How To Apply For A Singapore Student Pass In Singapore In 2025: A Complete Guide
Looking to kickstart your study adventure in Singapore? You're in the right place! Singapore is not only a world-class education hub but also a vibrant melting pot of cultures, making it an amazing place to live and learn. But before you pack your bags and plan your weekend trip to Marina Bay Sands, there's an important step to tick off your checklist: applying for your Student’s Pass.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Student’s Pass, covering the entire process from start to finish. Whether you're enrolling at a prestigious university, a polytechnic, or one of Singapore's renowned offshore institutes, we've got your back.
What Is a Student Pass and Who Needs It?
A Student’s Pass (or student visa) is a legal document that allows international students to stay in Singapore while pursuing full-time education. You’ll need a Student’s Pass if you're enrolling at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) or Private Education Institution (PEI) in Singapore. This includes local universities, polytechnics, and offshore institutes like INSEAD.
However, if you already hold a valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Immigration Exemption Order, you don’t need a Student’s Pass.
Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore
- Local Universities
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
- Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- Polytechnics
- Nanyang Polytechnic
- Singapore Polytechnic
- Republic Polytechnic
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- Temasek Polytechnic
- Offshore Institutes
- INSEAD (Singapore)
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- SP Jain School of Global Management
- German Institute of Science and Technology – TUM Asia
- Assas International School (Singapore)
Private Education Institution (PEI)
- LASALLE College of The Arts
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
- Singapore Institute of Management
- Please refer to this portal for the full list.
Benefits of Studying in Singapore
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of applying, let's quickly highlight why international students are drawn to Singapore:
- Top-Ranked Institutions: Home to globally recognised universities.
- Cultural Diversity: A melting pot of languages, cuisines, and traditions.
- Safe and Modern City: One of Asia’s safest and most tech-savvy countries.
Excited? Good! Now, let's unlock the steps to your future.
6 Easy Steps to Apply for Your Student’s Pass
1. Start Early with SOLAR Registration
You’ll need to apply for your Student’s Pass through the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. But first, your chosen school will register your details with SOLAR. Once this is done, you’ll receive a unique Student’s Pass Application Number.
Do apply at least two months before your course begins, but not more than three months earlier.
Pro Tip: Complete your application from your home country. You can't extend your entry pass in Singapore while waiting for approval.
2. Fill Out the eForm 16 on SOLAR
Log in to the SOLAR portal using your application number and fill out the eForm 16. You’ll need the following details:
- Your full name, nationality, and date of birth (as stated on your passport).
- Singapore address and phone number (optional during application).
- Details from your course offer, including start/end dates.
You will also need to declare where you’ve lived over the past five years and provide details about your parents (if they’re residents in Singapore).
3. Upload the Required Documents
Once you’ve completed the form, upload these documents to SOLAR:
- Signed eForm 16 (print, sign and upload).
- Passport-Sized Photo (white background, 400 x 514 pixels, JPEG format). Find out more on the guidelines here.
- Passport Biodata Page (a clear scanned copy).
Pro Tip: Ensure your photo is recent (within the last 3 months).
4. Pay the Processing Fee
Submit a non-refundable processing fee of SGD $45. Payment options include:
5. Check Your Application Status
Applications typically take 1–2 weeks. Keep an eye on your email (don’t forget to check your Spam or Junk folder!), as ICA may request additional documents. Once your application is approved, download your In-Principle Approval Letter (IPA) from the portal.
Your IPA is valid for 3–4 months which will be clearly stated in the letter and also acts as an entry visa (if applicable).
6. Submit Requested Documents and Complete the Formalities
You’ve received the green light! Now it’s time to finalise your Student’s Pass. Here's what to do:
1. Medical Examination
- You can undergo this in your home country or in Singapore. Make sure the results are submitted in English.
- If done in Singapore, results can be ready within 24–48 hours.
- Upload your medical report to the SOLAR portal.
2. Student's Pass Terms and Conditions Form
- Download the form, key in the reference number and application ID (both can be found in your IPA), acknowledge and upload to the SOLAR portal.
3. Pay Issuance Fees
- SGD $60 for the Student’s Pass issuance fee.
- SGD $30 for a Multiple Journey Visa (if needed).
Option 1: Book an Appointment at ICA
Schedule an appointment through the ICA portal (https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/eappt/) to visit the ICA Services Centre in Singapore and complete your formalities. Don’t forget to bring the following:- Your IPA letter.
- A valid passport.
- Any other supporting documents listed in your IPA letter.
Location:
ICA Services Centre
2 Crawford Street, Level 3
Singapore 207218
Nearest MRT Station: Lavender (EW11), only 2-minute walk.
Option 2: Offsite Enrolment
Your school might organise an offsite enrolment session, where you can complete your formalities and biometric enrolment within the school. If this applies to you, your school will inform you about the date, time and location. You’ll need to report to the designated venue as scheduled to complete the process.
If your school hasn’t scheduled an offsite enrolment for you, you’ll need to book an appointment at the ICA Services Centre.
Keep These Tips in Mind
Important Notes About Your Digital Student Pass:
- No physical Student Pass cards are issued anymore. Your pass will now be digital.
- Always apply early to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Respond promptly to requests for additional documents from ICA.
- If your visit pass is about to expire, request an extension via the ICA portal to avoid overstaying.
- Singapore mobile number required:
You must provide a Singapore mobile number that can receive SMS messages. This number will be used to receive a one-time OTP during the biometric enrolment or completion of formalities.
If you don’t have a Singapore mobile number yet, you can use one belonging to an authorized proxy (e.g., sponsor or parent). Just ensure they are aware their number will be used for this purpose.
By following these steps, you’ll be all set to complete your enrolment and start your journey in Singapore smoothly!
Documents for ICA Applications (Non-English Documents)
For ICA applications, you must provide original documents, official translations (for non-English documents), and copies for ICA to keep. Here’s what ICA accepts:
- Translations by the embassy of the country that issued the document
- Translations done by a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country
- Privately created translations, if attested by the relevant embassy or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country
Please note: ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or services. Missing or incomplete documents can result in your application being rejected. Additional documents may also be required to support your application.
Ensure your documents meet these guidelines to avoid delays in processing.
Your First Step to an Incredible Journey
Applying for your Student's Pass may feel like a big task, but it’s an exciting step toward an unforgettable education in Singapore. Follow this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to joining the ranks of international students thriving in one of the world’s most innovative cities.
Need more help? Drop your questions in the comments or reach out to us for personalised guidance. Your Singapore adventure starts today!
