Exams for studying in Singapore

In recent years, Singapore has become a popular study abroad destination. The city is a fusion of many different cultures, cuisines, arts, architectural styles, and has a technologically advanced way of life. In addition to having branches of over 16 prestigious international university chapters, it is also home to many top public and private universities. Moreover, studying in Singapore in 2023 offers an affordable option for students wishing to study abroad compared to other countries such as the US and UK, where tuition fees are much higher.

Indian students strongly prefer universities in Singapore due to the fact that Singapore is close to India and the majority of Singaporeans speak both English and Mandarin. Studying in Singapore is an option for international students because of the country's leading educational standards, research opportunities, and extremely high standard of living. In case you too are considering Singapore as your study abroad destination, let us explore the exams for studying in Singapore.
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Exams for studying in Singapore

English language proficiency exams

Universities in Singapore have English as the medium of instruction, so international students should prove their proficiency in this language through English language proficiency exams. However this requirement can vary from university to university or for candidates because in certain cases candidates who have done 12 years of schooling with English as the medium of instruction are exempted from this requirement.

Though an English language test may not be required for admission to certain universities, it is certainly required when you apply for a Singapore student visa. So it is a good idea to take any of the English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or the PTE in order to study in Singapore.

While you may be aware of the IELTS syllabus or the test pattern of TOEFL or the eligibility criteria for the PTE, the required score in these tests will vary based on the university and you will have to get the required score to study in a particular university in Singapore. Here are more details about the score requirements for these tests in popular universities in Singapore.

National University of Singapore

• IELTS- 6.5

• TOEFL iBT-92

• PTE Academic -62

Singapore management university

• IELTS- 6.5-7.0

• TOEFL iBT- 90-93

• PTE Academic- NA

Nanyang Technological University

• IELTS- 6.0-6.5

• TOEFL iBT- 90-100

• PTE Academic- 55

Singapore Institute of Management

• IELTS- 6.0

• TOEFL iBT-79-92

• PTE Academic- 46-57

Singapore University of Social Sciences

• IELTS- 6.5

• TOEFL iBT-85

• PTE Academic- 58

Also read:

• Singapore student visa
• Documents required for Singapore Student Visa
• Work after study in Singapore

Entrance exams to study in Singapore

Some universities and academic programs require students to write aptitude tests in order to gain admission. In order to gain admission to certain courses, you must meet the admission requirements related to your main area of study whether it is mathematics, science or reasoning. The exam also known as Singapore entrance exam will vary based on whether it is an undergraduate or postgraduate program. Here are brief details about common aptitude exams required to study in Singapore:

SAT: SAT or the Scholastic Aptitude Test which is conducted by the College Board evaluates students on their aptitude in written, verbal and quantitative reasoning skills.Apart from this, SAT subject tests are required by some of the universities for specific courses. SAT subject tests are offered in subjects like mathematics, literature, history, sciences and foreign languages.

However some universities may not require you to produce a SAT score provided you have a good score in your school exam. This is a Singapore entrance exam. On the other hand some universities may require you to take SAT subject tests for specific courses. The ground rule is to check with the university before making your application.

GRE: One among the Singapore exams, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE),administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is taken by prospective students who want to enroll in postgraduate programmes in overseas universities including Singapore. GRE test scores are accepted by major universities in Singapore. However some universities may require you to take the GRE subject test for admission.

GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the entrance exam for admission to business management programs in Singapore. Most of the international business schools accept GMAT scores to admit students, including Singapore. 650 is generally the score required by business schools in Singapore.

UEE: This is an aptitude exam conducted by certain universities for admission to undergraduate programs. Among the Singapore exams, this is not mandatory for all students. The syllabus and structure of the exam also varies between universities and so does the examination date. So it is better to check these details with the university before you make your application.

These are some of the exams that international students may need to write in order to gain admission to universities in Singapore.