Foreigners need to hold an appropriate pass to pursue full-time studies at a Private Education Institution (PEI) in Singapore registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE). Only EduTrust-certified PEIs can offer placements to foreign students.
EduTrust-certified PEIs: You will need to apply for a Student's Pass if you are a foreigner who has been offered a placement to pursue full-time, non-religious studies at an EduTrust-certified PEI.
You do not need to apply for a Student's Pass if you wish to undertake full-time, non-religious studies and hold a valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order (IEO).
Non-EduTrust-certified PEIs: PEIs that are not EduTrust-certified cannot offer placements to foreign students. Only foreign students who hold an existing and valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order may enrol for full-time, non-religious studies in such PEIs. You will need to ensure that your immigration pass is valid for the entire duration of your studies. A Student's Pass will not be issued to foreigners enrolled in PEIs that are not EduTrust-certified.
Religious Studies: A Student's Pass is required if you wish to study in an approved religious school. This includes holders of a valid Long-Term Visit Pass and Dependant's Pass. Holders of a valid Immigration Exemption Order are exempted.
For more information on Private Education-related matters, please visit the CPE website.
Procedure
New Application
You will need to apply online using thee-Serviceat least two months and not more than three months before your course begins.
You do not need to be in Singapore while your application is being processed. As such, we recommend you apply for a Student’s Pass before arriving in Singapore as you cannot extend your stay while processing is underway. If your application is approved, you can then enter Singapore to complete the formalities required to issue your Student’s Pass.
If you are a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) above 19 years old who wish to attend a language, commercial, vocational or fine arts non-graduate or postgraduate degree course (including a University of London tuition programme) at an EduTrust-PEI, you may be required to attend an interview at the Singapore Embassy in Beijing.
Renewal Application
If you have a valid Student’s Pass and wish to continue taking the same course at the same school, you may renew your Student’s Pass online using thee-Service.
Transfer Application
If you wish to take up a different course or study in a different PEI, you must apply for a new Student’s Pass online using thee-Serviceat least four weeks before your new course begins.
