Mod-Con Consultants (Pvt.) Limited

All about Singapore:

Area:
Singapore consists of one main island and 60 small islands about 137 km north of the Equator (latitude 1° 09'N and longitude 103° 38'E). It has a total land area of 647.5 square kilometers, of which almost half has been set aside as forest reserves, marsh and other non-built-up areas. Three reservoirs occupy the centre of the island. Almost half of the land (49.67 per cent) is for residential, commercial and industrial use. A mere 1.7 per cent, about 10.8 sq km, is for agriculture.

Singapore Visa

Student's Pass Application International students are required to apply for a Student's Pass to pursue a course of study in Singapore unless they are holding a Dependent Pass (DP) or an Immigration Exemption Order (IEO). Upon receiving the Letter of Acceptance from the school, the applicant must proceed to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to apply for a Student's Pass. Applicants who are holding a DP or an IEO can be admitted by the School immediately upon passing the school's Placement Test.

* Institutes of Technical Education
* Polytechnic and Universities

Institutes of Technical Education

New applications
New applications must be submitted at least 2 months before the commencement of the course.

Basic Documents Required
* 2 copies of Form 16, V103, Form V39S and Form V39Q duly completed and signed by applicant, local sponsor and school at the relevant sections (The first set of forms must be original. The second set may be photocopies of the original set);
* 2 recent passport-sized photographs (colour/black & white) to be pasted on the top right-hand corner of Form 16;
* Applicant's official birth certificate (original & photocopy);
* Applicant's valid travel document (Photocopy of applicant's travel document pages showing his/her full particulars and travel document date of expiry if he/she is not in Singapore).
* Local sponsor's identity card;
* An original copy of Letter of Acceptance from the school addressed to ICA, issued not more than 1 month from the date of submitting an application for Student's Pass.

Renewal of Student's Passes
This section applies to students who are renewing their Student's Passes so as to continue their studies in the Institutes of Technical Education. Please submit applications for renewing a Student's Pass 2 weeks before the commencement of the course.

Basic Documents Required
* 2 copies each of Form 16, Form V39S and Form V39Q duly completed and signed by applicant and local sponsor respectively. (The first set of forms must be original. The second set may be photocopies of the original set);
* Applicant's travel document, Student's Pass card, Visit Pass and Disembarkation/Embarkation (green) card;
* Local sponsor's identity card;
* A letter of acceptance from the school issued not more than 2 weeks from the date of submitting an application for Student' Pass.

Processing Time
The normal processing time is 3 full working days (excluding day of submission and day of collection) upon receipt of the application and required documents. Some applications may take a longer time to process. The local sponsor and school may be notified of the outcome of the application by post.

Payment and Collection
Upon approval of the Student's Pass application, applicant is required to collect the Student's Pass in person at the Visitor Services Centre of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority with the original required documents. The Student's Pass may be issued if the conditions as stipulated in the In-Principle Approval letter are fulfilled.

The fee for the Student's Pass is $40 per year or part thereof. If applicant requires a visa to enter Singapore, the applicant will need to pay an additional fee of S$20 for the visa. The fees are payable when applicant completes the formalities to collect the Student's Pass. Please make payment by NETS or CashCard.

Other Important Information
* Applicant and the local sponsor will have to furnish additional documents and information whenever necessary.
* Please note that all original documents must be presented for verification. Official translation of the documents is required if they are not in the English language.
* Please ensure that all forms are duly signed and completed by applicant, the local sponsor and the school. Applications with incomplete forms or documents will NOT be accepted for processing.
* Applicant needs to call in person with a valid immigration pass to collect the Student's Pass only after the application has been approved.
* The student shall not enter or be retained as a student in any other school(s) or course(s) other than indicated on the Student's Pass.
* For change of local sponsor, the foreign student must submit a fresh set of application forms together with the new local sponsor's identity card for our consideration.
* Foreign students should surrender their Student's Passes for cancellation within 7 days from the date of cessation or termination of their study. The following documents are to be produced:
a. A letter from the student/local sponsor about the cancellation of the Student's Pass;
b. Confirmed ticket;
c. Applicant's valid travel document;
d. Disembarkation/Embarkation Card;
e. Student's Pass.

Government/Government-aided/Independent Schools
New applications
New applications must be submitted at least 2 months before the commencement of the course.

Basic Documents Required
* A copy of Form 16, Form V39S, Form V39Q and V103 duly completed and signed by applicant and local sponsor
* 1 recent passport-sized photograph (colour/black & white) to be pasted on the top right-hand corner of Form 16;
* Personal particular pages of applicant's travel document (photocopy);
* Applicant's official birth certificate (original & photocopy);
* Local sponsor's identity card (original and photocopy);
* An original copy of letter of acceptance from the school issued not more than one week from date of submitting an application for Student's Pass.

