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Singapore Student Visa - Complete Overview

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

Singapore Student Visa - Complete Overview

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read
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Singapore Student Visa 

For Indian students, Singapore is a popular study abroad option. Its proximity to India is also an advantage. If you've been accepted into one of the country's higher education institutions, the first thing you'll need is a student visa. We've got your back !

Students must apply for a Student Visa, also known as a "Student's Pass," after getting an offer letter from the selected institute for a certain degree. On behalf of the students, institutes in Singapore will file the Singapore student Visa for India application with Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA). The Student's Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system is used to submit applications. A new application for a Student's Pass must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester. 

Nowadays, Singapore has made its position in top chosen countries, due to its excellent Education Level. It comes in the top educational destination all over the world. Every year many Graduates and Undergraduates Students migrating to Singapore for world-class education as well as job opportunities. Singapore is also popular for tourist destinations and high-level living standards.

Mention below are some of the reasons to Study in Singapore :

  • High Technical Universities, many top-level Universities are totally run by new technical gadgets, and the infrastructure of Universities also makes it a great choice for aspirants.
  • Hygienic and clean Environment, Singapore comes in the cleanest and safe list of countries. Norms are very strict in Singapore, authorities impose a heavy fine on the rebellions or the rule-breakers. The transport facilities are also impressive, many private and public transports are available at every nook and corner.
  • English-speaking country, in Singapore most of the English speakers live so students would not face any barrier while speaking with others and can easily share their ideas.
  • Cost-effective country, Singapore is a very reasonable country. If you have less budget, Singapore would be the best option for you to fulfill your dream to study overseas.
  • A multicultural nation, Singapore invites huge diversity in the culture. It is a beautiful island where many students come from different places like the UK and Germany and other several European Countries.

Latest Update

Some of the latest updates on Singapore Student Visa are as follows:

  • Require supplementary entrance approval via the SafeTravel web portal at least two weeks prior to the intended arrival date.
  • Students will now be required to present the ICA and MOE-approved health statement.

Cancellation of Student Pass

After completing their programs, international students are asked to cancel and return their student pass (STP). In the event that students are converting to part-time studies, discontinuing their studies, or taking a long leave of absence (LOA), they must submit their pass to the immigration and customs authorities within seven days. Students must have an STP Cancellation Form, a valid travel document, and an STP card in order to have their STP canceled. Students can also hand in their student pass to ICA officials who will be present at the airport.

Types of Passes

Following are the types of passes available for international students: 

Type of Pass

Applicable For

Training Work Pass

Students undertaking up to six months of practical training, as well as semi-skilled foreign employees

Work Holiday Pass-Work Holiday Program

Students between the ages of 18 and 25 who want to work and vacation in Singapore for no more than 6 months are eligible.

Training Employment Pass

Foreign professionals undertaking practical training must earn a monthly salary of at least S$3,000.

Work Holiday Pass-Work and Holiday Visa Program

This visa is for Australian students between the ages of 25 and 30 who want to work and vacation in Singapore for no more than 6 months.

Documents Required

The following is a list of documentation you must submit while applying for a student permit, as stipulated by the SOLAR authorities of Singapore:

Proof of Funds up to 1-year

Letter of Acceptance from the University

Passport

SOP, Resume, 3 letters of recommendation

Visa application receipt

Academic transcripts, scorecards of GRE/TOEFL

Travel and Health Insurance

Vaccination Certificate

How to apply for a Singapore Student Visa

After you've acquired the required documents, the application process for a student pass will vary depending on the university or institute where you've been accepted. You can learn more about the process for your selected university by visiting the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's official website. After you have successfully registered for a Singapore Study Visa, the following are the essential processes that your application will go through:

  • After you submit your student pass application, visa processing will take a minimum of 15 days and a maximum of 4 weeks.
  • The visa interview may or may not be required (depending on the university to which you have been accepted), in which case the candidate will be notified in advance.
  • The candidate will receive the final processed visa through courier or can pick it up straight from the Embassy.
  • The ICA receives the Singapore Student visa two months prior to the start of the academic session. You can track your visa application by going on to the website using your Unique Transaction Reference Number if you apply through the online portal.

