In-principle approval letter
Required standardized test scores (i.e. GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS)
Application fees (SGD30 or $22 upon submission of application, and SGD60 or $44 upon the issuance of the Student Pass)
Birth certificate*
Academic certifications*
Academic transcripts*
Proof of financial capability**

*These are documents needed by applicants who are required to attend an interview at the Singaporean Embassy.
**This may come in the form of bank statements. Applicants are required to have a security deposit in the amount of SGD 5,000 ($3,600).
Remember that all documents which are written in another language should be translated to English.

Steps in Applying for the Singapore Student Pass

Once the documents are ready, it is time to follow the step-by-step procedure of the Singapore Student Pass application.

Secure the letter of admission or acceptance from your chosen Singaporean university. Check if they have completed your registration in the SOLAR system. Usually, the university will just provide the SOLAR website with your personal details, i.e. name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and admission details, i.e. course details, start and end of study program. The university will then be given your SOLAR application reference number, which you will use to access SOLAR.
Finish your SOLAR registration. You have to fill out and submit the eForm16. The form will require you to indicate your passport details, email address, and Singapore address (you can provide the university’s address if you do not have an arranged accommodation yet).
Print the duly accomplished eForm16 because it will be submitted to the ICA for evaluation.
Pay the applicable fees.
Wait for the results. Pay the issuance fee once your application is approved by the ICA.

Now you’re a step ahead of your study abroad journey in Singapore. You only have to accomplish minor details, such as accommodation arrangements and scholarship prospects, and you are ready to go!