Study in Singapore - Scholarships, Cost, Best Universities, Requirements

Study in Singapore - Scholarships, Cost, Best Universities, Requirements

Edited By Sareena Kaur Sethi | Updated on Jul 30, 2024 06:01 PM IST

Many international students are planning to study in Singapore as the country provides a good quality of education and holds some of the Globally ranking universities.

Singapore has become a varied educational centre for pupils along with a sense of safety and security. Engineering, MBA and medicine are a few of the popular courses chosen by international students to study here. Moreover, Singapore intake 2024 started in October last year and closed in March. The semester in Singapore begins in August i.e. Fall for all international students.

Along with branches of more than 16 renowned international universities, this country is home to a number of top-notch state and private universities.

To top it all off, studying in Singapore in 2024 offers an affordable option for students who want to study abroad in USA and UK, where the tuition fee is much higher.

Why Study in Singapore?

Singapore has ranked among the top five student cities and offers the top-ranked universities to the students. These area a few top reasons for studying in Singapore. The fact that the majority of Singaporeans speak both English and Mandarin makes Indian students have a strong preference for Singaporean universities because of Singapore's proximity to India.

Due to the country's cutting-edge educational standards, research possibilities, and exceptionally high living standards, the study in Singapore for Indian students became like a dream. In addition, the presence of more than 7,000 famous organizations in Singapore provides international students with the opportunity to improve their careers after completing their studies there.

Study in Singapore After 12th

Indian Students after finishing 12th grade in their home country, are eligible to study in Singapore in 2024. The Ministry of Education (MoE) oversees higher education in Singapore, which is delivered by a number of educational institutions. one advantage is that students can study in Singapore after 12th.

Course details in Singapore

Courses to study in Singapore

What they offer

Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Specialised Diploma

With an advanced or specialised diploma, students can specialise in the same field after receiving an overview from these. They are finished in two to three years.

Undergraduate degree

A full-time bachelor’s in any course is offered in the undergraduate program. The completion time frame is three to four years. There are honours programs available at some colleges.

Master’s degree

Students can study in Singapore masters degree for 1 to 2 years, depending on the area of emphasis.

Doctoral Degree

The required period is two to five years, but the majority of students need roughly five years to complete their doctoral studies in Singapore.

Education System in Singapore

Types of academic institutions

What they offer

Public Universities

Universities owned by the government are mostly funded by Singaporeans.

Private Universities

Although they are slightly more expensive than public universities, private institutions provide a wide range of courses.

Polytechnics

Offers various diplomas.

Foreign Universities & Institutes

Branches of various foreign institutes and private academies offering programs and degrees.

Art Schools

Private art institutes offering art specialised courses.

Singapore Intake 2024

There are various intakes in Singapore throughout the year for international students. The dates for the Singapore intake 2024 are based on whether it is a government or private institute.

Singapore university intake 2024

Government university intakes

February and August

Private university intakes

January, February, July, August, September and October

Application Process to Study in Singapore

The application process required to study in Singapore is broadly classified into online and offline. Let us take students through both of these.

Online Application Process

  1. Look for the "Apply" tab on the University's official website.

  2. Please enter login and registration information.

  3. Give true and accurate information when filling out the form.

  4. Prepare the necessary documents in the format required.

  5. Upload the necessary paperwork online.

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Offline Application Process

  1. If students choose to apply offline to study in Singapore in 2024, they will need to print the application form, fill it out, and then deal with the trouble of mailing it and their supporting documents to the admission offices of the university of their choosing.

  2. Offline applications would typically be sent to the Singapore University's concerned office in India or consultancy offices.

  3. Even though some people prefer the offline application process more, it is always preferable to use the online application process since it is typically error-free and can be completed in a single sitting while remaining at home.

University Application Fee

  1. The application fee varies depending on the university students are applying to for study in Singapore.

  2. After paying the fee, get a receipt if available.

Requirements to Study in Singapore

  1. Copies of the Standard X, XII, and Bachelor's degree mark sheets that have been attested (if applicable).

  2. At least two letters of recommendation from instructors who have taught the student most recently in academic settings.

  3. Two letters of recommendation (LOR) from their employer or boss, who knows them well and can speak about their professional talents, if they have work experience.

  4. Statement of purpose

  5. Resume.

  6. GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL score reports on photocopies.

  7. Portfolio (in the case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programmes).

  8. Other (state and national awards, extracurricular activities, and certificates of achievement).

  9. Funds verification.

Eligibility to Study in Singapore

To study in this country students have to fulfil specific eligibility requirements of university. Here are the eligibility requirements to study in Singapore for foreigners

  1. Students must typically submit their 10th and 12th-grade transcripts and demonstrate their English language ability with IELTS and TOEFL scores. The Singapore IELTS requirement score is 6.5-7 and for TOEFL is 90-100 in order to be considered for undergraduate admissions in Singapore.

  2. Private institutions require applicants for bachelor's programmes to have a minimum grade point average of 65 per cent or above.

  3. IELTS is not required, especially if they are applying to private universities. So students can study in Singapore without IELTS. The universities either consider other English language tests like TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, etc. or ask for education proof where the language of instruction is in English.

  4. Public university bachelor programmes require a cumulative grade point average of 90 per cent or higher in both the 10th and 12th grades.

  5. When submitting applications to institutions in Singapore, they must have their SOP/LOR on hand.

  6. Students must submit an SOP, 2LORs, a CV, 10th, 12th, and bachelor's grade reports, as well as their master's report cards if they are accessible, in order to apply for master's programmes.

  7. IELTS is not necessary if students are applying to private universities, however, some universities may demand both IELTS and TOEFL.

