STUDY IN SINGAPORE
ABOUT SINGAPORE:
Singapore is coming up as one of the favorite destination for education abroad in recent years. Singapore officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator. A main island with 63 surrounding islets this tiny country has a total land area of 682 sq km. Singapore today has many numbers of top international institutes who have setup their Asian campuses in the country. The country’s strategic location, hi-tech facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions has seen it becoming a leading destination for both business and pleasure in recent years. There are four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
EDUCATION:
Singapore places a great deal of emphasis on education. Singapore has both local and foreign universities and institutions which offer world recognized courses to students. Higher education is provided by three kinds of institutions, universities, polytechnics, and other centers of public and private training. These Universities and colleges offer various courses right from Management to Biotechnology, Mass Communication to Jewelry Design, Interior Designing; Singapore has it all.
The advantage of studying in Singapore is the cost of education is lower as compared to other countries. Universities in Singapore have several intakes through out the year. So the admissions can be taken into the intake that is convenient for the student. Institutes in Singapore usually fall under two broad categories Private and Public Schools – which adhere to national education guidelines, set by the Singapore government. They include primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, all junior colleges, the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University and the Nanyang Technological University. And, Private Schools – generally run by private companies or non-profit organizations. The main language of instruction in Singapore is English; Singapore’s education system has been described as “worlds-leading” education system.
Admissions Requirements for Singapore
The admission requirements for Singaporean Universities are not as stringent as other countries. The Universities prefer students appearing for exams like GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL. Some Universities may have their own entrance exams as well. It is not mandatory for these entrance exams but it is preferred and helps students for admissions. The minimum required qualifications for undergraduate studies are the ‘O’ levels and for Graduate studies are the ‘A’ levels. However the student needs to fulfill the criterion set up by the Universities for themselves.
However if a student wishes to go to any University based in any country other than Singapore, which has campus in Singapore, then the students has to comply with the requirements of the parent university.
Cost of Living:
Cost of living in Singapore is relatively low. Students need to plan their budget keeping in mind the following things.
- Accommodation
- Public Transport
- Food
- Utilities
- Broadband Internet Connection
- Books & Stationery
- Personal Expenses
- Medical Insurance
There are lots of concessions for international students so they can accordingly manage their budgets well.
Visa:
Student Visa in Singapore is called student pass. For acquiring student pass students should show an admissions offer for a full time course from the concerned University and adequate funds to complete education.
Work permit:
Students are not allowed to work in Singapore. Student Pass holders are not allowed to work and if caught working illegally their Visas would be canceled and they would be deported and their security bond forfeited.
Thus students now have the options of choosing a study destination for themselves that fulfills their academic requirements and suits their budget.