Studying in Singapore: Your Go-To Guide for 2022

  • Population: 5.686 million
  • Currency:Singapore dollar, (SGD)
  • University Students: 510,714
  • International Students: 65,000
  • English-taught Programs: 150+

Singapore is known as a prosperous country with leaning skyscrapers and a wide range of ethnic groups. As the most modern metropolis in South East Asia for more than a century, the island has a diverse population. People from all around the world live quite distinct lifestyles, exhibiting a wide range of cultural practises and languages. Students from around the world flock to the country because of its tolerance and openness to different cultures.

The educational system in Singapore is often regarded as one of the greatest in the world. Having a college degree here is a ticket to a better life. Singapore is currently a rising star in international higher education because of its emphasis on education innovation. At a fraction of the expense of a traditional university, you may acquire a globally recognised degree. There are some of the top educational institutions in the world attributable to Singapore’s high quality facilities and educational atmosphere.

While Singapore is known for its diverse, attractive, and lively city-states, did you know that it also has one of the best safety records in the world? One of the world’s safest cities, according to a recent report, is Singapore. For students, this makes it an ideal location.

Furthermore, Singapore’s strategic location means you’ll be amazed at the destinations you may see while studying in the city-state. Life is not just about obtaining good grades.  Best educational system, facilities, and environment, all in a top-notch setting, accredited degrees from around the world, at a reasonable cost can be found in Singapore. The country is a safe, diversified, and vibrant place to live in.

OVERVIEW STUDY IN SINGAPORE

In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a major centre for higher education, thanks to the city-many state’s highly regarded universities and colleges. In addition to the world-class colleges in Singapore, the city itself has a stellar reputation for student satisfaction and global standing.

Singapore’s premier university, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has been placed as one of the top 11 universities in the world by World University Rankings 2018 for the second year running. Another Singaporean institution, the National University of Singapore (NUS), is also among the top 15. An array of academic specialisations and degrees are available in Singapore’s university system. In Singapore, there are a variety of colleges and universities of all kinds.

Students from other countries may find it difficult to acclimate to the high tech vibe of this cosmopolitan city, which has all the markings of a modern international metropolis. People in this area are confident in their safety because of the low crime rate. In addition to that, it’s spotless.

There are a lot of rules in Singapore, and breaking even a few of them can result in hefty penalties or even time behind bars. Even bringing gum into the nation has been known to result in a fine. Singapore has a hot, humid climate throughout the year, yet sudden downpours can flood the city. Among Singapore’s 5.5 million residents are Indians, Chinese, and Malaysians who have relocated to the city-state in search of a better life. As a result, more than 40% of Singaporeans are non-native speakers of the island nation’s native languages.

Over 65,000 overseas students are presently enrolled in Singaporean institutions of higher learning, reflecting the country’s diversity. In Singapore, a bachelor’s degree typically takes three to four years to complete. To graduate from college, students are required to take a certain number of courses in their chosen field of study.  There is a “common curriculum” in Singapore, however it only accounts for about a third of students’ degrees. The curriculum consists of a set of classes that must be taken in order for a student to progress along their chosen academic route (e.g. social sciences, business and management).

UNIVERSITIES IN SINGAPORE

Among Singapore’s universities are 34, six of which are state-owned. International students looking to study in Singapore should go no further than Singapore’s two most prestigious universities, the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Management University.

Located in the city’s outskirts, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is an academic powerhouse. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of disciplines, and it’s now ranked number 11 in the world (QS, 2022). Its engineering and technology courses are among the best in the world, but so are its social sciences and management programmes.

Teaching staff and students, as well as opportunities to connect with academics and researchers at the cutting edge of science, are rated highly by students. Students are encouraged to spend time abroad as part of their degree programmes, such as through internships or summer student exchanges.

In terms of engineering and technology, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) presently ranks 12th in the world. The highly regarded Singapore Management University offers a wide range of business, finance, accounting, and management-related courses to overseas students.

NUS and NTU are two of Singapore’s six national universities. While ‘national universities’ and ‘public universities’ are both distinct in name, from the standpoint of a student in Singapore, there is very little difference. You may expect enormous student populations, cutting-edge research, and government-funded facilities just like in public institutions around the world.

