- About Country
- Why This Country ?
- Universities & College
- FAQ
About Country
Singapore is the trade center for the whole world and one of the most highly urbanised countries in the world. Today Singapore is the fastest developing country in the world with a booming economy. A majority of the MNC’s and even education institutes are stepping into Singapore, it has now become a centre of attraction for businessmen and students alike. The booming growth in Singapore has resulted in higher employment rates and the educational advancement is also attrating a lot of students from across the various corners of the world.
Capital : Malaysia
Official language : English; Malay; Mandarin
Area • Total 670 km2
Why This Country ?
The benefits of studying in Singapore are increasing as the time passes. The country is fast becoming an economical hub as the per capita income has increased manifold over the last few years. Many universities and institutions in Singapore now offer globally recognized courses, paid internships and the surge in tourism has increased the availability of jobs and PR options. Many universities from UK, USA and Australia have now established their campus in Singapore reducing the cost of education substantially while maintaining the quality and reputation of the qualification awarded. Since it’s as close as any of our neighbouring countries it’s become a hotspot for most of Indian Students.
Singapore is also preferred in particular by student of hotel management and hospitality. With the international focus on Singapore for Trade, Services as well as tourism, this is one sector that has the highest employment rate.
10 reasons to choose Singapore :
- Asia’s Education Hub.
- Quality Education at affordable fees.
- Quality Education and international recognition.
- Singapore offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets.
- Singapore has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. Travelling is very quick and affordable.
- Singapore offers best of East and West since people from different origin such as India, China, Malaysia, Europe live here and English is the most Widely spoken and used language.
- Almost zero Crime rate.
- Vibrant Lifestyle
- Paid Internship options with study.
- Possibility of transfer to UK, USA, AUS & NZ after Study.
Singapore has more than 66,000 foreign students of 60 different nationalities. Foreign nationals have the choice of either studying in international schools which follow various international education systems or in government schools under the Singapore education system.
The country’s bilingual policy has attracted many foreign students keen to polish their English and Mandarin proficiency.
There are only 8 Universities and 5 Polytechnics in Singapore and rest all are Private colleges.
Polytechnics in Singapore provide three-year diploma courses and accept students based on their GCE O-level, GCE A-level or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) results.
Polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in various fields, including engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media,humanities, social sciences and biotechnology. There are also specialised courses such as marine engineering, nautical studies, nursing, aviation management, social enterprise and optometry. They provide a more industry-oriented education as an alternative to junior colleges for post-secondary studies. About 40% of each Primary 1 cohort will enrol in polytechnics.
Polytechnic graduates with good grades can continue to pursue further tertiary education at local and many overseas universities, notably those in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and be exempted for modules completed in their polytechnics.
Polytechnics have also been actively working with many foreign universities to provide their graduates a chance to study niche university courses locally. For example, Ngee Ann Polytechnic has engaged Chapman University in the United States to provide a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Producing for graduates of the School’s Film and Media Studies department. Likewise, Nanyang Polytechnic has tied up with the University of Stirling in Scotland to provide a course in retail marketing. This is known as the Poly-FSI tie-up.
Populer Universities & College
National University of Singapore
Nanyang Technological University
Duke-NUS Medical School
Singapore Management University
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Singapore Education System
Education in Singapore follows the four-tier model which includes primary schools, followed by secondary schools, pre-tertiary level at Junior Colleges or Polytechnics and tertiary education at a university.
Primary Education
Primary Education in Singapore is free and compulsory Primary education starts at age seven and consists of 2 stages – a four year foundation stage (Primary 1 to 4), a two year orientation stage (Primary 5 to 6). At the end of Primary 6, students have to take the national Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and are placed in the secondary schools according to performance in the PSLE.
Secondary Education
Based on results of the PSLE, students are placed in different secondary education tracks or streams: “Special”, “Express”, “Normal (Academic)”, or “Normal (Technical)”.
“Special” and “Express” are four-year courses leading up to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE O’ Level examination.
Normal is a four-year course leading up to a Normal-level (N-level) exam, with the possibility of a fifth year followed by an O-level.
Tertiary
After completion of two-year or three-year courses in Junior Colleges or Millennia Institute, students may go ahead to earn degrees awarded in the Universities.
Polytechnics
Polytechnics in Singapore provide 3-year diploma courses and, they accept students based on their GCE “O” level, GCE “A” level or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) results.
Polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in various fields, including engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media and biotechnology. There are also specialized courses such as marine engineering, nautical studies, nursing, and optometry. They provide a more industry-oriented education as an alternative to junior colleges for post-secondary studies.