Rejection Rate of Singapore Student Visa

Every year, a large number of Indian students travels to Singapore to seek higher education. The entire procedure is lengthy and consists of numerous steps. One of them is applying for a student visa in Singapore. The mere act of applying for a visa does not guarantee that it will be granted. Authorities have the authority to deny or reject a student visa application from Singapore. While the chances are slim, it is possible that it will be denied. It is rejected for a variety of reasons, including inadequate paperwork, inability to meet academic criteria, English proficiency scores, and so on.

Acceptance Rate of Singapore Student Visa

Singapore student visas has a high success rate when compared to other nations. The visa has a success record of 90% or higher.

A Step By Step Singapore Student Visa Process:

The initial step to apply for a student visa of Singapore University is PASS APPLICATION, it is a confirmation letter of admission or registration in the desired course of your chosen University. Students need a Student pass to get a successful registration in Singapore it is a pass for Indian students on the behalf of students to Singapore immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA).

  • The application is submitted by Student’s pass online Application and Registration (SOLAR)
  • Pass application must be submitted at least one month prior, or not more than two months before the commencement of the course.

The guidelines which are necessary to be followed

Step 1

The first step is to click on the Foreign student icon and read carefully the instructions given below Enter all the required information, Solar Application Number, Candidate Full name, Date of birth, Nationality, and Gender.

Step 2

After Submitting the next step is to submit E-FORM 16, and put all the required details

  • Passport Number and its validity
  • Singapore Complete Address.
  • Your travel history where you have visited.
  • The antecedent of application, a verification list to know your background.

Step 3

The next step is to upload your latest photograph

Singapore Student Visa Process Time

The visa processing time in Singapore is generally faster than in other countries. After submitting all the information and paying 30SGD visa processing fees. Minimum  it can take 15 days or 1 month for approval of Singapore Student Visa.

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Singapore Student Visa Benefits

There are many benefits of getting a Singapore visa for your higher studies. Today Singapore became the first priority of many Students due to many reasons.

  • If you are not eligible to clear IELTS or any other Language  Test, but you have a desire to study overseas then Singapore is the best option for you to study in English Language Courses to improve your English.
  • You can study in Singapore after your 10th qualification, Senior Secondary, Graduation, and Post Graduation.
  • You can get Admission to any Course, as their multi-course Universities are available like a diploma, Vocational course, language Course which fulfill the criteria of your background study
  • After completing your studies you can get a work visa and do part-time and full-time work permits after getting sufficient experience and spending time you can apply for the Permanent Residency.
  • If after pursuing your Graduation in Singapore university you want to continue your masters in any other country like the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia you can join it.
  • Singapore invites huge diversity in the culture, it is a beautiful island where many students come from different places like the UK and Germany, and other several European Countries. you have a great chance

Singapore Study With Or Without IELTS

Singapore assists students to apply for undergraduates and postgraduate courses with or without 

IELTS. There are some selective Universities that allow students to apply without IELTS.

  • If you are planning to apply for Undergraduate courses in Singapore you will require a minimum of 6.5 bands Overall, not less than 6 in each module.
  • For Post Graduate courses you need a minimum of 7 bands, not less than 6.5 in each module.

Singapore Study Visa Requirements For Indian

To fill a student pass visa form you need all original documents. Here is the list of the following documents that you require for application purposes.

  1. Valid Passport: Your Passport must be valid for at least 3 or 6 months.
  2. Application form: Your Student Visa Application Forms –ICA Form16 & Form V36.
  3. Fee  Records:  Your Application Fee payment receipt  which You pay S$30 (Indian Rs1618).An Insurance Fee of  S$60 (Indian Rs3,236).
  4. The Offer Letter: Your original offer letter which you get after paying the tuition fees.
  5. Passport Size Photograph: Two  Current Passport Size Photographs.
  6. Bank Statement: A proper Bank Statement which shows your sufficient availability of funds like Tuition fees and S$8400.
  7. Bank Loan: If you have borrowed money for your studies then original documents of the granted loan, duration, and deadline of paying it back.
  8. Academic Certificates: You need Your original Academic Proofs, whatever you have studied, like diploma degree, 10th, and 12th certificates.
  9. English Language Test Reports Original TRF of test IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT.
  10. Work Experience: certificate if applicable.

