Singapore•Asia

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STP — Student's Pass

Study

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 week

Estimated Cost

SGD $105

Stay Duration

Duration of the academic program

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Singapore

Cost of Living

30% more than United States

Avg SalarySGD 64,000

Quality of Life

148/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Full-time study residency permit issued by ICA for foreign students enrolled at approved Singapore schools, polytechnics or universities.

Singapore's Student's Pass is the primary residency permit for foreigners enrolled full-time at approved institutions, from Foreign System Schools to polytechnics and Institutes of Higher Learning. Administered by ICA, it is required unless the holder already has a Dependant's Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.

Validity matches the course; fees are SGD 45 processing plus SGD 60 issuance. Applications run through ICA's SOLAR+ two to three months before the course starts, with decisions in about a week (two if a visa is needed). The pass has been digital-only via FileSG since 27 February 2023. Limited work is allowed under MOM rules; graduates must switch to an Employment or S Pass.

This visa is ideal for foreign students with an unconditional offer from an approved Singaporean institution who can fund their tuition and living costs.

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Cost Breakdown

Processing FeeSGD $45

Pass Issuance FeeSGD $60

TotalSGD $105

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Singapore

EP — Employment Pass (EP)

Validity2 to 3 years

Processing2 weeks

View Visa Details

Singapore

S Pass

Validity2 to 3 years

Processing2 weeks

View Visa Details

Singapore

Work Permit (Foreign Worker)

ValidityUp to 2 years

Processing1 week

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be accepted into a full-time course at an approved educational institution in Singapore.

Must be a full-time student (part-time or evening/weekend courses are generally non-qualifying).

Must have a valid passport.

Must have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Foreign-born children aged 12 or below must submit their vaccination information to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA).

Must not be in Singapore on a Short-Term Visit Pass for the purpose of study unless exempted.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity).

Completed and signed e-Form 16.

Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution.

Recent passport-sized digital photograph.

Financial proof (if requested).

Birth certificate (translated and certified if necessary).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Covers the full duration of the approved course with no fixed time cap
Renewable while the student remains enrolled at the same institution
Low total cost: SGD 45 processing plus SGD 60 issuance
Fast turnaround — typically within one week (two if a visa is required)
Issued digitally via FileSG and Singpass; no physical card to carry or replace
Allows limited part-time work and internships under MOM exemption rules
Can be converted to an Employment Pass or S Pass after graduation

Worth Knowing

Only full-time courses qualify; part-time, evening or weekend courses are non-qualifying
School-initiated process through SOLAR+; cannot be submitted directly by the applicant
No dependants scheme — family members cannot accompany on this pass
Transferring schools requires a new application
Apply two to three months before the course start to avoid delays
Applicant must hold an unconditional acceptance from an ICA-approved educational institution
Spouse and children cannot work or be sponsored under this pass