Singapore

Hub for Educational Excellence - Singapore, a Global Schoolhouse 

Over the years, Singapore has evolved from its traditional British-based education system to one that endeavours to meet the needs of individuals and seeks to nurture talents. 

The strength of Singapore's Education system lies in its bilingual policy (English with Malay/Mandarin/Tamil) and a broad-based curriculum where innovation and entrepreneurship command a premium. Individuals acquire the relevant skills and abilities to survive in competitive environments, equipped for a brighter future. 

At the tertiary level, in addition to boasting 3 locally grown universities, Singapore has attracted 10 world-class institutions with strong industry links to set up centres of excellence in education and research. Among them are respected names such as the leading French university - INSEAD, the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and leading US business schools such as University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. 

Even after graduating into the workforce, there are numerous opportunities for further training. Professional and skills-based training are offered and popularly subscribed to. It is not uncommon to see the likes of seminars by management gurus like Michael Porter or lectures by visiting dignitaries. 

The presence of such an international mix of institutions, a high quality and rigorous education system, and a nation that believes in investing in education, will together offer students here and all over the world, an enriching and fulfilling learning journey. 

Private Institutes 

Graduate Degrees: The Private Institutes offers degree in partnership with popular universities from countries such as United states, the United Kingdom and Australia. These universities confer the degree and certification. Hence, private institutes provide students with the opportunity to attain qualifications from these foreign universities whilst studying in Singapore’s affordable and comfortable environment. For Postgraduate studies in Private Institutes admission requirements vary from programme to programme. The duration for Master in private institutes may range from 12 months to 16 months. The GMAT, GRE Scores are optional for admission. 

Bachelor’s Degree: The Private Institutes offer bachelor’s degree programmes in almost every subject. The duration of the bachelor’s course is 3 to 4 years. The admission requirements vary from programme to programme. The SAT, TOEFL and IELTS are not compulsory for admission. The students completed their 12th or 11th Std. or equivalent to Singapore A level can apply for the bachelor’s degree in Private institutes. 

Public Universities 

Graduate Degrees: There are three main types of challenging graduate programmes in the Public Universities: Doctoral (Ph.D.), Masters' and the Graduate diploma. 

Doctoral: All doctoral programmes are primarily research based. Duration may range from 3 years to 5 years. Students can take admission for PhD course after completion of their master's degree. PhD students need to submit a research proposal. Students need to appear for GRE/GMAT & TOEFL/IELTS exams for admissions. 

Masters: Master’s degree programmes are primarily designed to prepare students for practice of profession. The duration of graduate courses may range from one year to two years depending upon the university. The various Master’s degree are MA, MS, MBA, MFA etc. Generally, an applicant should have at least a good bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience. 

Graduate Diploma: Is offered as a terminal qualification and provides limited professional training in a specific niche. The Graduate diploma is often favoured by those students who seek additional exposure to an area of interest. It is one-year full time course of study for graduates. 

Government Polytechnics in Singapore 

Polytechnics in Singapore provide three-years diploma courses and accept students based on their GCE O-level, GCE A-level or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) results. Most Polytechnic graduates will continue their bachelor's degree education with advanced standing options depending on the universities and courses they applied to with their Diploma. Students that have completed class 10 or 12 in India, are also eligible to apply for polytechnic courses. 

A Polytechnics education is a popular route in Singapore for student inclined towards practice-oriented studies at the diploma level. They offer a wide range of courses such as Engineering, Business Studies, Mass Communication, Design, and Info-Communications. Specialized courses such as Optometry, Marine Engineering, Nautical Studies, Nursing, Early Childhood Education and Film are also available for those who wish to follow a specific career path.

Intakes 

There are various intakes available at universities in Singapore. The popular universities like National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU) have two intakes for postgraduates, i.e., August and January. However, undergraduate students have a single intake period, i.e., August. 

Other private institutes and other foreign leading universities have intakes every quarter. This makes it easier for students to apply at those universities as they will not miss out any deadlines. 

Some institutions in Singapore have intakes every month for specific programmes, such as Hospitality and Tourism. 

Documents Required

• All relevant academic mark sheets, transcripts, consolidated marksheet, provisional & Degree

• English proficiency test Score card- IELTS or TOEFL

• Statement of purpose

• Two Letter of Recommendations

• Updated CV with Education years & marks

• Extra-curricular certificates & language certification (German, French etc)

• Relevant work experience

• Passport copy

• Photograph

The cost of education in Singapore is linked to the level of study and varies depending on the courseware and the University. The average cost of study is as mentioned below. 

