Study in Singapore – Highlights
Singapore’s education system is renowned for its academic excellence, inclusivity, and focus on STEM subjects. According to the TIMSS 2019 Results, Singapore’s Primary 4 (P4) and Secondary 2 (S2) students consistently excel in Mathematics and Science by international standards. In an OECD Study, 15-year-olds in Singapore ranked top in mathematics, science, and reading. In the latest assessment conducted in 2022, involving 690,000 students across 81 participating countries and economies, Singapore ranked top in all three areas: mathematics, reading, and science.
Singapore consistently has one of the highest proportions of students attaining the top two international benchmarks (“Advanced” and “High”) in both Mathematics and Science. At least 7 in 10 students achieve these top benchmarks, showcasing their ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and reasoning skills to solve complex problems.
Core Facts About Singapore
Education in Singapore
University / College Stats
Why Study in Singapore?
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Singapore is home to top-ranked universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University, offering high-quality education and international exposure.
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The multicultural environment in Singapore provides students with a global education experience, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and fostering international learning opportunities.
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Singapore's strong economy and status as a financial hub create ample job opportunities for students, especially in management studies, aligning with the country's reputation as a global business centre.
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The Ministry of Education in Singapore provides scholarships and financial aid to international students, making studying in Singapore more accessible and affordable.
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Singapore is recognized as one of the safest cities globally, offering a secure and conducive environment for students to focus on their studies and personal growth.
Universities and Courses
Top Universities in Singapore
S.NO |
University |
QS World University Ranking 2024 |
|
1 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Top 10 |
|
2 |
University of Cambridge |
Top 20 |
|
3 |
University of Oxford |
Top 30 |
|
4 |
Harvard University |
Top 40 |
|
5 |
Stanford University |
Top 50 |
|
6 |
Imperial College London |
Top 60 |
|
7 |
ETH Zurich |
Top 70 |
|
8 |
National University of Singapore (NUS) |
Top 80 |
|
9 |
University College London (UCL) |
Top 90 |
|
10 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) |
Top 100 |
Popular Courses in Singapore
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Business and Management: MBA and Executive MBA programs in Singapore are highly sought after, with specializations available in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
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Information Technology and Computer Science: Courses in cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and software development are in high demand in Singapore.
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Engineering: Singapore offers specializations in civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, catering to the needs of its advanced infrastructure and industries.
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Healthcare and Medicine: Programs in nursing, medicine (MBBS), pharmacy, and public health are popular in Singapore, reflecting its world-class healthcare system.
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Hospitality and Tourism Management: Hotel management, tourism studies, and event management courses are well-regarded in Singapore, a global tourism hub.
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Finance and Accounting: Courses in banking, financial analysis, auditing, and risk management are highly regarded, given Singapore's status as a financial center.
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Law: Singapore offers comprehensive legal studies, including LLB (Bachelor of Laws), LLM (Master of Laws), and specialized legal courses.
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Design and Architecture: Interior design, fashion design, urban planning, and architectural studies are popular in Singapore, known for its innovative design landscape.
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Media and Communications: Courses in journalism, digital media, public relations, and mass communication are in demand in Singapore's dynamic media environment.
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Education: Programs in educational leadership, curriculum development, and special education are essential in Singapore, which is renowned for its educational excellence.
Singapore Intakes
In Singapore, universities and colleges typically have two main intakes for admissions. The first intake is in January or February. The application period for this intake usually runs from August to November, with the semester starting in January or February. This intake is common for many undergraduate and postgraduate programs, providing an opportunity for students who prefer to begin their studies at the start of the calendar year.
The second main intake is in August. The application period for this intake generally runs from January to April, with the semester commencing in August. This is the primary intake for most institutions in Singapore, offering a wide range of courses and programs. This period aligns well with the academic calendar of many international students, making it a popular choice.
Some institutions may also offer additional intakes, such as in May or October, particularly for specific programs or shorter courses.
