Singapore Student Visa: Highlights

  • Visa type: Student’s Pass
  • Issuing authority: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
  • How to apply: Via SOLAR (Student’s Pass On-Line Application and Registration System)
  • Total visa cost: Approximately INR 6,600 (~SGD 90)
  • Validity: Duration of the course (full-time)
  • Work permitted: 16 hours/week during term time, full-time (40 hours) during holidays

Singapore is a strong choice for Indian students looking for a high-quality international education closer to home. As one of Asia’s leading education and business hubs, Singapore offers globally recognised universities and strong graduate employment outcomes.

To study in Singapore, students must obtain a Student’s Pass, the country’s official student visa. This immigration pass allows eligible students to study full-time at approved universities and colleges.

This guide covers everything you need to know as an Indian student applying for a student visa in Singapore, including eligibility, documents needed, fees, application process, and more.

Types of Singapore Student Visas for Indian Students

Singapore has a single primary student visa known as the Student’s Pass, with a few additional passes available, depending on the course duration and specific training or programme requirements.

Click each section below for more information on the available passes.

Student's Pass (STP)
The Student’s Pass is Singapore’s main visa for international students enrolled in a full-time course at an approved educational institution. Issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), it allows students to live and study in Singapore for the duration of their programme.
Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP)
Students enrolling in short courses lasting less than 30 days do not need to apply for a Student’s Pass. They can enter Singapore on a Short-Term Visit Pass, an electronic visit pass/e-Pass issued upon arrival.

Students holding an STVP are not permitted to engage in any form of employment unless they hold a valid work pass issued by the Singapore authorities.

Training Employment Pass (TEP)
Training Employment Pass is an employer-sponsored pass that allows international students to do practical training in Singapore as a part of their studies.

To be eligible for a TEP, you must:

  • Be studying at an approved educational institution
  • Have a training attachment that is part of your course curriculum
  • Receive a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 3,000

💡 Did you know? Singapore no longer issues physical Student’s Pass cards.

Since 27th February 2023, all Student’s Passes have been issued digitally and can be accessed via the FileSG website or Singpass. The digital STP has the same validity and functionality as the physical STP cards.

Why Study in Singapore?

Are You Eligible for a Singaporean Student Visa?

To apply for a Student’s Pass in Singapore, you’ll generally need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be accepted into a full-time course at an approved university or institution
  • Be able to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living costs in Singapore
  • Meet health requirements, including completing a mandatory medical examination
  • Have no criminal record or immigration-related issues that could affect your application

Students can apply for their student visa online through SOLAR (Student’s Pass On-Line Application and Registration System). As part of the process, you’ll need to complete e-Form 16 and submit the required supporting documents for ICA’s assessment.

Documents Required for Singapore Student Visa

Here’s a complete list of documents you need when applying for the Student’s Pass in Singapore.

  • A valid passport (minimum 3 months validity)
  • Bank loan sanction letter (if applying for a student loan)
  • Completed visa application forms
  • Medical examination report
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses
  • Transcripts, certificates, and proof of previous qualifications
  • University admission or offer letter
  • Visa fee payment receipt

✅ Student’s Pass applications are typically processed in around 10 working days, depending on whether further verification or additional documents are needed.

Singapore Student Visa Fees

The student visa process for Singapore involves different cost components. Here are the costs you need to account for when applying for a student visa in Singapore.

Fee component SGD INR (approx.)
Visa processing fee 30 2,200
Visa issuance fee 60 4,400
Multiple-entry fee (if applicable) 30 2,200
Mandatory medical examination 50–100 3,700–7,400
Health insurance 407 30,000+

ℹ️ INR values are calculated based on exchange rates in June 2026.

💡 Need help with your visa application? Get in touch with our counsellors for expert advice and support.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Singapore Student Visa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Singapore Student Visa.

  • Obtain your offer letter

Get an official admission letter from any Singaporean university and check that they’re registered with the SOLAR system.

  • Get your SOLAR ID

Your university will register you to SOLAR by providing your name, nationality, date of birth, gender, and course details. After registration, they’ll send you a unique ID to log in to the SOLAR website.

  • Fill out eForm 16

Use your SOLAR ID to log in to the website and fill out eForm 16 with your personal details. You’ll also have to pay a non-refundable processing fee of SGD 30 (INR 2,200).

  • Get your IPA letter

Once your SOLAR application has been approved, you’ll receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which acts as a single-entry visa to Singapore. Print the letter and carry it with you while travelling, as the airline will check it during boarding.

