Singapore has become a very popular study destination and is emerging into Asia’s most preferred education hub. The number of foreign students and local students joining both public and private universities has increased significantly. Students have to pass one or more additional tests before most universities for admission can consider them. These range from the standardized graduate and college admission tests such as GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) to English Language tests such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Universities in Singapore:
- Public Universities – These universities are majorly funded by the Ministry of Education (MoE), also majority of scholarships administered by the ministry are for the students of these universities. Few of them are: National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University
- Polytechnic Institutes –Polytechnics were set up with the mission to train professionals to support the technological and economic development of Singapore. Few of them are: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
- Private Schools – In Singapore, a variety of private schools offer broad range of programs, adding diversity to the country’s education landscape. There are approximately 300 private commercial, IT, fine arts and language schools in Singapore. These Private Education Institutions (PEIs) offer courses with strong demand from local and international students. Few of them are: University of London, University of Birmingham and University of Buffalo, New York
- Leading Universities – Owing to its unique geographical position and potential as the hub of education in South East Asia, Many foreign Universities have established their campuses in Singapore. Few of them are: INSEAD and SP Jain Centre of Management.
Singapore offers high probability of in-country employment to international students, after graduation.
Cost of studying in Singapore:
For international students, the cost of studying in Singapore could be between SGD 2,000 and 12,000. However, most of the universities offer financial aid for international students. Living expenses could be SGD 10,000 inclusive of stay, transport and food. The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides financial aid to international students studying in Singapore. Singapore seems to be a preferred place for Indian students as it is counted among the top educational destinations in the world.
Why Singapore Should be Chosen as Higher Education Destination by Indian Students:
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Excellent education system
Singapore has 30+ international schools that follow the foreign education system for children of expatriates. The 5 autonomous universities of Singapore are ranked well globally and all other private institutes of higher education (PEIs) are regulated by the Council for Private Education (CPE.)
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Cheaper than UK/ USA/ Australia
The best thing about studying in Singapore is its proximity to India which reduces the expenses incurred in this country as compared to major destinations like USA, UK, Canada or Australia. You can balance out your costs if you plan your expenses wisely (for e.g. use public transport which is quite extensive & affordable there.)
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No language barrier – English spoken widely
Indian students studying in Singapore will not face any problem feeling at home as English widely spoken here and majority of Singaporeans can understand English. Even though the national language of Singapore is Malay, the 4 official languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil & English, thanks to the multi-racial nature of Singapore. Students won’t have any difficulty communicating as English is the main language of business & administration.
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Clean, green and safe country
Thanks to very strict anti-litter policies (a fine of SGD 1000 if you litter for the first time and a fine of SGD 5000 if you repeat the offence!), Singapore is a very spick and span island state and has also earned the nickname of “fine city“! And despite being a completely urbanized state, Singapore is the greenest city in Asia, with its green cover increasing from 36% in the eighties to 47% in 2016 (Centre for Liveable cities.)
The crime rates are low, the streets are safe – even late in the night.
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Multicultural Society
You will not feel alienated in this country as you will see a lot of Indian and Asian faces in Singapore. Singapore’s multicultural society is composed of four major ethnic groups: the Chinese, Malays, Indians and smaller minority groups. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living here. Singapore’s principal religions are Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.
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Home to many foreign universities
Singapore’s increasing popularity as a business & education hub has attracted a lot of foreign universities of repute to set up their campuses here. S.P. Jain School of Global Management, ESSEC Business School, Queen Margaret University are a few foreign players who have set up base in this country.
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A Leading Global Business Hub
Ranked by the World Bank in 2016 as the easiest country to do business with, Singapore continues to attract investors and companies thanks to its “business-friendly” nature. It is no wonder that most multinational corporate giants of the world have their presence in Singapore as well. In short, there won’t be any dearth of jobs in this country, which is quite a good reason for students to consider pursuing their higher education in Singapore
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A Degree from Singapore is valued by employers globally
The National University of Singapore (NUS) ranks 17th, the Nanyang Technological University ranks 117th on the Global Employability University Ranking 2015 indicating that degrees from well-known institutes of Singapore are recognized globally by employers.
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Numerous scholarship opportunities
Even though the country may seem a tad too expensive to Indian students, the good news is that there are many scholarships on offer to help you manage your studies without burning a hole in your pockets!
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Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS)
This scheme was introduced by the Singapore government for all international (non-Singaporean) students as a way to make the cost of tuition affordable. If you’re an international student pursuing a full-time undergraduate/ diploma course, the government would subsidize (reduce) your course fee, if you sign an agreement where you commit to work in Singapore for at least 3 years after graduation. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it?
(Edvantage Point is India’s go-to platform for education-related products and services. We facilitate online admissions and recruitment services for schools, offer career advice and counselling services for students.)
