Step 1 Receive Acceptance Letter (email) from NUS Registrar’s Office

The letter will include information on application of on- campus housing, Student’s Pass (Visa), and Entry Approval.

Step 2 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/ Vaccinated Travel Pass for travel to Singapore
Students extended an offer of admission will be sent an email containing application instructions for both.

Step 3 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.

From 1 November 2021, all international students entering Singapore will be required to be fully vaccinated as an entry requirement.

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.
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.

*Note on Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP)* Students in certain countries/regions are permitted quarantine-free entry into Singapore under Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL). Please take note that only specific flights are VTL eligible. For the most up to date information on eligibility and COVID-19 testing requirements, please visit the VTL webpage Students who apply via VTL will receive a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) in lieu of Entry Approval. No separate Entry Approval application is necessary.

Step 4 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 5 Arrive in Singapore and complete 7-day or 10-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.

SHN Period	SHN Location
7 Days	- Self-sourced Accommodation - Private Accommodation
10 Days	- Government-appointed hotel/facility - Private Accommodation

SHN cannot be performed on-campus as halls/residences do not meet the government’s isolation requirements.

Notes on your Stay Home Notice (SHN) Persons on Stay Home Notice are required to undertake multiple swab tests before and during their mandatory isolation period. The cost of SHN and mandatory testing are to be borne by students (estimated at S$1775 or ~USD$1305 for 10-day SHN at a government designated facility). This is in addition to the regular study abroad expenses (tuition fees, miscellaneous student fees, accommodation and other costs of living). • COVID-19 Tests • Dedicated Facilities for Quarantine (SHN) SHN is performed alone (no room sharing) and you will not be permitted to leave your room for the entire SHN period. The authorities take breaches of SHN regulations very seriously and have fined and deported persons before. Additionally, while meals are provided as part of the SHN cost and hotels are able to cater to most dietary requirements, the menu is fixed given the scale that the facility has to provide for.    For more information on SHN and swab testing, please visit this page.

Step 6 Arrive on NUS campus to start study abroad at NUS

Report to your host department to start your research at NUS.

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
Categories of Travel Health Control Measures (e.g. Stay Home Notice, swab tests)
Inbound Travel Checklists
Quarantine Calculator
Cost for COVID-19 PCR Test in Singapore
Cost for quarantine at a dedicated facility in Singapore

NUS will not offer virtual study abroad experience. It is the university’s belief that students should be physically present in Singapore so that they may get to experience the local customs and culture. 

Arguably, this may be equally or more important than the academic aspects of study abroad as there would be unique experiences and insights can be gained through being part of the NUS Community and by extension, Singapore at large.

You may browse their FAQs at this website. If you cannot find your answers, you may call the Safe Travel Enquiries Helpline at +65 6812 5555 or submit an enquiry form (go.gov.sg/sto-enquiry) and allow them some time to respond to your queries.

Please check with your NUS Research Advisor and inform nghelp@nus.edu.sg of the decision made.