Frequently Asked Questions

Student Pass Application Procedures

Q: Do I need a Single-Entry Visa to enter Singapore, as well as a Student Pass?
A: Nationals of the following countries are required to apply for Single-Entry Visas:
Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh (except diplomatic/official passport holders)
Cambodia
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS : Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan)
Egypt
India (except diplomatic / official passport holders)
Iran
Iraq
Jordan (except diplomatic / official passport holders)
Laos (except diplomatic / official passport holders, for up to 30 days)
Lebanon
Libya
Myanmar (except diplomatic / official passport holders)
Pakistan
People's Republic of China (PRC)
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tunisia
Yemen
Visas are also required for visitors holding refugee travel documents issued by the Middle East countries, Hong Kong Document of Identity issued in Hong Kong and Palestinian Authority Passports.

Q: What do I have to show at the airport?
A: You only have to show your passport. You can arrive in Singapore on a tourist Social Visit Pass. Students from the above countries must also show their Single-Entry Visa. Students usually go to Immigration to sign for their Student Cards in the first week.

Q: How long will it take to get a Student Pass?
A: It takes about 4 weeks to get Student Pass approval for most students. We recommend you send us your documents 2 months before your course. For students from the People's Republic of China, it can take as long as 4 months.

Q: I haven't got some of my documents. Can I still apply for a Student Pass?
A: You must have your birth certificate (or family register) and your highest educational certificate and detailed transcript of results.

Q: Can I give you photocopies of my documents?
A: Yes. You should give us only photocopies. These copies now need not be certified true by a lawyer. However, you MUST bring your ORIGINAL documents to Singapore. Singapore Immigration will ask to see them.

Q: Can I go on holiday to another country before, during or after my course?
A: Yes, if your Student Pass is approved.  If you leave Singapore before your Student Pass is approved, you will not be allowed back into Singapore.  If you want to go on holiday during your course, you must write to us to ask for permission. You can have a short holiday in Singapore after your course if your Student Pass is still valid.

Q: Can I extend my course and Student Pass at the end of my course?
A: Yes, you can. We extend Student Passes for a minimal charge.

Q: What can I do if my Student Pass application is rejected?
A: We can appeal for you.

Q: Do I have to use inlingua to sponsor my Student Pass application?
A: No, you can get a friend or relation who is a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident to sponsor you.

Accommodation and Living in Singapore

Q: What's the difference between Economy, Standard and Deluxe homestays?
A: Economy is usually in a Government Housing Development Board flat; Standard is usually in a private flat or house; Deluxe is in a house or condominium. All homestays are air-conditioned.

Q: Where will my homestay be?
A: All homestays are within 20 minutes travel on foot, by bus or by MRT train from school.

Q: My family is accompanying me to Singapore. Where can they stay?
A: We can arrange for them to stay at your homestay, or we can book a hotel room for them.

Q: What is the cost of living in Singapore? How much spending money will I need?
A: This depends on your homestay arrangements. We can give you cost of living information.

Academic Issues

Q: Can I get a scholarship to study at inlingua?
A: Singaporean students can apply for SDF grants. There are no scholarships for foreign students.

Q: After studying English, how do I get into a local school or university?
A: We can give you advice.  Please refer to the Singapore Ministry of Education website. http://www.moe.edu.sg

Q: Do I need any qualifications to enrol at inlingua?
A: No, you don't.  But foreign students (aged 16 and above) applying for Student Passes must have at least secondary school education. Your Student Pass application will be rejected if you only have primary school education.

Q: Can I choose either location (Orchard Central Branch or Clementi Main School) ?
A: We will allocate you to either Clementi or Orchard, depending on the type of course, your Placement Test and accommodation.

Q: Can I get a certificate or enter for an international examination?
A: Yes, you will get a certificate of achievement when you complete your studies with us. This will reflect the duration of your course and the grades achieved in the progress tests. We also offer preparation courses for a wide range of international exams. We can give you advice on where to take the exam. International exam results help you to get into English-speaking universities or develop your career (you can put your TOEIC score on your CV). TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is widely recognised by all tertiary institutions in North America and most of the Commonwealth countries. IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is a must for all students seeking admission into European or Australian institutions. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is widely used by multi-national companies.  BEC (Cambridge Business English Certificate), FCE (First Certificate English) and CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) are well-known British exams.

The Other Students

Q: What is the average age of the students?
A: Students on intensive day courses are usually aged 16-35 (the average age is about 22-23). We also have courses for children aged 7-15. In the evenings, we have adult working people.

Q: What nationality are the students?
A: Our students come from all over the world. We have a good nationality mix with often 5 or 6 nationalities in one small class.

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Last updated: January 2007