Other Important Information
* Applicant and the local sponsor will have to furnish additional documents and information whenever necessary.
* Please note that all original documents must be presented for verification. Official translation of the documents is required if they are not in the English language.
* Please ensure that all forms are duly signed and completed by applicant, the local sponsor and the school. Applications with incomplete forms or documents will NOT be accepted for processing.
* If the Student's Pass application is approved, applicant needs to be in Singapore on a valid immigration pass to collect the Student's Pass.
* The foreign student shall not enter or be retained as a student in any other school(s) or course(s) other than indicated on the Student's Pass.
* For change of local sponsor, the foreign student must submit a fresh set of application forms together with the new local sponsor's identity card for our consideration.
* Foreign students should surrender their Student's Passes for cancellation within 7 days from the date of cessation or termination of their study. The following documents are to be produced:

a. A letter from the student/local sponsor about the cancellation of the Student's Pass;
b. Confirmed ticket;
c. Applicant's valid travel document;
d. Disembarkation/Embarkation Card;
e. Student's Pass.

Polytechnics and Universities
New applications must be submitted at least 2 months before the commencement of the course.

Basic Documents Required
For electronic submission through the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system You should have the following documents:
· A valid travel document.
· A Letter of Offer to take up a course from the Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore, which has accepted you.
· A notification from the IHL providing you with the information to submit your Student's Pass application electronically.

For submission over the Customer Service Counters at ICA Building

Please prepare all necessary documents needed to support your Student's Pass application to avoid unnecessary delays due to insufficient or incorrect information.
· 2 copies of Form 16, duly completed and signed by the applicant. You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to read and print the form. Download may take a while;
· 2 recent passport size photographs (colour/black & white);
· Applicant's valid passport;
· An original copy of letter of acceptance from the Polytechnic/University addressed to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. The letter should not be issued more than 3 months from date of submitting application for Student's Pass. In the letter, the following should be stated clearly:

a. Applicant's Name and Date of Birth
b. Course Title
c. Course Commencement Date
d. Course Completion Date

The following additional documents are required to be submitted if the students are taking up non-diploma courses in Polytechnics
· 2 copies of Form V39S and Form V39Qduly completed and signed by a local sponsor. The local sponsor must be a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident or the polytechnic in which the applicant is taking up the course.
· Local sponsor's identity card (original and photocopy).

Processing Time
For electronic submission through the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system
Student's Pass applications submitted electronically are generally processed in 3 working days for foreigners who do not require a visa to enter Singapore. For foreigners who require a visa to enter Singapore, the general processing time is 10 working days. Some applications may take a longer time to process. Applicant will be notified of the outcome of the application by post.

For submission over the Customer Service Counters at ICA Building
The normal processing time is about 5 weeks upon receipt of your application and required documents. Some applications may take a longer time to process. Applicant will be notified of the outcome of the application by post.

Payment and Collection
The Student's Pass will be issued if the conditions as stipulated in the In-Principle Approval letter are fulfilled.
The fee for the Student's Pass is at S$40 per year or part thereof. If applicant requires a visa to enter Singapore, applicant will need to pay an additional fee of S$20 for the visa. The fees are payable when applicant completes the formalities to collect the Student's Pass.
Please make payment by NETS or Cash Card.

Other Important Information

• Applicant and the local sponsor will have to furnish additional documents and information whenever necessary.
• Official translation of the documents is required if they are not in the English language.
• If the Student's Pass application is approved, applicant needs to be in Singapore on a valid immigration pass to collect the Student's Pass.
• Please ensure that all forms are duly signed and completed by applicant, the local sponsor and the school. Applications with incomplete forms or documents will NOT be accepted for processing.
• The foreign student shall not enter or be retained as a student in any other school(s) or course(s) other than indicated on the Student's Pass.
• For change of local sponsor, the foreign student must submit a fresh set of application forms together with the new local sponsor's identity card for our consideration.
• Foreign students should surrender their Student's Passes for cancellation within 7 days from the date of cessation or termination of their study. The following documents are to be produced:
a. A letter from the student/local sponsor about the cancellation of the Student's Pass;
b. Confirmed ticket;
c. Applicant's valid travel document;
d. Disembarkation/Embarkation Card;
e. Student's Pass.

Education System of Singapore

Education has always been key in the growth and development of Singapore society, particularly in the years following 1965 when it became an independent republic. Now in the 21st century, where the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping our country's future. At the same time, through education, every individual can realise his/her full potential to benefit the community, nation, and lead a personally fulfilling life. By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.

