Student Life & Visa in Singapore
🛂 Student Visa (Student Pass) – Step-by-Step Guide
All international students must apply for a Student Pass, issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), after receiving admission.
Visa Application Steps:
- Receive official offer letter from your Singapore university.
- Your university registers you on the SOLAR+ system (Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration).
- You fill in the eForm 16 via SOLAR+, upload documents, and pay the fee.
- Upon approval, schedule In-Principle Approval (IPA) and collect your Student Pass at the ICA building once in Singapore.
👉 Apply via ICA – Student Pass
👉 Full Student Pass Guide
Documents Required:
- Passport-size photo
- Passport biodata page
- Offer letter
- Birth certificate
- Educational transcripts
- Proof of financial resources
💼 Part-Time Work Rights for International Students
International students on a valid Student Pass are allowed to work:
- ✅ Up to 16 hours/week during academic term
- ✅ Full-time during official vacation periods
You do not need a separate work pass if the employment is within ICA rules.
👉 ICA Work Guidelines – Student Pass
👉 NTU Career & Attachment Office – Internship guidance
👉 NUS Career Services
💡 Tip: Many students work part-time in cafes, retail stores, or as research assistants.
🌏 Multicultural Student Life
Singapore is one of the most diverse and student-friendly cities in Asia, with large international communities and a high standard of living.
Cultural Highlights:
- 🇸🇬 Four official languages (English, Tamil, Mandarin, Malay)
- 🕌 Access to temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras
- 🍛 World-class food from India, Malaysia, China, Korea, and the West
- 🎉 Celebrations of Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Christmas
Student Clubs & Societies:
- Most universities have Indian, ASEAN, African, and international student associations
- Cultural nights, debates, coding contests, sustainability clubs, and language exchange forums are popular
👉 NUS Student Life
👉 NTU Clubs & Societies
👉 SMU Campus Life
🛡️ Safety, Health & Medical Insurance
Singapore is among the safest countries in the world, with strict laws and low crime rates.
- 🌙 Safe to walk alone at night
- 🚓 Clean, well-regulated public transport and taxis
- 🏥 Mandatory medical insurance included in most university packages
Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 999
- Ambulance/Fire: 995
- Non-emergency health line: 1777
🧭 Orientation & University Support Services
All major universities offer orientation programs to help international students settle in:
- 🧳 Campus tours
- 💬 Peer mentors & buddy systems
- 📝 Academic support and language services
- 🧘 Mental health and counselling units
👉 SMU International Student Support
👉 SUTD Student Life Office
💡 Tip: Join orientation WhatsApp groups before arrival to find flatmates or friends!
🗺️ Weekend Exploration & Budget Fun
Student life in Singapore is also about discovering the city:
- 🎢 Sentosa Island – Beaches, adventure parks, and Universal Studios
- 🌸 Botanic Gardens – Free UNESCO site near Orchard
- 🏛️ Little India, Chinatown, Arab Street – Explore vibrant culture & cheap eats
- 🎨 ArtScience Museum & Esplanade – For students into art, film, and live music
👉 Visit Singapore – Student Budget Tips
👉 SG Student Deals & Activities