Inroduction In order to study in Australia, International students are required to obtain a valid...
To study in Singapore, International students are required to have a valid student pass issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore, unless he/she has:
- An Immigration Exemption Order
- A Short-term visa and attending short courses less than 30 days
Requirements to apply for a student pass are in two main sections:
English language requirement:
International students do not need to prove their level of English when they submit the student pass application. However, as all schools in Singapore use the English language as the medium of instruction, your English level needs to meet the entry requirements of the school you applying to receive a full offer from them.
For students who pursue post-secondary studies in Singapore, international English qualifications such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is generally can be accepted by most schools.
Students who want to join the local primary or secondary schools need to pass the entry exams set by the ministry of education in Singapore.
Financial Documents:
Financial document plays an important part in student pass application. International students should show they have enough money available to them to pay for their course fees, travel and living costs while they study in Singapore.
Proof of financial ability
- An international student who is a national of visa required country of Singapore needs to show that they have the financial ability to study in Singapore.
- The documentary proof of financial ability can be in the form of bank statement /fixed deposit accounts/savings accounts.
- The amount of money is advisable to be minimum SGD$30,000.
Security deposit
An international student might be required to pay a security deposit in certain cases. Once your student pass is approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter that will indicate whether you need to pay a security deposit. The security deposit must be paid in the form of a Banker’s Guarantee, and the amount is as follows:
Security Deposit for Singapore Student Pass Applicants
| Country | Deposit Amount |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh, Myanmar, People’s Republic of China and India | SGD$5,000 |
| Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand | SGD$1,000 |
| Others | SGD$1,500 |
Source: https://www.ica.gov.sg/visitor/studentpass/peo
The security deposit will be refunded to international students if they have departed Singapore and have not breached any of the conditions stated in the security bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Singapore with a student visa?
International students who hold a valid student pass may work up to 16 hours per week during school term, and full-time during school vacation. However, it also depends on the type of educational intuition you are enrolled in. International students who enrolled in government schools, international schools, local polytechnics and universities, and a selected number of foreign and international universities are generally allowed to work during their study. The full list of institutions can be found here.
How much does a Singapore student visa cost?
There will be an SGD$30 processing fee when a student pass application is submitted to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Upon a student pass approval, there will be an SGD$60 issuance fee and a further SGD$30 multiple-enter visa for visa required nationals, where applicable.
How long does it take to get a Singapore student visa?
The general processing time for student pass will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks. After your school submitted your student pass application, you can track your application status here.
