Study in Singapore

Why study in Singapore?

Singapore 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. With limited natural resources, the success of Singapore is based on its population's entrepreneurial capabilities and drive to succeed.
In 2005, Singapore was host to over 70,000 international students. The Singaporean Government is committed to see international education grow, and by 2015 plans to attract 150,000 students. The combination of Asian schooling and Western-style practices has made Singapore an educational hub in Asia, and a number of international institutions, such as INSEAD, MIT, University of Chicago amongst other top-ranked global universities, have created satellite campuses there to serve as a launch pad for their entrance into Asia.

Higher education in Singapore

Singapore has several different levels of higher education: institutes of technical education, polytechnics, universities and private institutions.

Institute of Technical Education

The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) provides two-year courses which lead to a National ITE Certificate. There are three ITE colleges in the country with 12 different locations. Courses offered include business studies, engineering, communications and technology as well as beauty and wellness, creative media and hospitality.

Polytechnics

Polytechnics provide three-year diploma courses, which can lead to university studies. There are five polytechnics in Singapore:

• Nanyang Polytechnic
• Ngee Ann Polytechnic
• Republic Polytechnic
• Singapore Polytechnic
• Temasek Polytechnic

Universities

Singapore has three local universities: two are publicly funded and one is private. Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore are public universities and have over 20,000 students, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and established research facilities.Singapore Management University is a publicly funded private university whose curriculum focuses on business and management courses.
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. These campuses or partnerships offer students from both Singapore and the region to follow an international course at a fraction of the cost of moving further away to a country with a higher cost of living.

Private institutions

Finally, there are numerous private institutions which operate autonomously and include two arts institutions and more than 300 private commercial, IT, fine arts and language schools. Two quality-assurance bodies in Singapore ensure that private institutions meet student welfare and regulatory standards: the CaseTrust for Education and Singapore Quality Class for Private Education Organizations (SQC-PEO).

Academic calendar

The standard university academic calendar in Singapore is divided into two semesters. The first semester usually starts mid-August and lasts until the beginning of December. The second semester starts mid-January until the end of April.

Graduate vs. postgraduate

In the US, the term 'graduate' is used for master's and PhD studies. This is the equivalent of 'postgraduate', which is used in the UK. Universities in Singapore may use either graduate or postgraduate for studies at master's and doctorate level.

Requirements for Bachelor's Program A.      Academic 1. At least 12 years of education (HSC equivalent). B. Language Proficiency Most Universities are required: 1. TOEFL iBT score 79 to 80 or 2. IELTS 6.0 or more or C. Course Length 1. Bachelor's Degree: Normally requires 3 to 5 years of full-time study. Requirements for Master's Program A. Academic 1. You must have had 15 years of education. B. Language Proficiency Most Universities are required: 1. TOEFL iBT score 79 to 80 or 2. IELTS 6.0 or more or C. Other Test 1. GRE score is required if you are applying for the Engineering, Communication & Information Studies, Economics, Psychology, Sociology and science disciplines. 2. GMAT score is required if you are applying for the Business/Accountancy disciplines. D. Course Length 1. Master's Degree: Normally requires 1 to 3 years of full-time study. 2. Doctoral Degree: Normally requires 2 to 5 years of full-time study.

 

STUDENT VISA PROCESS

Process to obtain Singaporean Student Visa for international students

To acquire an extension, the immigration authorities in Singapore should be contacted. The price of the extension is subject to the immigration officer’s discretion.

Documents Required
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of departure required by all.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission or Embassy).

Application requirements:

1. Valid passport.
2. Valid travel documents including an onward or return ticket.
3. Sufficient funds.
4. Two passport-size photos.
5. Form or letter from college/university in Singapore.
6. Three completed application forms.
7. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if passing through or coming from an endemic zone within 6 days of arriving in Singapore.
8. Local sponsor’s ID card, with photocopy, except for those in Institutes of Higher Learning.
9. Birth certificate.
10. Certified copies of highest educational certificates and results.

Cost of a visa
Visa, Social Visit Pass (short-or long-term; S$20), Professional Visit Pass, Student Pass and Transit. Application packs with instructions and prevailing visa costs at the time of application are obtainable from the High Commission.

 

FINANCIAL AIDS

Scholarships and Financial aid available for International Students in Singapore

To support your studies in Singapore many grants and scholarships are available from different organizations. These grants and scholarships can support you financially. Some of the grants and scholarships are:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) DUO FELLOWSHIP
This fellowship is offered by Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs once a year. It is meant for students applying for exchange with partner universities in ASEM countries. For a list of countries and more information, please refer to www.mfa.gov.sg Please take note that Norway and Switzerland are not ASEM member countries.

The SMU DUO application is ONCE a year and will be open on 15 January 2005 and close on 13 March 2005 for both incoming and outgoing students.

You can download your application form from http://www.mfa.gov.sg/duo/. Please submit your application personally or by airmail to SMU Office of International Relations (OIR) by the deadline. All SMU outgoing applicants need to show your original certificates for verification by OIR when you apply.

You will be notified of the application result at the end of May or early June. If you are successful in your application, DUO Fellowship will be credited into your account in two sums, one before you start your exchange studies and another during your exchange studies in a host country. The details of which will be stated in the letter sent by MFA in June.

Application Check List
You will need following documents to apply for this fellowship:

1. DUO-Singapore Exchange Fellowship Award Application Form (available at http://www.mfa.gov.sg/duo/)
2. Short essay of no more than 500 words about your interest in this award
3. Certified copies of your educational certificates
4. Your latest university academic transcript
5. Certified copies of academic and financial awards in the last 3 years
6. Certified copies of your immediate family members’ latest Notice of Assessment from Singapore Inland Revenue Authority (for SMU outgoing students only). You can also submit your family member's pay slip or CPF statement as other supporting documents, but they should not serve as replacement for Notice of Assessment.
7. Certified copies co-curricular activities if any
8. Passport or IC copies

City University Hong Kong Financial Aid
HK$5,000 (Approx. S$1,000) is awarded base on financial needs.

Citibank Study Abroad Loan
The Citibank Study Abroad Loan with a quantum of up to S$10,000 is available to full-time SMU undergraduates. The loan is interest-bearing. However, during the student's course of study with SMU, interest will be paid by SMU. Repayment of the loan can be made by equal monthly installments one month after graduation date. Please click here for application form, eligibility criteria and further details.

Deloitte & Touche International Exchange Scholarship
Deloitte & Touche has setup an Exchange Scholarship Fund to assist needy local full-time BAcc students to fulfill their wishes of participating in an exchange programme overseas. Three scholarships are awarded annually, each valued at S$4,000.

Other Overseas (Non-Exchange) Programme Financial Aid
Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Singapore Foundation Scholarship
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI) Singapore Foundation offers a one-year, fully sponsored, no-bond scholarship to Waseda University for a year. For more information and application form, please visit http://www.jcci.org.sg/.

LIVING COST IN SINGAPORE

Living Cost for International Students in Singapore

·         Online bachelor degree

·         Online degree programs

In Singapore, monthly expenses for international student is estimated to be around Singaporean Dollar S$875-S$1450 excluding universities or colleges charges.

In a month students will need around S$225-S$400 for their meals which will be available in the university canteen and food centers. For accommodation, students will have to spend around S$ 225-S$400.

For traveling from one place to another in vehicle, it will cost around S$100-S$150 (it is for a locally used transportation services only).

The optional expenses for stationery, toiletries, laundry, recreation, etc will be S$300-S$500.