Sentosa & Scholars: Your Guide to a Singapore Study Visa
Team Niyo
Overview
You need a Singapore student visa when you plan to study in Singapore as an international student for a duration exceeding 30 days. The student visa, also known as a Student’s Pass, is required for pursuing full-time courses in Singapore’s educational institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and private schools. To apply for the student visa, you must have been accepted by a recognized institution in Singapore, possess sufficient financial means to cover your tuition and living expenses, and meet the health and character requirements. The student visa allows you to study in Singapore legally and enjoy the enriching educational opportunities the country has to offer.
Share
This Blog
Overview
You need a Singapore student visa when you plan to study in Singapore as an international student for a duration exceeding 30 days. The student visa, also known as a Student’s Pass, is required for pursuing full-time courses in Singapore’s educational institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and private schools. To apply for the student visa, you must have been accepted by a recognized institution in Singapore, possess sufficient financial means to cover your tuition and living expenses, and meet the health and character requirements. The student visa allows you to study in Singapore legally and enjoy the enriching educational opportunities the country has to offer.
Team Niyo
Why You Need a Singapore Study Visa
A Singapore study visa opens you up to a wide array of opportunities: from world-class education to one of the cleanest countries in the world, to a bustling economy and some incredible dining options, Singapore can be your home away from home.
We’ve all heard the saying, something to the tune of “all study and no fun makes Jack a dull boy.” Studying in Singapore will give you the best of both worlds, top-quality education in some of the world’s leading universities and a thrilling social life in one of Asia’s most happening countries. And what’s more, the Singapore study visa requirements for Indian students are a piece of cake! (More on that later)
Singapore has among the lowest crime rates in the world, so you know you’re always safe, and is one of THE cleanest countries in the world. Plus, it’s also a tax haven, meaning it’s a fantastic country to work in once you finish the Singapore study visa process and complete your degree.
Some facts on Singapore that you should know:
- Is one of the wealthiest nations in Asia
- Is the world’s third-most densely populated nation
- Has one of the highest life expectancies in the world – the average life expectancy was 84 years in 2021
- Has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil
- Home to Changi Airport, one of the world’s best airports
- One of the smallest but most developed countries in Asia
Whether you like rustic museums or historic monuments or a picnic in one of the many lush green parks or a stroll down Clarke Quay, Singapore is the place to be at if you’re looking for one of the best study-abroad experiences in Asia.
Convinced? Let’s break down the Singapore study visa process and list down the Singapore study visa requirements for Indian students.
Types of Singapore Visa
Alright, so you’ve made up your mind to study in Singapore. Congratulations! The first step you need to take to make your dream a reality is to apply for a Singapore study visa. Now we all know that applying for a visa includes a tonne of paperwork which is, to mildly put it, boring. But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do!
The process to get a Singapore study visa is fairly simple and is not very complicated. Before we get to the application process, let’s quickly look at the types of Singapore visas.
The three main types of student visas available in Singapore are:
- Student Pass This is the most common Singapore student visa, which is issued to students who are enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Singapore. You can apply for a student visa for Singapore from India based on the course you are pursuing. If you’re going for a diploma course, then you can opt for a short-term Singapore study visa, but you should apply for a long-term student pass if you’re pursuing a Bachelors’ or Masters’ degree. The best part about a student pass is that it doubles up as a part-time work pass and allows you to work on side hustles while you study. Oh and there’s no specific Singapore student visa age limit anyone over the age of 18 can apply for an undergraduate course.
- Training Employment Pass (TEP) A Training Employment Pass (TEP) is meant for foreign students or trainees who are looking to undergo practical training in Singapore. An employer has to apply for this type of Singapore visa and it is valid for a maximum duration of three months. It is non-renewable, meaning you will have to apply for a TEP again if you wish to undergo further training. The three requirements to be eligible for this type of Singapore visa are: you must be enrolled at a well-recognized institution or earn a minimum monthly salary of S$3,000 or be sponsored by a well-established Singapore-registered company.
- Work Holiday Pass (WHP) The WHP is suitable for foreign students or young graduates, between the ages of 18-25, who want to work and holiday in Singapore. The Work Holiday Pass is a type of Singapore visa which allows you to stay and work in Singapore for up to six months, but a maximum of only 2,000 people can avail this pass at any given point in time. You have to be studying in a government-recognized university in Singapore, or one of these 10 countries type of Singapore visa allows you to work during your summer breaks/winter vacations in Singapore.
