Is the Student's Pass card photographed at ICA like a work pass?

The Student's Pass is collected at ICA after approval. ICA's page does not describe a photo-capture step; the institution's submission carries the photo where one is used.

My school asked for 35 × 45 mm. Is that the same as 400 × 514?

Yes — 400 × 514 pixels is ICA's digital version of a 35 × 45 mm print. One file serves both.

Does a Singapore Student's Pass application need a photo?

TL;DR ICA's Student's Pass application page publishes no photograph specification. Any photo requirement comes from the institution's own form, not from ICA — so check with the school, polytechnic or university first, and use their size if they give one.

What ICA's page does and does not say

The Student's Pass application page on ICA's site, read on 2 September 2026, lists the process and the institution's role. It does not specify a photograph size, background or age. Where a student is asked for a photo, it is the institution asking — for its own student card, or for the SOLAR application it submits on the student's behalf.

If the institution asks for one

Most Singapore institutions ask for the ICA-format photo: 400 × 514 pixels, white background, recent. That is what the Student Pass page on this site produces. If the school gives a different size — some overseas-run programmes do — use the custom size option and enter theirs.

Student's Pass vs the ICA passport photo

Document	Size	Head in frame (as we compose it)	Background	Max age	Source
Singapore student pass	35 × 45 mm	56–78%	pure featureless white	3 months	www.ica.gov.sg
Singapore passport	35 × 45 mm	56–78%	pure featureless white	3 months	www.ica.gov.sg

A real case

An exchange student was asked by her university's international office for "an ICA-compliant photo" and by the university's card office for a square one for the campus card. Two photos, two rules, neither from ICA.

Common questions

Is the Student's Pass card photographed at ICA like a work pass?: The Student's Pass is collected at ICA after approval. ICA's page does not describe a photo-capture step; the institution's submission carries the photo where one is used.
My school asked for 35 × 45 mm. Is that the same as 400 × 514?: Yes — 400 × 514 pixels is ICA's digital version of a 35 × 45 mm print. One file serves both.

Sources

Read on the issuing authority's own pages on the dates shown on each document page:

Singapore student pass: www.ica.gov.sg (read 2026-09-02)
Singapore passport: www.ica.gov.sg (read 2026-09-06)

SGfoto is independent — not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority — and does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements change; the authority's page is the one that counts. Rebuilt 2026-09-06.