Singapore is both an island and a country and is best defined as a city-state. Singapore, in fact, has the fourth biggest financial centre which resides internationally significant banks, businesses and stock exchanges. Moreover, the country homes one of the world’s five busiest ports. The country comprises the island of Singapore and 63 other smaller islands. The capital city is also called Singapore. The city covers about a third of the area of the main island. The official currency is Singaporean Dollar.
Languages and Religions in Singapore
English, Tamil, Malay, Mandarin, Chinese and Arabic are the languages spoken and understood in Singapore. It allows believers of all faiths like Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists etc to pursue their religious rituals freely.
Multicultural Population
People from various cultures reside in Singapore as the highest population belongs to China; in fact, Chinese comprises more than 75% of Singapore’s population, with Malays and Indians following as the next dominant races. Almost the entire population lives in modern apartments, and the average per capita income of the country is over US$12,000 which makes the country the most preferred study abroad destination that offers diverse employment opportunities.
Singapore as a Study Abroad Destination for Students
Nowadays, Singapore has become the best Asian study abroad destination for Pakistani Students. The country is offering the most up to date courses in multiple disciplines. Top-ranked universities reside in Singapore that renders the latest academic curriculum at an affordable cost. According to the valid QS ranking the Singaporean National University (NUS) is ranked as the 15th best university in the world with National Technological University( NTU) following NUS.
Jobs for Students
Students are allowed to work while studies in limited hours and the graduates can hunt job after completion of their studies. Eligible candidates can get a full-time job with a long term work permit opening paths for Singapore permanent residency and eventually to Singaporean Citizenship.
Financial Assistance for International Students
Singaporean Government has facilitated overseas students by offering effective tuition Grant Scheme. Singapore universities also offer scholarships and study loans to students who do not afford the high cost of tertiary education at Singaporean higher education institutes.
Entertainment, Food and Festivals
Marina bay sands, Singapore zoo, orchard road and many other places are the tourist favourites. The theatre is well flourished in the country. In fact, Singapore dance theatre is globally acclaimed. Kueh Tutu is Singapore’s exotic traditional dish. It was named after the ‘tutu’ sounds which steamers release when water was boiling! The dish is stuffed with peanut or coconut and is served with Pandan leaves. A lot of festivals are celebrated throughout the country.
Thus life in Singapore has many shades and colours and the international students who want to choose Singapore as his/her study abroad destination can get many lifetime experiences while living and studying in this lively island
Singapore is one of the world’s most prosperous island countries in Southeast Asia. It is located beyond the southern edge of the Malay Peninsula, right between Malaysia and Indonesia. Multiple languages are spoken and understood in Singapore however the official languages are English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil. Singapore is the capital city of the country and its currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD).
Up-to-Date Education System
The Education system in Singapore is highly developed. Singapore is considered as one of the most expensive cities in the world, yet it is preferred as a study abroad destination for the high-quality education the country is rendering to both local and international students. The country, in fact, ranked 15 in the QS Best Student Cities in 2019. More than 75 thousand international students are currently studying in Singapore.
High-Ranked Universities with Globally Recognized Degrees
The two globally-known universities of Singapore are the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Both of these universities are listed on top in the QS World University Ranking.
Foreign University Campuses in Singapore
Moreover, many foreign universities have opened their campus in Singapore with or without collaborations. These include the US’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology Yale-NUS College and China’s Zhejiang University. is another international collaboration. Thus A recognized degree from Singapore means a gateway to reputed career around the world.
Tuition Grant Scheme
Singapore government is focusing on the betterment of international students. In this regard, the Tuition Grant Scheme was introduced by the Government to help international students through effective financial support. The Tuition Grant Scheme is currently assisting students enrolled for the full-time diploma or undergraduate courses in Singaporean Universities.
Scholarship Offers fOR International students
Besides this Tuition grant scheme, the country also offers valuable scholarships to eligible students. Some of these scholarships are in fact fully funded covering full tuition fees and most other expenses of the student.