- Personal Liability Coverage Most travel Insurance for Dubai also offers personal liability coverage, which protects you from any financial loss or legal liability during your stay. The insurer looks into a matter immediately in case you cause damage to somebody’s property or accidentally cause any accidents during your travel.
- Emergency Medical Clearance In an emergency where urgent medical attention is required and not readily available in Dubai, the insurer will promptly arrange for your repatriation to your home country without delay.
Singapore Study Visa Fees
Here’s the best part – the Singapore study visa fees will not burn a hole in your pocket. A Singapore study visa cost can go up to a maximum of ₹7,450. Yep, you read that right!
The processing fee for each Singapore student visa application costs S$30 (₹1,862) and the issuance fee for a Student Pass is S$60 (₹3,725). That’s the minimum Singapore study visa fees. However, if you plan to go back home, let’s say for Diwali or Christmas, during the course of your degree in Singapore, then your Singapore study visa fees would increase by S$30 (₹1,862) for a multiple-entry visa. All in all, the maximum Singapore study visa cost is S$120, or ₹7,450. That’s basically a family dinner in a 5-star restaurant!
A Training Employment Pass (TEP) is slightly more expensive than the Singapore study visa fees. It costs S$105 (₹6,497) for each application and you then have to shell out $225 (₹13,922) to get the pass issued. Plus, like the student visa, a multiple-entry visa would cost an extra S$30 (₹1,862). The TEP will cost you a total of S$360 (₹16,088).
The Work Holiday Pass (WHP) is cheaper than a TEP. It costs S$175 (₹10,828) for a pass and S$30 (₹1,862) for a multi-entry visa, meaning it would amount to a total of S$205 (₹12,684)
Singapore Student Visa Eligibility Criteria
Now that we know of the types of Singapore visas and the Singapore study visa fees, let’s delve into the Singapore student visa eligibility criteria. Any foreign student who has secured admission at an Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore can apply for a Singapore study visa. The list of Institutes of Higher Learning includes local universities, foreign universities with offshore campuses in Singapore as well as polytechnics.
Long story short, the eligibility criteria are not all that difficult to meet. For starters, you need to:
- Posses a passport with a minimum validity of at least three months
- Have a formal acceptance letter from the university you have signed up for
- Complete the Form 16 and Form V36
- Transcripts from your high school or previous degrees
- Have passed high school/undergraduate/postgraduate courses with distinction
- Submit financial guarantees/ bank statement that assure the authorities that you will be able to cover your tuition and living expenses
- Have no criminal record and be able to furnish a ‘Good Character’ certificate if needed
- Undergo a medical test if needed and also show proof of a medical insurance
- Receive an approval from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) before getting your Student Pass
- Show the results of tests such as IELTS, SAT, GMAT, or TOEFL. There is no IELTS requirement for a Singapore student visa as such, but it helps to present your scores.
- Once your Singapore student visa application is accepted, you might be asked to attend an interview at the Singaporean consulate or embassy in their home country, where they will once again verify your documents and also collect biometric data
- You then pay the visa processing fee of S$60 (₹ 3,725) and wait to hear back from the embassy. This is one of the toughest parts of the Singapore study visa process, but it should all work out well if you’ve submitted all the necessary documents and met the deadlines
- You receive your passport with a visa stamp [woohoo!] and you’re ready to fly to Singapore!
One of the most important aspects of the entire Singapore study visa process is adhering to timelines. Sticking to deadlines is very important as this reduces the chances of any issues at the last minute. Make it a point to apply for your Singapore study visa at least three months before your course starts. Improper documentation or late applications have a high risk of rejection, so be a little considerate of that.
Typically, undergraduate programs in Singapore go on for a duration of three years, but some fields of study such as engineering courses may require four years. Similarly, postgraduate degrees, such as business courses, are taught over two years, but some courses may be truncated into one year as well.
Of course, we also need to look at how much it costs for Indians to study in Singapore. The tuition fee for graduation courses varies from ₹20-30 lakh depending on your college, while a Master’s course would cost around ₹25-40 lakh. Considering the cost of living is fairly high in
Singapore, Indian students would need around ₹50,000-90,000 for accommodation, food and travel in the country.
Singapore Student Visa Documents You Need
Admission done, what’s next? Visa, of course! The Singapore study visa is your gateway to beginning this new chapter of your life. Make sure you fulfil all the Singapore study visa requirements to have a hassle-free experience.
Here’s a list of every document you will need to meet the Singapore study visa requirements.
Pro tip: We’ve made it in a checklist format to make it easier for you and so that you don’t miss out on anything. Got the documents ready? Simply tick away!