• Diplomas (1-2 years) – Approximately S$ 8,000 – 15,000 
• Bachelors (2-4 years) - Approximately S$ 24,000 – 40,000 
• Masters (1-1.5 years) - Approximately S$ 18,000 – 30,000 

An MBA programme at a private university in Singapore will cost nearly S$ 22,000–35,000 whereas the same programme at a government or any satellite campus (foreign leading university) may cost nearly about S$ 65,000–75,000.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are open to international students. Selection is usually based on academic merit, leadership, and co-curricular records. Scholarships available to Indian students include the SIA-NOL Scholarship and Youth Scholarship. 

The Ministry of Education (MOE) also provides tuition grants to student enrolled at local universities and polytechnics. International students who avail of the tuition grants are required to work for three years upon graduation, either in a Singapore-registered company or institute overseas. 

Numerous financial assistance schemes are also available to students.

Living & Other expenses 

Singapore offers a high, yet affordable, quality of life. The cost of living in Singapore is significantly lower than that of developed countries such as Australia, UK, and USA. An international student in Singapore spends on average about SGD 750 to SGD 2,000 a month on living expenses, including accommodation, utilities, food, transport, clothing, telecommunications, books, medical and personal expenses (These estimates serve as reference only).

Accommodation 

There is a wide variety of accommodation in Singapore to suit different budgets and needs. Student should make arrangements before their arrival. Temporary accommodation can be arranged giving student more time to settle. Student can seek the help of the International Student Officer available at most institutes. Some of the housing option available include residence halls, private hostel, homestays, public and private apartments/ house. 

• The cost for Hostel students may vary from S$ 150 - 800, other living locations may go up to S$ 1000 depending on the locality.

• Transport cost will be approx. S$ 500 per, however it may cost low if you have a pass.

• Utilities may cost up to S$ 40 - 100

• For an Indian student living in Singapore, average living expenses inclusive of accommodation, food, transport, entertainment etc.  will be approx. $2000-12000 per month.

To apply for a Singapore student visa, you'll need to have an offer letter from a higher educational institution in Singapore. Students who have the offer or acceptance letter can apply for a student pass which is required to be eligible to stay in Singapore during their course duration. 

You can get the Student Pass Application from the Immigration Checkpoint Authority (ICA) of the Government of Singapore. But to get an S pass, the university that you have chosen to study at must register you on the online portal Student Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR). The student pass is generally valid for the duration of the course and the university that the students choose to study in might sometimes apply on behalf of the student for his/her S pass. 

Applicants are advised to submit their student pass applications at least 2 months before class start date. You may visit the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website http://www.ica.gov.sg  for more related information. 

Documents Required

• All academic documents attested and notarized.

• Passport copy of at least 6 months validity

• acceptance form that comes with the COL

• Passport size photograph (against a white background)

• Financial documents (including Form 16, Form 36, IT Returns, Parents salary slip, Employment Letter, etc)

• Financial Documents as per the Immigration department’s requirement

• English proficiency test scores

Applicants are not required to be present in Singapore while their applications are being considered. Hence, applicants are advised to apply for a Student’s Pass before arriving in Singapore as no extension of stay will be granted while the applications are under processing. 

Applicants are advised to enter Singapore to complete the formalities for the issuance of a Student’s Pass only after their applications have been approved. They will be issued with Student’s Passes within one month from the course commencement date.

Please note Institutions that are not listed under SOLAR+ will intimidate the students about the immigration requirements once the students receive offer letters from them. 

For more information you can meet the Visa Counsellor at ACHIVIA.

Part-time work options are not available for students who are studying at private universities. But with government universities and polytechnics, 16 hours per week of part-time work options are available for international students. However, students willing to work part time while studying in Singapore must enquire with their universities for approval. 

International students who graduate from Institutions in Singapore enjoy a choice of career options, with great demand for qualified individuals in talent-hungry Singapore. 

In Singapore, exciting jobs can be found in media, hospitality, hotel and catering, information technology, design, banking, engineering, nursing, telecommunications, marketing, healthcare and many more. Not surprisingly, students can use their Singapore education as a springboard to a great career both in and outside of Singapore.