Quick Read
- The ICA processing fee for a Singapore Student Pass is Rs.3,361 (S$45), which is non-refundable.
- The Student Pass issuance fee of Rs.4,481 (S$60) is paid only after arriving in Singapore.
- Indian students who need a multiple-entry visa pay an additional Rs.2,241 (S$30).
- Indian nationals may be required to pay a Rs.3,73,450 (S$5,000) security deposit, if stated in their IPA letter
- Total government fees for Indian students with a multiple-entry visa: Rs.10,083 (S$135).
Singapore Student Visa Fees: The Exact ICA Breakdown
The Singapore student visa fees structure has three components, each paid at a different stage of the application process. Many articles circulating online quote the wrong figures; the issuance fee is S$60, not S$90, and the processing fee for students applying through an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) is S$45, not S$30. Here is the correct breakdown for 2027, sourced from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA):
| Fee Component | Amount (S$) | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Application processing fee | S$45 | Rs.3,361 |
| Student Pass issuance fee | S$60 | Rs.4,481 |
| Multiple-entry visa fee | S$30 | Rs.2,241 |
| Total with multiple-entry visa | S$135 | Rs.10,083 |
| Total without multiple-entry visa | S$105 | Rs.7,842 |
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Singapore. This means the multiple-entry visa fee of Rs.2,241 (S$30) applies to almost every Indian student. Your IPA letter will confirm whether this fee is required in your specific case.
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One important update: Since 27 February 2023, ICA has issued the Student Pass in digital form only through the FileSG platform. There is no physical card. You receive the digital pass via email after completing formalities at ICA or at your institution's offsite enrollment location.
Counselor insight: Several popular study-abroad websites still quote the issuance fee as S$90 and the total as S$150. This assertion is factually wrong. Several sources still quote S$150 as the total ICA fee. The correct figure, per ICA's official fee schedule, is S$135 (Rs.10,083) for Indian students who need a multiple-entry visa. Verify any fee quote against the ICA website before budgeting. For a full walkthrough of the SOLAR application process, see our guide on the Singapore study visa for Indian students.
Total Singapore Student Visa Cost for Indian Students: Beyond the ICA Fee
The Rs.10,083 government fee is only one part of what you will actually spend. After your IPA is issued, you must pay mandatory fees, including a security deposit that many families don't expect, if one is required in their case
Medical Examination
After receiving your IPA letter, you must complete a medical examination in Singapore before your Student Pass is issued. This happens after you arrive in Singapore, not before you fly. Your IPA letter will specify whether a medical exam is required and at which approved clinics it can be done.
Typical costs at ICA-approved clinics in Singapore:
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening): Rs.2,241 to Rs.3,735 (S$30 to S$50)
- Blood tests (HIV and other conditions): Rs.1,494 to Rs.3,735 (S$20 to S$50)
- Total medical exam cost: Rs.3,735 to Rs.7,469 (S$50 to S$100), depending on the clinic and tests required
Source: Based on fee schedules published by ICA-approved clinics as of early 2026; confirm fees directly with your assigned clinic after receiving your IPA letter.
Security Deposit for Indian Students
This is the cost that surprises families the most, when it applies. ICA's own guidance states that if a security deposit is required, it will be stated in your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. It is not automatically levied on every applicant. Where it does apply, the amount for citizens of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the People's Republic of China is Rs.3,73,450 (S$5,000) (changed: exchange rate updated from Rs.3,66,500). The deposit must be in the form of a banker's guarantee or a cashier's order from a bank in Singapore.
The deposit is fully refundable when you cancel your Student Pass after completing your studies, provided you have complied with all Student Pass conditions. It is not forfeited. But it is required upfront in Singapore, which means it cannot be deducted from your education loan disbursement back in India. Your family will need to arrange Rs.3,73,450 as accessible liquid cash before or shortly after arrival.
If you receive a scholarship that covers tuition and living costs, check whether your institution handles the security deposit on your behalf. NUS and NTU sometimes facilitate this for fully funded scholars; your offer letter will confirm.