Work While Study Options
Another way to support foreign students in Singapore is that international students can work while studying in Singapore. Many part-time jobs are available for students. However, these international students are restricted to work for 16 hours per session.
English Taught Courses in Singapore to Students
The major reason to study in Singapore is the medium of instruction. Fortunately, the teaching language in Singapore is English. It is, in fact, obligatory to comply with the university’s English language requirements as part of the application process. This normally includes a score from the language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Visa-Free Entryof Singapore
The best thing to study abroad in Singapore is the visa-free option. It means that if the student has applied at Singapore University and successfully received an acceptance, then the university itself completes all the visa formalities and the approval letter will act as an entry to Singapore.
Career Prospects
Singapore has a full-grown free-market economy. The economy is chiefly grown through the developments in information technology, pharmaceuticals and other financial dealings. The country is therefore considered by the World Bank as the easiest country to do business with. Singapore always welcomes investors and companies, therefore, giant multinational corporations have set up their chains in Singapore. This will lead to a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates and pass-outs
Familiar Environment
International students, especially from Asian countries, find a familiar atmosphere. Singapore’s multicultural society homes four ethnic groups: the Chinese, Malays, Indians and other minorities. Many religious followers are based in Singapore. Most of them follow Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
Getting admission in a high ranked Singapore university is fairly difficult. The admission is highly competitive as the university demands high achievers and require good internationally standardized test scores to grant admission. Yet the universities are open for international students. These institutions will definitely grant admission to overseas applicants if the prospective student fulfils their admission criterion.
Academic Calendar
The Singaporean universities’ academic calendars are different in different universities. Generally, the standard academic calendar comprises two semesters. Each semester normally conducts 13 -14 weeks of instruction/teaching and 2 weeks of examinations. Undergraduate programs normally run for four years.
Admission in Undergraduate Programs
The student has to apply at the university’s international admission site through an online application form.
This application process generally charges a Fee of around 55-60US dollars.
The student must have completed at least 12 years of general education like intermediate, A-levels or similar recognized qualifications as listed by the institute.
The student has to submit his/her language proficiency scores like submission of IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, Pearson Test of English Academic or ACT with Writing.
Applicants are needed to satisfy the minimum subject requirements for the programs applied.
Submission of Supporting Documents
You are required to submit the required supporting documents before the deadline to complete your application process.
International applicants are asked to provide a valid passport with a particular page as identity.
High school results /certificate/Diploma, e.g. intermediate certificate, GCE ‘A’ Level Statement of Results & Certificate, etc.
Secondary school results or certificate, e.g. Matriculation certificate, GCE ‘O’ Level, etc
University academic certificate or marks sheet (for current or former university student only);
Scores and certificate of TOEFL, SAT, IELTS or PTE Academic or ACT with Writing
If the applicant has submitted a complete application for admission before the deadline
It is recommended to upload your documents electronically via the ‘Online Submission of Supporting Document
Students can also send the supporting documents by postal delivery and can pay the application fee via bank draft.
The university will evaluate qualification for the admission and if all the requirements are satisfied the university will send you an acceptance offer with its terms and conditions.
The student has to accept the offer online if he wishes to continue his/her studies in Singapore.
Admission Master’s Program in Singapore Universities
In Singapore, postgraduate study is termed as “graduate study”, however, taught courses of Masters and professional doctorates are known as “graduate studies by coursework”, while Masters by research and PhDs are called “graduate studies by research”. These Masters degrees, however, are similar to that rendered in the UK and the US.
Master’s Intakes in Singapore
The graduate programs admit students twice a year, in August and January.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the in charge of higher education in Singapore
Singapore universities assign a minimum number of credits for every semester.
It could take 1-2 years to complete.MBA full-time programs are usually completed in 12-18 months.
Part-time and full-time options are generally available for Masters Programs.
International student has to pay around S$35,000-40,000 (USD $25,560-30,000) for a graduate program at Singapore’s top universities.
