If you are thinking about studying in Singapore, you will need a Singapore Student Visa. This special document allows you to legally study in Singapore. It is more like a pass that lets you enter the country and go to a recognized college or university.
Table of Contents
If you want to know more, keep reading our detailed article. In this article, we will learn about the requirements for a Singapore student visa, the documents you will need, how much it costs, and how to apply. So, let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- When studying in Singapore, you need a student pass, not a student visa
- To get a student pass, you should apply through the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system
- There is only one type of study pass. But it can vary based on program length and type
- You can apply for your student pass once you receive an official invitation from the Singapore Institute of Higher Learning (IHL)
- The visa fees include a processing fee of SGD 30 and an issuance fee of SGD 60
- You must submit a valid passport, application forms, and proof of financial capability to get student pass
- To apply for student pass, your school must register your application on the SOLAR website
- Popular courses in Singapore are Business Management, Information Technology, and Engineering
- Top universities in Singapore are the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University
- Tuition fees in Singapore are competitive when compared to other countries like US, UK or European Countries
- Scholarships are offered by the universities and organizations to international students for studying in Singapore
Singapore Student Visa
Being an international student in Singapore, you will need a student pass instead of a student visa. The schools are called Institutes of Higher Learning, or IHL in Singapore.
If you are an international student planning to stay for more than 30 days, you have to apply for this student pass. Your application goes through the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system. This is the only official way to register in the country.
When you apply for a student pass, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will handles it efficiently.
- If you are under 19 and want to study at a private school, they will deal with your application directly
- If you are 20 or older and interested in vocational, commercial, language, or fine arts courses, you might have to go for an interview
Advantages of Studying in Singapore
Before you plan to study in Singapore, let’s discuss some of the advantages of studying there:
- Singapore has some of the best nursing schools with top-notch education. They have got great facilities. They focus a lot on research and innovation.
- Singapore is right between East and West. This means you will learn about both Asian and Western culture.
- Even though Singapore has many languages, English is the main language. So, if you are worried about the language barrier, please don’t be.
- The city has various cultures, so you will meet people from all over the world.
- Singapore’s economy is booming. Most of the big companies have their offices situated in Singapore. This creates a lot of job opportunities for you to explore.
- Singapore is super safe. They have low crime rates and great public services. It has top-notch living standards and public transport.
- The government spends a lot of their money on research and innovation. They offer various grants and scholarships to help the students.
- Singapore might feel expensive at first, the education costs are actually competitive when compared to countries like the US, UK and other European countries.
What Are the Types of Student Visa for Singapore?
In Singapore, there is only one kind of study visa called the student pass. This pass works for all 34 IHLs in Singapore that take in international students. But there are different types of this student pass.
The first type depends on how long your program is. If you are doing a short program like a certificate or diploma for up to 3 months, you can get a short-term pass. But if you are joining a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, you will need a long-term pass.
The second type depends on what kind of program you are joining. Singapore offers lots of courses, like diplomas, certificates, vocational programs, and more. Your student pass will have details about the course you are taking.
The fees for registering and getting your student pass are the same for both short-term and long-term passes. Singapore also offers other passes for students like:
| Type of Visa | Requirement |
| Training Employment Pass | If you are a foreign professional making at least SGD 3000 per month and doing practical training in Singapore |
| Work Holiday Pass | If you are a student or a graduate aged between 18 and 25 and want to work and holiday in Singapore |
| Training Work Permit | If you are a student or a semi-skilled trainee doing practical training for up to six months |
When Can You Apply for a Singapore Student Visa?
Once you receive an official invitation from an IHL in Singapore, you can start applying for your student visa. These visa applications are usually processed quickly. If you have followed all the requirements, you might get your visa in 15 days to a month.
But sometimes, the immigration officers might need more details and ask you to come for an interview at the embassy. If that happens, it could take up to four months to process your student pass. Usually, universities recommend applying for your visa at least a month before your course starts. But it is even better to begin the visa process two months before so that you don’t miss out on your studies.
Cost of Singapore Student Visa
As an international student planning to study in Singapore, you will need to pay two types of fees: the visa processing fee and the visa issuance fee.
a. Visa Processing Fee
The visa processing fee is SGD 30. This fee is non-refundable. You should pay it when you submit your application to the Singapore ICA. If you use the SOLAR system to apply for your student pass, you will pay this fee through your Internet banking account or with a debit or credit card.
b. Visa Issuance Fee
The visa issuance fee is SGD 60 for each student pass issued in your name. If you plan to leave and come back to Singapore during your studies, you will also need to pay an extra SGD 30 for a multiple-entry pass. You should pay these fees when you collect your student pass.