Miscellaneous Costs
| Item | Cost (S$) | Cost (Rs.) | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport-size photographs | S$10 to S$20 | Rs.747 to Rs.1,494 | Yes |
| Courier fees (if institution couriers documents) | S$10 to S$20 | Rs.747 to Rs.1,494 | Depends on institution |
| Educational consultant / agent fees | S$100 to S$200 | Rs.7,469 to Rs.14,938 | No |
Total Budget Summary for Indian Students
| Cost Item | Approx. Amount (Rs.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICA processing fee | Rs.3,361 | Non-refundable |
| Student Pass issuance fee | Rs.4,481 | Paid at ICA after arrival |
| Multiple-entry visa fee | Rs.2,241 | Required for Indian passport holders |
| Medical examination | Rs.3,735 to Rs.7,469 | Done in Singapore post-arrival |
| Photographs and courier | Rs.747 to Rs.1,494 | - |
| Subtotal (excluding security deposit) | Rs.14,565 to Rs.19,046 | - |
| Security deposit (if applicable, citizens of India/Bangladesh/Myanmar/China) | Rs.3,73,450 | Refundable after course completion, where required |
Counselor insight: The security deposit is the single biggest planning gap we see from Indian families. Most families preparing for Singapore studies budget tuition, accommodation, and flights and then discover the S$5,000 requirement only after arriving. This amount needs to come from liquid savings or a dedicated family fund, not from your education loan. Start arranging it at least two months before departure.
To understand the full annual beyond visa fees, read our breakdown of the cost of studying in Singapore for Indian students. If you are concerned about managing the security deposit, explore whether scholarships in Singapore at your institution cover this obligation.
Singapore Student Visa Fees by Institution Type: Public University vs Private College
The Singapore student visa fees amount is the same whether you apply to a public university or a private institution, but the processing timeline and eligibility rules differ significantly, and both directly affect your planning.
| Factor | IHL (Public Universities, Polytechnics, ITE) | EduTrust-certified PEI (Private Institutions) |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, Ngee Ann Poly, Temasek Poly | MDIS, PSB Academy, Kaplan Singapore |
| Processing fee | S$45 (Rs.3,361) | S$45 (Rs.3,361) |
| IPA processing time | Within 1 week (2 weeks if visa required) | Within 4 weeks |
| EduTrust certification required? | Not applicable | Yes, a student pass not issued for non-EduTrust PEIs |
| SOLAR application system | SOLAR+ | SOLAR+ |
The critical point for students applying to private institutions: only EduTrust-certified Private Education Institutions (PEIs) can apply for Student Passes for international students. Before paying any application fee to a private institute, check that it holds EduTrust certification. The Council for Private Education (CPE) maintains the official EduTrust list.
Counselor insight: Every year, Indian students pay admission deposits to Singapore private institutes without verifying EduTrust status first. If the institute is not EduTrust-certified, ICA will not process the Student Pass application. You will lose both your admission deposit and your chance at that intake. Always check EduTrust status before paying anything.
For a full comparison of institutions, see our guide on top universities in Singapore for Indian students.
Documents Indian Students Need for the Singapore Student Visa Application
The SOLAR system requires you to upload digital copies of all supporting documents. Every document that is not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. These are non-negotiable: Hindi-language documents, regional language marksheets, and vernacular certificates will not be accepted without a certified English translation.
