October 15, 2025 
Singapore has emerged as one of Asia’s most attractive education destinations, being home to some of the world’s ranked universities, multiculturalism, and an innovative learning environment. If you are an international student, a Singapore student visa is compulsory before starting your studies. Whether you are studying at NUS, NTU, or even a private establishment, learning about the Singapore student visa application process, requirements, and costs will help prepare you to apply effectively. This comprehensive blog will take you through every aspect of how to apply to visa extensions, for students aiming to study in Singapore in 2025 and beyond.
Singapore Student Visa
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore issues a student visa, also called a Student’s Pass, to allow international students to stay in Singapore for the duration of their studies. You must apply for this visa after receiving an official offer letter from an approved educational institution in Singapore.
The general application process for a Singapore student visa is done online through an official system called the SOLAR (Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration) system. With a clear understanding of the eligibility and document checklist ahead of time can assist with the application process.
Singapore Student Visa Requirements 2025
The Singapore student visa requirements for the year 2025 have stayed mostly unchanged, but students need to check the latest ICA standards to meet their requirements. The following documents and requirements are typically required:Â Â
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Offer letter from a recognized Singapore educational institution
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Completed eForm16 (online visa form)
- Receipt of the visa processing fee payment
Students from India typically have a Singapore student visa application lodged for them by the university using SOLAR. Once approved, students enter Singapore to complete the formalities and pick up their Student’s Pass.
How to Apply for a Singapore Student Visa
If you want to know how to apply for a Singapore student visa, the process only begins once you get your official letter of acceptance from the university or college you are going to attend. This simplified step-by-step process makes it a smooth process to apply for a Singapore student visa.
- Receive Admission Offer: Get a confirmed offer letter from a recognized institution in Singapore.
- Institution Initiates SOLAR Application: The institution provides you with a SOLAR Application Reference Number.
- Complete eForm16 Online: Log in to the SOLAR system, fill out the form, and upload all required documents.
- Pay Visa Processing Fee: The fee must be paid online through the ICA portal.
- Await Processing and Approval: Once submitted, you’ll receive an In-Principle Approval IPA letter, which acts as your entry visa.
- Travel to Singapore and Collect Student’s Pass: Upon arrival, you must visit the ICA office to complete biometrics and collect your Student’s Pass.
This approach ensures a hassle-free experience when you apply for a Singapore student visa.
Singapore Student Visa Cost and Processing Time
The Singapore student visa cost includes two components, a processing fee and an issuance fee.
- Processing Fee: SGD 30 (non-refundable)
- Issuance Fee: SGD 60 upon approval
Also, a small fee may be incurred for a multiple-entry pass, depending on how long you are here for and on the course.
Student visa processing time for Singapore is normally 10 to 15 working days. But it can take longer during the busiest admissions times or if more documents are needed.
Work Opportunities under Singapore Student Visa
Under a work provision of a Singapore student visa, international students may work part-time. The allowance is available to students in full-time studies at government-approved institutions, which afford students the right to work up to 16 hours a week in academic terms, and full-time in vacation periods.Â
But this is not the case with students of unrecognised private schools. Work beyond the hours allowed could result in visa breaches. You should therefore always check with your school about their part-time work policy before taking a job.
Singapore Student Visa from India
The process for applying for a student visa to Singapore from India is easy, as most of the universities in Singapore deal with Indian students directly via the SOLAR system. Indian students are one of the biggest cohorts in Singapore studying management, engineering, and data science.
After document submission, the Singapore student visa application process for Indian students usually takes about 2 weeks. Remember that visa approval is related to the length of your course and the type of institution.
Singapore Student Visa Extension
If your course duration surpasses the validity period of your visa, you will require a Singapore student visa extension. This is also done online via the ICA portal.
Students should also apply for an extension at least one month prior to the Student’s Pass expiring. Proof of enrollment, Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) update, passport information change, and occasionally, post-medical examination result. Late applications can result in penalty charges for overstaying, hence the importance of renewing in good time.
Conclusion
Studying in Singapore and applying for a student visa to study in Singapore might seem like a long-drawn-out process; however, once you know the correct details and submit your application on time, it is really quite simple. From learning about the eversotype student visa requirements for Singapore to the actual application process, every step helps in shaping your academic future in one of Asia’s most lively study destinations.Â
From India to any other country, for that matter, make sure that you have updated information about the Singapore student visa cost, processing time, and extension rules beforehand. It made the transition from school to university-level study in 2019 less hectic and smoother in Singapore.
FAQs
Ques. 1. What are the basic Singapore student visa requirements 2025?
Ans: Students will need a passport, admission offer, proof of funds (e.g., bank account balance), educational documents, and an eForm16 completed in SOLAR.
Ques. 2. How much does a Singapore student visa cost?
Ans: Total charges comprise the consequence, a processing fee of SGD 30, and an issuance charge of $60 (exclusive of additional service fees).
Ques. 3. Can I work under a Singapore student visa?
Ans: Yes, under the Singapore student visa work rules, full-time students at government-approved institutions can work up to 16 hours weekly.
Ques. 4. How long does the Singapore student visa processing time take?
Ans: Generally, it takes 10–15 working days, but it’s best to apply early, especially during peak admission months.
Ques. 5. How can I apply for a Singapore student visa extension?
Ans: At least one month before your visa expires, you can go online and submit updated proof of enrollment and passport information via the ICA portal.
