Study in Singapore without IELTS 2025: Steps, Requirements, Universities

How to Study in Singapore without IELTS 2025: One of the English proficiency tests like IELTS is generally one of the mandatory entry requirements for higher studies worldwide. Still, some international students look to study abroad without IELTS. Singapore is one of the countries where study in Singapore without IELTS is possible. It offers world-class education with affordable tuition fees for courses. To secure entry into a university in Singapore, it’s essential to be aware that your English test results and fulfillment of academic criteria are the key determinants of admission. English language proficiency exams are typically standardized assessments that are used globally to evaluate students for university admissions. Among the English proficiency tests is the IELTS, but did you know that you can study in Singapore without taking the IELTS? Read on to find out how this is possible.

This Story also Contains

1. Why Study in Singapore?
2. Can I Study in Singapore Without IELTS 2025?
3. Universities to Apply in Singapore Without IELTS
4. Courses Offered in Singapore for Students Without IELTS
5. Documents Required for Studying in Singapore Without IELTS
6. Student Visa Singapore Requirement 2025
7. Are Non-IELTS Singapore Universities Worth It?
8. Cost of Living in Singapore

Why Study in Singapore?

While planning to study in Singapore, aspiring students analyse various reasons to study abroad. Similarly, below mentioned reasons explain why one should study in Singapore for Indian students.

• Top-ranked universities

• Singapore is a hub for research and development.

• Singapore has a stable and growing economy.

• International students can find internships and job opportunities.

• Compared to other countries, Singapore offers relatively affordable education.

• Singapore is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world.

Can I Study in Singapore Without IELTS 2025?

Yes, study in Singapore without IELTS is possible. It means some colleges offer the option for international students to be admitted without an IELTS score for Singapore. If you possess a degree from an institution where English was the medium of instruction, you may not need to provide IELTS results.

Notably, some prestigious Singaporean universities may waive the IELTS requirement if specific conditions are met, making it feasible and possible to pursue studies in Singapore without the IELTS.

However you must provide an English language proficiency certificate which can be in the form of an official certificate from your previous institution which should have details of the course you have completed in English to study in Singapore without IELTS. This certificate can act as an alternative to your IELTS certificate and can be used in your admission application.

Also read

• Study in Ireland without IELTS

• Study in UK without IELTS

Universities to Apply in Singapore Without IELTS

The following is a Singapore university list that does not require IELTS Singapore admission requirements for admission.

• National College of Singapore

• Nanyang Technological University

• Singapore Management University

• Singapore University of Technology and Design

Options to study without IELTS for students who do not have an English language certificate

International applicants lacking an IELTS score for Singapore have the option to enroll in foundation or preparatory courses designed for non-native English speakers. These programs are offered in several categories, such as

Courses for those who have not completed the mandatory 13 years of education to study in Singapore and will have to complete an extra year before going for higher education. This acts like a foundation program for them. This course is available for study programs in the fields of IT, tourism and hospitality, and business administration. The duration of this course is between 8 to 11 months.

Some foundation programs contain seven modules suited for people who have completed ten years of education in Singapore and wish to continue studying here. Such students are exempt from submitting their IELTS scores. These preparatory courses are for a duration of six months and are of two levels- level 1 and level 2. Students can opt for the appropriate level. The choice is based on the university to which they are applying.

Some universities even hold entrance exams in the English language for student applicants who do not have English as their first language.

Courses Offered in Singapore for Students Without IELTS

If you plan to study in Singapore without IELTS, the following courses are available.

• Animation
• Information and Technology
• Law
• Management
• Business and Administration
• Hospitality and Tourism

Apart from this, it is recommended to check the guidelines of your desired course at your desired university to understand the requirements.

Documents Required for Studying in Singapore Without IELTS

There are several documents required to be submitted to the universities in Singapore to pursue a course of study. Some of the documents are required to submit to colleges where there is no IELTS mandatory requirement. Here is the common set of documents for Indian students planning to study in Singapore without IELTS 2025:

• Passport size photographs
• Valid Passport
• Birth certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Letter of recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Standardised test scorecard (If required)
• Copies of Form 16, V395, V36

Student Visa Singapore Requirement 2025

The application for the Singapore study visa does not necessarily require you to submit your IELTS scores, however, you should check the government guidelines for applying for a Singapore study visa without IELTS scores. The Singapore student visa fees is approximately INR 6,575. Before you check the IELTS requirement for Singapore student visa, here is the list of documents you must submit with your visa application:

• Passport that is valid for at least 3 months.

• Completed visa application forms- ICA Form 16, and Form V36.

• Offer letter from the university in Singapore where you have been admitted.

• Bank statement which shows that you have enough funds for living expenses and tuition fee which should amount to SGD 5,000.

• Transcripts of marksheets from your school or college.

• Scorecard of qualifying exams required by the university such as GMAT, GRE.

• Receipt as proof of payment of visa application fee which is SGD 30.

• The issuance fee payment receipt which comes to SGD 60.

• Proof of sufficient funds.

• Birth certificate.

• SOP, resume and three LORs.

• Scores of international exams are required by your college.

• Copies of your marksheets.

• Travel and health insurance.

Are Non-IELTS Singapore Universities Worth It?

Now that the question is IELTS required for Singapore? answered, let us figure out if it is even worth it to study in non-IELTS universities in SIngapore. Even though it might be possible to study in Singapore without taking the IELTS exam, you must remember that there are certain top universities in Singapore that require IELTS scores for application. In such cases the Singapore IELTS band requirement is a minimum of 6.5 bands.

If you do not give your IELTS exam, you may miss an opportunity to study at any of these reputed universities because you will not meet the Singapore IELTS requirement. Our advice would be to take your IELTS exam so that you improve your chances of studying at a reputable university in Singapore.

Cost of Living in Singapore

Cost of living is an important factor for international students planning to study abroad. Cost of living in Singapore for international students usually ranges between SGD 1,480 - SGD 4,200 per month. To comfortably cover expenses for the first 3 months in Singapore, a budget of around SGD 10,000 is required.

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