Application for Student Pass Singapore

Singapore offers a student pass for international students seeking full-time studies. The application process is primarily online through the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system. A processing fee of S$30 (Rs 1,841 approx) is required for every application submitted to ICA. 

Singapore is one the most popular countries in the world for higher studies. Students from across the world apply for admission to the universities of Singapore. Singapore offers a student pass for international students enrolled in full-time courses at approved educational institutions. It is a mandatory document to study full-time any any Singaporean university.

Essentially, the Singapore 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 application process of a student pass 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.

How to Apply for a Singapore Student Visa?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can go about applying for and getting your student’s pass. Remember, the pass will 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 admission to an institute of higher learning – also referred to as an IHLs.

Step 2: How to Complete Singapore Student Pass

Once you have completed the registration and admission process at the university/ institute of your choice, you will 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 will 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 will 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 E-Form 16 along with The Processing Fee

Once you log in, you will be required to submit the E-form 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 will 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

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 will be checked and you will 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 will 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 Singapore 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 is 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

That's all about the topic! Students are suggested to arrange all the documents before applying for study visa. If you have any query related to this topic or study abroad feel free to connect with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.