Study in Singapore
Brief Background: Are you looking to earn a degree while taking part in a unique adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the equator. In recent years, Singapore has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination for students interested in something new and exciting. Looking to study in Singapore? Looking for a great education in a fascinating place? Then Singapore might just be the place you’re looking for. To study in Singapore is to study in a place rich in culture and opportunities, where two of the world’s major languages are spoken.
Good to Know: Since its takeoff, the world has recognized Singapore in several international rankings. Both the city and the country of Singapore are amongst the smartest and safest in the world with the best investment potential. Therefore, it’s no wonder that professionals, tourists, and students alike are flocking to the island nation to make their start. With four official languages – English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil – it’s also easy to make yourself understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and English has quickly become the lingua franca of Singapore, making it easy to live and study.
In addition to the six publicly-funded Universities currently in existence (National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and the Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Social Sciences), there are six world-class universities with a substantial presence in Singapore: Massachusetts University of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, Georgia Technological University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, INSEAD, and the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Managed by the Ministry of Education, education in Singapore ranks highly compared to other nations around the globe, making it an ideal destination for international students interested in a study abroad experience. Another alluring factor is that English is the primary language of education, making it an easily accessible and popular choice for students around the globe. Often scoring top marks in international rankings, there’s no denying that students can get a great education in Singapore.
Singapore has six autonomous universities which receive funding and support from the government through the Ministry of Education. With growing popularity, this number is expected to grow. That being said, many foreign universities have also established satellite campuses that provide both international and local students university educations.
Apply: Singaporean education is divided into three subject areas by school: institutes of education – there’s only one of these: the Institute of Technical Education – polytechnics offering specialized education and other institutes, like arts academies. Singapore has public and private schools as well as international branches of other schools.
The length of time it takes to complete a degree in Singapore is fairly similar to many European countries. It depends on the program and your level of study.
An undergraduate program normally takes three to four years to complete. Specialist programs, like medicine or engineering normally take four years
A postgraduate degree normally takes two years to complete. Some postgraduate programs, like a teaching certificate, can be completed in one year.
A doctoral program takes two to five years to complete. It normally takes more towards five years if you choose to teach whilst studying.
As it’s a hub for technology, science and finance, Singapore places a strong emphasis on STEM subjects. In recent years, however, subjects like art and media have become more popular in Singapore. Competition for places at schools in Singapore is tough, so you’ll need to check and double-check the entry requirements before applying.
Admission Requirements: The application process in Singapore, as well as the application deadlines, differ depending on the qualifications an applicant holds. Bachelor program applicants are categorized and then assessed.
The application process in Singapore, as well as the application deadlines, differ depending on your qualifications, the school you’re applying to and the program you want to study. That’s quite a few variables, so you’ll need to check your requirements well in advance.
Undergraduate program applicants are categorized like so:
Cambridge ‘A’ Level holders
Polytechnic Diploma holders
Singaporean High School Diploma holders
International Baccalaureate Diploma holders
Singaporean Citizen/Singapore Permanent Residents with International Qualifications
International Qualifications
It’s important to stress again that, if you want to pursue your bachelor’s degree in Singapore, you should be aware that the individual application procedures and requirements are all different depending on the type of qualification you hold and your nationality.
If you’re applying to a postgraduate program, it’s less complicated. You just need to have a four-year undergraduate degree that meets the required grade in the subject that you want to study, or a related field.
Most undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Singapore are taught in English. This means that non-English native speakers also need to demonstrate their English abilities. The IELTS test is widely accepted across Singapore.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition fees in Singapore depend on the university and program you choose to study and your nationality. Tuition fees for Singaporean schools might be more than for schools in neighboring countries. But Singapore’s public schools are a lot less expensive than many private and public schools elsewhere in the world.
The main factor that affects the cost of tuition is nationality. In Singapore, there are four different categories depending on your nationality:
Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by Singapore Citizens
Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by Permanent Residents
Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by International Students
Annual Non-Subsidized Fees
Normally, it costs roughly SGD 8,000 to SGD 9,000 per year to study in a public university. But this is the subsidized price. It costs around SGD 10,000 or more for non-subsidized and non-Singaporean students. Some programs at Singaporean schools are subsidized by the government as well, regardless of nationality.
The substantial tuition subsidy from the Government of Singapore comes in the form of a MOE Subsidy which is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE). It’s offered to all eligible students. Students just need to apply for the MOE Subsidy if they are eligible.
International students studying a government-subsidized program can apply for the Service Obligation Scheme to pay reduced tuition fees. The Service Obligation Scheme allows international students to work in Singapore after graduation to help repay their tuition fees. This normally only applies to postgraduate students, however.
The Singapore government also offers a number of scholarships to provide opportunities to young people to develop their potential and equip them with important skills for the 21st century
Housing: Singapore often ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in, so it’s important to find out how much it’s going to cost before studying abroad in Singapore. Fortunately, students can take advantage of the many student discounts offered on such things as food, accommodation, and entertainment. Before moving abroad to study, it’s important that you have a budget in mind. Singapore often ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in, so it’s important to find out how much it’s going to cost before studying abroad in Singapore.
Fortunately, students can take advantage of the many student discounts on offer on things like food, accommodation, and entertainment. Before moving abroad to study, it’s important that you have a budget in mind. You’ll need to think about things like whether you’ll live in student accommodations, share a room, or be able to work on a student permit.
Some average costs of living (in SEG and USD) are:
Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment): $2800 ($2100) *
Utilities (monthly average): $104 ($75)
Monthly public transport pass: $120 ($90)
* Private accommodation is expensive, so many students share or live in student dorms.
As in any country, housing costs vary greatly depending on what type of accommodation you live in, if you share it with someone, and how close to the city center you are. As a student, the best bet to save some money would be to find a roommate and live in a shared place. If you’d like more space to yourself, however, there are plenty of other options.
A condo apartment with shared bathroom facilities or just a room in a shared flat can cost approximately US$700 – US$2000 per month. If you want to live on your own, studios and one-bedroom apartments will cost anywhere between US$1,500 – US$4,500 per month. Fortunately, you can save some money by living further away from the city center, and, thanks to efficient public transport, you can still make it to and from class with ease.
The best option, however, would be to seek accommodation through the school where you’ll be studying. Typical student dormitories house six students per apartment. Rooms are often furnished, and there is usually a student housing office to help if anything breaks or doesn’t work. Plus, student dorms are a great way to get to know people. Students from both Singapore and abroad live together, which can add to your study abroad experience.
Visa and Other Permits: accordance with immigration regulations, if you’re going to study in Singapore, you’ll need to get a Student Pass. There are exceptions to this if you have one of the following:
Dependent’s Pass
Immigration Exemption Order (IEO)
The requirements and procedures for a Student’s Pass differ slightly depending on the type of educational institution in which you intend to study. Students should check their eligibility and the procedure they should follow on the website of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
To apply for a Student Pass, you must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore. Part-time courses and courses that take place in evenings or on weekends aren’t eligible. If you wish to transfer to another school after your application has been approved, you’ll need a anew Student Pass. To get this, you’ll need to submit a new application.
These are the two types of school that normally require a Student Pass:
Institutes of Higher Learning – You’ll need to apply for a Student Pass if you’re an international student who’s been accepted onto a full-time course. You’ll also need one if you’re a registered student at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore. The exception to this is if you already have an Immigration Exemption Order.
Foreign System Schools – You’ll need to apply for a Student Pass if you’re an international student and wish to pursue full-time study in Singapore at a Foreign System School (FSS). If you already have a Dependent’s Pass or Immigration Exemption Order, then you’re exempt.
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