Singapore is a highly safe, clean and well-developed country. As of 2013, it was ranked third in the QS Best Student City Ratings. Thousands of Indian students aim to fulfill their academic dreams in this country, it not only enhances opportunities for a successful career but also paves way for a satisfying lifestyle. In order to pursue higher education in Singapore, you will be required to apply for a Singapore student visa for Indians. In this article, we shall discuss the various aspects of applying for a Singapore visa.

Who needs a student visa?

A Student Pass, that serves as the Singapore visa for Indian students, is required to enter into Singapore to pursue your full-time educational program. On receiving the offer letter from the desired institution, students need to apply for a student pass to enter the country. If you wish to pursue the following education programs, then you need a student pass: -

• Graduate and Post Graduate Coursework
• Postgraduate Research
• Vocational Education and Training
• School or college exchange programs
• Any English Language course

Please note that for a short-term course which can be completed within 30 days, you do not require a student pass.

What are the documents needed?

You require original and copies of the following documents in order to apply for a Singapore visa for Indian students. It is advisable to have scanned copies of these documents as well.

1. Valid Passport- A Valid passport having at least two blank pages. The validity should be till after 3 months of the entire duration of your stay.
2. Student Application Form- Properly filled and completed visa application forms are required. ICA Form 16 and Form V36 will be needed to process your application.
3. Proof of sufficient funds- Copies bank statements (minimum 1-day old from the date of visa application), mutual or provident funds can be provided for the same. This is to ensure that the student or his/her guardian is capable enough to support the academic expenses, living expenses and return transportation cost. Additionally, bank statements of the last 28 days of the date of visa application from all sponsors are to be presented..
4. Qualification Certificates: Certified copies and transcripts of your latest educational results, character certificates, recommendation letters, and other relevant documents.
5. Eligibility Test Scorecards: Score cards of eligibility tests and their copies are to be submitted. For instance, your IELTS score, GMAT Score, TOEFL score or other relevant test results
6. Medical reports: Medical report as per the format given on ICA’s website. This ought to be issued by approved doctors or hospitals only.
7. Though obtained later, but another Singapore student visa requirement is the submission of visa application fee payment receipt.
8. A copy of the in-principle approval letter is required.

Procedure for a student visa

In Singapore, the institute where a student has been admitted to, processes the Singapore Student Pass on behalf of the student. This application is filed to Singapore immigration and check point authority (ICA). The whole procedure for obtaining a Singapore student visa for Indians is online, and is commonly known as the SOLAR system i.e. the Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration. Here are step-by-step guidelines to obtain a Student pass, that serves as your student visa.

1. Once you have been admitted to an institute of higher learning (IHL), you would be provided with a Confirmation Letter and a SOLAR Reference Number. Please note that your institute would initiate the Student Pass Application first.
2. Using the SOLAR Application Reference Number, you can login in to the SOLAR website. Here, you would be required to provide basic information, fill the e-Form 16 and to make a processing fee payment. You will need a credit/debit card or internet banking for the same.
3. Upon submitting the e-Form 16 through SOLAR, do take its print out to be submitted later at the Student’s Pass Unit, Immigration and Checkpoint Authority.
4. After the approval of your application, you will be issued an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter by the ICA. Your visa is incorporated within this letter so you are not required to apply for it separately. This letter will be forwarded to you by your university.
5. The processing time of applications takes about 10 working days, you will be duly notified of the same.
6. Through the IPA, you can travel to Singapore. On arrival in the country, you need to visit the ICA building to formally receive your Student’s Pass. We recommend that you first seek an e-appointment and then go to the ICA office to collect your student pass.
7. Please note, since you will be issued the student pass by the ICA, you will receive a temporary social visit pass on the checkpoint after the authorities have checked all your documents.

Things to keep in mind

1. Applicants are advised to submit the application one month (and not more than two months) prior to the beginning of their course.
2. All the documents must be translated into English, if required.
3. When submitting the application, you should ensure that doctor’s reports and/or laboratory reports are not older than 3 months from the issue date of the Confirmation Letter.
4. Only some IHLs permit students to work 16 hours per week, therefore you should check the website of Ministry of Manpower to know if your institute allows working privileges.
5. Any change in the course or course work provider must be informed to the immigration department at the earliest.
6. It is advised that you keep copies of all the essential documents, letters, certificates at all times with you, in case of theft or loss they will be useful.
7. Students should ensure not to overstay their student pass without proper legal sanctions.

Reasons for rejection

Following are some of the reasons that could lead to rejection of your application: -

1. Discrepancies in your application form or any other document(s).
2. .Inadequate proof of financial stability and/or lack of sufficient funds to support your stay.
3. Failure of the medical examination.
4. Double application may lead to cancellation of the student pass process.
5. Unclear photograph on the application may lead to rejection.

Obtaining a Singapore visa for Indians, be it a Singapore tourist visa or student pass is very easy if one follows each step carefully. Singapore is an excellent country for travel and more so for education, you can be sure of taking your career to new heights here!