Singapore · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Full-time international students in Singapore need a Student's Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. You do not apply directly: your institution registers and submits the application through ICA's SOLAR system, and you complete your part online. On approval you receive an In-Principle Approval letter used for entry, then complete formalities for the pass to be issued. Processing typically takes several weeks, so apply before the course begins.
Full-time international students in Singapore need a Student's Pass issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Your educational institution applies on your behalf through the ICA's SOLAR (Student's Pass Online Application & Registration) system; if approved you receive an In-Principle Approval letter and complete formalities to have the pass issued. Apply before your course begins.
- Your school registers and submits your Student's Pass application via SOLAR; you complete your part online.
- On approval you receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, used for entry, and then complete formalities for the pass to be issued.
- Apply before the course start date; processing typically takes several weeks.
- Work rights for Student's Pass holders are limited and conditional — check ICA/MOM rules before taking any work.
- 1
Accept your offer and let the school register you
Your educational institution registers your Student's Pass application in SOLAR. You cannot start this step yourself, so confirm the school has done it.
- 2
Complete your part of the SOLAR application
Once registered you submit your details and documents online. Delays here hold up the whole application, so complete it as soon as the school opens the case.
- 3
Apply well before the course starts
Processing typically takes several weeks. Build that into your plans rather than assuming the pass will arrive close to the start date.
- 4
Use the In-Principle Approval letter to travel
On approval you receive an IPA letter, which is what you use for entry. The pass itself is issued after you arrive and complete the remaining formalities.
- 5
Check work rules before taking any job
Work rights for Student's Pass holders are limited and conditional. Check the ICA and MOM rules that apply to your institution and level before taking any work.
- Offer accepted and school has registered you in SOLAR
- Your part of the SOLAR application completed
- Application submitted several weeks before the course start
- In-Principle Approval letter received
- IPA carried for entry to Singapore
- Post-arrival formalities completed for pass issuance
- ICA/MOM work rules checked before taking any job
- ICA — Student's Pass (apply)
Official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority guide and SOLAR system.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply for the Student's Pass myself?
No. Your educational institution registers and submits the application through ICA's SOLAR system, and you complete your portion online. If the school has not registered you, the process cannot start.
What is an In-Principle Approval letter?
It is the approval document issued before the pass itself, and it is what you use to enter Singapore. The Student's Pass is issued after arrival once you complete the remaining formalities.
Can Student's Pass holders work in Singapore?
Work rights are limited and conditional, and depend on your institution and level of study. Check the ICA and MOM rules that apply to your case before accepting any work.
Government portals
- Singapore Government — Singapore's integrated government services portal — unified Singpass identity login
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, PR and citizenship applications in Singapore
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore — Personal and corporate income tax, GST filing, and tax incentive lookup