International Students
Explore admissions and student life in Singapore with support for international students.
Last updated 4 March 2026
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About International Admissions
Discover all you need to know about applying to Republic Polytechnic as an international student. Learn about the different application processes, important dates, and entrance test details.
Why study in Singapore?
As a modern city-state where many talents and companies converge, you'll find yourself in the perfect place to enjoy plenty of opportunities to grow and learn in Singapore. Embark on a journey of discovery in various industries and immerse yourself in new technologies, while experiencing its rich melting pot of cultures and diverse heritage.
Singapore has a global reputation for academic excellence and is known for having one of the best education systems. Studying in Singapore offers you a unique learning experience where you can acquire real-world skills and widen your horizons with global exposure.
Why RP?
Discover new possibilities and shape your life with greater purpose. At RP, you can design your own life, learning, and make a greater impact through our flexible learning pathways.
The RP Experience
Become a purposeful changemaker. Learn how you can go beyond the classroom and make a difference to the community and the world.
Designing Your Learning
Get the freedom to customise your own learning in different ways. You are empowered to take subjects that interest you, even if they are outside your field of study.
Guide to settling into Singapore
A quick guide to help international students adjust to life in Singapore and prepare for your studies at RP.
Coming to RP
Before arriving in Singapore
Before arriving in Singapore, make sure you’ve prepared the following:
Your RP Letter of Offer
A passport valid for at least 6 months
In-Principle Approval (IPA) for your Student’s Pass – apply here
Accommodation arrangements in Singapore
Check the requirements and restrictions on ICA website
Student Visa Requirements
All international students must apply for a Student’s Pass to study full-time in Singapore, unless you hold a valid Dependant’s Pass (DP), Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), or Immigration Exemption Order.
Once you receive your RP offer letter, submit an online application for the IPA letter for your Student’s Pass. You’ll also need to complete the ICA formalities and obtain your digital Student’s Pass before school starts. Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Student’s Pass Application email.
For LTVP and DP holders:
If you hold a valid Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) or Dependant’s Pass (DP), you must apply for a separate Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before starting your internship. This process takes at least 4 weeks. If you change internship companies, you’ll need to apply for a new LOC before starting with the new company. Do note that LTVP and DP holders are not allowed to work outside of course requirements, including taking on additional internships not required by your course.
Alternatively, if you do not hold a Student’s Pass (STP), you are strongly encouraged to apply for one through ICA during enrolment. This allows you to take on internships required by your course without needing a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM.
To learn more about the Student’s Pass, please contact:
The Immigration & Checkpoint Authority (ICA)
Email: ica_feedback@ica.gov.sg
Tel: 63916100 (Automated information on services)
Address: 10 Kallang Road. ICA Building Singapore 208718 (Next to Lavender MRT Station)
Appointing a Local Emergency Contact
If your parent or guardian doesn’t live in Singapore, you must appoint a local emergency contact. This person will be your point of contact in case of medical emergencies or when consent is needed for procedures. They may also be required to sign consent or acknowledgement forms for Learning Journeys or overseas trips if you are under 21.
Living in Singapore
Accommodation
Start searching early to improve your chances of finding a place that suits your needs and budget. You’ll typically need to pay one month’s advance rent and a one-month deposit.
Many international students rent rooms in HDB flats as they are more affordable. You may also apply for on-campus accommodation at Campus Heights (subject to availability). For enquiries, email help-hostel@rp.edu.sg.
Budgeting
As an RP student, you can apply for the Tuition Grant (TG) from Singapore’s Ministry of Education. If you’re not eligible for the TG, you’ll need to pay the full course fees. Do also note that there are additional costs like exam fees and student union fees.
More Information:
Course Fees
Scholarships
Bursaries
When planning your monthly budget, remember to factor in more than just tuition fees. You should also consider:
Estimated monthly living expenses for international students in Singapore.
