Pre-departure checklist
1. Complete and submit all relevant forms and documents to your school for the course of study or programme.
2. Ensure that you are satisfied with the certifications/qualifications offered by the school and that it meets your needs/areas of interest.
3. Take note of the entry requirements into each school/course. It varies from institution to institution.
4. Check for the language of instruction in your school/course. Should English be the language of instruction, assess your personal proficiency in speaking and writing. Most schools require a minimum standard of English and may recommend students a preparatory English course (ranging from a month to a year) to help students raise their standard of English. If language entry is not a requirement with schools, students should still personally assess if they are able to understand classes conducted in English and the relevance of an English preparatory course.

When accepted by the school
1. The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) has implemented various measures to facilitate visa application for entry into Singapore. Enquire at the nearest Singapore Overseas Missions in your country or check the ICA's website regarding visa requirements for entry into Singapore.
2. Any foreigner wishing to pursue full-time studies in Singapore in an institution that is registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE); or has obtained approval from the Commissioner, ICA to accept international students, is required to apply for a Student's Pass.

*For updated information, please select your nationality or type of travel document you are traveling on from the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA), Government of Singapore website.

The following persons are exempted from applying for a Student's Pass:

• Dependant Pass holders studying in Government, Government-aided, Independent, Kindergartens or Foreign System Schools;

• Immigration Exemption Order holders.

3. Check that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
4. Apply for an exit visa from your home country, if necessary.
5. Make accommodation arrangements and submit all necessary applications before the stipulated deadline. Click here:http://www.singaporeedu.gov.sg/htm/stu/stu0309.htm for the range of accommodation options. Some students may choose to organize temporary accommodation for the first few days/weeks to allow sufficient time to adjust to Singapore's living environment and explore various housing options on-site. Some schools/institutions either provide, or are able to assist students in securing accommodation in Singapore. Do check with your selected school/institution if you wish to use such facilities.
6. Arrange for a meet and greet service. Most educational institutions offer a meet and greet service. Remember to take down the contact details upon confirmation of service.
7. Most educational institutions offer an Orientation programme to help international students adjust to living in Singapore. Confirm the time and details of the programme with your educational institution.
8. Complete your travel arrangements, preferably with a reputable travel agency. Check with the appropriate airlines on the baggage check-in allowance into Singapore, as well as the Singapore Customs procedures at the Singapore Changi Airport. Check the following link for details: http://app.singaporeedu.gov.sg/asp/common/extlink.asp?url=www.changi.airport.com.sg/changi/index.jsp
9. For students who choose to go through student agents to provide a one-stop service (visa processing, airfare, accommodation arrangements, etc), do ensure that the student agents are reliable and have a good reputation through enquiring from friends/the institution/your country's embassy, who have had past dealings with such agents.
10. For new and returning students from SARS-affected countries and their accompanying family members, please note that they will be required to undergo a 11-day health observation period upon their arrival in Singapore. For more information, please refer to ICA's website on student pass application.
11. Immunizations may be required for your travel and residence in Singapore, as stipulated by the World Health Organization. Make sure you receive the necessary ones and bring a copy of your medical reports.
12. You should consider applying for medical insurance covering the duration of your study. Enquire with your institution on a recommended health insurance provider in Singapore.

Final pre-departure checklist
Do you have all essential documents with you?

1. Valid passport.
2. Letter of offer from school of choice.
3. Receipts of payments (tuition fees, health coverage, travel insurance, etc).
4. Letter of scholarship award (if applicable).
5. Original/certified copy of your academic transcripts, education certificates, birth certificates, and all other supporting documents required for application/collection of Student's Pass.
6. Other personal identification documents e.g. Driver's license, I.D. card, etc.
7. Some cash in Singapore dollars - Make sure you bring enough money to cover the first few days/week of stay in Singapore. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash (S$1,000), together with larger amounts in bank draft or travelers cheque for the initial period. Take note that bank drafts drawn on overseas banks take about 3 weeks to clear before being deposited into one's account.
8. Request for temporary accommodation.
9. Request for airport reception.
10. Handy contact list containing telephone numbers of friends/relatives, International Student Office within school, accommodation provider, airport reception, etc.