Singapore Student Visa Financial Requirements

A student's Student visa is less costly than any other country's visa like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Aspirants can easily afford the budget. There is the following fee Structure which students need to pay while filing a Student visa. After filling the fees students are eligible to get a visa.

Processing fee

Insurance Fee

The processing Fee for visa  S$30 (Indian Rs 1637 Approximately) is paid very beginning when the application submitted to ICA. After an issue, this fee is Non- Refundable. It is paid electrically.

The insurance Fee is mandatory to pay.it is charged Approximately S$60(Indian Rs 3275) and S$30 for Multiple-entry Visa fee.

Singapore Student Visa Checklist

Here is the list of the following documents that you require for application purposes.

  1. Valid Passport: Your Passport must be valid for at least 3 or 6 months.
  2. Application form: Your Student Visa Application Forms –ICA Form16 & Form V36.
  3. Fee  Records:  Your Application Fee payment receipt  which You pay S$30 (Indian Rs1618).An Insurance Fee of  S$60 (Indian Rs3,236).
  4. The Offer Letter: Your original offer letter which you get after paying the tuition fees.
  5. Passport Size Photograph: Two  Current Passport Size Photographs.
  6. Bank Statement: A proper Bank Statement which shows your sufficient availability of funds like Tuition fees and S$8400.
  7. Bank Loan: If you have borrowed money for your studies then original documents of the granted loan, duration, and deadline of paying it back.
  8. Academic Certificates: You need Your original Academic Proofs, whatever you have studied, like diploma degree, 10th, and 12th certificates.
  9. English Language Test Reports Original TRF of test IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT.
  10. Work Experience: certificate if applicable.
  11. Letter of Offer from the Institute of Higher Learning : (IHL) in Singapore which shows your selected course. you will receive a notification from IHL which tells you about the process of applying for a student pass.
  12. Residential detail: You also require Residential proof where you are going to stay in Singapore and contact details.

Singapore Student Visa Age Limit

Below19 years old

If a Student is  Below 19 years old and applying for Undergraduate from an Approved Private Organization application will be handed to the Singapore Immigration & checkpoints Authority(ICA) directly.

Above 19 or 21

If you are Above 19 then applicable for any degree, postgraduate course. There must be an interview procedure by the Embassy, in which they can ask about your course details, accommodation, funds, relatives in Singapore, plans for how long stay there. 

Singapore Student Visa Fee

Singapore Student visa is less costly than any other Countries visa like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Aspirants can easily afford the budget. There is the following fee Structure which students need to pay while filing a Student visa. After filling the fees students are eligible to get a visa.

Processing fee

  • Processing Fee for visa  S$30.
  • Indian Rs 1637, approximately.
  • It is paid very beginning when the application submitted to ICA. After any issue, this fee is Non- Refundable. It is paid online.

Insurance Fee

  • Insurance Fee for visa S$60+S$30.
  • Indian Rs(3275+1637) , approximately.

Singapore Student Visa Validity Period

Singapore visa validity starts when you get your visa and approval letter, it is valid till the mentioned date in the visa, Which totally depends on your course, embassy, and university.

How long you are going to stay.

Visa renewal period 

  • If your Student visa is going to expire, you have to submit your renewal application at least one or two months before. 
  • The candidate does not have permission to stay in Singapore until the approval of their application and he has to move back to his native place under the processing period. 
  • The applicants who want to get a work permit or stay there after completing their course can get a visa extension for 1 or 3 month, but it totally depends on the institution or university protocols.

