Overview
Foreigners must hold an appropriate immigration pass to pursue full-time studies at a Private Education Institution (PEI) registered with Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA). Only EduTrust-certified PEIs can offer placements to foreign students.
Eligibility
To be eligibile for a Student’s Pass, you must have been offered a placement by an approved PEI in Singapore. Check the table below to see if you are required to apply, or if your current immigration pass exempts you:
| Type of Institution | Student's Pass Required | Student's Pass Not Required |
|---|---|---|
| EduTrust-certified PEIs (For full-time, non-religious studies) | All foreigners (Except those listed under "Student's Pass Not Required”) | Holders of a valid:
|
| Non-EduTrust-certified PEIs (For full-time, non-religious studies) | Not applicable (These PEIs cannot offer placements to foreign students.) | Holders of a valid:
|
| Approved Religious Schools |
| Holders of a valid: • IEO |
For more information on private education-related matters, visit SWDA website.
Documents Required
You will need the following documents and information ready before you apply:
- The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the school you plan to attend
- Your travel document biodata page and birth certificate (if applicable)
- Your personal information, including the list of countries/places you have previously resided in, your educational background, employment history and financial support
- Your parents’, spouse's, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable)
- Your residential address and contact details in Singapore
- Your email address
- Your recent, passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last 3months. Please refer to the Photo Guidelines for more information.
Vaccination information submitted to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), if you are foreign-born and aged 12 and below. For details, visit the CDA website.
You will need to provide original documents and official translations (for documents in languages other than English).
ICA accepts:
- Translations provided by the embassy of the country/place that issued the document
- Translations produced by a notary public in Singapore or the country/place that issued the document
- Privately created translations attested by the embassy of the country/place that issued the document, or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the country/place that issued the document
ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of your application. You may be required to provide additional documents to support your application.
Procedure
Submit your new, renewal, or transfer application online.
New Application
When to apply: 2 to 3 months before your course begins
You do not need to be in Singapore while your application is being processed. ICA recommends applying for a Student’s Pass before you arrive in Singapore as you cannot extend your stay while processing is underway. Once approved, you can enter Singapore to complete the formalities required to issue your Student’s Pass.
Renewal Application
For students with a valid Student’s Pass who are continuing the same course at the same school.
When to apply: 4 weeks before your current pass expires
Transfer Application
For students taking up a different course or wanting to study in a different PEI.
When to apply: At least 4 weeks before your new course beginsFees
You must pay a non-refundable S$45 processing fee.
You can pay online using any of the following:
- Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card
- American Express (AMEX) credit card
- Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore)
- PayNow
Processing Time
Processing times depend on your application type and exclude the date of submission. Some applications may take longer to process.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| New | Within 1 month (Within 2 weeks for EduTrust-certified PEIs) |
| Renewal or Transfer | Within 1 week |
Application Status
Log in with your Student’s Pass application number to check your application status.
Complete Formalities
Once approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and must complete the formalities for the issuance of your Student's Pass.
FAQs
While you must be accepted into a full-time course by an approved education institution, your Student's Pass is issued by ICA.
The digital Student's Pass (STP) is equivalent to the physical STP cards issued before 27 February 2023.
Every Student's Pass application is processed and assessed on its own merits.
