| Visa type | Student's Pass |
| Proof of funds | Not listed |
| Application fee | S$45 |
| Processing time | 7 to 14 days |
| Work while studying | 16 hours per week |
| Dependants | Not allowed |
| Official page | https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/STP/apply/ihl |
What you need
A Registration Acknowledgement Letter or In-Principle Approval letter from the institution, a valid travel document with biodata page, a passport-sized digital colour photograph taken within three months, a birth certificate, residential address and contact details in Singapore, family member details if applicable, educational background and employment history, and evidence of financial support for the course. A Medical Examination Report is required for some applicants at the completion-of-formalities stage.
How to apply
- Receive an offer or Registration Acknowledgement Letter from an approved Singapore institution.
- Apply online through ICA's SOLAR system, generally two to three months (and not more than three months) before the course starts; you do not need to be in Singapore to apply.
- Pay the non-refundable S$45 processing fee once the application status shows it is due.
- If approved, an In-Principle Approval letter is issued; pay the S$60 issuance fee and, if you are a visa-required national, a further S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa.
- Complete formalities by appointment at the ICA Services Centre, or at an offsite enrolment session arranged by your institution, bringing every document listed in the IPA letter, including a Medical Examination Report if required.
- The pass is issued digitally; it arrives by email with retrieval instructions and is accessible through Singpass, MyICA or FileSG within three working days.
Why applications are refused
ICA does not publish a list of specific refusal reasons; approval depends on meeting the institution's enrolment requirements and standard immigration checks, and ICA states that meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval.