Application for Student Pass Singapore

While admission to the Top Universities in Singapore is not easy, once you do get admitted, the journey from there is relatively easy and streamlined. An Open Economy, Singapore has effectively removed the bottlenecks for students planning to come to the country for their higher education. In these regards, the Visa Process for Singapore requires not a Visa but a Student Pass, which is an online system. Essentially, Student Pass is a document that confirms that you have been admitted to a designated institute of higher learning and gives you permission to enter and stay in Singapore as an International student.

The entire process is online and is famously known as the SOLAR system or the Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration. It starts with the IHL (Institute of Higher Learning), providing you with a SOLAR Application Reference Number. It is the onus of the Institutes to provide the confirmation of your admission and initiate the visa process.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can go about applying for and getting your student’s pass. Remember, the pass would be provided to you only once you enter Singapore. The following points cater to the entire process.

Step 1: Admission to a designated institute of higher learning.

The first step to applying for the student pass is obviously admission to an institute of higher learning – also referred to as IHLs.

Step 2: Complete the registration process at the University to receive the SOLAR Reference Number

Once you have completed the registration and admission process at the university/ institute of your choice, you would be provided with a Confirmation Letter along with a SOLAR Reference Number. Please note, this is an important number and you would require the same while initiating the process for a Student’s Pass.

Step 3: Get Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) Reference Number from University

Once you have completed the registration process at the University, the University would initiate the Student Pass Application first. The university/ institute (IHL) is required to provide the following information, namely

• Your name, date of birth, gender and nationality (as mentioned in your passport)
• Course details, course commencement and course end dates
• SOLAR application reference number

Once the same has been completed, you would be forwarded the SOLAR Application Reference Number.

Step 4: Log in to the SOLAR of ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority)

Once you have received the SOLAR Reference Number, you can log in to the SOLAR website. On the web page, you would be asked to log in using the reference number. You would also be required to provide some basic information (refer to the checklist provided in the earlier segment) to initiate the process and make a fee payment.

You need to start the application at least one month before the commencement of your course.

Step 5: Submit the eForm 16 along with the processing fee of S$30

Once you log in, you would be required to submit the eForm 16. You would also be required to furnish other details as clearly mentioned by the University along with a processing fee of S$30. This you can make either through a debit/credit card or even through internet banking.

Note: ICA may request some applicants to furnish additional documents in support of the application, where necessary. We recommend you keep the entire checklist as mentioned above handy before you start the registration.

After submission of the eForm 16 through SOLAR, take a printout of the eForm for submission to the Student’s Pass Unit, ICA, to complete formalities for the issuance of a Student’s Pass.

Step 6: Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter from ICA

Since Indians require a visa to enter Singapore, the processing time for your application is around 10 days. This, however, might take a bit longer in July/August hence you must initiate the process as soon as possible.

Once the application is processed and approved, you would be issued an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter by the ICA. This letter would be sent to you by your university/ IHL.

Note, your Visa would be incorporated within this letter and you need not apply separately for the same. This letter, when produced at the checkpoints would help you gain entry into Singapore.

Step 7: Report to ICA for Issuance of Student’s Pass upon arrival in Singapore

As mentioned, you can travel to Singapore with the IPA. Once you arrive, you must go to the ICA Building to complete the formalities and get your Student’s Pass.

Once you enter Singapore, your documents would be checked and you would be provided with a temporary social visit pass at the checkpoint.

On arrival in Singapore, students are required to report to the Student’s Pass Unit, 4th floor, ICA Building, for completion of formalities for the issuance of a Student’s Pass within the duration of the social visit pass granted at the checkpoint. You would be entertained only if you have a prior appointment. There is an e-appointment system and it is recommended that you seek an appointment first and then go to the ICA office for your Student Pass.

Some universities also organize offsite camps for Student’s Pass. If your university has that facility, you would be informed in advance.

You are required to report to the Self-Service Ticketing Kiosk 3 located at Visitor Services Centre 4th Storey, ICA Building to obtain a queue ticket for your Student’s Pass.

Documents Required for Issuance of Student’s Pass

• The student’s valid passport. Carry a copy of the passport as you would need to submit the same.
• The Disembarkation/Embarkation card of the student, granted on entry into Singapore.
• One recent colour passport-sized photograph (taken on white background);
• The printout of eForm 16 submitted through SOLAR (duly signed by the applicant);
• A copy of the in-principle approval letter; and
• A medical report in the prescribed format (available on ICA’s website).
• Change of Address Form (if applicable)
• Signed copy of the "Terms & Conditions for Student's Pass (STP) Card". Click here for a copy of the form.
• Issuance Fee of S$60 to be submitted. In case you require multiple entry permission, an additional S$30 would be chargeable to you.

Read More: Cost of Studying in Singapore: Average Tuition Fees & Monthly Expenses