Becoming A Student Pass Holder in Singapore

Prospective students planning to study in Singapore will require a Student Pass. A student visa is known as the Student Pass in Singapore. Students planning to study in Singapore are advised to get in touch with the authorized university spokesperson regarding the specific requirements for the programs they wish to study.  

Who Needs a Visa to Study in Singapore

International students from visa-eligible nations planning to pursue studies in Singapore will require a Student Pass. First, an overseas student needs to be accepted by the University or school of their choice. Secondly, such students must be accepted for a full-time course in the country. On meeting the first and second conditions, overseas students may apply for a Student Pass for Singapore unless they have the following documents:  

1. They have already been granted a Short-Term Visit Pass at the ICA and intend to attend a short-term study program.  
2. An exemption order from immigration authorities is also known as an "Immigration Exemption Order."

Student Pass Exemption Requirements

Individuals planning to pursue a short course in Singapore must meet the following requirements to be considered for Student Pass exemption:  

The short course must be a complete module. For Student Pass Scheme, courses with multiple modules are excluded.  

1. Hands-on practical training is not allowed.  
2. It should not include an industrial attachment where walk-in customer interaction is required.  
3. The course must be completed within thirty days or during the validity of the Short-Term Visit Pass.  
4. It should not be conducted on the premises of a business place. For instance, beauty or hair salons.  

Eligibility For a Singapore Student Pass

The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the educational institution a student applies for. However, please note courses conducted on weekends and in the evening are not eligible for consideration for Singapore Student Pass.  

Becoming A Student Pass Holder

The requirements and process to become a Singapore Student Pass Holder may vary depending on the type of educational institution the applicant wishes to study. Some of them are as follows:

Certified Institutions of Private Education

The Student Pass can be obtained by international students who have been accepted and have a placement offer to pursue a full-time course at a Private Education Institution (PEI) certified by EduTrust. The study institution should be registered with the Committee of Private Education (CPE). Prospective students who have an immigration exemption order do not need to apply. However, all Private Education Institutions enrolled and registered with the Committee of Private Education should be EduTrust certified. Students should note that only if the Private Education Institution is EduTrust certified can they apply for this pass.  

Privately Funded Institutions and Foreign System Schools

Those planning to study at a privately funded and a foreign system school must apply for a Student Pass. All they need to ensure is that they have been offered admission to pursue a full-time course there. Holders of Immigration Exemption Order or Dependent Pass need not apply.  

Such institutions should be EduTrust certified before they can offer placement to international students. Student Pass applications for Singapore will only be accepted if such an institution is EduTrust certified.  

Government-Sponsored or Independent Schools

Overseas students who have been offered admission to study full-time at a government-sponsored/government institution or independent school will need to apply for a Singapore Student Pass. It is not required if they have an immigration exemption order or a dependent’s pass.  

Establishments for Technical Education

International students who have secured admission and placement to study full-time at an Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in Singapore will need to apply for a Student Pass. Immigration Exemption order holders are exempted.  

Childcare Facilities and Kindergartens

Children of foreigners will need to apply for a Student Pass if they have been admitted to attend a childcare or kindergarten facility licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency. Those who have already obtained an Immigration exemption order or have a Dependent Pass need not apply.  

Higher Education Institutions

Foreigners admitted to selected Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore must apply for a Student Pass. They should register as full-time matriculated students at one of the IHLs notified under Local Universities, Local Polytechnics, and Offshore Institutes with local Campuses. They can check the official platform to learn more about the requirements of universities or those listed with the ICA.  

Student Application Process

International students will need to submit a Student Pass application for Singapore via ICA online. The official website states that the Singapore Student Application Pass will take fifteen minutes to complete. Students will be prompted to fill out the following fields:  

1. Student’s Pass Application Number  
2. Full Name  
3. Gender (Female/Male)  
4. Citizenship/ Nationality  
5. Date of Birth  

They will need to log in using the Registration Acknowledgment Letter from the school. All entries should be in English except for certain basic Latin characters for the full name field. Online applicants should not use the back or refresh buttons. Students can later check the "View Application Status" in Main Menu to view the outcome letters.  

Student Pass Age Limit and Rejection Reasons  

Prospective students must be at least or above nineteen when applying for commercial, language, and fine arts non-graduate and post-graduate courses. They may have to attend an interview at the embassy of Singapore.  

Singapore Universities are regarded as very competitive. Non-adherence to Student Pass guidelines may result in the rejection of the Student Pass for Singapore.  

Required Documents for A Study Pass

To apply for Singapore Study Pass online, applicants need to provide the following:  

Birth Certificate (if required)  

1. Passport details  
2. Personal Details  
3. List of Countries they have resided in  
4. Educational Background  
5. Financial Support  
6. Employment History  
7. Residential address  
8. Email address  
9. Contact details  
10. Recent Passport Photo (taken within three months)  
11. Payment Options- Internet Banking, Debit/Credit Card, VISA card, American Express  
12. Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the school  

Students are advised to apply for Singapore Student Pass at least one month before the course commences.  

Popular Universities in Singapore

Some of the best-known Singapore Universities are as follows:  

• INSEAD Singapore  
• Singapore Management University  
• National University of Singapore (NUS)  
• Singapore University of Social Sciences  
• Nanyang Institute of Technology  
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts  
• Singapore University of Technology and Design  

Conclusion

Singapore is a great study destination that offers top-class education. An average international student spends 1500 Singapore Dollars (1123 USD)to 3300 Singapore Dollars (2471 USD) per month. The amount varies depending on the individual lifestyle and basic expenses incurred by a student. Singapore has an enviable academic reputation and offers its students a high quality of life. Therefore, interested applicants should become Singapore Student Pass holders to broaden their horizons and study in this nation of international repute.