Study in Singapore 2024 – The best Study abroad destination

Study in Singapore

I’ve been thinking of going to Study Abroad Singapore ever since Nas Daily made a video about how amazing it is. This small island nation is safe, easy to travel in, and has lots of job opportunities. It has a multicultural heritage and offers a fast-paced lifestyle, much like the other leading study abroad destinations. Moreover, universities in Singapore rank high in terms of research and innovation, offering life-changing opportunities and a student-friendly climate. No wonder more and more students wish to study in Singapore. And if you want to be one of them, well…you have come to the right place.

Study in Singapore for Indian students

The benefits of studying in Singapore are countless. It has a booming economy, globally-connected universities, a highly developed transportation system, and greenery all around. But let’s look at the major reasons you should concern yourself with –

Quality of life

Singapore is famous for its transformation from a third-world country to a first-world country. Today, it has become a global hub for education, entertainment, finance, and healthcare. The city offers a modern and vibrant lifestyle and has excellent opportunities for all of its residents, be it professionally or socially.

Read More: Cost of living in Singapore | A guide for International students

Standard of education

Ranked 7th in the INSEAD Global Innovation Index, Singapore maintains a high standard of teaching and learning. The universities in Singapore focus on research & innovation. They connect students with leading institutes and organizations at an early stage, offering them the practical experience and exposure they need.

Safe

Even though Singapore is a small island with a population of 5.6 million, it is known for being the safest country in the world. Singapore’s strict laws (and the way they are enforced) make sure that the country stays clean, has low crime rates, zero drug use, and no corruption. This makes it superbly easy to migrate to.

Multicultural

Singapore is influenced by many cultures, including Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian. Despite this, everyone living in Singapore can speak in English. This makes Singapore a very warm and welcoming country. No matter who you are or where you come from, you will find yourself amongst some of the most open-minded people in the world.

Travel

Because Singapore is so strategically located, you can easily travel and explore the neighboring countries at a frugal budget. Places like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia, India, and even China, are only going to be a couple of flight-hours away from you.

Immigration options

Thanks to Singapore’s ever booming economy, job opportunities are abundant. Once you graduate, you can apply for a Visit Pass, which will give you 12 months to find a job. This period is more than enough to find a suitable employer, who can then start the process for your S Pass (min. monthly salary SG$2,300) or Employment Pass (min. monthly salary SG$3,600) and help you stay back.

Top universities in Singapore

A global leader in competitiveness and innovation, Singapore is home to several universities, polytechnic institutions, and Institutes of Technical Education. It has 34 universities, out of which six are national, and two are renowned for the world-class education they offer.

1. NUS – National University of Singapore
2. NTU – Nanyang Technological University
3. SMU – Singapore Management University
4. SIT – Singapore Institute of Technology
5. SUTD – Singapore University of Technology and Design
6. SUSS – Singapore University of Social Sciences 

Each of the institutions offers a wide range of courses, making it much easier for students to specialize in their field of interest.

To know about them in detail, you can read this blog. It talks about the programs they are known for, their tuition fees, and much more.

What is the cost of studying in Singapore?

While your tuition fee will vary depending on which university and program you choose, the average tuition for studying in Singapore is 35,150 SGD (Singapore Dollar) per year.

As for the range-

• Undergraduate tuition: 18,000 to 50,000 SGD
• Graduate tuition: 27,000 to 60,000 SGD

Graduate courses in medicine, however, can cost higher and may charge close to 70,000 SGD per year.

Your cost of living in Singapore, on the other hand, will range from 10,000 to 15,000 SGD. The exact amount will depend on your location and the type of accommodation you choose.

You can offset these expenses by working part-time during the semester and full-time on holidays. Since the universities in Singapore have tie-ups with leading organizations in every field, you can also gain relevant experience as you work.

Moreover, you will find several scholarships and funding opportunities available for international students in Singapore.

Are there any admission requirements?

Once you’ve shortlisted the universities you want to apply to, you will have to go through their websites and find out the admission requirements. However, a few requirements are common across programs and universities.

For an undergraduate course in Singapore, you will need to provide-

• A high school diploma
• Proof of language proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE)

For students pursuing a postgraduate degree, the universities will ask for –

• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• CV
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE)
• Standard test scores (GRE or GMAT)
• Portfolio (for subjects like fine arts, architecture, etc.)

Start preparing these documents 6 months before you have to apply. After you submit your application, it is time to wait. If shortlisted, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which you can then use to apply for a visa and study in Singapore!

How can I get a visa to study in Singapore?

The visa application process for Singapore is very different. Here, when you are admitted, the university sends you a student visa along with the acceptance letter itself!

Once you get this, all you have to do is apply for a Student Pass. It is mandatory that you do this within 2 weeks of receiving your visa, but only between one to two months before the start date of your course in Singapore. To apply, head to the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration System (SOLAR) website.

Once you have logged in using the details provided to you by the university, fill in and submit the e-Form 16 and pay 30 SGD. After this, you will be provided with a disembarkation/embarkation card, which will get you an entry into Singapore.

You will have to complete the rest of the process after you have arrived in the country. Make an appointment with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), pay 60 SGD, and collect the following documents-

• A passport-sized picture of you
• A printout of e-Form 16, completed and signed
• Your in-principle approval
• Recent medical report

After this, you will receive your Student Pass. Using it, you can work full-time for 16 hours a week during your term and full-time on holidays.

What are the possible job opportunities?

One option is applying for the Tuition Grant Scheme offered by Singapore’s government. This will cover your tuition fees and, in return, make you sign a bond in which you will commit to working at a Singapore-registered company for three years after your graduation. 

And if you don’t get the grant, you can start looking for a job yourself. Since the economy of Singapore is ever-growing, you will find jobs in several sectors, including Manufacturing, Construction, Tourism, Healthcare, Retail, Finance, Communications, and Media. All you have to do is head to the Career Services section of your university website and apply!

5 cool facts about studying in Singapore

1. The tallest indoor waterfall in the world is located in Singapore, at Gardens by the Bay.
2. Every day, 2 new restaurants open up in Singapore.
3. Singapore is not a one-island nation. It comprises 63 different, small islands.
4. You can enjoy free movie screening 24×7 at Changi Airport. Head to Terminal 4 for 4D movies.
5. According to the World Bank, Singapore is the easiest place across the globe to do business.

Interesting, right? So? Did you decide if you would like to study in Singapore?

Let US know in the comments section.