Studying in...

SINGAPORE

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

A visa is an official document that allows you to enter, stay and sometimes work or study in Singapore for a certain period. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose, such as a work visa, student pass or long-term pass. You will have to apply for the correct visa before traveling to Singapore

What visa do I need to study in Singapore?

To study in Singapore, you need a Student Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Documents needed to apply:

  • Passport copy

  • Offer Letter from the school

  • Proof of financial ability (bank statements or sponsor letter)

  • Passport sized photograph

  • ICA Form 15 and Form V36 (these are both filled online)

Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Student Pass:

  1. Receive an Offer letter from a Singaporean university or educational institution

  2. Apply for a Student Pass online via SOLAR (Student Pass Online Application and Registration)

  3. Pay the application fee

  4. Attend and appointment at ICA to verify documents and biometric data if it is required

  5. Receive your Student Pass (this is valid for the whole duration of your study program)

What is a ICA Form 15 and Form V36?

    • This is to apply for a Long Term Visit Pass or Dependent Pass for family members of someone working in Singapore

    • This is for a spouse or children of someone working in Singapore on an Employment Pass or similar

    • It is needed to allow dependents to live in Singapore

    • This is to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore for workers

    • It is used for people working in Singapore on an Employment Pass or similar

    • It the form you use if you want to become a permanent resident in Singapore

Banking & Taxes

In Singapore, it is easy for students to open a bank account. As a student you should also know about Singapore’s tax system especially if you decide to work part time while studying.

What do I need to open a bank account?

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to open a bank account as a student in Singapore:

  • Valid Passport

  • Student Pass or In-Principle Approval Letter

  • Proof of Singapore Address (this can be a rental agreement, university dorm letter or any official document that confirms a residential address in Singapore)

  • Minimum Initial Deposit (Most banks require an initial deposit to open an account)

Do Students need to pay Taxes?

Simple answer is no, reason is because as an international student you do not need to pay taxes since you will most likely not earn a significant enough of an income to file taxes

If you are planning to work, you should contact Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to ask them about your specific situation if you do exceed the threshold. (the threshold is around SGD 22,000, which is around 15,000 euro)

Healthcare

As you are going to study in, you are required to have health insurance as part of your enrollment. This is to ensure that you as a student is covered during your stay in Singapore.

You have 2 options as a student when it comes to healthcare insurance:

    • This is university provided health insurance, but it might have limited coverage

    • Some universities automatically enroll students into the healthcare system, whereas other you will have to sign up

    • A lot of students get Private health insurance to cover the missing coverage that the university one does not cover

    • Some private health insurance companies have international student plans to specifically cater to international students

    • Private Health Insurance has a lot broader coverage than university coverage

How to apply for Private Health Insurance?

As a student, there are a wide variety of insurance companies to choose from, some of the popular ones are NTUC Income, AIA and Great Eastern.

Here are the documents you need, to apply for private insurance:

  • Passport copy

  • Student Pass (or other valid visa that shows your legal status in Singapore

  • Proof of enrollment (a letter or card from your university)

  • Health declaration (some forms to fill to show your medical history)

Now that you have all the documents in order, here is an easy step-by-step guide on how to apply:

  1. Firstly, pick your provider

  2. Visit the insurers website (if applying online)

  3. Fill out the application forms (provide all the documentation mentioned above)

  4. Select your plan (choose type of coverage that suits you)

  5. Lastly, provide payment information (most providers require payment upon application)

Housing & Renting

Singapore has a competitive rental market with high prices compared to many countries, but as a student you have a little more options when it comes to housing. Here is everything you need to know before renting a home as a student

Housing options for students

    • Affordable and located on campus

    • Basic amenities like communal kitchens, study areas, laundry facilities and recreational spaces

    • Off-Campus but student friendly

    • Fully furnished rooms

    • Wi-Fi and utilities included

    • 24/7 security and concierge services

    • Gym, common lounges and sometimes even swimming pools

    • Shared apartments

    • Shared kitchens, bathrooms and living areas

    • Basic furnishings like a bed, wardrobe and desk

    • Access to public transportation and other amenities

    • Expensive but with great facilities

    • Swimming pools, gyms and BBQ areas

    • 24/7 security, concierge service and sometimes private parking

    • High-end furnishings and appliances

What do I need to apply for housing as a student?

Most of the documents you need are the same for all the housing options above, some might need more than the other, like renting HDB Flats, where you will need some type of deposit in comparison to University dorms where you just pay monthly for a place to stay.

Here is a quick breakdown of what documents you need as a student to apply for housing:

  • Passport and Student Pass

  • Proof of enrollment (university letter of acceptance)

  • Deposit (1-2 months if required, depending on the housing option you go for)

  • Signed Tenancy Agreement

IF YOU DO GO FOR PRIVATE APARTMENTS, PLEASE READ THE FORMAL DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING!

Driving and Transportation

Singapore has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, making it very easy to get around without owning a car in the city. However, if you want to drive, there are very strict regulations for foreigners when it comes to driving.

Can students drive in Singapore?

Yes, students can drive in Singapore, but there are certain conditions and requirements depending on your situation.

If you are a Student Pass Holder, you can drive with your foreign license for up to 12 months. However, your license must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. If your license is not in English, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP)

How to get a Singaporean Drivers License?

As a student, if you want to convert your foreign license to a Singaporean one, you generally need to pass a basic theory test, and for some countries, you may also need to pass a practical driving test.

Before converting, you will need to pass the Basic Theory Test, and the Practical Driving Test (if you are from a country that needs to do this). To do this, you need to:

  • Book the Basic Theory Test and Practical Driving Test at a driving center (most common locations are Bukit Batok Driving Centre, ComfortDelGro Driving Centre and Singapore Driving Centre)

  • Pay the test fee

  • Take the Basic Theory Test and Practical Driving Test

Once completed, here is the documents needed and where to apply

Documents needed:

  • Passport and Valid Work Pass/Visa

  • Original Foreign Driver’s License (translated if not in English)

  • Basic Theory Test Pass Certificate (and Practical driving test pass certificate if required)

  • Passport Sized photo

Where to Apply:

  • Submit your application at the Traffic Police Headquarters (Singapore Traffic Police HQ

  • Pay the application fee

  • Processing time takes around 2-4 weeks

  • Receive your Singaporean drivers license!

How to get an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Here is a quick step-by-step on what documents you need and how to get an IDP:

  • Valid National Drivers License

  • Passport-sized Photo

  • Proof of Identity (passport or government ID)

  • Completed Application Form

Where to Apply?

  • In the recognized Automobile Association in your home country

  • you can apply in person, the processing time is same day

  • if you apply online the processing time is around 7-10 days

Public Transportation in Singapore

    • Covers almost all of Singapore

    • Fastest and Most convenient

    • Use an EZ-Link Card or contactless bank card for payments

    • Extensive network reaching places not covered by the MRT

    • Readily available but a lot more expensive than public transport

    • Grab (similar to Uber) is cheaper than taxis during off-peak hours but can be more expensive during peak times

    • Other apps are Gojek, TADA and Ryde

What is an EZ-Link Card?

This is a stored-value card that is essential when you are going to be using Public Transport in Singapore, this card can be purchased at MRT stations, 7-eleven store, as well as online.