Why study in Singapore?
Apart from world class infrastructure, high quality living, strong economy, political stability, shopaholic’s paradise, culinary delights, vivacious city life and various adventure activities, Singapore provides various higher education courses at much more affordable prices as compared other countries like UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. It is growing as one of the leading hubs of education in the world.Singapore offers a plenty bachelor’s as well as master’s degree courses in all disciplines. It not only provides top notch teaching infrastructure but high quality methodology to increase student’s potential and make them more efficient. A degree from Singapore is globally recognized and offers a wide range of job opportunities to students across the World.
Also, Singapore’s government and educational institutes offers various scholarships for international students. Various exchanges programmes are also conducted by Universities of Singapore and other countries. Good and inexpensive hostel and home stay options also make Singapore an attractive option for international students to study abroad.
Singapore overview Singapore, one of the British trading colonies in Southeast Asia, situated at Southern Tip of the Malay Peninsula is the world’s most prosperous country and one of the busiest ports. Singapore with area of around 697 square kilometres is one of the world’s second densely populated countries.
Singapore, an island between Indonesia and Malaysia, is a fascinating place for shopping, night life, clubs, food, night safari, wildlife and adventure sports like mountain biking, water skiing, rock climbing, diving with sharks, etc.
Apply to Singapore collegesEducation System in Singapore
Controlled by the Ministry of Education, education in Singapore is described as ‘World leading’. The government put a lot of emphasis on education and dedicates around 20% of its annual budget to education alone. Students in Singapore have to attend Junior colleges/Pre-University Institutes/Polytechnic Institutes which provides education up to 2-3 years. After, completing the pre-university education, students can get enrolled to a University offering education up to PhD level.
For international students, Singapore has a separate Council of Private Education under the Ministry of Education. The council takes care of the institutions enrolling students from abroad. Singapore residents are not eligible to take admission in these institutes.
Some of the famous international institutes are Academies Australasia College, Academy Of Human Development, Advent Links-Sauc Education Centre, Ascensia Academy, Asia Institute Of Management, At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Aventis School of Management, BMC International College, City College, CSM Academy International, Curtin Education Centre, East Asia Institute of Management, ERC Institute, Informatics Academy, Insworld School, International School Of Design & Technology, Ivy Education Centre, Kaplan Higher Education Academy,Kaplan Learning Institute, Learning Capital College, Management Development Institute Of Singapore, Marketing Institute Of Singapore Training Centre, MDIS College, Melior International College, Parkway College Of Nursing & Allied Health, PSB Academy, SAA Global Education Centre, SGP International Management Academy, Shelton College International, Singapore American School, Singapore Chinese Chamber Institute Of Business, Singapore Institute Of Management, Singapore Institute Of Materials Management, SSTC School For Further Education, STET Institute, TMC Academy, Tourism Management Institute Of Singapore (TMIS), TMIS Business School, Yuvabharathi International School and International Executive Education Center (IEEC).
Eligibility criteria to apply to Universities in Singapore
There are 3 universities and 33 private institutes in Singapore.
Eligibility criteria for each university are different. For universities like NTU, NUS you will need 2 years work experience & GMAT score with mandatory with 1st class degree. If you are an undergraduates, you will need to score at least 85% and above. SAT is required for NTU & SMU. NUS doesn't require SAT.
Once you have chosen the institute or university that you want to study in, you can download their application form and apply. After completing it, you should send it to the respective institute along with testimonials of earlier education completed. Please remember, the IELTS score (English language proficiency test required to study in Singapore) should also be mentioned in the application.
After the institute peruses the application that you have sent, they may or may not shortlist it. So you will know if you have been selected if you receive a letter of acceptance from the institution. If you do, then you should apply for a Student’s Pass or Visa.
Job prospects in Singapore
Being considered as the financial and service hub of South East Asia, Singapore is equally prominent as any European country. The country homes people from all over the world making it a favourable place to live. Also, being a global hub, the companies in Singapore seek open minded employees.
Relevance of degree from Singapore in India
Singapore is a close neighbour to India; hence, the prominence of a student with a degree from Singapore is high. The country offers internationally compatible education with exclusive institutes for international students. Due to the high quality of education standards a graduate from Singapore gets ample opportunities in India. However, it is advisable to check the validity of the courses.
Cost of study in Singapore
Cost of Education in SingaporeThe education of education in Singapore is quite low as compared to other study abroad destinations like UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. The cost of study in Singapore varies according to the institute, course and duration of the course. You might end up paying S$5000 to S$ 20000 approximately for 6 months to 2 years Diploma course, S$ 24000 to S$55000 approximately for 2 to 4 years Bachelor Degree course and S$ 18,500 to S$ 30000 approximately for 1 to 1.5 years Master Degree Course. If you are studying 5 years Medical and Dental courses in Singapore, you might end up paying subsidised tuition fee with an obligation to work for 3 years in Singapore under The Tuition Grant Bond.
