Quick answer: Any foreign student studying full-time in Singapore needs a Student’s Pass, issued by ICA. The school gives you an application number, then you apply through SOLAR or SOLAR+, ICA’s Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration system, at least 2 months and not more than 3 months before the course starts. Fees are S$30 to process, S$60 on issuance, and S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where the nationality requires one. The pass is tied to the school, and working on it is restricted.
The pass follows the school place, not the other way round. Secure admission first.
Who needs one
| Situation | Student’s Pass needed? |
|---|---|
| Full-time study at a registered school, including MOE schools, IHLs, private education organisations, foreign system schools | Yes |
| A short course within a visit pass period | Generally no, but check with the school and ICA |
| A child of a work pass holder attending school here | Yes, a Student’s Pass is normally required |
| Exchange or attachment arranged through an employer | May fall under a Training Employment Pass instead |
The sequence
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Get a place | Apply to the school. For entry into a government school at Primary 2 to 5 or Secondary 1 to 3, this usually means sitting AEIS. See our AEIS guide |
| 2. School registers you | The school issues a registration acknowledgement and gives you the Student’s Pass application number |
| 3. Apply on SOLAR | Submit 2 to 3 months before the course starts |
| 4. Pay S$30 | Processing fee, non-refundable |
| 5. Approval | ICA issues the outcome |
| 6. Complete formalities | Pay S$60 on issuance, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where required |
What you will need
- The school’s registration acknowledgement letter
- Passport details
- Personal information, including countries previously resided in
- Educational background
- Details of financial support
- A Singapore residential address and contact details
- A recent passport-sized colour photograph taken within the last 3 months
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Processing | S$30 per application |
| Issuance | S$60 |
| Multiple Journey Visa, where required | S$30 |
These are ICA’s fees. School fees are separate and depend on the institution and your status. In government and government-aided schools in 2026, monthly fees are S$330 for a PR and S$1,035 for a non-ASEAN international student at primary level, and S$680 against S$2,190 at secondary. Our guide to the Singapore education system sets out the full table.
Can a Student’s Pass holder work?
Only in limited circumstances, and the rules depend on the institution and the type of work. This is the question that causes the most trouble, so read our dedicated guide on whether a Student’s Pass holder can work in Singapore before accepting any job, including part-time work.
Keeping the pass valid
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tied to the school | The pass is issued for study at a specific institution. Changing school means a new application |
| Attendance | Poor attendance can put the pass at risk |
| Expiry | Renew before it lapses, through the school |
| Leaving the course | The pass is cancelled |
| Family | A Student’s Pass does not create family pass eligibility in the way a work pass does |
After graduation
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Work in Singapore | An employer applies for an Employment Pass or S Pass on its own criteria |
| Stay and study further | A new Student’s Pass for the next institution |
| Apply for PR | Students who have studied here may apply, and ICA assesses the usual factors. See how to get PR in Singapore after studying |
| Leave | The pass ends with the course |
Our guide to every pass type maps the options, and Singapore PR covers the longer-term route.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Applying before you have a school place | You cannot apply without the school’s application number |
| Applying too early or too late | SOLAR applications go in 2 to 3 months before the course starts |
| Assuming the pass allows any part-time work | Working is restricted and depends on the institution |
| Letting the pass lapse between courses | A gap in status is an immigration problem, not an administrative one |
| Changing school without a new pass | The pass is tied to the institution |
How First Immigration can help
- Pass planning for families, where parents are on work passes and children need Student’s Passes.
- Transitions from study to work, including the Employment Pass application with an employer.
- PR applications for families settling here, and for students who grew up in Singapore.
Book a free assessment through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a Student’s Pass in Singapore?
Any foreign student studying full-time at a registered school in Singapore.
How do I apply for a Student’s Pass?
The school gives you an application number, then you apply through ICA’s SOLAR or SOLAR+ system.
When should I apply?
At least 2 months and not more than 3 months before the course starts.
How much does a Student’s Pass cost?
S$30 to process and S$60 on issuance, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where the nationality requires one.
What documents do I need?
The school’s registration acknowledgement letter, passport details, personal and education history, financial support details, a local address and a recent photograph.
Can I work on a Student’s Pass?
Only in limited circumstances, depending on the institution and the type of work. Check before accepting any job, including part-time.
Is the pass tied to my school?
Yes. Changing institution requires a new application.
Do I need a Student’s Pass for a short course?
Often not within a visit pass period, but check with the school and ICA.
How do I get into a government school as a foreign student?
Through AEIS for entry at Primary 2 to 5 or Secondary 1 to 3, or S-AEIS for mid-year entry.
Can I apply for PR after studying in Singapore?
Yes. ICA assesses students alongside other applicants on its published factors.
Official sources: ICA, Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR and SOLAR+) and Student’s Pass application guidance; MOE, AEIS and school fees for non-citizens.
Disclaimer: Fees and procedures are set by ICA and can change. Checked October 2026. Working rules depend on your institution, so confirm with ICA and your school.
Planning your Singapore PR application?
First Immigrations reviews your route, documents and timing before you submit to ICA. See how our Singapore PR application service works, or start with a free assessment. No documents needed to begin.