Graduates of polytechnics with good grades can continue to pursue further tertiary education at the universities, and many overseas universities, notably those in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Institute of Technical Education
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) accepts students based on their GCE “O” level results and they provide 2-year courses leading to a locally recognised National ITE Certificate (NITEC).
Pre-Tertiary
Upon completion of the 4- or 5-year secondary school education, students (excluding IP students) will participate in the annual Singaporean GCE ‘O’ Level, the results of which determine which pre-universities or post-secondary institutions they may apply for.
Pre-university centres include junior colleges for a two-year course or Millennia Institute for a three-year course, both leading up to GCE ‘A’ Level. These institutions emphasize on academics than professional technical education. Students who wish to pursue for a professional-centred diploma education go on to post-secondary institutions such as the polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions about studying in Singapor
FAQs on Studying in Singapore
Are you planning to study at a Singaporean university? Read this article that will answer your questions on studying in Singapore.
Singaporean institutions over the last decade have steadily climbed up various educational ranking tables. Be it doing a Fine Arts course at NAFA or studying Computer Science at NUS, Singapore offers a wide array of accredited programmes across subject categories.
Why Choose Singapore?
As an Indian student looking to study abroad, Singapore makes perfect sense as the destination. Here are some reasons:
- There is a huge community of Indian expatriates.
- Programmes are taught in English
- Many institutions offer attractive merit-based scholarships
- There is an entire locality that’s known as “Little India”.
- The weather is tropical, similar to most of India.
- Culture, traditions and food are fond memories of Indian lifestyle.
- Air-fares work out much cheaper because of the distance and frequent flights.
What are some of the top-ranked institutions in Singapore?
Some of the top-ranked institutions in Singapore are – National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, SIM University and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.
How to Apply?
At the university level, all institutions have their own admissions process and detailed application forms. Students are advised to visit the website of the institution where they plan to study and get more information. Alternatively, they can contact one of our study abroad counselors on 1-800-103-2581 for more information.
Do I need to submit IELTS Scores?
Most institutions will require applicants to submit a proof of English language proficiency. This varies from course to course and institution to institution. Undergraduate degrees require an IELTS score varying from 5.5 to 6.0. Postgraduate programmes require an IELTS score ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Students who have completed the International Baccalaureate Programme at the high school level are usually exempted from having to submit IELTS scores.
How much will it cost and can I apply for scholarships?
Studying in a public university will definitely be less costly when compared to studying in a private university. Based on the duration of the course students should earmark between Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs to fund their studies. Scholarships are offered by select institutions and this is usually deducted from the course fees. Students are also advised to cross-check with the university for details on research grants and private funding opportunities.
Can I find private accommodation?
Most large universities offer assured accommodation for first-year international students who apply on time. There is a huge demand for university accommodation and the places get filled fast. Students can choose from private student hostels, apartments and home-stay options available in Singapore. It is advisable to finalise the accommodation before travelling to Singapore.
How do I get a Student’s Pass?
Once your admission is confirmed and you join University at Singapore you should contact the International Student Team and submit a form to apply for a Student’s Pass. The form is processed by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. The Student’s Pass offers students discounts on public transport and is an extremely useful thing to have.
What is the EduTrust certification?
As per laws framed by the Singapore Government, only those institutions, which are recognised by the Council for Private Education and accredited by EduTrust, can admit international students on to a programme. The “Fee Protection Scheme” also ensures that students get full value for their money and are not cheated by anyone. So be doubly sure that the institution that you apply to has an EduTrust certification.
What are the rules regarding part-time work?
You should remember that your primary goal is to complete your degree with a good academic score. Part-time work options for international students are limited. Some opportunities are available on campus itself. Students can work part-time up to 16 hours a week during class time and full-time during vacation.
What are my chances of finding a job in Singapore after I graduate?
To be honest, it is a heavily competitive job-market with first preference given to Singapore nationals. The advantage of Singapore being a global hub for all leading international companies is that employers look for the right balance of talent and positive attitude. So students aspiring to hunt for a job in Singapore after graduation are advised to secure the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). This allows students to stay in Singapore for one full year and hunt for a job. Quick connectivity to places like Thailand and Malaysia broadens the area where you can look for a job.
Can you share information on student visas and the immigration policy?
Singapore operates a Consulate General’s Office in each of the following cities – Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai. Visit the website for more information on visas, application fees and documents to be submitted.
Singapore is all set to welcome you as an international student. What are you waiting for? Apply today!