| Document | ICA Requirement | India-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (biodata page) | Valid for at least 6 months beyond course end date | Ensure name matches university application exactly |
| Offer/Acceptance Letter (LOA) | From ICA-approved or EduTrust-certified institution | Some institutions call it an "Admission Letter" or "Confirmation of Enrolment" |
| Academic marksheets | Class 10, Class 12, and undergraduate transcripts | Board marksheets must be self-attested; CBSE/ICSE/state board all accepted |
| Degree certificate or provisional certificate | Final degree or provisional certificate accepted | Provisional certificate from your registrar's office is sufficient; must have official seal and authorised signature |
| Bank statements | 3 to 6 months; sufficient funds for tuition and living costs | Statements in the student's or parent's/guarantor's name; savings or salary account; fixed deposit account needs a separate bank confirmation letter |
| Education loan sanction letter | If applicable | Shows loan amount and disbursement schedule |
| Passport-size photograph | Digital colour photo taken within last 3 months | Follow ICA photo guidelines: white background, no glasses, face clearly visible |
| Form V39A (Letter of Introduction) | Required for Indian passport holders needing entry visa | Your institution provides this; it is submitted as part of SOLAR |
| eForm 16 | The main Student Pass application form | Filled online through SOLAR; your institution initiates this |
| eForm 36 | Required for new PEI applications | Not required for IHL applications |
| Medical Examination Report | Required for students aged 15 and above | Completed at ICA-approved clinic in Singapore after arrival, not before flying |
Counselor insight: The most common reason Indian applications stall is the bank statement. ICA expects the statement to show sufficient liquid funds, typically enough to cover at least one academic year's tuition and living costs. If your funds are parked in a fixed deposit, you need a separate letter from your bank confirming the deposit amount and maturity date. A savings account passbook printout downloaded from internet banking is not the same as a formal bank statement with a bank stamp and relationship manager signature.
Singapore Student Visa Processing Timeline and Application Calendar
Processing Times
| Application Type | IPA Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IHL (public universities, polytechnics) | Within 1 week | 2 weeks if multiple-entry visa is also required (applies to Indian students) |
| PEI (EduTrust-certified private institutions) | Within 4 weeks | Longer wait; apply earlier |
| If an interview is required (vocational/language/fine arts, students above 19) | 2 to 4 months | Rare for degree-seeking students |
Once approved, your IPA letter is valid for 4 months. You must complete formalities and have your Student Pass issued within this window.
Your IPA letter serves as your entry document. Indian students do not need to apply for a separate Singapore entry visa. The entry visa is embedded in the IPA letter. Present the IPA letter at Singapore immigration checkpoints, and you will be granted a Visit Pass, after which you complete formalities to receive the Student Pass.
Planning for the January 2027 Intake
If you are targeting a January 2027 intake, common for PEI diploma and certificate programmes, and some university mid-year postgraduate cohorts, your visa planning window opens far earlier than most students expect. Because PEI applications take up to 4 weeks for an IPA, and your institution must register you in SOLAR before anything else starts, most Indian students need their offer accepted by early September.
| Timeline | Milestone | What Happens? |
|---|---|---|
| Early Sep 2026 | Accept offer + pay deposit | Institution cannot start SOLAR registration until this is done |
| Mid to late Sep 2026 | SOLAR registration | You get login access; complete eForm 16 (IHL) or eForm 36 (new PEI) |
| Late Sep to early Oct 2026 | Submit application | Pay Rs.3,361 (S$45) processing fee within 7 days, or application is withdrawn |
| Oct to early Nov 2026 | IPA issued | 1 to 2 weeks for IHL; up to 4 weeks for PEI; add about 1 week if a multiple-entry visa is needed |
| Nov 2026 to early Jan 2027 | Arrange travel + deposit | Set up security deposit (if stated in IPA) with a Singapore bank; avoid non-refundable flights before IPA confirmation |
| Jan 2027 | Travel & enrol | Enter on IPA letter, complete medical exam and Student Pass formalities in Singapore |
Because your IPA letter is valid for only 4 months from the date of issue, applying too early (for example, in July or August for a January intake) risks your approval lapsing before you travel. Applying in September gives most Indian students a comfortable buffer without running into the expiry window.
Counselor insight: January-intake applicants are more likely to be on the PEI track than IHL, since most NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, and SIT cohorts begin in August. If you are applying to a private institute for a January start, re-confirm its EduTrust status now, in September, rather than waiting. A non-EduTrust institute cannot have a Student Pass application submitted on your behalf, and finding this out in November leaves no time to pivot to another institution for the same intake.
What to Do When Your Singapore Student Visa Fees Application Runs Into Problems
IPA letter has not arrived after 2 weeks (IHL) or 5 weeks (PEI)
Log in to your SOLAR account and check application status. If the status shows "Pending," your application is still being processed. If it shows "Additional Documents Required," respond immediately; the clock on processing restarts only after you submit the requested documents. If you cannot determine the status, contact your institution's international student office first, not ICA directly. Your institution submitted the SOLAR application on your behalf and is the primary point of contact with ICA.
