Singapore is a leading country when it comes to higher education abroad in any discipline per se. Not only does it have better educational standards, but also a diverse student and working community. Consequently, it is one of the top multicultural commercial hubs in Asia. Nonetheless, Singapore is extremely affordable when it comes to tuition and living expenses despite superior infrastructure. It is thus a preferred destination for students and working professionals alike owing to its location, connectivity and future job opportunities across various sectors.
Top Universities in Singapore
Singapore hosts both public and private universities as well as offshore institutes with local campuses. Top universities are:
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore University of Management
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business Asia
- Technical University of Munich Asia
- Singapore Management University
- James-Cook University
- Singapore University of Technology and Design
Trending Subjects to study in Singapore
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Law
- Finance
- Medicine
- Biotechnology/Biomedical Sciences
- Architecture and Sustainable Design
Scholarships for studying in Singapore
There are several scholarships provided to international students depending on the level of study (bachelors/masters) and specializations.
- National University of Singapore Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarships
- Education Future International Scholarship
- INSEAD-Syngenta MBA Scholarships
- Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award
- SIA Youth Scholarship
- Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship
Eligibility for studying in Singapore
Bachelors Degree
A typical bachelor degree in Singapore is 3-4 years. Pre-requisites are
- High school degree or equivalent from a recognized board of examinations
- Good academic grades with a minimum of 85%
- Proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL (minimum score of 90) / IELTS (minimum score of 6)
- Certain universities require SAT score
- Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
Masters Degree
Universities in Singapore have two intakes for Masters: one in January and one in August. Pre-requisites for masters courses are:
- A 3/4 year bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3
- Any one GMAT/GRE/GATE scores depending on admission requirements of the college/university
- Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Official Transcripts
Cost of Studying
Depending on type of university, level of study and subject specializations, the tuition costs may vary. However, on a more generic scale:
- Average tuition fees for international undergraduates is $15,000 yearly.
- Average tuition fees for international graduates could be anything between $10000-$50000 yearly.
Job Opportunities in Singapore
Part-time Work
International students living in Singapore on a student visa (student pass) and registered with their respective universities/institutions (as a full-time student) are eligible to work for 16 hours per week during semester term and full-time during semester breaks. Students may earn $1000-$3000 per month. Additionally, students can keep an eye on Career Services or Work-Study Programs (or something similar) on their university websites and apply accordingly. Here are a few options to choose from:
- Freelancer
- Interpreter
- Subject Tutor
- Data-entry operator
- On-campus jobs: library, sports facilities, cafeteria, computer centers
- Working staff in restaurants/supermarkets
Post-Study Work
After completion of university studies , international students first need to apply for a work visa (Long Term Social Visit Pass LTVP) as their former student pass will not allow them to do so any further. There are a myriad of options for pass-outs to obtain employment in. The LTVP is valid for a year during which they can look out for job opportunities. Alternatively there are other possibilities too, depending on their job specializations:
- Employment Pass
- S pass
- Entre Pass
International students, during their course of study can reach out to internship programs (within or outside their campus) as a starting point to enhance future job prospects. For instance, there are several platforms for acquiring internships in the NUS: Talent Connect and Overseas College to name a few.
The economy of Singapore is (has been) flourishing at a steady state with a positive flux of global professionals. Recent reports have ranked Singapore as one of the top investment destinations by tech firms. The following industries are blooming in Singapore with a decent amount diversity in their work culture:
- Finance
- Information Communication and Digital Media
- Tourism and Retail
- Manufacturing and Construction
- Biomedicine and Healthcare
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