Singapore, often called the Lion City, is a popular study abroad destination not just in Asia but globally. Despite being a small-land city, Singapore offers much in terms of higher education and lucrative careers. Let’s check out how you can acquire a student visa, or a student pass as it is called in Singapore, and unleash your study abroad dreams.

What Is A Singapore Student Pass?

Singapore Student Pass is required by all foreign students attending any Singaporean institute of higher learning. This pass is issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Since this is an educational visa, the Student Pass must be returned to the Immigration Office in one week of the completion of the program. This does not, however, mean that you cannot work in Singapore after your studies. If you wish to, you need to apply for a Visitor Pass to extend your stay. Upon confirmation of employment, you may also get an Employment Pass. 

Dependents And Part-time Work

Singapore Student Pass holders can invite their family members as dependents. Spouse and children of full-time graduate students can receive sponsorship from your university to get Social Visit Pass, which will allow them to visit and stay in Singapore for up to 4 weeks. 

Also, Singapore Student Pass holders are legally eligible to work for up to 16 hrs per week. 

Cost And Time Requirements

Singapore Student Pass processing fee currently stands at S$30 (~INR 1500). A further insurance fee of S$60 (~INR 3000) is also levied on the Student Pass. Should you require a multiple-entry visa, you can opt for that option for an additional S$30 (~INR 1500).

Student Pass applications must be made at least a month before the program starts. Generally, visa processing takes about two weeks, so applying a month before you intend to fly is most recommended.

How To Apply?

All applications are processed through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system. The steps to be followed are as follows.

1. Acceptance By A Singaporean University

Needless to say, you need to get admission into a Singaporean University, which will kick start the entire Student Pass process.

2. Registration in SOLAR

Once a foreign student gets admission, the university creates a record inside the SOLAR system. The following is recorded in the system and you are informed about the same.

• Personal details: Name, date of birth, gender and nationality 
• Program details: Course, course commencement and end dates
• SOLAR application reference number

3. eForm 16 Submission

With the SOLAR reference number, you can log into SOLAR and submit eForm 16. You will need the following documents/details.

• SOLAR login information provided by your university
• Passport details
• Singapore’s address and contact details (You can provide your university’s address/contact)
• Your email address
• One passport-sized photograph, scanned/digital

After submitting eForm 16, take a printout for later use. You will have to pay the application fee at this point in time.

4. Wait for the ICA Evaluation And Approval

The ICA will take up to two weeks to evaluate your application. For certain graduate courses (generally graduate courses in commerce, language, fine arts, etc), you may also be called for an interview. Once your visa is approved, you can go ahead and pay the insurance fee. 

What Documents Do You Need?

The following documents will be required for you to get the Student Pass.

• A valid passport
• Recent photographs
• Acceptance letter from a Singaporean university
• Copy of eForm 16
• Medical certificate as per ICA format
• Standardized test scores – GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS as applicable

If you are called for an interview, you may also be required to produce the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Academic certifications and transcripts
• Proof of financial capability
• Fixed deposit/other liquid savings proofs
• Bank loan sanction letter
• Scholarship letter 

Congratulations! You are now one step closer to your Singaporean dream. Make travel and accommodation arrangements and you are ready to fly. All the best! Feel free to share this article with your friends.

At Beyond Consultant, we help you bring your dreams to life, by guiding in your overseas education journey. For a free consultation, please get in touch with us here.