Not only this, but you can also find some of the world’s leading business schools in Singapore. Both Nanyang Business School and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School rank in the Financial Times’ Global MBA Ranking 2025. INSEAD, the leading French business school, also has a campus in Singapore, where MBA students can choose to spend a portion or even the duration of their studies.
For those looking to study in Singapore, you’ll need to secure an international student visa, known as a Singapore Student’s Pass. Here, we break down the essential information for applying for and securing your Singapore student visa, from required documentation to waiting times and language requirements.
Summary of the Singapore student visa process
Applying for a Singapore student visa is a multi-stage process, including gathering your documentation (passport, proof of acceptance, proof of financial means), starting an online application, receiving your In-Principle Approval letter, and completing your application in person in Singapore. Applying should take around one month, although leave as much time as possible to avoid disappointment.
What documents are required for a student visa in Singapore?
In order to secure your Singapore Student’s Pass, you’ll need to supply a number of documents.
Firstly, a valid passport is essential, and this must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay. In addition, you’ll need to submit two passport style photographs.
You must demonstrate proof of enrolment or pre-enrolment from your university of choice, usually in the form of the acceptance letter you should have received on confirmation of your place.
Proof of financial means is another typical requirement for your Singapore student visa. This means showing evidence of funds to cover your studies and living costs, or scholarship or sponsorship letters that will cover these costs.
Finally, Singapore requires that applicants complete a health examination to confirm they are free from communicable diseases, and you must show proof of this in a health certificate.
What is the full checklist to apply for a student visa in Singapore in 2025?
Your first step should be gathering the above documentation to ensure you are ready to complete your application for a Singapore Student’s Pass.
You’ll then need to commence your online application through Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) SOLAR+ system. This requires you to use the SOLAR number you should have received on confirmation of your acceptance to a Singapore university.
Through this platform, you’ll be able to complete your application form—the e-Form 16. You will also need to upload digital or scanned versions of your required documentation and pay the Singapore student visa application fee—SG$30 (around $23).
If your application has been successful, you’ll receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This will allow you to travel to Singapore, where you’ll need to make an in-person appointment at an ICA center. Here, once you’ve paid the issuance fee—SG$60 (around $46)—you’ll be issued your official digital Singapore Student’s Pass.
How long does it usually take to get a Singapore student visa?
Waiting times for your Singapore student visa can vary, but typically it takes around a month between applying and receiving your IPA letter. You can start to complete your application as early as three months before your studies, so it’s worth leaving yourself as much time as possible.
Do I need to prove English language skills for a student visa in Singapore?
There is no English language requirement within the Singapore student visa process.
It’s worth noting that, given the large international community in Singapore, particularly at business schools, MBA and master’s programs are almost entirely taught in English. As such, schools typically have a minimum expectation of English speaking—usually you would prove this through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. These will differ depending on the institution you are attending.
Is Singapore the right study destination for me?
Studying in Singapore offers international students the chance to immerse themselves in diverse business cultures and gain a truly global network. Business schools here focus on hands-on, practical learning that gets you ready for real-world challenges; while also helping you grow your own network of classmates and industry professionals.
Add in Singapore’s high quality of life, booming economy, and buzzing startup scene, and it’s easy to see why it’s such an appealing place to study and launch a career.
