Number of Univeresities
6 Highly Competitive Public Universities
Intake
August/September (Primary), January/February
Tuition Fees
SGD 25,000 - SGD 55,000/year (Higher for private/MBA)
Scholarship
Tuition Grant Scheme (3-year work bond), SINGA Award
Reasons to Choose Singapore for Education
Top Universities
Identify your desired course and select approved Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) or Private Education Institutions (PEIs).
Verify you meet the academic qualifications (e.g., specific GPA/scores) and English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) for the program.
Gather and certify academic transcripts, diplomas, test scores, personal statement (SOP), and letters of recommendation.
Complete the school's online application form, upload all required documents, and pay the non-refundable application fee.
Participate in a video or in-person interview with the admissions committee, if it is a mandatory part of the school's process.
Wait for the admissions decision; if accepted, you will receive a formal Letter of Offer from the institution.
Formally accept the offer, sign the student contract (for PEIs), and pay the initial tuition fee deposit to secure your place.
Once the school confirms your enrollment, they will initiate the ICA Student's Pass (visa) application process for you.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
SGD 300 – SGD 1,500
Transport
SGD 80 – SGD 120
Food
SGD 250 – SGD 400
Miscellaneous
SGD 100 – SGD 200
Work Options
Up to 16 hours per week (For approved institutions)
No national minimum wage; Part-time rates vary, with common hourly rates around SGD 9 – SGD 12 or higher for skilled roles.
Up to 40 hours per week (During vacation periods for approved institutions)
No national minimum wage
Secure Admission: You must first be accepted into an approved, full-time course at a recognized educational institution in Singapore. You will receive an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Institution Registers You: Your Singapore institution will submit your details to the ICA's SOLAR system and provide you with a unique SOLAR Reference Number.
Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include:
Valid Passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay).
Official Letter of Acceptance.
Academic Certificates and Transcripts.
Proof of Financial Support (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters, or education loan sanction letters, showing sufficient funds for your course and stay).
Passport-sized Photograph meeting ICA specifications.
English Proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), if required.
Note: Ensure all documents are in English or are accompanied by certified English translations.
Log in and Submit e-Form 16: Use the SOLAR Reference Number provided by your institution to log in to the ICA's SOLAR website and complete the online application, which includes e-Form 16.
Upload Documents & Pay Fee: Upload all the required supporting documents and pay the non-refundable application processing fee (currently SGD 30 or SGD 90, depending on the source). The current processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks.
Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA): If your application is successful, ICA will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This letter is crucial as it serves as your entry visa to Singapore, allowing you to travel to the country to complete the final formalities.
Travel to Singapore: Use your passport and the IPA letter (which includes your entry visa if you need one) to enter Singapore.
Complete Medical Examination: The IPA letter will stipulate if a medical examination is required. You must complete this health screening from an ICA-approved medical center.
Acknowledge Terms & Conditions: You must download and acknowledge a copy of the Student's Pass Terms and Conditions form.
Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment online through the ICA e-Service to complete the formalities at the ICA Services Centre.
Attend Appointment (Biometrics & Verification): Attend the scheduled appointment and bring your original IPA letter, passport, medical report (if applicable), and original copies of all documents submitted online. During this visit, you will enroll your biometric data (fingerprinting and digital photograph) and pay the Student's Pass issuance fee (currently SGD 60).
Receive Digital Student's Pass: As of February 27, 2023, ICA issues the Student's Pass in digital form only. After completing the formalities, you will receive an email with instructions on how to retrieve your digital Student's Pass via the FileSG website or the Singpass app.