Singapore offers courses that are in demand by a large chunk of international students from countries like China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Currently, 80% of the total student population comprises international students. The country is a low-cost destination for quality education as compared to the US and UK.
Popular courses
The better known universities of Singapore, such as the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University have more than 20,000 students and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs including doctoral degrees. They are also established research universities with thousands of research staff and graduate students.
Singapore is known for its diverse range of programs, ranging from
Singapore also houses ESSEC Business School, which is a major player in international management education. There are numerous specialized institutions for programs in Arts, Media and Design in Singapore, such as LASALLE College of the Art and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Reflecting the wide range of abilities, aptitudes and interests of their students, Singapore’s polytechnics seek to train students with relevant and specific skills for the workplace. Today, polytechnic graduates are valued as practice-oriented and knowledgeable middle-level professionals, much sought after by the industry.
Popular institutes
There are currently four universities in Singapore which includes-
Other popular institutes are:
Polytechnics/Institutes of technical education:
Study expenses
Course fee varies from 15,000- 85,000 Singapore Dollars depending on the subject. Institutions offering courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering and Management Education charge fees on the higher side.
Full-time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities are allowed to work part-time. They can work for up to 16 hours per week during the school term. However, they need to obtain permission from the Student's Liaison/Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and Universities. During their vacations, they are allowed to work full-time as the Ministry of Manpower has exempted them from applying for work permits.
Please note that other international students are generally not allowed to engage in any form of employment, unless they have the consent in writing from the Controller of Immigration.
Besides, the living cost is approximately 12,000-18,000 Singapore Dollars per year.
Loans and scholarships
Fee for higher education in Singapore is low as compared to other countries, reason being that the government heavily subsidies a substantial portion of the full tuition fee, in the form of tuition grants. The tuition grant is offered to all admitted full-time undergraduate and polytechnic students and works out to be about 65% - 80% of the full tuition fees.
Foreign students who wish to receive the tuition grant are required to sign a Tuition Grant Agreement with the government. For these students, the subsidized fee is 10% more than what a Singaporean student would pay. In return for the subsidized education, tuition grant recipients will be bonded to work in Singapore-registered companies for three years upon graduation. Singapore's employment pass and visa schemes facilitate the entry of foreign talent to Singapore.
Student Visa and other eligibility criteria
International students are required to apply for a Student's Pass online, so as to pursue a course of study in Singapore. However, students holding a Dependent Pass (DP) or an Immigration Exemption Order (IEO) are exempted from this requirement.
Essential pre-requisites:
List of documents required for applying to institutes:
Travel expenses
You can travel to any part of the country in a span of 30 minutes to one hour in buses, trains or taxies. Numerous recreational and sports activities take place in Santosa Island on weekends. Orchard Road, a lane consisting of large number of shopping malls in Singapore, often sees a gush of young crowd.
Career prospects
Singapore relies on global talent for top management in various sectors especially the technology industry. It has introduced a new class of taxpayers, called "not ordinarily resident," who earn tax exemptions on income earned outside of the country, in an effort to lure talent. Other sectors that continue to drive its economy are:
Living in Singapore
With its proximity to and cultural ties with India, and the safe, efficient and friendly environment, Indian students think of Singapore as a home away from home. It is a very safe country controlled by strict laws. Singapore being a country of immigrants provides space for a variety of cultures, ethnicity, food and recreational activities. In addition, hubs such as Little India have a thriving Indian population and are good for Indian food, Indian clothes, Video rentals etc.
Student communities
To supplement the academic aspects of school and nurture well-rounded students, educational institutions encourage active participation in student clubs and associations. Most educational institutions cater to a wide range of interests, ranging from sports and recreation to cultural and niche activities. Tertiary institutions generally provide excellent facilities, such as swimming pools, gymnasiums, tennis and squash courts, basketball courts, and so on. A small fee may be imposed for usage of these facilities.
Cultural activities thrive in schools, such as music, dance, drama and theatre. Arts in Singapore enjoy the added dimension of a multi-cultural society, exposing international students to the different nuances of each ethnic group's cultural heritage. Examples of these include rock-climbing, wine tasting, lion dance and entrepreneurship clubs.
The Overseas Students’ Association, officially registered on 1 December 2005, acts as the official organization representing all international students studying in Singapore on a full-time basis. Students, who are at least 16 years of age and holding valid Student’s Passes issued by the relevant authorities in Singapore, are welcome to register as members of the Association.
Weather
Singapore enjoys warm and fairly humid summer temperatures throughout the year (approximately 30ºC/86ºF during the day and 23ºC/74ºF in the evening). There is no distinct wet/dry season. Mostly rain falls during the northeast monsoon (November to January) and showers are usually sudden and heavy.
Checklist
Before you leave, be sure to pack the following items: