In Singapore, a student visa is referred to as a student pass, and universities in this country are known as Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). As an international student in Singapore, intending to attend any academic program lasting more than 30 days, you must apply for this student pass. Your visa or pass application is submitted to the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration or SOLAR system, the country's official registration system.

Student pass applications are processed directly by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for applicants up to 19 years who wish to attend a private institution. Students above the age of 20, who wish to study vocational, commercial, language or fine arts courses, may be asked to appear for an interview.

When to apply student Visa

You can begin applying for your student visa to Singapore after receiving a formal, written invitation to join an IHL. Singapore study visa applications are usually processed swiftly. In most cases, if you have complied with all the Singapore study visa requirements, you may get your visa within 15 days to a month. However, sometimes the immigration officers may need more information. They may ask students to appear for an interview at the embassy. In such cases, it can take up to four months for the student pass to be processed.

Universities typically insist that you file your visa application at least a month before your course commencement date, academic year or semester is due to begin. But it is better to start the visa process at least two months in advance.

Types of Student visa

Singapore has only one study visa -- the student pass. This pass is accepted in all 34 IHLs in Singapore that accept international students. But there are variants of the pass.

Student pass based on the duration of the program

Depending on the length of the program you intend to attend, you can apply for a short term or a long term student pass. The short term pass is ideal for students planning to attend certificate or diploma courses, typically lasting for up to 3 months. If you wish to gain

admission in a Bachelor's or Master's program, you will need a long-term pass.

2. Student Pass based on the type of program you wish to attend

Your student pass typically includes details of the course you are attending. Singapore offers a wide range of courses including

diplomas, certificate courses, vocational courses, practical training courses for international students, along with Bachelor's and

Master's Courses.

Documents required for student visa

To meet with Singapore study visa requirements, you must submit the following documents:

Your current and legible passport, valid for a minimum of three months
All completed student visa application forms -- Form 16 (the main application for student pass) and Form V36 (for additional information on the applicant)
The original receipt showing that you have paid the visa application fee
The invitation letter issued by the IHL in Singapore
Your bank statements showing that you can fund your education in Singapore (both tuition fees and living expenses while studying)
Bank loan sanction letter (if applying for a student loan), along with proof of investments, if requested by the ICA
Transcripts of your degrees, diplomas or any certificates received from schools attended in India
Test scores required by your college, which could be GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, PTE etc.
Document showcasing how you intend to bear all the costs associated with living in Singapore.

Process of applying for the student visa

You need to submit the student pass application between one and two months before your course begins. Here are the steps you need to follow while applying for a Student visa for Singapore:

01. The IHL registers an application on the SOLAR website on your behalf.

Secure the admission letter from your chosen IHL in Singapore and check that they are registered with the SOLAR system. The IHL

typically provides your details such as your name, nationality, date of birth, gender, course detailsetc. to SOLAR. You will also get an

application reference number from the IHL, which you can use to access SOLAR and get started with the visa application process.

02. Submit Form 16 and Form V36

Next, you need to log in to the SOLAR website to submit e-Form 16. Ensure you have the following details before you log in:

Registration acknowledgement note and login information provided by the IHL
Your passport number and expiration date
Your address and contact details in Singapore. You may provide your IHL's registered address if you don't have these details.
Your email address
A recent passport-size photograph

03. Pay the application fee

Review the form and proceed to pay the application processing fee of SGD 30.

Student Visa for Singapore