STUDY IN SINGAPORE
About Singapore
Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial centre with a tropical climate and multicultural population. Singapore is also known for eclectic street fare, served in hawker centres such as Tiong Bahru and Maxwell Road.
- Area : 718.3 km²
- Population : 5.399 million(2013) World Bank
- Official Language : English, Malay, Tamil, Standard Mandarin
- Currency : Singapore dollar
In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good way to explore the city. All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year. No matter when you choose to visit, warm weather will be abundantly available. The visitor is struck immediately by Singapore’s abundance of parks, nature reserves, and lush, tropical greenery.
Why Study in the Singapore?
Singapore envisages to becoming a “Global Schoolhouse” offering a diverse and distinctive mix of educational services in a safe, cosmopolitan and comfortable environment. Singapore is the premier education hub in Asia. Driven by excellence, Singapore education offers a broad base curriculum and global perspective to equip students with the relevant qualification and training that serves as a springboard to a brighter future.
The island’s strong reputation for quality education has drawn the world’s top institutions to set up campuses in Singapore.
Singapore is a premier education hub which offers students an international perspective and diversity of options. In an environment that is inspiring and conducive to education, Singapore provides high quality of teaching and research. From an internationally recognized public school system, to world class universities, Singapore ensures a comprehensive education environment. More than 16 leading foreign universities have also set up centres of excellence in education and research in Singapore. Quality private education organizations add further diversity to the nation’s education landscape.
Tuition fees are affordable and the cost of living in Singapore is still significantly lower than of many developed countries. With Singapore’s tradition of meritocracy talented students who need financial assistance can find the help they need in form of scholarships, bursaries and study loans.
Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. It is fairly close to India encouraging students to visit home during every academic break.
Singapore is consistently acknowledged to be a global business hub with its developed infrastructure, political stability and open business policy.
More than 7000 Multinational Corporations (MNC) alongside 1,00,000 small and medium enterprises (SME) have set up their base in Singapore, with many choosing Singapore as their regional hub and launch pad to dynamic markets of Asia. Singapore offers limitless career and networking possibilities to global citizens keen to apply their talents to the opportunities that can be found there.
Singapore may seem like a small dot on the world map, but the island state bustles all over with attractions and activities. The nation’s rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasian) living together harmoniously. Singapore’s high standard of living is also something that students can be assured of. In a survey reported in The Economist in March 2002, Singapore’s quality of life surpassed that of London or New York.
Singapore Education is a multi-government agency initiative launched by the Singapore Government in 2003 to establish and promote Singapore as a premier education hub and help international students make an informed decision on studying in Singapore. This initiative is led by the Singapore Economic Development Board and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, SPRING Singapore, International Enterprise Singapore and the Ministry of Education.
The Nation’s rich multi-cultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) living together. Singapore’s high standards of living also something that student can be assured of.
Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. Singapore is also probably the most wired country in Asia, with an internet penetration rate of 42% Seamless accessibility to all parts of the island is available in this country, often recognized for its quality and efficient land transport system.
Universities and Colleges in Singapore
Education System
Education in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE),[4] which controls the development and administration of state schools receiving government funding, but also has an advisory and supervisory role in respect of private schools. For both private and state schools, there are variations in the extent of autonomy in their curriculum, scope of government aid and funding, tuition burden on the students, and admission policy.
The school system in Singapore starts with early childhood education is offered by many nursery schools and centres for children from 3-6 years. A structured 3-year program is offered to prepare children for the next primary education. Activities that focus on verbal and verbal skills, social skills; and other games, music, and outdoor games are also a part of the pre – enrolment.
At the end of the sixth and final year of primary school, pupils must sit at primary school leaving examination (PSLE) will decide if a student is ready to leave primary school.
Students in the normal flow can either opt for four academic years or technical stream leading Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education “Normal” level exam, which will help to clarify get students to grade 5 and GCE “O” review level.
The subjects of secondary education include English, the mother tongue, mathematics, science and social studies as core subjects. At the 3rd year of secondary education, students can opt for the optional subjects of their choice according to the stream they are.
It is, after success of PSLE students are allowed admission in secondary school education 4 to 5 years. It is the score in PSLE will decide which stream of secondary education, students join: Special & Express, or Normal. Special feeds and Express are 4 years and prepare students for Certificate Singapore-Cambridge General Education Level Examination “ordinary” (GCE “O”).
