Getting the Student's Pass
The Student's Pass is issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA):
Step by step
- Get a full-time offer from an ICA-approved institution
- Institution registers you; you apply online via SOLAR+ / ICA e-Service
- Apply no earlier than 3 months and no later than 2 months before your course starts
- ICA issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, this lets you travel
- Enter Singapore, complete formalities, collect the actual pass
Processing is typically about 2-4 weeks. The issuance fee is SGD 60 (plus SGD 30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if needed).
Working during study
- Up to 16 hours per week during term at approved universities/polytechnics, no separate work pass needed.
- Full-time during official vacations.
- You must be a full-time matriculated student with a valid Student's Pass.
After you graduate, the part to plan early
There is no automatic post-study work visa. To work, you must move onto an Employment Pass or S Pass, which means securing a qualifying job offer.
| Pass | Min salary (2025) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | SGD 5,600/mo (6,200 finance) | Rises with age; from Jan 2025 |
| S Pass | SGD 3,300/mo (3,800 finance) | From Sep 2025; quota-limited |
If you took the subsidised tuition tier, remember the separate 3-year service obligation.
Always confirm the latest rules on the ICA and MOM portals. For help reading your situation, talk to an Aurora mentor.