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Singapore Student Visa for Indian Students 2027: Student’s Pass Fees, Documents and Steps
Indian students need a Student’s Pass from Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to study full-time in Singapore. Your institution registers you, you apply online, and the fees for Indian nationals come to S$135 (about ₹10,000), with your approval letter also acting as your entry visa.
Singapore Student Visa at a Glance
| Key fact | Details for Indian students |
|---|---|
| Pass type | Student’s Pass, issued digitally by ICA |
| Fees | S$45 processing, S$60 issuance and S$30 visa fee: S$135 (about ₹10,000) |
| When to apply | Universities: at least 2 and no more than 3 months before your course starts |
| Entry visa | Your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter includes a single-entry visa |
| Work rights | 16 hours a week in term at MOM-approved institutions only |
| After graduation | Eligible graduates can apply for a one-year pass to look for work |
INR conversions are approximate, at SGD 1 = ₹74 (late 2026). The processing fee rose from S$30 to S$45 on 1st April 2024, so older guides may show lower totals.
What Is the Singapore Student’s Pass?
The Student’s Pass is Singapore’s student visa for full-time study at an approved institution. It’s usually valid for the length of your course and has been issued in digital form only since 27th February 2023, so you’ll access it through Singpass or FileSG rather than collecting a card.
- Courses of 30 days or less: Don’t need a Student’s Pass; you can enter on a short-term visit pass
- Internships outside your course: May need a separate Training Employment Pass, sponsored by the employer
- Private institutions: Must hold EduTrust certification to enrol international students, so check this before you accept an offer
Who Is Eligible for a Singapore Student’s Pass?
- An offer: For a full-time course at an approved institution, which registers you on ICA’s system
- Finances: Enough funds for tuition and living costs, which ICA may ask you to prove
- Health: A medical examination, where your IPA letter requires one
- Good character: No criminal or immigration issues
Meeting the entry requirements for Indian students comes first, as you can only apply once your institution has offered you a place and registered you.
How Much Does a Singapore Student Visa Cost for Indian Students?
| Fee | SGD | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (non-refundable) | 45 | ₹3,330 |
| Issuance fee | 60 | ₹4,440 |
| Visa fee for Indian nationals | 30 | ₹2,220 |
| Medical examination, where required | Up to around 65 (100 express) | Up to ₹4,800 (₹7,400 express) |
Indian nationals pay S$135 in ICA fees, plus the medical examination where required. Health insurance is set by your institution, so check whether it’s included in your fees. These are small next to the full cost of studying in Singapore, which covers tuition and living costs.
Expert View
“The Student’s Pass window for universities opens three months before your course, not earlier, so you can’t get ahead by applying in April for August. Use that time to get your documents and finances in order, then submit as soon as your university registers you.” – Rajashree Devi, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Do Indian Students Apply for a Singapore Student’s Pass?
- Accept your offer. Your institution registers your details with ICA and sends you a reference to apply.
- Submit your application online. Complete eForm 16 with your documents and photo, and pay the S$45 processing fee.
- Wait for ICA’s decision. Universities usually hear within a few weeks; ICA aims to process private institution applications within a month, or two weeks for EduTrust-certified institutions.
- Receive your IPA letter. It includes your single-entry visa, so carry it when you fly.
- Travel to Singapore. Show your passport and IPA letter at immigration.
- Complete formalities. Do your medical examination if required, pay the S$60 issuance and S$30 visa fees, and attend your ICA appointment or your institution’s enrolment session.
- Get your digital Student’s Pass. It’s sent through FileSG and is also available on Singpass.
What Documents Do Indian Students Need?
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-size digital photo
- Offer letter and registration details from your institution
- Completed eForm 16
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of funds, such as bank statements or an education loan sanction letter, if requested
- Medical examination report, if your IPA letter asks for one
Funding documents can also support scholarship and Tuition Grant applications, so it’s worth preparing them alongside your scholarships in Singapore for Indian students.
Can You Work on a Singapore Student’s Pass?
Only at approved institutions. Under Ministry of Manpower rules, students at the autonomous universities, such as NUS and SMU, and the polytechnics can work up to 16 hours a week in term and full-time in vacations. Students at most private institutions, including James Cook, Curtin and SIM, can’t work on a Student’s Pass.
What Happens After Your Course Ends?
Your Student’s Pass is cancelled shortly after you finish, and Singapore has no post-study work visa.
- Job-search pass: Graduates of institutions on ICA’s list can apply for a one-year, non-renewable Long-Term Visit Pass before their Student’s Pass is cancelled, but can’t work on it
- Employment Pass: Needs an employer sponsor and, from 1st January 2027, a minimum salary of S$6,000 a month, plus a points-based COMPASS assessment
- S Pass: For mid-skilled roles, with a minimum salary rising to S$3,600 a month from 2027
Your choice of institution and courses in Singapore shapes these options, so it’s worth thinking about them before you apply.
Common Student’s Pass Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying outside the window: University applications must be made 2 to 3 months before your course starts
- Using old fee figures: The processing fee is now S$45, not S$30
- Choosing an uncertified private institution: Check that it holds EduTrust certification
- Planning on part-time work at a private institution: Most private institution students can’t work on a Student’s Pass
- Leaving it too late to apply for the job-search pass: Apply before your Student’s Pass is cancelled
Get Your Student’s Pass Right With StudyIn
The Student’s Pass process is straightforward when your offer, documents and timing line up, and your choice of institution affects your work and post-study options.
StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, has over 20 years of experience across multiple study destinations. Our counsellors help you choose the right institution, prepare your documents, apply on time and plan for life after graduation. If you’re still deciding whether to study in Singapore, we can help with that too.
FAQs
Do Indian students need a visa to study in Singapore?
Yes. You need a Student’s Pass from ICA. Your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter also acts as your single-entry visa to travel to Singapore.
How much does a Singapore student visa cost for Indian students?
S$135 in ICA fees: a S$45 processing fee, S$60 issuance fee and S$30 visa fee, about ₹10,000. A medical examination, where required, costs up to around S$65.
When should I apply for a Singapore Student’s Pass?
For universities, at least 2 months and no more than 3 months before your course starts, once your institution has registered you.
How long does a Singapore Student’s Pass take?
University applications are usually decided within a few weeks. ICA aims to process private institution applications within a month, or two weeks for EduTrust-certified institutions.
Can I work part-time on a Singapore Student’s Pass?
Only at MOM-approved institutions, mainly the autonomous universities and polytechnics, for up to 16 hours a week in term. Students at most private institutions can’t work.
Can I stay in Singapore after graduating?
Graduates of institutions on ICA’s list can apply for a one-year Long-Term Visit Pass to look for work. You can’t work on it, and you’ll need an employer-sponsored pass to start a job.
Is the Singapore Student’s Pass a physical card?
No. Since 27th February 2023, ICA has issued the Student’s Pass digitally, through FileSG and Singpass.