Documents Required for Singapore Student Visa
To apply for a student visa in Singapore, you will need to gather some important documents:
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months
- You will need to fill out two application forms: Form 16 and Form V36
- You should keep the original receipt to show that you have paid the visa application fee.
- You will need an invitation letter from the Singapore IHL (Institute of Higher Learning) where you plan to study.
- You should provide bank statements to prove that you can cover your tuition fees and living expenses while studying.
- If you are applying for a student loan, you must include the bank loan sanction letter, and if requested, you must also show proof of investments.
- You must bring transcripts from your previous schools
- You might need test scores like GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, or PTE depending on your college
- You must prepare and submit a document explaining how you will manage the costs of living in Singapore
How To Apply for a Singapore Student Visa?
When you are applying for a Singapore student visa, you must follow these steps:
- Your school must register your application on the SOLAR website.
- You will get an application reference number from your school, which you will use to access SOLAR.
- You must then log in to SOLAR and fill out e-Form 16. You will need details like your passport number, address in Singapore, and a recent passport photo.
- After filling out the form, pay the SGD 30 application fee.
- You must submit Form 16 and Form V36.
- You must double-check everything before you submit the documents to avoid any mistakes.
Best Courses To Study in Singapore
If you are thinking about what to study in Singapore, here are some best courses for you:
- Business Management & Finance
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Biomedical Sciences
- Engineering
- Fine Arts & Design
Best Universities in Singapore for International Students
Singapore has some of the best universities in the world. They mix Eastern and Western teachings. So, you get the best of both worlds. Their courses are all about using the practical knowledge and apply it in real world.
| Name of University | Famous for | QS ranking 2024 |
| National University of Singapore | Comprehensive Research | 8 |
| Nanyang Technological University | Engineering & Tech | 26 |
| Singapore Management University | Business & Management | 545 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | Innovation & Design | 429 |
| James Cook University, Singapore | Social Sciences | Unranked |
Cost of Studying in Singapore
Singapore is famous for its top-notch education and high living standards. But the tuition fees here are pretty competitive when you compare them to places like the U.S. or U.K.
| Level of Study | Costs for International Students (Per Year) in SGD |
| Diploma | SGD 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Bachelor’s | SGD 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Master’s | SGD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| PhD | SGD 35,000 – 45,000 |
Scholarships for Studying in Singapore
Singapore is becoming popular among international students. In Singapore, lots of universities both private and public ones, are offering scholarships to attract more students from around the world. Some other organizations and governments offer fellowships too. Here are some scholarships you can get if you want to study in Singapore:
- Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) at NUS (MBA)
- INSEAD Alumni Fund (IAF) Diversity Scholarship
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
- CCSE Graduate Scholarship
- Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to process the Singapore study visa?
When you apply for a study visa for Singapore, it usually takes around 10-15 business days for them to process it. But if you are applying between July and August, it might take a bit longer. Because it is a busy time when lots of universities there start their classes again.
2. How can I apply to study a Singapore University?
If you want to apply to a university in Singapore, you can do it online. Most universities there, especially the government ones, have their websites where you can apply directly.
3. What is the standard duration for Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in Singapore’s universities?
When you go to college, a Bachelor’s program usually takes about 3 to 4 years to finish. Some universities have quicker programs. They only last 2 to 2.5 years. When it comes to Master’s programs, they are a bit shorter. It usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 years.
4. Can I use my student visa to gain employment in Singapore?
If you are studying in Singapore, you are allowed to work part-time. You can work for up to 16 hours every week using your student pass.
5. Can I convert my student pass into a full-time employment pass?
If you plan to stay in Singapore after your studies and find a job, you will need to change your student pass to a visit pass. This visit lasts for one year. This gives you time to search for work. If you find a job during this time, you or your employer can apply for an employment pass.
Conclusion
Singapore has become an extremely popular place for studying. Lots of students from all around the world are coming to Singapore for their higher education. But getting a Singapore student visa is not an easy process.
There is only one type of student pass but with different criteria. You must follow a lot of rules. You should read all the information carefully and put together a complete visa application.
It will give you a better chance of getting your student pass easily. The education system in Singapore is getting better and better, just like in Western countries. So you can use the right resources and knowledge to pursue your higher education in Singapore.
Add Comment