Singapore Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students

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Validity, Duration and Types of Singapore Visa

Navigating the process of obtaining a Singapore study visa is a straightforward endeavour, and understanding the types, durations, and associated costs is pivotal for prospective students. Singapore offers three main types of visas:

Student Pass

• Purpose: For students enrolled in recognised educational institutions.
• Duration: Short-term for diploma courses, long-term for bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
• Work Aspect: Allows part-time work while studying.
• Age Limit: No specific age limit; open to anyone over 18 for undergraduate courses.

Fees:

• Processing Fee: SGD30 (INR 2,000 approx.)
• Issuance Fee: SGD60 (INR 4,000 approx.)
• Multiple-Entry Visa: SGD30 (INR 2,000 approx.)
• Maximum Cost: SGD120 (INR 7,000 approx.)

Training Employment Pass (TEP)

• Purpose: For foreign students or trainees undergoing practical training.
• Duration: Maximum of three months, non-renewable.
• Eligibility: Enrolled in a recognized institution or earns a minimum monthly salary of SGD3,000 (2.5 lakh INR) or sponsored by a well-established Singapore-registered company.

Fees:

• Application: SGD105 (INR 6,000 approx.)
• Issuance: SGD225 (INR 14,000 approx.)
• Multiple-Entry Visa: SGD30 (INR 2,000 approx.)
• Total Cost: SGD360 (INR 16,000 approx.)

Work Holiday Pass (WHP)

• Purpose: For foreign students or young graduates (18-25) wanting to work and holiday.
• Duration: Up to six months, limited to 2,000 people at any given time.
• Eligibility: Studying in a government-recognized university in Singapore or one of the specified 10 countries.

Fees:

• Pass: SGD175 (INR 10,000 approx.)
• Multiple-Entry Visa: SGD30 (INR 2,000 approx.)
• Maximum Total: SGD205 (INR 12,000 approx.)

In a Nutshell

The cost of visas differs depending on the type of visa and entry permits.

• The maximum Singapore study visa cost is SGD120, or (INR 7,000 approximately).

• The TEP will cost you a total of SGD360 (INR 16,000 approximately).

• The maximum total for a WHP is SGD205 (INR 12,000 approximately)

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.

Valid Passport and Application Forms

You must possess a passport with a minimum validity of at least three months. Your passport should also have a minimum of 2 blank pages. You must also complete your application forms (Form 16 and Form V36) and submit it with your passport.

Academic Requirements

You need to have a formal acceptance letter from the university you have signed up for. Additionally, you must submit transcripts from your high school or previous degrees that show proof of having passed high school/undergraduate/postgraduate courses with distinction. You can also 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.

Financial Requirements

Applicants need to submit financial guarantees/ bank statements that assure the authorities that you will be able to cover your tuition and living expenses.

Health Insurance and Good Character

You must have no criminal record and be able to furnish a ‘Good Character’ certificate if needed. You may also have to undergo a medical test if needed and also show proof of medical insurance. Lastly, you must receive an approval from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) before getting your Student Pass.

There is no age limit for a Singapore student visa. This means, anyone above the age of 18 who wishes to pursue higher studies in Singapore can do so without having to worry about age restrictions. If you’re someone who has worked for the last 10-odd years and is looking to upskill with a professional degree, Singapore is the place for you!

In a Nutshell

The requirements for Singapore study visa are:

• E-form 16

• A passport that is valid for a minimum of three months beyond your planned stay in Singapore

• Passport-size photographs (as per the specified guidelines)

• A formal letter of acceptance from the university you have applied to

• Financial proof to show that you have the means to fund your tuition and accommodation expenses in Singapore

• Copies of all your transcripts and certificates, which is a very important Singapore study visa requirement for Indian students

• Proof of medical insurance

Singapore Study Visa Process

The Singapore study visa process is fairly straightforward. You get all the necessary Singapore study visa documents ready, meet the Singapore study visa requirements for Indian students and that should pretty much do the trick.

Let’s take a more detailed look at the Singapore study visa process:

• Select a course you want to pursue among one of Singapore’s many Institutes of Higher Learning and secure an admission letter from the university
• Choose the type of Singapore visa that would be the most suitable for your course. Ensure you have all the documents to meet the requirements to receive a student visa for Singapore from India
• Complete your Singapore Study visa application online through the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system and upload the necessary Singapore study visa documents and pay a S$30  (INR 2,000) processing charge
• You will need these documents for a student visa for Singapore from India:
  • E-form 16
  • A passport that is valid for a minimum of three months beyond your planned stay in Singapore
  • Passport-size photographs (as per the specified guidelines)
  • A formal letter of acceptance from the university you have applied to
  • Financial proof to show that you have the means to fund your tuition and accommodation expenses in Singapore
  • Copies of all your transcripts and certificates, which is a very important Singapore study visa requirement for Indian students
  • Proof of medical insurance

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.

In a Nutshell

The Singapore study visa process is:

• Select a Course and Obtain Admission Letter

• Choose Suitable Visa Type and Gather Documents

• Complete Online Visa Application through SOLAR

• Essential Documents for Visa Application

• Visa Application Approval Process: Be prepared for a potential interview at the Singaporean consulate or embassy in your home country. Documents and biometric data will be verified.

• Pay the visa processing fee

• Await embassy communication, and upon approval, receive your passport with a visa stamp.

Singapore bound? Enjoy seamless transactions in SGD and focus on your academic success.

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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)
• 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

The average Singapore student visa processing time in India is usually 10 business days, or two weeks. Typically, you will get your passport stamped with a Singapore visa within 14 days of the date of submission.

However, this could take longer in July and August, which is the peak application period when everyone applies to colleges. And there may also be instances when the immigration officer may request for more information and ask the student to appear for an interview at the embassy. This would increase the Singapore student visa processing time. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least two months before the start of your course.

Visa Approval and Beyond

People from around the world migrate to Singapore due to the excellent career opportunities in the country. 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

So, how can you extend your stay in Singapore and work there? 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.

S Pass

The S Pass is granted to foreign employees who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Have a job offer in Singapore
• Have a fixed monthly salary. (In 2023, A minimum of $3,000, INR 1.8 lakh approximately. This amount increases with age. For employees working in finance, a minimum of $3,500, INR 2.1 lakh approximately which increases with age)

Know more about the S Pass.

Employment Pass

Individuals applying for an employment pass must meet the following criteria:

• Earn the EP qualifying salary ($5,000,INR 3 lakh approximately, for all sectors except finance, which increases with age. $5,500, INR 3.3 lakh approximately, for the finance sector, which increases with age.)
• Unless [exempted](https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility

exemptions-from-compass), pass the points-based [Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)](https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility

compass).

Learn more about the employment pass in Singapore.

In a Nutshell

There are 2 options for post-study work opportunities in Singapore:

• S Pass

• Employment Pass

The eligibility criteria for these work permits varies depending on age and profession.

Key Takeaways

• Getting a Singapore study visa is no tough task and considering the fact that Singapore is just five-six 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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 (INR 7,450).

1. 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.

1. How much does a Singapore student visa cost?

A student visa for Singapore from India would typically cost you around INR 6,000. The processing fee for each application costs S$30 (INR 2,000 approximately) and the issuance fee for a Student Pass costs S$60 (INR 3,725 approximately). 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 (INR 2,000 approximately) for a multiple-entry visa. The maximum charge for a Singapore study visa is S$120, or INR 7,450.

1. 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.

1. 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.