Singapore is an Island country located at the tip of Malay island. It may seem like a small dot on the world map, but the island state bustles all over with attractions and activities. Singapore being a safest and cleanest country has become a destination for many international students. Singapore offers a plenty bachelor’s as well as master’s degree courses in all disciplines. Singapore provides various higher education courses at much more affordable prices as compared other countries like UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Singapore is an premium education hub of Asia offering quality education in a safe, cosmopolitan environment. Singapore is a developed nation with the high standard of living. Many universities from all over the world have established their campus in Singapore. Singapore government universities like NUS/NTU/SMU are one among the top university in the world. More than 7000 Multinational Corporations (MNC) alongside 100,000 small and medium enterprises (SME) have set up their head office in Singapore. This offers you a excellent career opportunities. Singapore unemployment rate is 2% as per 2011 EST. The Singapore government regulates the private education to safe guard the interests of the international student. Singapore is one of the safest destinations in the world. The degree offered by Singapore universities are recognized globally.
Students select Singapore as their choice of further education for many reasons including:
Climate:
Singapore consists of one main island and several other surrounding islets. Singapore is characterized by a hot and humid climate. It quite naturally enjoys a tropical/equatorial climate. Singapore does not have clear cut seasons like summer, winter, spring, and autumn. Singapore usually witnesses a minimum of 23-26 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 31-34 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms occur on 40% of all days. Relative humidity is in the range of 70% – 80%. April is the warmest month, January is the coolest month and November is the wettest month.
Language:
Since its independence in 1965, Singapore has always attracted international immigrants. As a result of this Singapore possess four official languages. The four official languages in Singapore's constitution are English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. When it comes to business and politics, English is their choice of medium of communication.
Culture:
The culture of Singapore is one of the richest in the world - a fact that becomes even more impressive and fascinating when one considers the recent history and small size of the country. Singapore is a blend of cultures as diverse as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European. The country was originally divided into several ethnic areas such as Kampong Glam, Little India, and Chinatown. But now there is no such distinction but their traces still remain in specific area. The different cultures come together to live as one cohesive society. Each racial group has its own distinctive religion and there are colorful festivals of special significance all year round. Although the festivals are special to certain races, it is nonetheless enjoyed by all.
The national day parade in Singapore portrays its entire culture.
Food:
Singapore food is known as one of the global food capitals. Food is readily and easily available. You can find lot of cuisine such as Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western, Italian, Peranakan, Spanish, French, Thai and even Fusion. Dining out is a favourite pastime as is late night dining after a late movie or shopping spree. Bak Kut The, Char Kway Teow, Chilli Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hokkien 'Mee' (Noodles), Kaya Toast Breakfast, Fish Head Curry, Fried Carrot Cake, Rojak, Roti Prata, Satay are some favourite local food.
Clothing:
Due to different ethnic groups and the modern character of Singaporeans, there are many different attires acceptable. Dress is normally very casual. Western clothing is most common.As we all know Singapore is a multicultural society. Indian, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian are the major residents in Singapore. It brought many beautiful traditional costumes that are still worn, and commonly seen, throughout Singapore, especially during the festive seasons. Traditional Chinese costume is Cheongsam for men and women both. Malay’s men wear Baju Melayu and women wear Baju Kurang with the tudung and Kebaya. Indian women wear Sari or Punjabi suits (respective traditional attires) and Dhoti Kurta traditionally worn by Indian men.T-shirts and shorts or skirts are their casual attire. It is preferred to wear warm weather clothing.
Official currency:
The Singapore Dollar is the currency of Singapore and it is denoted as $.
STUDY IN SINGAPORE
Intakes to study in Singapore:
There are three public university and 33 private institutes in Singapore. Government university intake is during August and few courses have February intake also. April/September intake is for the polytechnics. Private institutions have multiple intakes(Jan/Feb/July/Aug/Sep/Oct).
Eligibility criteria:
a)Public University (NUS, NTU, SMU)
Undergraduate course:
- At least 85% score in academics
- SAT is required for NTU & SMU. NUS doesn't require SAT
- Postgraduate course:
- Min 2 years of work experience
- GMAT score for MBA
- GRE score for Ms
First class degree
(b)Private institution
- Attested copies of academic mark sheets & certificates Passport
- Duly completed application form
- Proof that the student has completed the course in English
- Application processing fee
Singapore has several different levels of higher education: institutes of technical education, polytechnics, universities and private institutions. Singapore has three local universities: two are publicly funded and one is private. There are also a number of universities from Australia, the US, Canada and Europe who have established satellite campuses in the country or partnerships with local universities. Tuition fees vary widely between institutions and courses. At NUS for the current the fees vary from S$16,700-61,100(according to the course it will vary). For undergraduate program it will vary from S$15,300-46,100(depending upon the course it will vary)
The range of tuition fees for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs in private institutions are outlined below
Undergraduate : SG $ 20000 - 30000 per year.
Postgraduate : SG $ 25000 - 35000 per year.
Estimated living expense : SGD 750 to 2000 a month.
The living expense varies according to the accommodation and the style of living.
Duration of the course:
Diploma & advanced diploma: 6 – 12 months
Bachelor programs : 2 – 3 years
Master programs : 1 – 1.5 years
Some items of expenditure illustrate the cost of living (Subjected to Change)
Meals, inexpensive restaurant : S$10.00
Cappuccino (regular) : S$5.00
Milk (1L) : S$2.80
Rice (1 kg) : S$3.00
Tomato (1 kg) : S$3.25
Water (1.5 l water bottle) : S$1.50
Monthly transportation pass (regular): S$97.00
PART TIME JOB
A work pass is not required for a foreign student who is a full-time matriculated or registered student in one of the following institutions if he/she is:
14 years of age or above; and
On vacation.
1. Australian International School
2. Canadian International School
3. Chatsworth International School
4. Digipen
5. EDHEC Risk Institute-Asia
6. ESSEC Business School (Singapore)
7. German European School Singapore
8. GIST-TUM Asia
9. Government Junior Colleges
10. Government Secondary Schools
11. Government-aided Junior Colleges
12. Government-aided Secondary Schools
13. Hollandse School
14. INSEAD, Singapore
15. Institute of Technical Education, Singapore
16. International Community School
17. ISS International School
18. Japanese School (Secondary School)
19. LaSalle College of the Arts
20. Lycee Francais De Singapour
21. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
22. Nanyang Polytechnic
23. Nanyang Technological University
24. National University of Singapore
25. New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Asia
26. Nexus International School
27. Ngee Ann Polytechnic
28. Overseas Family School
29. Republic Polytechnic
30. S P Jain School of Global Management Singapore
31. Sekolah Indonesia
32. SIM University
33. Singapore American School
34. Singapore Institute of Technology
35. Singapore Management University
36. Singapore Polytechnic
37. Singapore University of Technology and Design
38. Swiss School
39. Tanglin Trust School
40. Temasek Polytechnic
41. The American College
42. United World College of South East Asia
43. University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in Singapore
44. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Singapore)
45. Waseda Shibuya Senior High School
Other graduate students should apply for the work pass.
VISA INFORMATION
Student Pass processing will take approximately four to five weeks.
The following documents are needed to apply for student visa.
- One set of completed eForm 16 and eForm 36
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- One clear copy of your passport
- Translated and certified copy of your birth certificate
- Translated and certified copies of your academic transcripts and certificates
- Documentary proof of financial ability (showing the total amount of more than SG$30,000) in the form of bank statements.
- Supporting documents such as pay slips indicating your parents’ monthly income (as stated on Form V36)