  • Pay the Visa fee

Once you receive the IPA letter, log in to the SOLAR system to pay an issuance fee of SGD 60 (INR 4,400) and SGD 30 (INR 2,200) for a multiple-entry visa (where applicable).

  • Travel to Singapore

Make sure to book your flight to land 1 to 2 weeks before university orientation to give you enough time to settle in. On arrival at Changi Airport, you’ll have to present your passport and IPA letter at immigration.

  • Complete post-arrival medical screening

After you arrive, you’re required to complete a mandatory medical screening procedure at any registered medical practitioner in Singapore before your Student’s Pass can be officially issued.

❓ How long does it take to process the student visa?

It takes 10 to 15 working days for your Singapore study visa application to be processed. However, if you are applying during peak time (July through August), it may take longer since universities in Singapore resume their courses.

What is the IPA letter?
An IPA letter is an official document issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) after your visa application is approved. Your IPA letter will be valid for 2 to 3 months from the date that it is issued.

Your Student’s Pass will only be issued if you meet all the requirements mentioned in the IPA letter. Requirements stated in the letter may include attending a medical checkup or making a security deposit.

To complete all formalities, including biometric enrollment, you’ll need to book an e-appointment for a suitable date and time to visit the ICA Building.

Can I Work While Studying in Singapore?

Yes, you can work part-time in Singapore for up to 16 hours per week during the semester if you’re a full-time student at a university or college approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

During official university holidays, you’re allowed to work full-time without any additional work permit.

What Happens After My Course Ends?

Once you complete your degree and graduate from a recognised Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL), you can apply for a one-year, non-renewable Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTVP). This 12-month pass allows you to stay in Singapore and look for work.

⚠️ Important: You can’t work on an LTVP. You must convert it to a valid work pass before starting any job.

After you’ve found employment, your employer will apply for a work pass for you from the MOM, and your LTVP will be cancelled once the work pass is issued.

What is the Work Holiday Pass?
Graduates and undergraduate students who want to work and holiday in Singapore for up to 6 months can apply for the Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme.

To apply for the Work Holiday Pass, you must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and be a graduate or undergraduate of a recognised university in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States.

  • If you’re an undergraduate looking to apply for the Work Holiday Pass, you must prove that you’ve been a resident and a full-time student of the university for at least 3 months before applying for the pass.
  • If you’re a graduate looking to apply for the Work Holiday Pass, you must prove that you were a resident and a full-time student of the university.

⚠️ Important: The Work Holiday Programme has a capacity of 2,000 pass holders at any one time.

Ready to apply for your Singaporean student visa?

Here’s a quick recap on Singapore’s student visa process before you get started.

  • Your university will register you on the SOLAR system, but you’re responsible for your documents
  • You need to fill out eForm 16 to secure your Student’s Pass
  • Total visa fees are approximately SGD 90 (~INR 6,600)
  • You must have your IPA letter with you when travelling to Singapore
  • Post-arrival steps (medical screening, visiting the ICA Building) are mandatory

Have questions about your visa application? StudyIn’s counsellors can walk you through the process, help you choose the right institution, and make sure you’re set up for a smooth application.

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FAQs

What is the Singapore Student’s Pass, and how is it different from a regular visa?

The Student’s Pass is an ICA-issued document that allows international students to live in Singapore for a full-time course. A regular visa only covers a short visit, while the Student’s Pass is tied to your school and covers the whole programme.

How long does it take to process a Singapore student visa for Indian students?

It usually takes 10 to 15 working days through ICA’s SOLAR system, depending on the institution. Since processing can take longer during peak periods, it’s worth allocating a full month for the entire process.

What is the total cost of a Singapore student visa in Indian rupees?

You’ll pay approximately SGD 90, around INR 6,600, in total. This includes a non-refundable SGD 30 processing fee for eForm 16, and a SGD 60 issuance fee once you receive your IPA letter.

Can I work part-time in Singapore on a Student’s Pass?

Yes, you can work up to 16 hours a week during term time at approved institutions, and full-time during official vacation periods.

What happens if my Student’s Pass expires before I finish my course?

Your university should file for renewal through SOLAR before it expires, typically weeks in advance. If it lapses without renewal, you lose legal status and must leave Singapore.

Can I change my course or institution after getting my Student’s Pass?

No, not on your current pass. The pass is tied to a specific school and course, so switching either means cancelling it and having your new institution file a fresh application.

Do I need travel insurance to apply for a Singapore student visa?

No, most universities require student health insurance separately, but it isn’t part of the visa application itself.

Can I convert my Student’s Pass into a work pass after graduation?

No, not automatically. Your Student’s Pass becomes invalid at graduation, and you’ll need an employer to sponsor an Employment Pass or S Pass.