IPA application is rejected
Rejections happen, and they are not permanent. The most common reasons for rejection among Indian applicants are insufficient financial proof (bank balance too low or statement format not accepted), unexplained gaps in academic history, inconsistent information between the SOLAR form and uploaded documents, or an institution that is not ICA-approved. None of these rejections carry a mandatory waiting period before reapplication. Your institution must re-register you in SOLAR and submit a fresh application with the corrected documents.
Medical examination flags a concern
If your TB chest X-ray returns an unclear or positive result, ICA will require follow-up tests before issuing the Student Pass. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the process. You are not automatically rejected; this is a standard health screening protocol. Your institution's international office will guide you through the next steps. Do not rebook your flight home. Wait for ICA's written instruction.
Security deposit not yet arranged on arrival
Your IPA letter is valid for 4 months. You are not required to complete all formalities on your first day in Singapore. If your IPA letter states a security deposit is required and it has not yet been arranged, contact your institution immediately if you arrive and discover that the security deposit arrangement (banker's guarantee from a Singapore bank) has not been set up. Many institutions have tie-ups with local banks to facilitate this process for newly arrived students. You cannot receive your Student Pass without the security deposit in place, but the 4-month IPA window gives you time to resolve it.
You entered Singapore as a tourist and want to convert to a Student Pass
This is not possible. A Student Pass cannot be issued to someone who entered on a Short-Term Visit Pass (tourist visa). If you are in Singapore on a tourist visa and your IPA has been approved, you must exit Singapore and re-enter using the IPA letter as your entry document. Only then can you complete formalities and receive the Student Pass.
Counselor insight: The most common reason Indian applications are delayed is not missing documents; it is the bank statement. ICA looks for a combination of sufficient balance and correct format. A printout from your internet banking portal is often insufficient. ICA expects a formal bank statement on the bank's letterhead, stamped by a branch officer, with the account holder's name matching the name on the passport exactly. If your name on your bank account is in a different order from your passport (a common issue with Indian names), get a bank letter clarifying this before uploading.
Key Takeaways on Singapore Student Visa Fees
Three takeaways every Indian student applying for a Singapore Student Pass in 2026 should have in writing:
1. The correct total fee is Rs.10,083(S$135). The issuance fee is S$60, not S$90. Multiple articles and even agents quote the wrong amount. See the correct figure of Rs.74.69 per SGD (as of today, July 2026) for the budget and verify the rate again closer to your application date.
2. Apply via SOLAR at least 2 months before your course start date. IHL applicants receive an IPA within 2 weeks (Indian students need a multiple-entry visa, which adds processing time). PEI applicants should allow up to 4 weeks. Applying late puts your intake at risk with no recovery option.
3. If your IPA letter states a security deposit, arrange Rs.3,73,450 (S$5,000) as accessible liquid cash before departure: This deposit applies to citizens of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China where ICA requires it. It is refundable at the end of your studies, but it typically cannot come from your education loan. Start planning this amount separately from your tuition and living cost budget if it applies to you.
4. If you're targeting a January 2027 intake, treat September 2026 as your real deadline. Most institutions need your accepted offer and deposit in hand by early September to register you in SOLAR with enough runway for a PEI-track IPA (up to 4 weeks) plus visa processing, without your IPA expiring before you travel.
Verified by: LeapScholar's Singapore counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through the SOLAR application process, ICA documentation requirements, and pre-departure financial planning.
Have questions about the Singapore Student Pass or visa fees? Book a free session with a Leap Scholar counselor.
You can also browse answers from LeapScholar's Singapore community on other visa, cost, and admissions questions here.
FAQs on Singapore Student Visa Fees for Indian Students
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Is the Singapore student visa fees different for NUS, NTU, or a private college?
The Singapore student visa fees paid to ICA is the same regardless of your institution: Rs.3,361 (S$45) processing fee at SOLAR submission and Rs.4,481 (S$60) issuance fee after arrival. What differs is the processing time. IHL applications like NUS and NTU are processed within 1 to 2 weeks, while private institution applications can take up to 4 weeks. Ensure that any private institution you apply to holds EduTrust certification; otherwise, the Student Pass application cannot be submitted.
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How much bank balance do I need to show for the Singapore student visa as an Indian student?
ICA does not publish a fixed minimum balance requirement. In practice, your bank statement should show funds sufficient to cover at least one full academic year of tuition and living costs. For most programs at Singapore public universities, this means a balance of at least Rs.10 to Rs.15 lakh, depending on your program. The statement should be in the student's or parent's name, issued on bank letterhead with an authorized signature and branch stamp. A printout from internet banking is generally not sufficient.
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Can I enter Singapore on a tourist visa and then apply for a Student Pass?
No. A Student Pass cannot be issued to someone who entered Singapore on a Short-Term Visit Pass (tourist visa). You must apply for and receive your IPA before traveling to Singapore and then use the IPA letter as your entry document at the immigration checkpoint. If you are already in Singapore on a tourist visa and your IPA gets approved, you must exit Singapore and re-enter on the IPA letter before completing Student Pass formalities.
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What happens if my IPA letter is delayed or my SOLAR application is rejected?
If your IPA has not arrived within the expected window, check your SOLAR status and contact your institution's international office; they are your primary contact with ICA. If your application is rejected, it can be resubmitted with corrected documents. There is no mandatory waiting period before reapplication. The most common reasons for rejection among Indian applicants are insufficient financial proof, unverified institutions, and inconsistent document details. All of these are fixable.
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How long does it take to get a Singapore Student Pass after applying through SOLAR?
For IHL applicants (NUS, NTU, SMU, polytechnics), the IPA is typically issued within 1 week or within 2 weeks if a multiple-entry visa is also required. Indian students fall into the 2-week category. For PEI (private institute) applicants, allow up to 4 weeks. After the IPA is issued, the Student Pass itself is issued after you arrive in Singapore and complete formalities, which typically takes 1 to 2 working days if your documents are in order.
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Does the medical exam for the Singapore student visa happen before or after I fly?
The medical examination happens after you arrive in Singapore, not before you fly. Once you arrive on your IPA letter and report to ICA or your institution's offsite enrollment venue, you will be directed to complete the medical exam at an ICA-approved clinic in Singapore. Your IPA letter specifies whether a medical exam is required. Do not attempt to do a medical exam in India before departure; it will not be accepted.
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Do Indian students have to pay the S$5,000 security deposit for a Singapore Student Pass?
Not automatically. Where a security deposit is required by ICA, it will be stated in your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and for citizens of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China the amount is Rs.3,73,450 (S$5,000), in the form of a banker's guarantee or a cashier's order. The deposit is fully refundable when you cancel your pass after completing your studies, provided you have followed all Student Pass conditions. Check your IPA letter to confirm whether this applies to you.
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Is the Singapore Student Pass processing fee refundable if my application is rejected?
The processing fee of Rs.3,361 (S$45) paid at the time of SOLAR submission is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome. If your application is rejected, the fee is not returned. The issuance fee of Rs.Rs.4,481 (S$60) is only paid after your application is approved and you arrive in Singapore to complete formalities, so rejection before that point means you only lose the processing fee.
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How much is the Singapore student visa fees in Indian rupees in 2026?
For Indian students, the total fee for a Singapore student visa comes to Rs.10,083 (S$135) Rs.74.69 per SGD (as of July 2026). You pay Rs.3,361 (S$45) upfront when submitting through SOLAR and the remaining Rs.6,722 issuance fee plus a multiple-entry visa after you arrive in Singapore and complete formalities at ICA. Keep in mind this covers only the government fees. A Rs.3,73,450 (S$5,000) security deposit, where required for Indian nationals, is on top of this and is paid separately in Singapore.
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When should I start my visa process for the January 2027 intake?
Aim to have your offer accepted and any admission deposit paid by early September 2026. This gives your institution time to register you in SOLAR, gives PEI applications the full 4 weeks ICA may need for an IPA, and keeps your IPA's 4-month validity window comfortably clear of your January travel date.
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