study visa for singapore from india
If you want to study in Singapore, you will need a student visa. In this post, we help you understand which visa category is best for your situation. Find out more about study visa for singapore from India
Apply for Singapore work visa from India. A Singapore work visa is an endorsement from Singapore government to non-residents of Singapore. It allows them to pursue employment in Singapore. In simple terms, it permits you to work here. With a Singapore work permit, you can work in any industry as long as you have gotten permission from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This is important because some types of industries require prior permission.
Study visa for Singapore from India
There are many reasons why you should consider studying in Singapore. It has a great reputation for producing quality graduates, and it is seen as one of the most sought-after destinations for international students. However, if you are looking to study in Singapore, you will likely need to obtain a student visa first.
The first thing that you should know about getting a study visa for Singapore is that there are two main types of visas: ones issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and ones issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The difference between these two types of visas is mainly how long they last.
The MOM-issued visas are valid for up to 1 year, whereas the ICA-issued visas can be valid for up to 3 years. In addition to this, MOM-issued visas can only be extended once before the expiration date has passed; however, ICA-issued ones can be extended three times before their expiration date passes as well.
If you need help with applying for your study visa or other immigration services, then feel free to contact us today!
Singapore is a popular destination for students to study abroad. If you’re planning to study in Singapore, you’ll need to know what the regulations are for international students.
Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has two types of visas: one for international students and one for people who want to work or stay in Singapore long-term.
Compared to other countries, Singapore’s education system is relatively cheap. In fact, the cost of living in Singapore is much lower than most Western countries. It’s possible to get an apartment for less than $500 per month and still live comfortably—especially if you’re studying at one of the top universities in Asia!
Types of Singapore Student Visa
Student pass is acceptable at all 34 International Houses of Learning (IHLs) in Singapore that admit international students. There are, however, variations of the pass:
| Type of Pass | Required by |
|---|---|
| Training Employment Pass | Foreign professionals for undergoing practical training. They must earn at least S$3,000/ month. |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Program) | Students and graduates of the age 18 to 25 who would want to work and holiday both at the same time for 6 months. |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Program) | Australian students and graduates of age 18 to 30 who would want to work and holiday both at the same time in Singapore for 1 year. |
| Training Work Permit | semi-skilled foreign trainees or students who are undergoing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months. |
Note: Different universities have different additional requirements that have to be fulfilled before an international student can take admission. Please check the specific university website for that.
Disembarkation/ Embarkation Card
Upon arrival at the Singapore Airport, the candidate will be required to submit 3 things – passport, original copy of IPA, and Disembarkation/ Embarkation Card. This D/E card will be given to you on the plane, a copy of which will also be available at the Immigration checkpoint at Singapore Changi Airport.
Cost of Singapore Student Visa
An Indian student for acquiring Singapore student visa has to pay two types of fees:
- Visa Processing Fee (SGD 30): It is a non-refundable advance charge that must be paid when submitting your application to the Singapore ICA. If you opt to use the SOLAR system to submit your student pass application, you must pay the processing charge using your online banking account or a debit/credit card.
- Visa Issuance Fee (SGD 60): If you want to leave and return to Singapore during your academic program, you must pay a multiple-entry fee of SGD 30. When you pick up your student pass, you must pay the issuance and multi-entry costs.
Documents Checklist for Singapore Student Visa
To study in Singapore, Student Pass is a mandatory document. Following is a list of documents to be submitted.
- Biodata page of your passport
- Offer Letter from the Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore
- The notification you must have received from IHL, informing you about how to apply for an online Student Pass.
- Four passport size color photographs.
- Residential address and contact details in Singapore.
- Personal information involving,
- a list of previously resided countries,
- academic records,
- employment records
- financial support
- an email ID
- Personal information of the parents (if required)
Application Process for Singapore Student Visa
To apply for the student visa to Singapore, international students are asked to submit the Student Pass application at least a month prior (also not more than two months) to the commencement of their chosen program. Applications are to be made via e-Service by following the guidelines mentioned below:
Step I: Click on the “Foreign Students” icon and read the instructions given. Post that login by entering the details-
- SOLAR Application Number
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Sex
- Nationality
Step II: Click on the submit “eForm 16” and complete the form by entering the required details such as
- Travel Documents: Passport number and Expiry Date
- Residential Address in Singapore: Complete address with postal code (not compulsory)
- Travel History: List of countries where you have stayed for more than a year
- Antecedent of Applicant: Answer the questions in Yes or No. Reasons for answers marked as Yes
- Have you ever been refused entry into or deported from any country, including Singapore?
- Have you ever been convicted in the law of court in any country, including Singapore?
- Have you ever been prohibited from entering Singapore?
- Have you ever entered Singapore using a different Passport of Name?
Step III: Tick the box reading “I have read and agreed to the declaration” and click on “Next”.
Step IV: Upload the photograph, guidelines for which are
- Should be taken within 3 months
- Facial features must be clearly visible and evident
- File resolution must be 400X514 pixels
- Should be JPEG format and not exceed 60 KB
Once you have completed the application form, you can proceed to pay the application processing fee of 30 SGD (1,635 INR). Generally, the immigration office takes up to 10 working days to process your application for a Singapore student visa.
Note: During the peak time in July and August, some applications take a longer time to process.
Singapore Student Visa: Collection of Student Pass
If your application for the Student Pass is accepted, then you will receive an ‘In-Principle Approval’ aka IPA Letter, along with an enclosed single entry visa to Singapore.
What’s an IPA Letter? And Why is it important?
An IPA letter is an official document issued by the ICA through your chosen Singapore University. The letter confirms the approval of your Singapore student visa application. Without the IPA letter, no international student will be allowed to enter Singapore.
Since your IPA letter acts as your Visit visa, students can travel to Singapore. It is there that they will be issued the Student Pass. Once students have reached Singapore, they have to carry the documents listed IPA letter to the following address:
Visitor Services Centre ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Level 4 (next to Lavender MRT Station)
Singapore 208718
Complete the formalities (within the visit visa duration) and collect Singapore student pass.
Singapore Student Visa: Study Work Permit
Under the following conditions, a student can work in Singapore while studying even if he/she doesn’t have a work pass:
- You are a full-time registered study in one of the approved institutions.
- You have a Student Pass issued by ICA.
Also, you should fall under one of the following situations (to work without work pass):
- If it is only for a maximum of 16 hours per week.
- If it is attached to the industrial program conducted by your university or educational institution. The work undertaken can be either compulsory or elective but it must add on to your course requirements.
Singapore Student Visa: Cancellation of Student Pass
Unlike other student visas, international students are required to cancel and return their Student Pass (STP) post completion of their program. While a few schools and institutions have the authority to apply for cancellation STP online, students are advised to complete the process themselves in person. For this, they have to report to the following address:
Visitor Services Centre ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Level 4 (next to Lavender MRT Station)
Singapore 208718
Students must carry their completed STP Cancellation Form, Valid travel document, and STP card. Alternatively, they can also submit their Student Pass to the ICA authority on the airport when leaving Singapore.
Conclusion
Singapore has become a popular destination for Indian travelers, especially young professionals and students. Singapore is a natural choice for young Indians with its modern infrastructure, quality amenities and entertainment options. Indians can also apply for studying in Singapore without any hassle as there are more than 20 universities in Singapore that have separate programs for international students.