Study in Singapore

About:

Singapore offers an international experience of culture, colour and education. It's no wonder, this small, but very populated, island nation is beoming such a popular study abroad destination.

Three publicly funded universities exist in Singapore. The National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University - two of which appear in the 2010 QS World University Rankings Top 100 Universities. Singapore also has five polytechnics, offering two and three year diplomas, in many different subject areas.

Additionally, Singapore plays host to both an increasingly diverse private education scene and a growing number of offshore campuses. A number of these private institutions offer qualifications with completely international curricula, such as those for the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Moreover, others offer international undergraduate programs from universities in countries such as Australia

All national and international students are free to apply to the Singaporean Ministry of Education for a Tuition Grant once they have been admitted to their program of choice. This scheme allows for a grant of between SIN$14,000 and SIN$16,000 for most programs to be paid against tuition fees, thus reducing the amount considerably. For programs such as medicine and music, the grant can be as much as SIN$65,500 a year. However, international students are required to sign a bond in order to obtain a tuition grant, committing them to work in Singapore for three years after the completion of their university or polytechnic program.

Universities:

Study in Singapore

FAQs:

What is the application process for Singapore?

Application procedures are dependent on the type of institutions the students are applying to. In general, one needs to check the application procedures with the educational institution of choice.

In general, the Singapore application process is very simple; following documents are required to apply for any PEO in Singapore.

  • Application Fee Draft
  • Application form
  • Academic Documents
  • Passport Copy
  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport Size snaps
  • Work Experience letter ( if applicable)
What are the Visa application requirements?

Like the application process, Singapore visa process is also very simple. For Singapore, the institute applies for the visa on behalf of the student. The student has to fill two visa forms:-

Form v36

Form 16

The funds to be shown are:-
Bachelor/ Masters - S$ 30000 (Rs.10 Lakhs approx.)
Diplomas - Rs.5 -10 Lakhs.

What are the housing options available?

Below is a guide on types of accommodation available to international students:

Accommodation Estimated Cost per month
University ~ Halls of Residence S$155 - S$800
Boarding School S$6,000 - S$15,000 per academic year
Private Hostel S$750
Room in public housing S$300 - S$600
Whole unit in public housing S$1000 - S$2000
Room in private housing S$800 - S$1,200
Whole unit in private housing From S$1,000
  • Rental varies depending on geographical area, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing.
  • Boarding fees cover lodging, meals, laundry, tutorials, pastoral guidance, 24-hour security, recreational facilities, orientation & development programmes.
  • Public housing refers to government-subsidized flats developed by the Housing and Development Board, commonly called the HDB flats.
The classified advertisements in the local newspapers are a good source of listing of rooms and apartments for rent. How much does Singapore education cost?

The education costs in Singapore vary according to the duration of the course. On an average the duration is as follows:

  • Diplomas- 6 months- 2 years (Cost- S$5000-s$ 20000)
  • Bachelors- 2-4 years (Cost- S$ 24000- S$55000)
  • Masters- 1- 1.5 years (Cost- S$ 18,500- S$ 30000)
What are the living expenses in Singapore?

Below is a guide on the cost of living in Singapore. Some typical fees are:

Item Average per month in S$
Accommodation S$200-S$1,500(rentals vary with geographical area, type of accommodation, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing)
Utilities S$50-S$80
Food S$200-S$450
Public transport S$40-S$100(varies with types of student concession pass)
Telecommunications S$30-S$50(varies with usage and package)
Books & Stationery S$30-S$100(varies with courses)
Medical Hospitalisation Insurance S$5 - S$8
Personal expenses S$100-S$200(varies with individuals)
Estimated S$650-$2,000
Can I work while I am studying?

Foreign students are not allowed to engage in any form of employment in Singapore, whether during term time or vacation time, unless they are studying at government universities (NUS, NTU, SMU). The students studying at these universities are allowed to work part time- 16 hrs a week.

Are Scholarships available?

The PEOs like MDIS, PSB Academy provide scholarships to the international students. Generally scholarships vary between S$1000- S$10000 and are given on merit basis. One has to check the updated status on scholarships with the institutes at the time of applying.

What are the possibilities for me to stay in Singapore after studies?

In general, after course completion the students are allowed to stay in Singapore for 1 month on Social Visit Pass.
Employment pass is required to work in Singapore; the employer applies for the same on behalf of the employee.

What are the advantages of studying in Singapore? By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community. Following are some of the advantages of studying in Singapore:-
  • Hub for Educational Excellence
  • Stable Economy
  • Infrastructure and Accessibility
  • A Multicultural Nation with a High Quality of Life
  • A Vibrant City Lifestyle

Life Style & Culture:

Singapore is an enchanting blend of different religions, cultures and traditions. It is an island city-state with a diverse cultural and linguistic heritage and a thriving modern economy. It is a centre of global commerce and trade, with one of the world's most business-friendly economies. Singapore has one of the highest living standards in the world. All manner of good`s, necessities and luxuries alike, are readily available. Singapore provides a safe environment, wide choice of housing, first-class medical services and excellent education, all of which ensure a high standard of life.

Singapore is a multi-religious country, the roots of which can be traced to its strategic location; after its declaration as a port, a wide variety of nationalities and ethnicities from places as far as Arabia immigrated to Singapore.

Singapore provides you an environment where ethnic diversity is stimulated. Singapore has several distinct ethnic neighborhoods, including Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore has always had a strong connection to the sea. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. Singaporean culture is best described as a melting pot of mainly Chinese, British, Malay, Indian cultures; A reflection of its immigrant history. The place is a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled. Behind the facade of a modern city, these ethnic races are still evident.

Singapore Climate

The main features of Singapore climate are relatively uniform temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall due to the maritime exposure of the island and its close proximity to the equator. Rain, falling all year round, is the most abundant from November, the end of the inter-monsoon to January, the first half of the Northeast Monsoon. The annual rainfall is 2352 mm. Thunderstorms are frequent during the inter-monsoon months of April-May and October-November. February is usually the sunniest month.