About Singapore
An island country and sovereign city-state, Singapore is home to over 5.6 million people. It consists of one main island and 62 other smaller islets. It is well known for its transformation from a third-world country to first-world country with leaning skyscrapers and diverse communities. Due to its rapid development, Singapore is a global hub for education, entertainment, finance, and healthcare, among many other areas. It is recognized as the world’s safest country, despite it being crowded. The city offers excellent opportunities, both professionally and socially.
The Singaporean population benefit from the streamlined public transport, with punctual trains and wide roads. Such a wide range of facilities makes the country very accepting of others, turning it into the perfect study destination for students from all parts of the world.
Why study in Singapore?
Singapore takes great pride in maintaining extremely high standards of teaching and learning. Singaporean universities also have a strong focus on research. Many universities in Singapore have strong links with industry that can give you practical experience alongside your degree. This not only makes the study more interesting but can also make employment easier for you.
The country has a well-developed educational system, providing numerous opportunities for international students. Education is a priority in Singapore and the nation is recognized as a global schoolhouse. Today Singapore is one of the leaders in higher education both in Asia and Worldwide.
Two of Singapore’s universities are in the 2022 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked is the National University of Singapore (NUS), which is placed 11th. The next highest-ranked is the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), which is placed 12th.
Higher Education in Singapore
Singapore is an emerging hub of higher education with its world-renowned quality universities and colleges which are well-presented in major university ranking systems. Not only are the universities here rank high due to their proven track record, but Singapore itself is on top of student satisfaction and global reputation.
Higher Education Institutions in Singapore
The higher education system in Singapore offers a range of different educational profiles and degrees. Below is the different type of higher education institutions in Singapore.
| Public Universities | Funded by the government, and open to local and international students. Although receive government funding, these universities are autonomous – meaning they can strategize, innovate, and differentiate themselves, as they pursue excellence in education, research, and service |
| Private Universities | Although privately funded, this institution receives government funding for students to pursue subsidized part-time or full-time degree |
| Polytechnic Institutions | Offers practice-oriented studies at the diploma level. Key providers of continuing education and post-employment professional development services. |
| Institute of Technical Education (ITE) | The ITEs Offer technical-oriented studies and develops the technical knowledge and skills of the students. Students will have the option of choosing between full or part-time educational or traineeship courses |
| Foreign Universities | Offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees offered by foreign universities with branch campuses in Singapore. |
| Arts Schools | Specialized schools that offer specialist creative education to enhance your artistic ability. Offer diploma as well as degree courses. |
Pathway to Studying in Singapore
Top Institutions in Singapore
While only two Singaporean universities appear in the QS World Rankings 2021, the rest of the universities listed below remain exceptional within the country as well.
After Study Opportunities in Singapore
In addition to the life skills acquired while studying abroad, the career advantages are priceless. Some of the many benefits of studying abroad include these statistics from the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad).
- Approximately 84% of survey participants said that studying abroad gave them valuable job skills.
- Almost 90% of those who studied abroad were able to secure a job within six months of graduating.
- An amazing 90% got into their first or second graduate or professional school.
- Those graduating from college who studied via IES Abroad programs reported higher earnings than typical US college graduates who stayed at home.
In addition, living and studying abroad can help you perfect your entrepreneurial skills. With the opportunity to work and live within a different culture, your brain is stimulated to focus and learn new things. Being in these new surroundings, away from your friends and family, helps you build the confidence you need to succeed in any new environment. This, combined with the fact that world travel increases your awareness, allows you to improve your soft skills, and gives you the attention to detail that is necessary to be a successful entrepreneur, makes studying abroad an excellent career-boosting idea.
Options are plenty for those who have just completed a degree in Singapore. Singapore does have a high demand for excellent foreign talent in certain fields. If you wish to stay in Singapore, you will need to check your visa requirements. You may visit the ICA – Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website to see your visa options.
Applying to Study in Singapore
Language Requirements
International students wanting to pursue higher education in Singapore should know that English is the medium of instruction used in this country despite having four official languages.
Singapore universities have high entry standards especially when it comes to the English language. Universities will most likely not accept anyone without a good command of English.
For international students whose mother tongue is not English, the universities will set their own required IELTS/TOEFL scores and students are expected to meet these requirements. Some of them may allow a letter from the undergraduate college stating that the medium of study was English.
Visa Requirements
To study in Singapore, students will need a Student’s Pass. Some students will need a visa to enter the country along with a Student’s Pass. Once you are accepted into your university of choice, your student visa will be applied for by the university itself.
However, you must apply for a Student Pass to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration System (SOLAR), between one to two months before the start of your course. You would access SOLAR using details provided by your university after acceptance, and submit
· eForm 16
· Passport details
· Your university’s address
· Your email address
· A passport-sized photo
Following your arrival in Singapore, you would be required to visit the ICA for the collection of your Student Pass.
Tuition Fees
One of the main concerns students will have on their minds when deciding to study abroad is the tuition fees and the expenditure they would have to bare over the cost of their studies. Below is a table of the estimated tuition fees for each program to help you plan your budget before deciding to study in Singapore.
| Study Level | Tuition Fee, SGD/year | Tuition Fee, USD/year |
| Foundation / Pre-U | S$ 12,000 – S$ 18,000 | $ 8,800 – $ 13,000 |
| Diploma | S$ 6,000 – S$ 18,000 | $ 4,400 – $ 13,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree | S$ 30,000 – S$ 60,000 | $ 22,000 – $ 44,000 |
| Master’s degree | S$ 30,000 – S$ 50,000 (non-medical programmes) S$ 50,000 – S$ 90,000 (medical programmes) | $ 22,000 – $ 36,000 (non-medical programmes)$ 36,000 – $ 65,000 (non-medical programmes) |
Top Courses in Singapore
Some of the top courses that the students like to study in Singapore are-
- MBA
- LAW
- Engineering
- Medical
Conclusion
Students enjoy living in Singapore, as it is the perfect combination of urban living and peaceful quiet places to explore. With over 75,000 students in the city, people from around the world come to the island nation for its exciting, safe, and culture-filled atmosphere.
Singapore offers a vibrant culture, a variety of things to do, nearby places to visit, and so many opportunities to learn and grow. From trying new foods and traditions to learning about religions and playing new sports – life in Singapore is great for those studying abroad. So, if you are thinking about studying in Singapore too then contact us to know more.