Item | Average per month in S$ |
|---|---|
Accommodation | $300 to $1,000 (depending on location, facilities and number of students sharing a room) |
Utilities | $80 to $100 |
Food | $400 to $550 |
Public Transport | $50 to $100 (with student concession pass) |
Telecommunications & Internet Access | $50 to $100 (varies with usage) |
Books, Stationery & Equipment | $50 to $100 (varies across the different courses) |
Personal Expenses | $100 to $200 (varies with spending habits) |
Total per month (estimated) | From $1,030 |
Managing Your Finances
Once you’ve settled in, it’s a good idea to open a savings or checking account with a local bank. This will make it easier to manage your daily expenses and receive money from overseas.
Some major banks in Singapore include:
POSB
DBS
OCBC
UOB
You can visit their websites to learn more about how to open an account. After setting up your account, you’ll receive an ATM card which allows you to withdraw cash at ATMs — RP has POSB/DBS and OCBC machines on campus for your convenience.
Most banks also allow international transfers, so family members can send money to your Singapore account. Do check with your home country’s bank about any fees or transfer options.
Important: For your own safety, keep your money in a bank account. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or leaving it with others.
Getting Around
Getting around Singapore is easy. Our public transport system — made up of MRT trains and buses — is reliable, safe, and connects you to most places across the island. For example, it takes just 35 minutes to get from Woodlands North Station to Orchard Road by train.
As a full-time diploma student, you can apply for a Diploma Student Concession Card. This gives you access to discounted fares and the option to buy a Monthly Concession Pass (MCP) for unlimited travel on trains and buses. You can top up your card at any MRT station or bus interchange. For more information, visit the SimplyGo website.
If you’re a new Year 1 student, you can apply for the card after completing RP’s enrolment process. Click here to learn more about the application process.
Need help? Contact us here.
Insurance
You’re covered under RP’s student insurance scheme, which includes:
Hospitalisation and treatment for physical and mental health conditions
Coverage for infectious diseases that require isolation or quarantine
If you’re hospitalised, you can apply for a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) to waive the deposit. The hospital will bill the insurer directly, subject to policy limits.
Hear what others say
Hear from our past and present international students as they share valuable insights into their RP learning experience.
Owi Wei How from Malaysia
Diploma in Electronics & Electrical Engineering graduate
After graduating from RP in 2016, Wei How went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics & Electrical Engineering with Honours at the National University of Singapore. He is now working as a Cloud Infra Solutions Specialist at Oracle in Singapore. Wei How believes that RP gave him a good foundation for his degree.
Talking about his decision to join RP, Wei How shared, “One of the reasons why I chose to study at RP after completing my SPM is because of the close proximity between Singapore and Malaysia. More importantly, I liked RP’s Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach and it’s vibrant student life. I also made a lot of good friends at RP”.
Michelle Lin from Indonesia
Diploma in Digital Design & Development student
Michelle's interest in RP was first sparked by our nice school architecture and wide array of co-curricular activities. After doing more research, she discovered that our Problem-based Learning approach suited her hands-on learning style well. This, coupled with her passion for our Diploma in Digital Design & Development, made her choice to join RP an easy one.
A highlight of her experience as an RP student is the strong support she continues to receive from her lecturers. Sharing how one of her lecturers, Mr Andy Kok has helped her to acclimatise to life in RP and Singapore. Michelle shared, “He is the cool lecturer who will always have your back. He made my first semester in RP enjoyable by making his classes homey. It made adapting to RP easier and he also helped me to understand most Singaporean slang.”
Thar Hla from Myanmar
Year 1 Student, Diploma in Integrated Events Management
Thar Hla decided to join RP as he wanted to experience independent learning after growing tired of memorising and regurgitating facts for events. He shares that he now learns better as he is now able to understand learning points instead of memorising them.
Thar Hla also shared that his internship with 361 Degree Consultancy, a provider of accounting software services & business advisory solutions, was a valuable experience. He said, “My internship was indeed very fruitful as I was able to pick up a lot of new skills. I was a marketing assistant whose responsibilities included communication with the client, managing social media, and designing marketing materials”.
Need help?
Contact us at help-international@rp.edu.sg.