Study in Singapore

Getting into a top-ranked Singapore university is not an easy task. The admission process is very competitive because the university requires high-achieving students and good internationally-standardized test results in order to admit them. However, these universities are open to international students. They will definitely admit overseas students if the student meets their admission criteria.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar of the Singaporean universities varies from one university to another. The standard academic calendar of the universities in Singapore consists of two semesters each. Each semester consists of 13-14 weeks of teaching/learning and 2 weeks for exams. Undergraduate programmes in the universities in Singapore usually last for 4 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 

Postgraduate study is called ‘graduate study in Singapore. However, taught Masters and Professional Doctorate courses are referred to as ‘graduate studies through coursework’, whereas Masters by Research and PhD are called ‘graduate studies via research’. However, these Masters degrees are similar to those delivered in the United Kingdom and the United States.

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