Foreign System Schools and Privately-Funded Schools

Overview

Foreigners must hold a valid immigration pass to pursue full-time studies at a Foreign System School (FSS) or Privately-Funded School in Singapore. Only FSSs that are EduTrust-certified by Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) can offer placements to foreign students.

Eligibility

You must apply for a Student's Pass to pursue full-time studies at an FSS of Privately-Funded School. This requirement does not apply if you hold any of the following:

Dependant's Pass (DP)
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Immigration Exemption Order (IEO)

Your application will only be considered if the FSS you are enrolling in is EduTrust-certified.

For more information on Private Education-related matters, please 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 3 months. Please refer to the Photo Guidelines for more information.
For foreign-born applicants aged 12 years 0 day or and below, submit their vaccination information to Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA). For details, visit the CDA website.

Note

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 or renewal application online.

When to apply: 2 to 3 months before the course begins

Apply Online

You do not need to be in Singapore while your application is being processed. ICA recommends you apply 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 for issuance of 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 begins

Fees

You must pay a non-refundable S$45 processing fee.

Payment Method

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 week (Within 2 weeks if Visa is required)
Renewal or Transfer	Within 1 week (Within 2 weeks if Visa is required)

Application Status

Check 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

Is my Student’s Pass issued under my school?

Will the digital Student’s Pass be recognised and accepted everywhere?

Will my Student’s Pass application be processed?

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