Junior Colleges
Upon completion of the GCE 'O' Level examination, students may apply for entry to a junior college for a two-year pre-university course or a centralised institute for a three-year pre-university course. Junior colleges and centralised institues prepare students for their entry to the university and lay the foundation for tertiary education. The curriculum comprises two compulsory subjects, namely General Paper and the Mother Tongue, and a maximum of four Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Advanced' GCE 'A' Level subjects from the Arts, Science or Commerce Courses. At the end of the pre-university course, students sit for the GCE 'A' Level examination. Foreign students are accepted at Junior Colleges and Pre-Universities subject to the availability of vacancies.

Polytechnics
Polytechnics were established in Singapore to offer students practice-oriented studies at the diploma level. There are currently five polytechnics in Singapore :
" Nanyang Polytechnic
" Ngee Ann Polytechnic
" Republic Polytechnic
" Singapore Polytechnic
" Temasek Polytechnic
They offer a wide range of courses such as Engineering, Business Studies, Mass Communication, Design and Info-Communications. Specialised courses such as Optometry, Marine Engineering, Nautical Studies, Nursing, Early Childhood Education and Film are also available for those who wish to forge a specific career path. Polytechnic graduates have proven to be popular with employers as they emerge into the working world fully equipped with hands-on skills and experience relevant to the New Economy

Institute of Technical Education
ITE is an alternative post-secondary institution for those opting to develop their technical skills and knowledge in various industry sectors. Besides providing full-time institutional training and traineeship programmes for secondary school leavers, ITE also provides continuing education programmes for working adults.

Universities
They mould outstanding graduates with internationally recognised degrees. Research and scholarship opportunities are also available to post-graduate students. Since its founding in 1905,
NUS has since evolved into a comprehensive university offering courses in major disciplines such as the Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Law, Arts & Social Sciences and Medicine.
NTU was set up in 1981 to provide facilities for tertiary education and research in engineering and technology. It has since incorporated the National Institute of Education (NIE) - the teachers' college - and expanded to include Accountancy, Business and Communication Studies.
SMU was established in 2000 as the first publicly-funded private university with a focus on business and management programmes.

Foreign System Schools/International Schools
Foreign System Schools, or International Schools, offer you the opportunity to pursue an education similar to the one in your country of origin. Registered with the Ministry of Education, they follow guidelines and curriculum identical to those in their home country. Singapore has a number of International Schools granting admission to foreign students and permanent residents. Some International Schools impose minimum requirements for admission, such as language proficiency or nationality. The criteria vary with each school.

FAQs Singapore

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
What are the entry requirements to study at educational institutions in Singapore?
How do I apply to study in Singapore ?
What is the difference between private and public institutions?
Do I need a Visa and Student's Pass to study in Singapore ?
How much are the school or tuition fees ?
How much does it cost an international student to live in Singapore?
What are the accommodation options available for international students and how much do they cost?
As a foreign student at the local universities or polytechnics with a student pass, can I do part-time work during term time?
Are there any special support services for international students?
How do I submit the Student's Pass application via the SOLAR system?
What is the processing time for applications submitted through SOLAR?
Must my medical examination be done in Singapore?
How do I collect my Student's Pass?
Can I sponsor my spouse and child for a Social Visit Pass?
Are foreigner undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities allowed to work?

Q. What are the entry requirements to study at educational institutions in Singapore?
A . Entry requirements vary from institution to institution. As English is the common language of instruction, most institutions require students to meet a minimum standard of English.
Generally, certification of competence in English is in the form of :
• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
• Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Besides English, different institutions and courses have different minimum requirements. These requirements are usually stated in the course prospectus, brochures or websites of the institutions.

Q . How do I apply to study in Singapore ?
A . Application procedures are dependent on the type of institutions the students are applying to.

Q . What is the difference between private and public institutions?
A . Public Schools - In Singapore, there are 11 gazetted public holidays and three scheduled school holidays in a calendar year.
Private Schools - There are various types of private schools in Singapore. Private schools are generally run by private companies or non-profit organisations. There are also some private institutions that receive public funds, eg. NAFA (The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts), SMU (Singapore Management University) and LASALLE-SIA college of the Arts.