English Language Requirements For Studying In Singapore Universities Is
2-3 years of pre-university education, 2 years through junior college or 3 years through a centralized institute for three years, is a must for a student who wants to pursue a university degree.
Students were able to eliminate up to GCE “O” exam are eligible to take pre-university education. And at the end of the course, students are asked to serve on Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ (GCE “A”). Languages, humanities and arts, mathematics and science are to the subjects.
Most Singapore schools follow a grading system that is assigned to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE examination “O” Level, with A1 being the highest F9 and being the lowest.
A1 / A2 (Distinction)
B3 / B4 (Merit)
C5 / C6 (Credit / Pass)
D7 (passing a level below the examination or failed)
E8 / F9 (Fail)
It was after the success of 2-3 years of pre-university education and passing the GCE “O” level examination for admission to universities in Singapore, for undergraduate courses is permitted. International students who have a qualification equivalent to upper secondary education may apply for the course. Studies of Singapore to higher education were further divided into three parts:
The undergraduate (bachelor’s) in Singapore are of 3-4 years, depending on the type of course and require passing certificate CGE “O” level examination Singapore or equivalent qualification from a foreign country to be qualify for admission to a university.
The graduate courses (master) in Singapore are of 1-2 years, depending on the type of course and the student’s demand to hold a degree in either Singapore universities or equivalent qualification of a country abroad a bachelor’s degree to be admitted to the master classes.
Doctorates are the highest level educational qualification awarded by universities in Singapore. These degrees are of 3-4 years duration with a focus on research on the subject (s) studied at the graduate level. Admission to doctoral programs requires that students with a master’s degree level for an appropriate period.
A foreign student must apply for a Student Pass if it has been accepted by an educational institution to pursue full-time studies in Singapore.
Upon receipt of the school’s acceptance letter is valid for two weeks, the applicant shall proceed to the Authority of the Immigration & Checkpoints (ICA) to apply for Student Pass. For applicants who require a visa to enter Singapore, please ensure that your application for the Student Pass is submitted to the ICA at least 2 months and not more than 6 months before the start date course.
Education Cost
The Singapore Ministry of Education provides tuition grants to students (both national and international) who are admitted to the local universities and polytechnics.
The average cost of study for an international student Annual tuition fees range from.
Diplomas– 1 – 2 years (Cost- S$9000- S$15000)
Cost of Education in Singapore
The 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 |
The cost of health insurance will be S$45 approximately per year and it will cover all your medical expenses while studying in Singapore.
Best Courses to study in Singapore
1. Global Business Leadership and International Relations
2. Market Intelligence and Market Research in Asia
3. Hospitality and Tourism Industry Courses
Here are some of management courses you can pursue in Singapore:
Some of the popular engineering courses are:
Skill Shortage
Singapore’s hotspots of demand:
Average Income
Average and Median Monthly Salary Comparison in Singapore
Maximum : 84,000 SGD
Average : 7,397 SGD
Median : 5,500 SGD
Minimum : 1,000 SGD
Salary Comparison By Job Category (Average Monthly Salary)
| Job Category | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Cleaning and Housekeeping | 1,713 SGD |
| Care Giving and Child Care | 2,167 SGD |
| Courier / Delivery / Transport / Drivers | 2,638 SGD |
| Gardening / Farming / Fishing | 2,833 SGD |
| Bilingual | 2,900 SGD |
| Fitness / Hair / Beauty | 3,180 SGD |
| Administration / Reception / Secretarial | 3,314 SGD |
| Food /Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | 4,303 SGD |
| Publishing and Printing | 4,388 SGD |
| Fundraising and Non Profit | 4,550 SGD |
| Law Enforcement / Security / Fire | 4,760 SGD |
| Quality Control and Compliance | 5,102 SGD |
| Customer Service and Call Center | 5,116 SGD |
| Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment | 5,177 SGD |
| Construction / Building / Installation | 5,242 SGD |
| Architecture | 5,339 SGD |
| Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | 5,364 SGD |
| Human Resources | 5,675 SGD |
| Health and Medical | 5,677 SGD |
| Advertising / Grapic Design / Event Management | 5,677 SGD |
| Engineering | 5,902 SGD |
| Automotive | 5,950 SGD |
| Teaching / Education | 5,958 SGD |
| Facilities / Maintenance / Repair | 6,120 SGD |
| Environmental | 6,233 SGD |
| Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | 6,296 SGD |
| Counselling | 6,400 SGD |