- Your current passport, with a validity of at least three months
- Fully completed Singapore student visa application forms – ICA Form 16 and Form V36
- A copy of the receipt that you received after paying the Singapore study visa fees
- The offer letter issued by the university you plan to study in Singapore
- A copy of your bank statement which shows that you can cover your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your course in Singapore
- A copy of the bank loan sanction document, if you have applied for a loan
- Medical insurance receipt, which suggests you are covered against any health issues that may arise during your stay in Singapore
- Transcripts of all your educational degrees, from your high school to diplomas and undergraduate degrees (if applicable)
- Transcripts of all your educational degrees, from your high school to diplomas and undergraduate degrees (if applicable)
- Results of the tests your university may require, such as IELTS, GMAT, GRE or TOEFL (not mandatory, but some universities ask for them)
- Recent, passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months
- Travel document biodata page and birth certificate (if applicable)
- Personal information, including the list of countries/places you have previously resided in, employment history and financial support
- Parents’, spouse’s, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable)
- Residential address and contact details in Singapore
- Email address
- Proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19
Singapore Student Visa for Indians: Key Takeaways
By now, you’re probably waiting to wheel your bag to the airport and jump on a plane to Singapore. Getting a Singapore study visa is no tough task and considering the fact that Singapore is just five-odd hours away, it becomes a perfect home away from home for Indian students
The advantages of studying in Singapore are plenty: they offer some of the world’s best courses, the country’s economy is booming and is a great place for future work opportunities. It is extremely clean and has a very low crime rate and is multi-racial, making it a great place to meet people from across the globe.
While we have already covered important topics such as the types of Singapore visas and the Singapore study visa cost, the most important aspect is to apply for the visa well in advance and ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Begin looking for universities you would like to study in and apply for a Singapore study visa as soon as you receive a formal acceptance letter from the college. Try not to delay your visa application because late applications can often get rejected due to the bulk of applications the consulate gets during the peak months.
Once you have applied for the visa, get all your documents in place, such as proof of admission, a valid passport, transcripts of your educational qualifications and proof of financial stability, among others, to avoid any hurdles at the last minute.
The fact that there are no IELTS requirements for a Singapore student visa will come as a relief for Indian students, but it is suggested to attach your test results if you have them ready.
Now you’re probably wondering what your post-study options are in Singapore. Having spent a year or more in the Lion City, you’re bound to want to stick around for longer and begin your professional career there.
The good news is that you can apply for a Visit Pass, which is valid for a maximum of 12 months, if you have not already got a job offer by the time you graduate. Once you do receive a job offer, your employer will apply for a Work Permit on your behalf, which could be an S Pass or an Employment Pass, depending on your role and pay scale.
Singapore has a plethora of options for Indian students. And the first step to getting there is securing that Singapore study visa.
Looking for a straightforward visa application process? Fret no more, Niyo is here!
Frequently Asked Questions on Singapore Student Visa
- How do I get a Singapore student visa? You can apply for a Singapore study visa, also known as a Student’s Pass, if you have been accepted into a full-time course at a recognized university in Singapore. You need to submit the list of documents mentioned above to obtain a Singapore student visa, which will be valid for the duration of your course. The Singapore study visa cost is S$120 (₹7,450).
- What is the Singapore student visa processing time? The rough Singapore student visa processing time is 10 working days, or two weeks from the date of application. However, it may take longer during the peak season, between July and August, due to a large influx of student visa applications.
- How much does a Singapore student visa cost? A student visa for Singapore from India would typically cost you around ₹6,000.The processing fee for each application costs S$30 (₹1,862) and the issuance fee for a Student Pass costs S$60 (₹3,725). If you plan on going back home and returning to Singapore, during the duration of your course, then you would have to pay an additional charge of S$30 (₹1,862) for a multiple-entry visa. The maximum charge for a Singapore study visa is S$120, or ₹7,450.
- What is the minimum IELTS score for a Singapore student visa? Here’s the good news – there is no IELTS requirement for a Singapore student visa. If you have passed Grade 12 from an English-medium school and succeed more than 75% in English, you will be exempted from taking the IELTS.
- How long is stay allowed in Singapore with a student visa post-completion of studies? If you’re a student who has just graduated from Singapore, you can stay in the country for an additional period of 12 months. You can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (this is a non-renewable pass) if you have graduated from a university that is listed in the government’s Institutes of Higher Learning. The full list is here However, if you studied in a university that is not on the above-mentioned list, then you can stay in Singapore for upto 90 days post your graduation.