Q . Do I need a Visa and Student's Pass to study in Singapore ?
A . Any international student wishing to study full-time in Singapore is required to apply for a Student’s Pass and visa (if applicable) from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). For applicants who require a visa to enter Singapore, please ensure that your application for the Student Pass is submitted to the ICA at least 2 months before the commencement date of the course.
Currently, nationals from 28 countries are required to apply for a visa prior to their arrival in Singapore

Q . How much are the school or tuition fees ?
A . Fees vary according to type of course and type of school (private or public). For course fees of private schools, please check directly with the institutions. Junior College : $240 per month(excluding other charges eg. miscellaneous fees) Polytechnic : $2,150 per academic year(excluding other charges eg. exam fees, miscellaneous fees, sports fee, student union fee, etc) University : From $6,220 per academic year for non-lab based courses to $17,820 per academic year for medical / dental courses (excluding other charges eg. exam fees, miscellaneous fees, sports fees, student union fees, etc)

Q . How much does it cost an international student to live in Singapore?
Accommodation : $200 - $1,500
(rental varies with geographical area, type of accommodation, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing)
Utilities : $50 - $80
Food : $300 - $450
Public transport : $20 - $100 (varies with types of student concession pass)
Telecommunications : $30-$50 (varies with usage and package)
Books & Stationery : $30-$100 (varies with courses)
Medical Hospitalisation Insurance : $5 - $8
Personal expenses : $100 - $200 (varies with individuals)
Estimated : $750 - $2,000

Q . What are the accommodation options available for international students and how much do they cost?
A .
1. University ~ Halls of Residence
2. Private Hostel
3. Room in public housing
4. Whole unit in public housing
5. Whole unit in private housing
• Please note that the estimates were derived based on prices as at April 2003. Rental varies depending on geographical area, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing.

• Boarding fees cover lodging, meals, laundry, tutorials, pastoral guidance, 24-hour security, recreational facilities, orientation & development programmes.

• Public housing refers to government-subsidised flats developed by the Housing and Development Board, commonly called the HDB flats. The classified advertisements in the local newspapers is a good source of listing of rooms and apartments for rent.

Q . As a foreign student at the local universities or polytechnics with a student pass, can I do part-time work during term time?
A . Full time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term. However, they need to obtain permission from the Students Liaison /Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and University . During their vacations, they are allowed to work full-time as the Ministry of Manpower has exempted them from applying for work permits.
Please note that other international students are generally not allowed to engage in any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, or in any business, profession or occupation in Singapore during the validity of their Student's Pass, unless they have the consent in writing from the Controller of Immigration. Violators will be prosecuted by law.

Q . Are there any special support services for international students?
A . Educational institutions generally provide special support services for international students. Some even have an International Students Office to cater to your specific needs. Assistance rendered range from helping you look for accommodation to advice on financial, social and other matters. Please approach your school's Student Services or International Students Office for more information.

Q . How do I submit the Student's Pass application via the SOLAR system?
A . The applicant will have to log on to the SOLAR system from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website with your assigned SOLAR application number obtainable from your respective Institute of Higher Learning and your personal particulars. Once you have logged on to the system, you may proceed to complete the Student's Pass application form (Form 16) and submit the application online to ICA for processing.

Q . What is the processing time for applications submitted through SOLAR?
A . Student's Pass applications submitted via SOLAR are processed in 3 working days for foreigners who do not required visa to enter Singapore. For foreigners who require a visa to enter Singapore, the processing time is 10 working days. Some applications may take a longer time to process.

Q . Must my medical examination be done in Singapore?
A . If you are a new applicant and not in Singapore, the medical examination can either be done in your home country or in Singapore by a qualified doctor. However, the medical examination required for subsequent renewal of the Student's Pass must be done in Singapore. The doctor must record and certify the results of the medical examination in the designated medical report form. The medical report should not be issued more than 3 months from the submission date of your application or renewal. If a medical report was submitted to ICA or MOM not more than 2 years from your submission date, there is no need to re-submit a fresh medical report. (The above requirement is not applicable to applicants who are below 15 years old.)

Q . How do I collect my Student's Pass?
A . Upon the approval of your Student's Pass application, you will receive an In-Principle Approval letter through your respective Institute of Higher Learning. After you have arrived in Singapore, you may then arrange to collect your Student's Pass in person or through your respective Institute of Higher Learning at the Visitor Services Centre, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. To collect the Student's Pass, you need to produce the In-Principle Approval letter, your original travel document showing you have valid stay in Singapore, the white Embarkation/Disembarkation card (which you will complete on arrival in Singapore), results of your medical examination certified in the designated medical report together with the laboratory report, Student's Pass and visa fee as well as a hard copy of your electronic Student's Pass application Form 16 duly signed by you. Your Student's Pass will be issued if the conditions as stipulated in the In-Principal Approval letter are fulfilled.

Q . Can I sponsor my spouse and child for a Social Visit Pass?
A . Upon your submission of a Social Visit Pass application to the Visitor Services Centre of ICA, a 6-month Social Visit Pass may be considered for your spouse and child if your Institute of Higher Learning is sponsoring your application. All applications are considered on its own merits.

Q . Are foreigner undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities allowed to work?
A . Full time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term, However, they need to obtain permission from the Student's Liaison/Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and Universities. During their vacations, they are allowed to work full time as the MOM has exempted them from applying for work permits.