| Public Relations | 6,500 SGD |
| Import and Export | 6,650 SGD |
| Accounting and Finance | 6,759 SGD |
| Marketing | 6,810 SGD |
| Factory and Manufacturing | 7,006 SGD |
| Information Technology | 7,062 SGD |
| Retail and Wholesale | 7,221 SGD |
| Science and Technical Services | 7,248 SGD |
| Purchasing and Inventory | 7,358 SGD |
| Telecommunication | 7,820 SGD |
| Oil / Gas / Energy / Mining | 7,829 SGD |
| Fashion and Apparel | 8,500 SGD |
| Legal | 8,539 SGD |
| Business Planning | 8,844 SGD |
| Electrical and Electronics Trades | 9,660 SGD |
| Banking | 10,451 SGD |
| Insurance | 10,520 SGD |
| Government and Defence | 11,333 SGD |
| Real Estate | 11,731 SGD |
| Executive and Management | 14,245 SGD |
Median Gross Monthly Income From Work (Including Employer CPF Contributions) of Full-Time Employed Residents
| Mid-Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels ($) | 2,326 | n.a. | 2,449 | 2,543 | 2,897 | 2,927 | 3,000 | 3,249 | 3,480 | 3,705 | 3,770 |
Change in Median Gross Monthly Income From Work (Including Employer CPF Contributions) of Full-Time Employed Residents
| Mid-Year | Annualised Change (% p.a.) | Cumulative Change (%) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Year | 2004-2014 | 2004-2009 | 2009-2014 | 2013-2014 | 2004-2014 | 2004-2009 | 2009-2014 |
| Nominal | 4.9 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 1.8 | 62.1 | 25.8 | 28.8 |
| Real^ | 2.2 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 24.6 | 13.3 | 10.0 |
| (2.6) | (2.9) | (2.3) | (0.5) | (29.0) | (15.1) | (12.1) | |
Admission Process
Applying to an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Program in Singapore
Select the course/ college/ program you are interested in.
Understand the program requirement and eligibility criterion from the respective university website. You can also reach out to the Admissions Office for International Students.
Enrol with the University for the Application. Note, there is no centralized agency for admission to higher education in Singapore and a student needs to apply directly to the university he/she is interested in.
Fill out the application form and submit the essays and letters of recommendations as required; again, the course determines the kind of essays required but this would be mandatory for both bachelor level as well as master programs.
Provide Letters of Recommendation and proof of funds.
Apply for Scholarship and provide the scholarship essays. Singapore offers a variety of Scholarships for International Students and as such every student is eligible to apply for one. So if you are planning to, you would be required to submit an additional essay for scholarship purposes.
Most of the universities in Singapore admit international students from countries like India, Malaysia, Nepal and Hong Kong etc.
Students must have completed at least twelve years of education before applying for under graduate courses at Singapore universities.
Applications for admissions are available from October the preceding year to March.
Though SAT scores are not required for international students, mentioning the scores help gain entry easily.
TOEFL scores are mandatory for students seeking admission in Singapore. Final interviews might be conducted before gaining admission into any of the universities.
Students willing to take up a course in management have to produce GMAT scores.
For any post-graduation course students have to produce, GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores along with application form.
Duly signed letter from the registrar of the last educational university along with relevant degree certificates should be included.
Letter of recommendation from tutor may also be sent along with application form. Work experience letter should accompany application if the applicant has any prior work experience.
A statement from the bank for supporting funds should be produced or a letter from the sponsor should be included.
Validity of the student pass is determined.
Students who opt to take up a full time course at Singapore should possess a valid student pass and visa issued by the immigration and checkpoints authority (ICA).
Document Required
|
Supporting documents to be submitted (where applicable) |
|
Application fee of SGD $20 |
|
Copy of National Level High School Examination result slip (if applicable) |
|
Copy of School Examination transcript/result slip |
|
Copy of University academic transcripts |
|
Copy of additional score report (if scores are indicated in application form) |
|
Copy of Passport / Birth Certificate / Identification Card (clearly reflecting Full Name and Date of Birth) |
|
Copy of Certification of exceptional talents and/or exceptional achievements in co-curricular activities |
|
Copy of medical report(s) if you have or had any major illnesses or disabilities (if applicable) |
|
Copy of criminal record(s) (if applicable) |
Scholarship
We thought we would familiarise you with a few famous scholarships from around the world to help with your scholarship search:
FAQs