Masters students can also avail the fee subsidies in Singapore, this grant is offered through a ‘service obligation’ –in this flexibility the student can pay the fees in several instalments rather than a lump sum amount.
Masters Entry Requirements
Previous graduate degrees and school certificates
Previous academic Transcripts
Letter of recommendation from professors
Language proficiency test scores like IELTS, TOEFL and standardized test scores like GMAT, GRE
Relevant work experience certificate if applied
PhD intakes in Singapore
A full-time PhD is Singapore is completed in an average of 4 years with a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 5 years.
Both part-time and full-time options are available for doctoral courses.
These graduate programs render two intakes per year, in August and January, with a marked application deadline for each intake.
Full-time PhD Tuition fees (per annum): ranged S$22,000-30,000 depending on the university and selected course.
Prospective student can contact the research supervisors before applying for the program if they have a specific research topic to research.
Entry requirements for PhD Program
First year of the PhD program includes compulsory courses, both on research methods and subject-specific topics
All PhD students have to attend a Qualifying Examination which is based on taught courses. After passing the test the prospective students become the “confirmed” PhD candidates upon approval from a confirmation panel.
The PhD “Defense” is the final PhD examination.
After submission of the thesis, a date is given for the PhD defense.
The exam basically is an open seminar presentation, followed by an oral examination.
Graduate students who require financial support can apply for scholarships and fee subsidies.
Moreover, they can also apply for a loan under the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) scheme.
Singapore is an expensive country to study and live. Yet there are many financial supports available for international students which lower the cost to an affordable figure. The destination is selected for the high-quality education, top-ranked universities and of course for the multiple after study career prospects. The student who wants to attend a higher education institute in Singapore must consider both the pre-departure and upon arrival; cost of study in Singapore.
Study Cost in Singapore
Once you reached the study abroad destination the student has to face many expenses in foreign currency. The first thing is the tuition fee. Though an instalment of the fees has been already paid before departure, yet the expense continues till the completion of the course.
Tuition Fees
As estimation, the annual fee for the international undergraduate student in Singapore is around US$15,000- 20,000 per yaer depending on the standard of the university and the type of course taken. If the student is enrolled in a high-level degree program like medicine or dentistry, he/she has to pay more than the average fees for other courses.
On average the student has to pay
• 15000 SGD$ to 20000 SGD$ per anum for undergraduate programs
• 25000 SGD$ to 35000 SGD$ per anum for postgraduate and doctoral programs
• S$5000 to S$ 20000 for 6 months – 2 years Diploma course
Private Institutions charge more than the public universities.
Tuition Grant Program
Fortunately, the Singaporean Government has introduced a tuition grant program for international students who want to pursue undergraduate study course at Singaporean universities. According to the financial support every international student can apply for a tuition grant provided he/she agrees to work for 3 years in Singapore after the completion of the studies.
Scholarships Programs
Moreover, there are several effective scholarship schemes available for the international student which can lessen the study cost especially tuition cost to zero. It means fully funded scholarships are available to cater to the high achieving international students. The scholarships are either fully funded or partially funded.
Besides the tuition grants and the scholarship programs, the government also renders student loans for deserving students. These loans allow students to pay their tuition fees in instalments. Master’s students with research-based courses and PhD pupils are mostly benefitted through this option.
Work while study option
Students in Singapore are allowed to work during their studies. However, the international students can work for 16 hours per week. This earning option will effectively help to manage the study as well as living cost while studying in Singapore
Living Cost in Singapore
Accommodation Cost
The foremost cost to consider while living in Singapore is the accommodation cost
Singapore universities and government offer good accommodation options to the international students. The average cost per month for these residences lies between $3,000 to $ 14,000 for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The general accommodation cost structure as follows
University’s Halls of Residence cost around S$ 155 – S$800 per month
Boarding School cost around S$ 6,000 – S$15,000 approximately per academic year
Private Hostel cost around S$750 approximately per month
Room in Public Housing cost around S$300 – S$600 per month
Whole Unit in Private Housing costs around S$1,000 per month
The student hostels are the most affordable option, but if you are unable/unwilling to live in a hostel, renting a private room from flat owners is the another option.