Cost of Living in Singapore
Like cost of education, living expenses are low in Singapore as compared to other study abroad destinations but it has high standard of living. Your cost of living while studying abroad in Singapore will include your expenses on accommodation, food, groceries, books and travel. While studying in Singapore, you can opt for following accommodation options:
| Type of Accommodation | Estimated Cost for Accommodation per Month |
| University’s Halls of Residence | S$ 155 - S$800 approximately |
| Boarding School | S$ 6,000 - S$15,000 approximately per academic year |
| Private Hostel | S$750 approximately |
| Room in Public Housing | S$300 - S$600 approximately |
| Whole Unit in Public Housing | S$1000 - S$2000 approximately |
| Room in Private Housing | S$800 - S$1,200 approximately |
| Whole Unit in Private Housing | S$1,000 and more approximately |
Public Housing in Singapore refers to government-subsidised flats (HDB flats) developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).
Hence, an average cost of living in Singapore is S$750 to S$2,000 approximately per month.
Health Insurance for Studying Abroad in Singapore While studying abroad in Singapore, medical or health insurance is compulsory for the students. The cost of health insurance will be S$45 approximately per year and it will cover all your medical expenses while studying in Singapore.
However, cost of education is low in Singapore as compared to other study abroad destinations but you can get financial assistance from Government and Universities of Singapore through various scholarships and fellowships.
Scholarships
One of the popular destinations to study, Singapore is fast emerging as the preferred choices to study abroad for Indian students. With 3 major universities - NUS, NTU and SMU and a couple of other local and private universities, studying MBA, Engineering, Medicine, Aviation and Hospitality etc., Singapore is ranked as one of the best places to study.
The relatively cheap cost of living, when compared to the western countries like USA and UK makes studyig in Singapore even more lucrative. Not just that, job opportunities post studying in Singapore are also high. Singapore offers both government and university scholarships and fellowships to students. There are certain scholarships especially available for Indian students studying in Singapore as well. Many organisations and trusts in India also provide scholarships to Indian students for Singapore.
Some of the popular scholarships include Inlaks Fellowship programme, SIA Youth Scholarship for Undergraduate Degree Courses, Nanyang Scholarship, J.N Tata Endowment for Higher Studies and many others.
Find the list of scholarships available for Singapore: Scholarships to study in Singapore.
Singapore Visa & immigration
Singapore Visa and ImmigrationStudents planning to pursue studies in Singapore and whose application is accepted by educational institute (valid for 2 weeks) are required to get Student’s Pass. Students who require Singapore Visa are required to apply for Student’s Visa to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) 2 months before the commencement of the course.
Passport Students applying to Singapore colleges should have a six month's valid passport after the duration of the course as well as a valid Singapore visa.
Documents Required
Form 16 (Student’s Pass Application Form), Form V36 (Additional Information on Applicant for Application of Student’s Pass) and Form V39S (Sponsorship Letter) duly signed by applicant and local sponsors.
Two recent Passport- Sized Photographs (Colour/ BW).
Applicant’s Birth Certificate in English.
Applicant’s mark sheets and certificates.
TOFEL and IELTS score certificate whichever is applicable in concerned educational institute.
Banker’s Guarantee of SGD 5000 from cashier’s order or established bank in Singapore.
Life at Singapore
Fast Facts Climate: Singapore has tropical rainforest climate. The country experiences two different monsoon seasons. The monsoon seasons are North Eastern Monsoon (December to March) and South Western Monsoon (June to September). There are frequent occurrence of thunderstorms in afternoons and early evenings.
Culture: Singapore with people from diverse cultures, religions and races like Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, etc. is a multi-racial and religiously diverse country. Religious freedom is guaranteed to people in Singapore. Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity are main religions practiced in the country.
Cuisines: Singapore offers a variety of multi cuisines. Various types of cuisines like Chinese, Indian, Italian, French, American, Thai, Malaya, Japanese, French and American are served in Singapore.
Transport: Singapore is positioned on many air trade and sea routes. A relatively good public transportation system is available in the country. People can travel through taxis, buses, Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), trishaws (three – wheeled bicycle taxis) and bumboats cruise.
Time Difference: Singapore follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone. Singapore Standard Time (SST) is 2:30 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).
Phone Code: 00 + 65 + City Area Code + Number
Capital City: Singapore
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD). 1SGD = 38.6169 INR approx.
Languages Spoken: English is the first language of Singapore. The other languages spoken in the country are Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Cantonese, Tamil, Hokkien and Teochew.