Singapore Study Visa Guide – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Planning to study in Singapore? This Singapore Study Visa Guide walks you through the entire process – from eligibility and required documents to visa fees, timelines, work options and long-term pathways. Whether you’re aiming for a hospitality diploma or other skill-based programs, this guide will help you prepare confidently and avoid common mistakes.

1. Why Choose Singapore for Your Higher Education?

Singapore is one of Asia’s most modern, safe and future-ready destinations for international students. It combines high-quality education with excellent infrastructure and strong employment opportunities, especially in hospitality, tourism, business and services.

• World-class education system with industry-focused programs.
• Asia’s safest and cleanest environment with strict law and order.
• English-speaking country – easy for international students to adapt.
• Modern lifestyle, advanced public transport and global connectivity.

2. What Is the Singapore Student Pass?

The Student Pass is the main study visa for international students in Singapore. It is issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and allows you to stay in Singapore for the duration of your full-time course at an approved institution.

For most diploma and long-term programs, you must obtain a Student Pass before starting your studies.

3. Types of Singapore Study Visas

• Student Pass: For full-time diploma, certificate or degree programs.
• Short-Term Training Pass: For certain short courses or training (usually under 3 months).

Most international students coming for hospitality, tourism or business diplomas will apply for the Student Pass.

4. Eligibility Requirements for the Singapore Student Pass

• Valid offer letter from an approved Singapore institution.
• Enrollment in a full-time course (part-time courses are not eligible).
• Valid passport with sufficient validity.
• Academic qualifications that meet the college’s admission criteria.
• Completed Student Pass application through the SOLAR+ system.

5. Documents Required for Singapore Study Visa

The exact list may vary slightly by institution, but generally you will need:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Recent passport-size photographs as per ICA specifications.
• Official admission letter from the Singapore institution.
• Educational certificates and transcripts (10th, 12th, diploma/degree).
• Proof of tuition payment or fee arrangement (if required).
• Completed Student Pass application form (from SOLAR+).
• Birth certificate and, where applicable, medical or health declaration forms.

6. Step-by-Step Singapore Study Visa Process

1. Choose your program and institution – e.g. Hospitality Diploma with internship.
2. Receive your offer letter after submitting academic documents and meeting criteria.
3. Institution registers you in SOLAR+ (ICA’s online system for Student Pass applications).
4. Complete the online application – fill details, upload documents, confirm course information.
5. Pay the visa processing fee to ICA via the online portal.
6. Wait for ICA decision – in most cases, 2–4 weeks.
7. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) if approved, which acts as an entry visa.
8. Travel to Singapore and complete formalities to collect your Student Pass card.

7. Singapore Study Visa Fees (Approximate)

Fees are subject to change by ICA, but generally include:

• Processing Fee: around SGD 30 (paid at time of application).
• Issuance Fee: around SGD 60 upon approval and collection of the Student Pass.
• Additional administrative charges may apply depending on the institution.

8. Can You Work While Studying in Singapore?

International students enrolled in approved institutions on a valid Student Pass may work part-time during term and full-time during vacation, subject to ICA rules.

• Up to 16 hours per week during term time (for eligible courses/institutions).
• Full-time work allowed during scheduled holidays.
• No separate work permit is usually required if you meet the Student Pass conditions.

9. Study → Work Pathway After Graduation (S Pass Route)

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Singapore is the clear pathway to legal work opportunities through the S Pass.

1. Complete your 8-month academic study.
2. Finish your 6-month internship in hospitality or related sector.
3. Apply for and secure a full-time job offer from a Singapore employer.
4. Your employer submits an S Pass application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
5. Upon approval, you receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) and then your S Pass card.

Minimum salary is typically around SGD 3,000 per month, and processing times range from 3–8 weeks depending on quotas and MOM workload.

10. Is the S Pass Guaranteed After Study?

No country can guarantee any work visa. However, your chances are much higher if you:

• Perform well during your 6-month internship.
• Show strong English communication skills.
• Receive genuine employer sponsorship and competitive salary.
• Target in-demand sectors such as hospitality, tourism, F&B and service management.

11. Why Students Choose Singapore Through MakeStudy™

• No IELTS required for the hospitality diploma pathway.
• No financial documents needed in many cases for admission via this route.
• Pay tuition only after visa approval for added security.
• Tuition fees start from around USD $2,600, making it highly affordable.
• Internship included, giving you real industry experience in Singapore.
• Clear guidance on S Pass and long-term career planning.

Need Help With Your Singapore Study Visa?

At MakeStudy, we guide you through every step of your Singapore journey – from course selection and documentation to visa filing, internship placement and future work pathways. Our team focuses on genuine, ethical and result-oriented counselling so you can study and build your career with confidence.