Path to staying
- Post-study workup to 24 months
- Permanent residencypossible
- Citizenshippossible
Overview
- Country
- Singapore
- Visa name
- Student Pass
- Status
- Active
- Max duration
- 48 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The Student Pass is required for all foreign students studying full-time at an approved educational institution in Singapore. Covers degree programs, diplomas, and professional certifications at local universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, etc.), polytechnics, and approved private institutions. Application processed through the ICA SOLAR+ system.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $7,500 – $40,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $6,300/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities (NUS, NTU, SMU): S$17,500–S$50,000+/yr depending on program. MOE Tuition Grant available (requires 3-year post-graduation service commitment in Singapore), reducing fees significantly. Polytechnics: S$10,000–S$13,000/yr. Private institutions: highly variable.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 16 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
Students at approved institutions (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, SUSS, polytechnics, ITE) can work up to 16 hours/week during term under Work Pass Exemption. Full-time during official vacation periods. Students at non-approved institutions generally cannot work. Industrial attachment/internship allowed if part of curriculum.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Work permit | 24 mo–36 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
| Short-Term Visit Pass (Job Search) | Job seeker | 1 mo–3 mo | Any | No | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | English is the medium of instruction at all Singapore universities. TOEFL 85+ or IELTS 6.0+ typically required. Each university sets its own minimum. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Pass Application Fee | Application | $22 | One time |
| Student Pass Issuance Fee | Issuance | $45 | One time |
| Multiple Journey Visa Fee | Visa | $22 | One time |
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- Possible
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Via
- Educational institution registers student on SOLAR+ first; student then completes eForm 16.
- Processing
- 28-56 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.ica.gov.sg
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
MOE Tuition Grant significantly reduces costs but requires 3-year work commitment in Singapore after graduation. Student Pass cancellation within 30 days of course completion. The ICA Foreign Student PR scheme is narrow, requiring more than 2 years of residence and a national exam or Integrated Programme; most tertiary graduates move through Employment Pass or S Pass routes. Boarding/hostel allocation may be limited for international students at public universities.
Also in Singapore
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source