With globally recognized institutions, exceptional academic standards, and a lively multicultural environment, Singapore is among the most sought-after destinations for international students. If you intend to study in Singapore, it is vital to be aware of the academic prerequisites for various educational levels.

Students aspiring to an undergraduate program need to have completed 12 years of schooling from a recognized institution. Furthermore, having good grades in courses relevant to the selected major is a must. To gain admission at most universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS), applicants are required to provide secondary school records, standardized test results (if applicable), and proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL. A bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses and an above-average track record in academics are also prerequisites.

Besides these academic qualifications, institutions may request interviews, personal statements, and recommendation letters. The chosen course and university largely dictate how competitive the entry requirements are. Students are advised to seek guidance from Singapore study abroad consultants, as they offer invaluable assistance with the documentation and application processes, including immigration and policy stipulations.

Singapore Student Visa Requirements

After gaining admission to any institution in Singapore, the subsequent phase is the application for a Student Pass (visa). All international students must make use of the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system at least 1-2 months prior to the start date of the course.

To obtain a Student Pass, an applicant is required to have a passport, a Letter of Acceptance issued by the educational institution, proof showing that an adequate amount of money is available to finance the stay, recent passport-sized photographs, and relevant forms set out by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. Some students may also need to submit a medical examination report.

Submitting the application using the online platform SOLAR triggers a review by the ICA. You will receive something called an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which serves you right now as a visa to enter Singapore. You will thereafter, post-arrival, need to complete other considerable formalities, such as fingerprinting and issuing you the card with the Student Pass details.

You must not violate any immigration regulations while maintaining full-time study status in Singapore. Students attending government-recognized institutions are allowed to work part-time during term time for a maximum of 16 hours per week. To avoid mistakes or long wait times, it's best to work with Singapore study-abroad consultants because they understand the intricacies of visa regulations and compliance requirements.

Graduate Immigration Route

International students will not find anything like the UK’s or Australia’s post-study work visa in Singapore. International graduates can, however, seek employment through the Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass. These permits enable employed graduates to stay in Singapore, provided they obtain a qualifying job with a stipulated minimum salary.

Graduates from Singapore’s top institutions usually enjoy favourable employment prospects because of the country’s robust economy and the international presence of businesses. For current information, many students rely on Singapore study abroad consultants because they are up to date with immigration changes and work opportunities after studying.