Singapore Student Pass (STP) Visa Guide: Step by Step

International students accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore generally need a Student’s Pass, unless they hold a qualifying immigration pass or meet ICA’s narrow short-course exemption. A school admission offer does not itself grant immigration permission.

1. Confirm that the course is eligible

ICA states that a Student’s Pass application requires acceptance into an approved full-time course. Part-time, evening and weekend courses are not eligible for a Student’s Pass.

The process differs by institution type, including institutes of higher learning and approved private education institutions. Ask the school to confirm:

• its institution category and registration details;
• whether your exact course supports a Student’s Pass;
• the correct application route and intake dates; and
• who initiates your registration in ICA’s system.

Read ICA’s Student’s Pass overview before paying non-refundable fees.

2. Apply in the correct window

For institutes of higher learning, ICA advises submitting the application at least two months and not more than three months before the course begins. Other institution types may have different procedures or timelines.

The school normally provides the registration information you need. Enter your passport, education, travel and family details exactly as requested, upload current documents and answer every declaration truthfully.

3. Prepare supporting information

Requirements depend on the applicant and institution. Common items include:

• a valid passport and passport biodata;
• the school’s registration or application reference;
• a recent compliant photograph;
• education and employment history;
• Singapore address and contact details, when available;
• financial-support information; and
• translations of documents that are not in English.

ICA requests financial-support information but does not publish one universal S$20,000–S$25,000 minimum on its general application page. Do not rely on an invented standard amount; follow the request shown in your application and any institution-specific instructions.

4. Pay the official fees

For the institute-of-higher-learning route, ICA lists a S$45 non-refundable processing fee. If approved, the Student’s Pass issuance fee is S$60, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where applicable.

Payment to a school or adviser does not replace ICA’s fees. Keep receipts and use official payment channels.

5. Wait for the decision and read the IPA carefully

ICA says institute-of-higher-learning applications are generally processed within one week, or two weeks if a visa is required, although some cases take longer.

A successful applicant receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. If an entry visa is required, it is included in the IPA. Presenting the IPA at the checkpoint allows the traveller to be considered for entry and a Visit Pass; final entry remains subject to immigration checks.

6. Complete formalities and retrieve the digital pass

Follow every condition and deadline in the IPA. You may need to submit a medical examination report, acknowledge the Student’s Pass terms and complete formalities through your school or at ICA.

ICA has issued Student’s Passes in digital form only since February 2023. The current S$60 issuance fee and any applicable S$30 Multiple Journey Visa fee are explained on ICA’s completion-of-formalities page.

Can international students work?

Not automatically. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows work-pass exemptions only for Student’s Pass holders who meet its conditions and study full-time at an institution on the relevant approved list.

For eligible students:

• vacation work may be allowed if all MOM criteria are met; and
• during term, work is generally limited to 16 hours per week, or to an eligible university-run internship that contributes toward graduation.

This is institution-specific. Do not assume a private-college Student’s Pass gives the same work rights as a listed autonomous university. Check MOM’s foreign-student work exemption rules and obtain written guidance from the institution before accepting work.

Programs currently listed by Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway lists active full-time Singapore options at Beacon International College, including the BSc International Business top-up, MSc Artificial Intelligence, MA Education and MBA.

Before applying, confirm the exact intake’s Student’s Pass eligibility and do not budget on part-time income unless MOM eligibility is independently verified.

Contact Asia Pathway for help checking the program, documents and scholarship-support route. ICA remains the final authority on immigration approval.