Private Universities

A number of private universities can be found in Singapore as well. As a result, their fees tend to be higher because they receive less state backing. As a result, certain students may be able to save money by taking advantage of state subsidies for specific fields (such as nursing).

There are international universities (sometimes known as foreign universities) in Singapore, and they’re all built around this idea! One notable example is the Singapore University of Technology and Design, which was built in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and Zhejiang University in China. There is also a significant presence of Georgia Tech, Penn State, and John Hopkins in Singapore through their collaborations with institutions like NUS and Nanyang.

TUITION FEES IN SINGAPORE

When students decide to study abroad, tuition fees and other costs are likely to be a major factor in their decision making process. The projected tuition prices for each programme are shown in the table below, so you can plan your budget before selecting to study in Singapore.

Student-Level Tuition Fee (SGD/year) lies in a price range between $12,000 and $18,000 for a diploma. Degree of Bachelor costs somewhere in the range of $30,000 to $60,000.  An advanced degree, such as a master’s degree costs somewhere in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 (non-medical programmes)

Singapore isn’t known for its affordability, which is a problem. It’s often regarded pricey because of the high expense of living. Aside from public transportation, which is quite inexpensive, tuition and housing can be quite costly. Fees for international students in Singapore range from 20,000 SGD to 50,000 SGD per year (37,000 USD). Students should thoroughly investigate the prices of their individual courses.

SCHOLARSHIPS IN SINGAPORE

International students flock to Singapore for a variety of reasons, one of which being the abundance of scholarships available, given the country’s small size. We recommend that you consult the Education part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on scholarships, although it varies slightly year after year. Scholarships are available in Singapore for a wide range of educational levels and programmes. As previously mentioned, the criteria vary by scholarship.

COST OF LIVING IN SINGAPORE

In addition to the cost of university tuition, the cost of living varies greatly depending on the individual’s style of living and the type of housing they choose to live in. International students from visa-required countries must demonstrate their financial ability in order to apply for a student’s pass in Singapore. To demonstrate financial ability, it is recommended to show S$30,000.

The S$30,000 you’ll need to cover your tuition, housing, and other living expenses each year is an estimate. In Singapore, the average annual tuition expense for all levels of education is approximately S$20,000. International students should have about S$800 per month saved up to cover their living expenses in Singapore.

A student’s lodging costs anywhere from S$400 to S$800 per month. Other factors to consider include the sort of accommodations available, where they are located and the number of people who will be sharing them. You may learn more about Singapore’s student hostels here. Aside from rent, you’ll need between S$400 and S$800 per month to cover other costs of living. It’s a rough estimate of what you’ll spend on food, clothing, and other necessities each month.

INTERNSHIPS & COMPANY PLACEMENTS IN SINGAPORE

Since its independence from Great Britain in the 1960s, Singapore’s economy has grown tremendously. With an open and corruption-free market economy, it has become the world’s 13th largest exporter and the financial and high-tech centre it is today. Interns in Singapore may expect a head start on working in a diverse and colourful environment while taking advantage of the country’s easy access to the rest of Asia during their time in the city-state.

Interns in Singapore have a wide selection of options to choose from because of the country’s fast-paced economy. Interns in Singapore can select from a variety of options, including:

Banking and Finance:

Internships can be financed in Southeast Asia better than anywhere else in the world. Since numerous international banks, wealth management firms, and other financial institutions are based in the city of Singapore, internships in the financial sector are highly sought-after. In Singapore, 24-hours training is a common practise, which keeps interns on their toes and teaches them new skills.

Electronics:

Singapore is a major participant in electronics production, R&D, and distribution because of its reputation for high-quality and reliable products. Interning in Singapore with a focus on electronics is sure to be intriguing.

Scientific research in the field of medicine

Biomedical sciences are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore as a source of employment for a growing number of people. Biomedical science careers in Singapore can include research, clinical development, product development, manufacturing, and health care services. Many multinational corporations, have established up manufacturing units on Singapore’s shores.

