There is no single student card photo size in Singapore. Each university, polytechnic and ITE sets its own, from 340 × 453 px for NUS to 354 × 472 px for NTU and 240 × 320 px for concession cards. Almost all ask for a recent colour photo on a white background.
Student card photo sizes compared
| Institution | Size | File | Background | Taken within |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUS | 340 × 453 px | JPEG, under 2 MB | White only | 3 months |
| NTU | 354 × 472 px (35 × 45 mm) | Not stated | White | 3 months |
| SMU | At least 354 × 472 px | JPEG, up to 4 MB | Any plain colour except black | Not stated |
| ITE (concession card) | 240 × 320 px | About 150 KB, named NRIC.jpg | White | Not stated |
| Home-schooler concession card (SimplyGo) | 240 × 320 px | Up to 150 KB | Plain white, no shadow | 3 months |
NUS student card photo
NUS asks for a colour JPEG of 340 × 453 pixels (aspect ratio 0.75), smaller than 2 MB, on a white background only, taken within the last three months. NUS rejects photos with borders, heavy editing, a uniform from another organisation, a tilted or turned head, or shadows. It does not recommend smartphone photos and suggests a studio or self-service photo kiosk that provides a digital copy. The same photo appears on the Undergraduate Concession Card.
NTU matriculation card photo
NTU's matriculation card is digital, in the NTU Pass app. The photo should be 354 × 472 pixels (35 × 45 mm) with no border, taken within the last three months, with your face 25–35 mm from chin to crown, on a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish and no shadows.
SMU student card photo
SMU accepts a colour JPEG of at least 354 × 472 pixels and up to 4 MB. Unusually, SMU allows any plain background colour except black. Wear glasses if you normally do, with no reflection. Changing your photo after your card is issued incurs a fee.
ITE, polytechnic and concession card photos
ITE's student concession card needs a 240 × 320 pixel photo of about 150 KB on a white background, with no headgear or visible jewellery and hair neat in its natural colour; name the file with your NRIC number. Ngee Ann Polytechnic asks for a full-face photo on a white background for its concession card. Polytechnics publish their own instructions during enrolment.
Students in MOE schools receive a School Smart Card through their school; follow your school's instructions if a photo is needed. Home-schooled students applying for a SimplyGo concession card need a 240 × 320 pixel colour photo up to 150 KB on a plain white background with no shadows, taken within three months.
International students
If you are an international student, you will also need a Student's Pass photo for ICA. See our Student's Pass photo guide.
Sample student card photos
Student card photo FAQ
NUS asks for a colour JPEG photo of 340 × 453 pixels (aspect ratio 0.75), under 2 MB, on a white background, taken within the last three months.
NTU asks for a 354 × 472 pixel photo (equivalent to 35 × 45 mm) with no border, taken within the last three months, on a white background with a matt or semi-matt finish.
Often yes, if it is recent and on a white background, but resize it to the pixel size your institution asks for. Student card sizes use a 3:4 ratio, so trim a little from the top and bottom of a 400 × 514 px ICA photo before scaling it down.
Official sources
- NUS Registrar: Requirements of photograph for online submission (PDF)
- NTU: Student matriculation card
- SMU: Guidelines on taking photograph (PDF)
- ITE: Apply for student concession card
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic: Concession card application
- SimplyGo: School smart card
Last checked October 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.