Food and Other Costs
There’s a wide array of food options there which you can choose from. The cost will be approximately 5–10 SGD. Milk, 1L…SGD 3.10
Chicken breast fillet, 1kg…SGD 10.50
Coca-cola, 1.5L…SGD 1.95
White rice, 5kg… SGD 13.85
Eggs, 10pk…SGD 2.40
Other costs include
•Utilities monthly…SGD 150-200
• Prepaid mobile phone tariff SGD 0.17
• Internet, 6MB monthly…SGD 41.63
Eating out, mid-range restaurant…SGD 20- SGD 40
Movie ticket, without student discount… SGD 10
Transport Cost
Convenient travelling options within the city as well as the country are available for international students. Fares are charged per distance travelled and may be deducted electronically from a pre-paid travel card. You’ll also pay slightly more to travel in an air-conditioned carriage. Students, however, are entitled to a 50% discount on all fares and will pay a standard rate for any journey over 7.2km.
Study In Singapore Questions
What are the top 5 reasons to go to Singapore for higher studies?
Excellent education system.
Valuable degree.
Cheaper than other European countries.
No language beerier, 75% people speak English language.
Clean, safe and green country.
What is the General undergrad/postgrad admission requirements for study abroad in Singapore?
Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
FA/Fsc or A levels certificate | FA/Fsc or A levels certificate |
English language proficiency. | Undergraduate degree for graduate admission and Graduate degree in an appropriate subject for postgraduate admission |
Photocopy of your passport or id card | English language proficiency. |
— | Statement of purpose |
— | references |
— | Photocopy of your passport or id card |
What are the general visa requirements for Singapore study visa?
Valid passport.
Complete student visa application form.
Application fee payment receipt.
Offer latter from the hosting university.
Two passport size photographs.
Bank statement.
Previous educational record.
Test score that your college required i.e. IELTS, TOFFEL
What are annual admission intakes for study in Singapore?
Usually there are two intakes:
For fall semester you should start from April to June
And for spring semester you should start in August
Whereas the session starts in September.
Can I get a scholarship in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore give scholarships to the international students some of them are:
Spring executive development scholarship.
Singapore industry scholarship.
Microsoft YouthSpark scholarship.
JTC scholarship.
Co-operative scholarship.
What is major medium of instruction for courses in Singapore?
In Singapore most of the courses are offered in English language. So as an international student if Your first language is not English then you have to provide English language proffiency.
How costly is study in Singapore?
Undergraduate degree varies between 10,000 to 15,000$
Postgraduate degree varies between 20,000 to 40,000$
Living expense varies individual to individual but average living expense lies between 2,000 to 12,000$
What are typical accommodation options while studying in Singapore?
Mostly Singapore universities provide the on-campus accommodation. But the choice is of student to take on or off campus accommodation.
Is IELTS mandatory for study in Singapore?
In Singapore most of the courses are offered in English language. So as an international student if Your first language is not English then you have to provide English language proficiency i.e. IELTS or TOFFEL
Can a student work during study abroad in Singapore?
Yes, an international student can work in Singapore while studying but ensure that an international student hold valid student pass and studying in a certain institute approved by ministry of Manpower.
What are career prospects after study completion in Singapore?
Though Singapore is a small country but, provide many opportunities to the international students to boost the career. After your higher studies in Singapore if you hold a tuition grant scheme then you are allowed to stay more for 3 years for a job
Can an International student get a PR & Citizenship in Singapore after completion of higher studies?
Almost 82% international students get PR in Singapore on their own merit. In Singapore you can get PR after higher studies once you get started to earn SGD 3000/month and the processing time is 73 days. And can get a permanent citizenship after at least two years of employment in Singapore or married to a Singapore citizen.