Approved Private Education Institutions
Back to top
Foreigners need to hold an appropriate pass to pursue full-time studies at a Private Education Institution (PEI) in Singapore registered with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). 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 SSG website.
You will need to provide original documents and official translations (for documents in languages other than English), as well as copies of the documents for ICA to retain.
ICA accepts:
- Translations provided by the embassy of the country that issued the document
- Translations produced by a notary public in Singapore or the country that issued the document
- Privately created translations attested by the embassy of the country that issued the document, or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the country that issued the document.
ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of your application. You may be required to provide additional documents to support your application.
You will need the following documents/ information to complete your Student's Pass application, please have them ready before you apply:
- The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the school you plan to attend
- Your travel document biodata page and birth certificate (if applicable)
- Your personal information, including the list of countries / places you have previously resided in, your educational background, employment history and financial support
- Your parents’, spouse's, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable)
- Your residential address and contact details in Singapore
- Your email address
- Your recent, passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months. Please refer to the photo guidelines for more information.
- Foreign-born applicants aged 12 years 0 day or below, are required to submit their vaccination information to Health Promotion Board (HPB) with effect from 1 February 2019. For details, please visit the HPB website.
New Application
You will need to apply online using the e-Service at 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.
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 the e-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 the e-Service at least four weeks before your new course begins.
A non-refundable S$45 processing fee is payable.
Payment can be made using:
- Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card or,
- American Express (AMEX) credit card or,
- Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore) or,
- PayNow.
New Application
The processing time for a new Student’s Pass application is within one month (and within two weeks for an EduTrust-accredited PEI) (excluding the date of submission). Some applications may take longer time to process.
You may enquire about the application status using the e-Service.Renew / Transfer Application
The processing time for a renewal/transfer application is within one week (excluding the date of submission). Some applications may take longer time to process.
You may enquire about the application status using the e-Service.