Singapore

• Courses at the public universities are taught in English.
• International students can apply for an MOE Tuition Grant that lowers fees, in return for a 3-year bond after graduation.
• Full-time students at listed institutions can work up to 16 hours a week in term and during vacations without a work pass.
• Graduates of listed institutions can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass to stay and look for a job.

Teaching language

English

Intakes

The main intake at the public universities is in August, when the academic year begins (at NUS, on the first Monday of August).

Bachelor's

Usually 4 years for an honours degree (for example at NUS)

Tuition

Each university sets its own fees; international students at publicly funded institutions can apply for an MOE Tuition Grant that cuts fees in return for a 3-year bond after graduation (MOE, checked October 2026).

You apply directly to each university through its own online portal. For example, NUS accepts applications from students with international qualifications from 16 December 2026 to 17 February 2027 for entry in August 2027, with most results by July. Once you accept an offer, your school gives you a registration acknowledgement letter so you can apply for a Student's Pass.

The In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) when it approves your Student's Pass application, and you use it to enter Singapore and complete the formalities for your Student's Pass.

1. 1

   Step 1: Get a full-time course place

   You must be accepted on an approved full-time course; part-time, evening and weekend courses do not qualify. At a private education institution, only EduTrust-certified schools can offer places to international students.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
2. 2

   Step 2: Get your Registration Acknowledgement Letter

   Your school gives you a Registration Acknowledgement Letter. Keep it ready, because it contains the information you need to submit your Student's Pass application.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
3. 3

   Step 3: Prepare your application details

   Have ready your passport biodata page, birth certificate if applicable, a digital colour photo taken within the last 3 months, your Singapore address and email, details of where you have lived, your education, employment and financial support, and your family's details. Documents not in English need official translations.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
4. 4

   Step 4: Apply 2 to 3 months ahead

   Apply through ICA's Student's Pass e-Service at least 2 months and not more than 3 months before your course begins, and pay the non-refundable processing fee. You do not need to be in Singapore during processing, which usually takes about 1 week, or 2 weeks if you need a visa.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
5. 5

   Step 5: Print your IPA letter

   Check your status in the e-Service and, if approved, print your IPA letter, which includes your visa if you need one and lists what you must bring. Meet all its requirements while it is valid, or the IPA will be withdrawn.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
6. 6

   Step 6: Enter Singapore with your IPA

   Submit the SG Arrival Card with health declaration within 3 days before you arrive, and show your IPA letter at the immigration checkpoint. The letter does not guarantee entry; ICA decides at the border.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
7. 7

   Step 7: Complete formalities for your pass

   Attend your school's offsite enrolment if it has arranged one, or book an appointment at the ICA Services Centre, and bring every document listed in your IPA letter, including a medical examination report if required. After you pay the issuance fee and give your biometrics, ICA emails you how to get your digital Student's Pass.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)

Visa

Student's Pass

After an approved full-time course accepts you, apply online through ICA's e-Service at least 2 months and not more than 3 months before your course starts, using your school's registration acknowledgement letter. Processing usually takes about 1 week, or 2 weeks if you need a visa. If approved you get an In-Principle Approval letter, enter Singapore, and complete formalities (including a medical report if required) to receive a digital Student's Pass.

Visa fee

SGD 45 processing fee when you apply (non-refundable), SGD 60 issuance fee, plus SGD 30 for a multiple-journey visa if you need one (ICA, 2026).

While you study

Full-time students aged 14 or above at institutions on the Ministry of Manpower's list (mainly universities and polytechnics) can work up to 16 hours a week during term, or in an internship that counts towards graduation, without a work pass. During vacations you can work without an hours limit. Exchange students cannot work.

After you graduate

Singapore has no general post-study work visa. Graduates of listed local universities, polytechnics and some other institutions can apply to ICA for a Long-Term Visit Pass to stay and look for work (SGD 45 application fee; ICA's page does not state how long it lasts). To work you need a work pass such as an Employment Pass: the minimum qualifying salary for new applications is SGD 5,600 a month at age 23 or below (higher for older applicants), rising to SGD 6,000 from 1 January 2027, and you must also pass the COMPASS points test.