Study in Singapore

Singapore’s university education aspires to prepare students for advanced innovation, unchartered markets, and unforeseen challenges to help them compete and carve a niche in the present era of technical expertise. Singapore’s education has been world-renowned for its quality and is now identified itself as the education hub of Asia. It has become a highly sought after destination for higher education, especially in the areas of Engineering, Pure Sciences, and Management. The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are ranked among the top 15 universities in the world.

Understanding Education in Singapore

Every year, an interesting mix of students from all over the world make their way to Singapore to partake in world-class educational programs at all levels. School and tuition fees in Singapore are competitive. In addition, the top American and European institutions that have programs in Singapore offer Asian students the chance to gain a good degree at a cost of living substantially lower than that in America and Europe.

The type of institution you will study at in Singapore depends on your area of study and desired qualifications. Singapore’s higher education institutions consist of Universities, Polytechnics, Institute of Technical Education and other independent educational institutions.

Institute of Technical Education

Study areas include applied sciences, business, design and media, electronics and information communications technology, engineering and hospitality. Students may choose between full or part-time educational or traineeship courses.

Polytechnics:

They provide training for specific skills directly geared toward the workplace. Programs offered are practice-oriented and are available at diploma and degree levels. They help provide continuing professional development and post-employment professional education services.

University

Singapore has many universities that are publicly funded, private, national, and branch campuses of foreign tertiary institutions. Students can undertake courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across most general fields of study.

A typical Bachelor’s Degree in Singapore takes about three-four years for full-time students.  A typical full-time Master’s degree is one-two year in length, whilst a Ph.D. may take between two-five years to complete.

Life in Singapore

Singapore has repeatedly been ranked the world’s most globalized country. The country is a melting pot of cultures and attracts talent from all over the world. With more than 85,000 global students from over 120 countries, a student will have unparalleled opportunities to network with future thought leaders, upcoming industry stalwarts, and business and technical mavericks from all parts of the world.

The Teaching style in Singapore is systematic, application-oriented and based on academic traditions from both East and West. Examinations are central to education and students are encouraged to understand what they are learning and the purpose behind them, so are equipped with real-world application of class content. University culture is generally competitive and students often conduct independent research in addition to set coursework as a means of maintaining high academic standards.

The Admissions process in Singapore

You can apply directly to the chosen institution through an online application. However, there may be limitations on how many courses you can apply for at any given institution. Contact your AEC counselor for specific details.

    • Standardized Tests
    • University/Course Selection
    • Document Preparation – Including SOP, Letter of Recommendation and work experience certificates
    • Application Review and Submission
    • Interview Preparation
    • Visa Counselling
    • Pre-Departure Bookings and Information
    • Arrival in Singapore and Acclimatization

ELIGIBILITY EXAMS FOR SINGAPORE

Competitive Examination:

Students seeking admission to Singapore universities are required to take an entrance competitive examination, conducted and evaluated by the university.

GMAT:

Students seeking admissions to MBA or Postgraduate and Doctoral courses in management-related subjects are required to appear and score well in the Graduate Management Admission Test.

IELTS/TOEFL:

Students who’ve not had English as a medium of education are required to take the IELTS/TOEFL English proficiency exam. The minimum score requirement can be inquired from the university.

For more information on registering for the IELTS and the GMAT, please visit:

https://www.ielts.org/ and http://www.mba.com

WORK AND STUDY IN SINGAPORE

Any International student wishing to pursue full-time studies in Singapore in an institution that is registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE); or has obtained approval from the Commissioner, ICA to accept international students, is required to apply for a Student’s Pass. Student Pass holders are allowed to work for a maximum of 16 hours a week. Part-time jobs can be held during vacation and term time.

If you intend to look for employment after your graduation you must make sure your student pass does not expire. You may then apply for a social visit pass at the Singapore Immigration & Registration approximately 2 weeks before your Student Pass expires.

SINGAPORE STUDENT PASS / VISA INFORMATION

All foreign students accepted into a full-time study program in a Singapore Institute of Higher Learning must apply for a Student Pass online through the SOLAR+ system. Some students will need a visa to enter the country as well as a Student Pass. Once you complete the forms for Student Pass in the online application system, your host institution will lodge your application to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). If your application is successful, you’ll need to complete the formality of going to an ICA office and collecting your Student Pass in person.

Documents required to collect Student Pass

  • A valid passport and a photocopy of the passport photo page
  • The Disembarkation/Embarkation card granted upon entry into Singapore
  • One recent colour, passport-sized photograph taken against a white background
  • A printout of the eForm 16 submitted through SOLAR that has been signed by you
  • A photocopy of your IPA
  • A medical report no older than three months
  • Relevant fees

Visa Procedure

You should take with you the following documents to apply for a student visa:

  • 2 copies of Form 16, V103, form V39S and form V39Q must be duly completed and signed by the applicant, local sponsor and school at the relevant sections. [The first set of forms must be original. The second set may be photocopies of the original set]
  • 2 recent passport-sized photographs (color/black & white) must be pasted on the top right-hand corner of Form 16
  • The original and a photocopy of the applicant’s official birth certificate
  • A photocopy of the applicant’s travel document pages showing his/her full particulars and travel document date of expiry if he/she is not in Singapore
  • The local sponsor’s identity card
  • An original copy of a letter of acceptance from the school addressed to the ICA that was issued not more than 1 month from the date of applying for a student pass.