Cost of Studying in Singapore for Indian Students
Cost of Visa Application |
When to Apply |
Visa Processing Time |
|
- Varies depending on visa type and nationality |
- Up to 3 months before the planned trip |
- 2-4 weeks on average |
|
- For Indian students, the visa application fee is around SGD 30-60 |
- New students: Up to 6 months before start date |
- Up to 4 weeks to assess the application |
|
|
- Continuing students: Any time while enrolled |
- In exceptional cases, up to 8 weeks |
Scholarships for Indian Students in Singapore
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Coverage |
|
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) |
Pursuing PhD in science and engineering at top Singapore universities |
Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, settling-in allowance |
|
Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) |
Final year undergraduates or graduates, research in biomedical, science and engineering |
SGD 1500 monthly stipend for 2-6 month research attachment |
|
SIA Youth Scholarship |
Class 10 students scoring 85%+, English as first language |
School fees, exam fees, insurance, airfare, monthly stipend, accommodation |
|
GIIS Singapore Global Citizen Scholarship |
Class 10 students |
Up to SGD 90,000 financial assistance |
|
INSEAD Syngenta Endowed Scholarship |
Admission to INSEAD MBA program |
Varies |
|
Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (NUS) |
Asian students, strong academics and leadership |
Full tuition, living expenses, travel for NUS undergraduate programs |
|
Nanyang Scholarship (NTU) |
Outstanding international students, NTU undergraduate or postgraduate |
Tuition, living allowance, other expenses |
|
Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship |
Outstanding international students admitted to NUS or NTU undergraduate |
Varies |
|
Singapore Government Scholarship |
International students, undergraduate or postgraduate in Singapore |
Tuition, living allowance, airfare |
Student Visa in Singapore
Cost of Visa Application |
When to Apply |
Visa Processing Time |
|
INR 1800 (processing fee) |
Up to 30 days prior to arrival in Singapore |
3 working days |
Documents Required for Visa Application
The documents required for a visa application based on the provided sources are as follows:
1. Travel Visa (B-1/B-2 Visa for the U.S.):
- Intended travel itinerary for the U.S. trip
- Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc)
- Proof of strong ties to your home country (employment verification, school enrollment, property ownership, etc)
- National ID number issued by your home country (if applicable)
- Recent digital photograph meeting U.S. government guidelines
2. Employment Visa:
- Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least 3 blank visa pages
- Photocopy of the data page of the passport
- Two passport size photographs (2X2 inch)
- Indian Government visa application form duly filled online
- Original employment contract stamped and signed by the Indian company
- Certificate of incorporation of the Indian company or Registration Certificate of the NGO
- Employment visa proforma filled in English
- Undertaking on the company letterhead stating no Indian national has the skills/expertise required
- CV in English
- Photocopies of diplomas or professional certificates in French or English
3. Entry Visa:
- Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least 3 blank visa pages
- Photocopy of the data page of the passport
- Two passport-size photographs (2X2 inch)
- Indian Government visa application form duly filled online
- Additional documents specific to the applicant's nationality, origin, and purpose of visit
4. Student Visa:
- Current passport or valid travel documentation
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the course provider
- Proof of financial capability to support oneself and pay for the course
- Valid ATAS certificate if required
- Parental consent for applicants under 18
- Tuberculosis test results
- Written consent from financial sponsor if sponsored in the last 12 months
Required Entrance Exams to Study in Singapore
The required entrance exams for studying in Singapore, based on the provided sources, are as follows:
1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination):
- Verbal Reasoning Score: 320
- Quantitative Reasoning Score: 320
- Analytical Writing Score: 3.5
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
- TOEFL iBT Score: 90-100
- TOEFL PBT Score: 600 and above
3. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
- Overall Score: 6.5 or above
Work Opportunities in Singapore
Job Role |
Salary (approx) |
|
Operations Manager |
S$19k - S$124k |
|
Marketing Executive |
S$4k - S$49k |
|
Software Engineer |
Varies |
|
Project Manager |
Varies |
|
Business Development - Strategic Sourcing & Procurement |
SGD 50,000 to SGD 110,000 per yea |
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