Tourism

The service sector is a big part of Singapore’s economy, so individuals who want to intern there will have a lot of options. There are hopes that Singapore would become a popular tourist destination. Business tourism, medical tourism, retail tourism, and many more types of tourism employ interns in Singapore. Over twenty-five Singapore industries, including tourism and hospitality, are represented by Absolute Internship.

Media:

By 2020, Singapore is predicted to increase by 3.7 percent in the entertainment and media industries. The BBC, CNBC Asia, Discovery Channel Asia, MTV Asia, Walt Disney, Star Sports, and ESPN now have offices in the country. Singapore’s media industry is booming, making it a great spot to get started in the worldwide media industry today.

Finding a programme that works with companies all throughout Singapore, rather than searching on your own, can be beneficial. Regardless of industry, most firms will be based in Singapore City and will provide year-round internships.

WORKING IN SINGAPORE

During the school year and on breaks, students with valid student visas are allowed to work part-time. Students who benefit the most from studying in Singapore are those who have a strong focus on pursuing a profession after graduation and are able to take advantage of the numerous internships and job placement opportunities available. They can learn new skills and make money at the same time, which is a win-win situation. For overseas students in Singapore, it is crucial to remember that they must first get authorization from their university before they can work while they are in College. International students can work up to 16 hours a week in Singapore if they have a Work Pass Exemption.

Those who recently obtained a degree in Singapore have a wealth of options. It’s not as easy as it appears to find a job in Singapore although there is a significant need for excellent international talent in some industries. If you plan to stay in Singapore, make sure you know what kind of visa you need. You can check out your visa choices on the ICA – Immigration Authority website.

APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA TO STUDY IN SINGAPORE

Once you have decided on your course of study, review the application and visa requirements, then, submit your application. Apply for a student visa Singapore is a great destination for a vacation A Student’s Visa is required for students to study in Singapore. In order to enter the nation, certain students will require a visa and Student’s Pass. The university will apply for your student visa on your behalf once you have accepted a place at the school of your choosing.

In order to obtain your Student Pass in Singapore, you must visit the ICA, where a cost of S$60 is required. A student’s pass application is the same whether or not you need a visa. The only difference is that if you do, you’ll have to submit your application from your home country instead of from the United States. It is possible to apply for the Student’s Pass once students have arrived in Singapore without needing a visa. In order to enter Singapore, only a limited number of students from certain countries require visas.

FAQ:

Is Singapore a good place for international students?

Even though Singapore is a small country, it makes up for it in terms of living standards and educational opportunities. Singapore is a small but powerful city-state located at the southern end of Malaysia. Many of the country’s premier universities are currently ranked among the top 15 in the world in terms of research and innovation.

Students who aim to work abroad after graduation can benefit from studying in Singapore because the country’s universities are widely recognised around the world and are generally regarded favourably by employers.

Is it expensive to study in Singapore?

Typically, it costs between SGD 8,000 and SGD 9,000 to attend a public university in Singapore. However, keep in mind that this is the discounted pricing. For non-subsidized and non-Singaporean students, the cost is roughly SGD 10,000 or more. Even if a student is not a Singaporean citizen, the government provides funding for several programmes at Singaporean institutions.

Is education in Singapore stressful?

According to students, classes can be challenging and competitive. They will succeed if they have good time management and organisational skills. In a way, Singaporean degrees, like American general education, provide a halfway ground between the American and British educational systems.

What rank is Singapore in education?

Singapore comes on the 21st rank in the world rankings for 2021 for education.

Why do international students want to study in Singapore?

Singapore is an ideal study destination for people from all walks of life because of its efficient city planning, sophisticated economy, outstanding geographical location, sound legal system, convenient transportation, pleasant environment, and tolerant and friendly social people.

What language is spoken in Singapore?

International students who plan to attend university in Singapore should be aware that English is the medium of teaching, notwithstanding the country’s four official languages. It’s difficult to get into a Singapore university unless you’re fluent in English. In most cases, universities will not accept students who lack fluency in English. Universities will set their own IELTS/TOEFL standards for international students whose native language is not English. Students must meet these requirements.