 Long term Visa Pass

Long Term Visit Pass is issued to the students who have done their course and want to work further, If you are not eligible to work or get any work in Singapore you cannot renew your visa pass .Then you have to come back to India.

Long term Visa Pass Documents 

For applying (LTVP) you have to pay an extra S$30  as application charges which are Non-Refundable, S$60 insurance fee, and S$40 for the Extension fee when the valid Visit pass issued. There are several documents that you need while applying it.

  • You must have an original and copy of the Educational certificate from the IHL.
  • Passport with a minimum of six months' validity.
  • Valid Student visit pass.
  • Pass issued to the Student while admission, of course.
  • Latest Passport size photos.

Singapore Student Visa Eligibility

  • If a student wants to  Study in Singapore must be cleared previous class with more than 60% and get IELTS to score minimum 7 Overall, not less than 6.5. If you are applying for a postGraduate course.
  • While if you are planning to do an Undergraduate Course after Senior Secondary you must not have more than 6 bands or not less than out of 9 in each module. With 65% in 12th class.
  • Valid Passport at least 6 Months Validity.
  • Proper Funds and receipt of all fee payments.
  • A Complete Address details where you are going to stay and contact details.
  • Complete Student Visa Application form 

Singapore Student Visa Rejection

Many students visit Singapore for higher studies and brighter futures and apply for a Student Visa but sometimes unfortunately visa refusal has to be faced by students due to some reasons.  But students can apply again after the refusal by improvising the pitfalls in the filling. There are many reasons which can be the cause of visa rejection.

  • Refusal depends on the Embassy or Visa Authorities of the Country.
  • If the file is not meeting the protocols, and it has some errors in the application process, you must hold all your original documents while applying for the visa, and carefully submit all the information.
  • During the Visa Interview if the Candidate is not up to the mark then officials reject the student visa.
  • If the candidate is the week to show the financial stability, the Student must need to show Proper funds  to minimize visa rejection

Singapore Student Work Rules

Singapore is one of the costlier countries. The living expenses Fees and food everything students have to afford by themselves, so they always want to earn some extra money by doing part-time jobs to bear their expenses. There are many part-time job options available to students. But this country also has some rules and regulations for doing a job while studying.

  • According to Singapore, rules students are allowed to do maximum16 hours in a week, but on the vacation, they are free to do unlimited work by the permission of their approved institution.
  • Students who are studying in an institution and university which is not an approved institution are not eligible to work neither part-time nor full time.

FAQs

✅ Can I work in Singapore with a student visa?

Yes, you can work in Singapore with a student visa, you are allowed to work a maximum of 16 hours in a week and several hours on vacations by the approval of the educational institution.
Moreover, you can apply for a short-term work visa after graduation. This visa will give permission to stay for 3 months in Singapore. 

✅Can I get PR after studying in Singapore?

After getting a degree, Students can apply for a job search visa to live for 6 months and find a job. If you start earning SGD3000 per month, you will be eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent residency. The processing time for the approval of Singapore PR is (approx 3months).

✅ Is IELTS mandatory for a Singapore visa?

For Singapore, you need overall 6.5 and not less than 6 bands out of 9  in each module,80 in TOEFL if you are planning to apply for an undergraduate course, but there are also some Universities and Institutions which allow students to take admission without IELTS or any English proficiency test.

✅ Singapore Student Visa benefits?

You can get admission with or without IELTS. Students can apply after 10th class, moreover, the expenses of education are less than in other countries like the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and after doing an undergraduate course if you want to study in UK Canada, and another university you can easily Migrate.

✅ Can we go with Spouse to Singapore?

For bringing your spouse and children you must have done your studies first and have Employment Pass or Entrepreneur pass and have eligibility for a dependent visa if you are earning annually SGD5,000 or more than it. 

About the Author
PB
Piyush Bhartiya
Study Abroad Expert & Co-Founder @ AdmitKard
Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of IIT Roorkee, IIM Bangalore, KTH Sweden and Tsinghua University in China. Post completing his MBA, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group and focused on building sales and marketing vertical for top MNCs and Indian business houses.