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Study & Migration · Singapore

Studying and migrating to Singapore: a guide for Vietnamese students

Studying in Singapore starts with choosing a school, usually one of the six autonomous universities, and receiving an offer. At an autonomous university you can take the Tuition Grant for lower fees, in exchange for working three years in Singapore after graduating. You apply for a Student's Pass online about two to three months before your course starts. During term you can work up to 16 hours a week. To stay and work, you need a job and a work pass.

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Written by:
Owen & Co.
Checked:
28/09/2026
Next review:
12/10/2026
Reviewed by:
Pending review
Singapore

Marina Bay at night.

Your goals. Your own pathway.

Overview

What would you like to know?

01

Core requirements

Each school sets its own entry requirements. On the process side, a Singapore study application usually follows these steps.

  • An offer from the school, which registers you on ICA's system.
  • A Student's Pass application online, two to three months before your course starts.
  • Academic and English results as the school requires.
  • Financial documents if the school or ICA asks for them.
  • Completing formalities and collecting your Student's Pass at ICA after arrival.

02

Costs to plan for

Your total cost includes tuition, accommodation, living costs, insurance and Student's Pass fees. At autonomous universities, tuition depends heavily on whether you take the Tuition Grant.

  • Example: Computing at NUS for ASEAN students, 2026/2027 intake: S$18,050 a year with the Tuition Grant, S$39,700 without (including GST).
  • Student's Pass processing fee S$45, issuance fee S$60.
  • Singapore does not set a single living-cost minimum like Australia or Canada.
Compare fees with and without the Tuition Grant ↗Budget planner on the Du Học & Định Cư Singapore resource site.

03

The Tuition Grant and scholarships

The Tuition Grant is a Ministry of Education subsidy, not a scholarship: you pay lower fees in exchange for working three years for a Singapore entity after graduating.

  • Think carefully about the three-year bond before signing, especially if you plan to return to Vietnam or study elsewhere.
  • Universities offer their own scholarships, some for ASEAN students, considered with your application.
  • Read the conditions for keeping a scholarship, and the deadlines.

04

Choosing a school and course

Singapore has six autonomous universities: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT and SUSS. There are also polytechnics, arts institutions and private schools with their own rules.

  • Compare schools by your field and how they teach: research, small seminars, project-based or industry-linked.
  • For private schools, ask carefully about fees, qualifications and Student's Pass conditions.
  • Autonomous university deadlines are early; plan from grades 11–12.

05

The Student's Pass

The Student's Pass is the residence pass for full-time international students, issued by ICA. Vietnamese citizens do not need a separate entry visa to start their studies.

  • Apply online two to three months before your course starts; the S$45 processing fee applies and results usually come within a week.
  • After arriving, go to ICA at your appointment to complete formalities, give biometrics and collect the pass; the issuance fee is S$60.
  • Keep the pass valid for your whole course; ask your school when you need to renew.

06

Work rights and after graduation

Full-time students at approved institutions can work up to 16 hours a week during term and without a limit during vacations. Singapore has no dedicated visa for new graduates.

  • To stay and work, you need a job and an Employment Pass or S Pass.
  • The Employment Pass minimum salary is currently S$5,600 a month, rising to S$6,000 for new applications from 1 January 2027.
  • Tuition Grant recipients can apply for a one-year Long-Term Visit Pass to look for work after graduating.

07

From study to migration: the real picture

Studying does not automatically lead to permanent residence. Singapore PR is assessed case by case, usually after years of work, and there is no published points scale to check yourself against.

  • Choose a field because you want that career, then consider options to stay.
  • Follow official ICA and Ministry of Manpower announcements rather than social-media rumours.
  • Owen & Co. helps you understand options and prepare applications; we do not promise visa or migration outcomes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tuition Grant a scholarship?

No. It lowers tuition at autonomous universities in exchange for working three years for a Singapore entity after graduating. You can decline it and pay full fees.

Do I need a visa to study in Singapore?

You need a Student's Pass from ICA, applied for online about two to three months before your course. Vietnamese citizens do not need a separate entry visa.

How many hours can students work?

Full-time students at approved institutions can work up to 16 hours a week during term and without a limit during vacations.

Can I stay and work after graduating?

Yes, if you are hired and get a work pass such as an Employment Pass (minimum salary currently S$5,600 a month) or an S Pass. There is no dedicated visa for new graduates.

Can studying in Singapore lead to permanent residence?

Some people gain PR after years of work, but each application is assessed individually with no published points scale. Treat it as a possibility, not a guaranteed outcome.

Official sources

Policy can change. Always check official sources at the time you apply.

Owen & Co.

Ask Owen & Co.

Tell us where you are in your journey. An adviser will help you choose a school and decide whether to take the Tuition Grant.

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