Step 1 Must have secured at least three (3) modules (courses) from the initial application submitted

Students will have to secure at least three modules (courses) from their initial application submitted. This may be increasingly difficult in AY2021/22 Semester 2 due to limited outbound exchanges and fewer modules being available to visiting students.

Students who are unable to secure at least 3 modules at this stage will have their application deemed unsuccessful.

Regrettably, NUS is unable to accede to any appeals given the limited number of modules and the strict timeline for immigration matters.

Step 2 Receive Acceptance Letter (email) from NUS Registrar’s Office which includes information on application of on- campus housing, Student’s Pass (Visa), and Entry Approval

Contingent upon securing three modules as Step 1.

Step 3 Receive housing application outcome

On-campus accommodation has always been limited, with demand outstripping supply. Allocation of on-campus housing has been further reduced due to limited operating capacity in view of the social-distancing measures.

Students are encouraged to seek off-campus accommodation options early. Please visit this page for off-campus resources prepared by our Hostel Admission Services team.

Step 4 Receive Student’s Pass application outcome from Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Many of the pre-arrival aspects, particularly those involving immigration, border control and quarantine measures, are beyond the University’s control. Any possible changes may be on short notice and cause disruption to students’ plans.

Applicants are required to secure the following:
a) A Student’s Pass, and 
b) Entry Approval for travel to Singapore

Students extended an offer of admission will be sent an email containing application instructions for both.

Step 5 Apply and Receive Entry Approval (EA)

All international students entering Singapore require Entry Approval. Students can apply for entry 2 to 5 weeks before the planned date of entry.

Entry Approval employs a quota system  and is reviewed on a weekly basis. NUS is unable to guarantee approval and If unsuccessful, students may make a second or third application, if feasible.

Step 6 Complete swab test within 48 hours of outbound flight(s) to Singapore depending on travel history and departure destination

The authorities employ differentiated measures depending on an individual’s travel history and country of departure. As measures are subject to contact review, please visit the above web link to take note of the measures that apply to you.

A negative test result will be required when boarding the flight(s) to Singapore.

Step 7 Arrive in Singapore and complete 7-day or 14-day quarantine (or Stay Home Notice, SHN) depending on travel history and departure destination

All arrivals to Singapore may be subject to quarantine regulations (or Stay Home Notice, SHN) depending on one’s travel history. This may either range from 7 or 14 day stay at either a government-appointed hotel or facility or at a self-sourced location. Should you be required to self-source accommodation for your SHN, this cannot be done on-campus.

As these regulations are subject to frequent calibration by the government, we encourage frequenting the Safe Travel Office website for the most up-to-date regulations.

Step 8 Additional 7-day Leave of Absence (LOA) for students serving 14-day quarantine

As an additional precautionary measure, students serving 14-day quarantine (or Stay Home Notice, SHN) will be placed on a 7-day Leave of Absence (LOA) following the end of their SHN. The university will send affected students an email with the duration and terms and conditions of the LOA. 

Students are not permitted to attend classes or engage in social activities on NUS campuses for the duration of their LOA. 

Students are permitted to check into the university’s on-campus accommodation to serve out their LOA. They may leave their rooms but should restrict their activities strictly to running errands. Students staying off-campus may wish to inquire with their housing provider if they will be permitted to move in during this LOA period. 

Please refer to the circular from the Office of Safety, Health & Environment (OSHE) for more information.

Students are strongly encouraged to withhold from making any non-refundable transactions until at least they have received their Student’s Pass (Visa) confirmation as well as their Entry Approval. Purchasing your airline tickets prior to receiving your Student’s Pass and Entry Approval is extremely risky as the University cannot guarantee your application for either immigration document will be successful.

Immigration policies and border control measures change regularly and often with little to no warning. Students should refer to resources below for guidance from Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) as much of the requirements are based on personal travel history.

SafeTravel website for Student Pass Holder
Quarantine (Stay Home Notice – SHN) Requirements
Quarantine Calculator
Swab Requirements
Cost for COVID-19 PCR Test in Singapore
Cost for quarantine at a dedicated facility in Singapore