  8. In Singapore, the GRE, GMAT, or SAT may be required for some courses.

  9. Singapore requires applicants for master's programmes to have a recognised bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 55% or above.

  10. Some universities, including the NUS, NTU, SMU, SP Jain, and INSEAD, may require students to provide evidence of two to three years of work experience while applying for their MBA programmes.

  11. Candidates without any prior job experience are accepted into the MBA programmes at private colleges including the MDIS, PSB, and JCU.

Singapore Study Visa for International Students

A Singapore Student Visa, often known as the "Student Pass," is required if students want to study in Singapore in 2024, particularly for academic programmes lasting longer than 30 days. The Student's Pass Online Application and Registration System (SOLAR system), created by the Singaporean government, is the official registration division that keeps track of Singapore study visa applications.

  1. Students are encouraged to apply for a Singapore study visa at least one month prior to the start of the semester or academic year in which they want to enrol in classes.

  2. For younger students who want to attend a private institution, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority processes the student passes immediately.

  3. Students who are 20 years of age or older looking to study in Singapore must participate in an interview if they intend to enrol in a programme that offers a vocational, fine arts, language, or business degree.

  4. Students are permitted to work part-time jobs in the city if they have a Singapore Study Pass. A week after the course has ended, they will also be required to submit their Singapore Student Visa.

  5. The "visit" permit, which enables overseas students to extend their stay for a year in order to investigate career options in the country, must be applied for by students interested in finding employment opportunities in Singapore after completing their studies. They must be aware of the documents required for a Singapore study visa to apply for this permit.

Singapore Student Visa Details Overview

Country

Singapore student visa

Duration

2 years

Work permit

Up to 16 hours a week

Age limit

19 years +


Processing


2-4 weeks


Cost


INR 1637 (processing fee) and INR 3275 (issuance fee)

Living and Study Costs in Singapore 2024

A public institution typically charges between SGD 8,000 and SGD 40,000 per year for tuition fees. This, however, is the subsidised price. For non-subsidized and non-Singaporean students, it costs about SGD 10,000- SGD 50,000 or more. Government funding is also provided for several programmes of schools in Singapore for international students. The overall cost of study in Singapore for Indian students in 2024 can be around INR 11 lakhs to 40 lakhs per year including tuition fees and living costs.

Top Scholarships in Singapore for International Students

There are scholarships in Singapore for international students. If you are planning to study in Singapore for free, you should apply for the fully funded scholarship which covers both tuition fees and living expenses while studying. Check out the list of study in Singapore scholarships mentioned below.

  1. Singapore International Graduate Award

  2. ADB - Japan Scholarship for Developing Countries

  3. Commonwealth Scholarship for Integrated Science

  4. Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships

  5. ASEAN Foundation Scholarships

  6. Singapore Millennium Foundation Scholarships

  7. SIA Youth Scholarship

  8. GIIS Singapore Global Citizen Scholarship

Top Universities in Singapore for International Students

Few of the top-ranked universities in the World are in Singapore. The current top 2025 universities mentioned below are public universities that provide high-quality education.

Top Ranked Universities in Singapore with QS World Ranking 2025

S No

Name of University

QS Ranking

1

National University of Singapore (NUS)

8

2

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

15

3

Singapore University of Technology and Design

=440

4

Singapore Management University

=585

Top Private Universities to Study in Singapore

International students can find the list of top private universities in Singapore that offers various courses and degree options.

  1. London School of Business and Finance

  2. INSEAD

  3. PSB Academy

  4. Singapore Institute of Management

  5. Nanyang Institute of Management

  6. Amity Global Institute

  7. S P Jain School of Global Management

  8. SIM University

  9. Management Development Institute of Singapore

  10. STEi Institute

Top Courses to Study in Singapore 2024

Although, most of the international students prefer to study management courses in Singapore, other courses like master's in psychology degree in Singapore is also quite popular. Therefore, we have enlisted some top-tier courses to study in Singapore in UG and PG level with a wide range of specializations.

  1. MBA

  2. Banking and Finance

  3. Engineering

  4. Computer Science and IT

  5. Law

Work Opportunities in Singapore in 2024

The study in Singapore for international students can be made affordable by working part-time. These jobs not only save you extra money but also equip you with work experience and skills. You can work part-time for 16 hours per week during term and full-time during vacations if:

  1. You are registered as full-time students in an approved college/university.

  2. Possess a valid Student Pass issued by the ICA.

Post-Study Work in Singapore

Students who want to work in Singapore after their studies need to obtain a work visa. There are two types of work visas in Singapore namely skilled & semi-skilled and professional work visas.

  1. Skilled and semi-skilled workers visa: This type of visa is for medium-level jobs like technician. The minimum monthly income for acquiring this visa should be SGD 2,200.

  2. Professional work visas: Students who plan to start their own business will need to have an EntrePass. In case they fulfil the minimum salary requirement of SGD 3,600 and work in an executive position, they can apply for the Employment Pass. They can also apply for the Personalised Employment Pass after they have worked under the Employment Pass.

Benefits of Studying in Singapore for International Students

Studying in Singapore is a lucrative option for international students, especially Indian students due to multiple reasons discussed below. The environment, high-quality education, ease and high standards of living, career opportunities, and much more become alluring factors to study in this country.

  1. English is the medium of instruction

  2. Less expensive university fees compared to US and UK

  3. High-quality education

  4. Multicultural environment

  5. Safe and comfortable environment

  6. A wide range of business programmes

Best countries to study abroad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can those with Student's Pass work in Singapore?

Foreign students who receive a Student's Pass should be in the country primarily for academic purposes. Holders of Student's Passes must have a work pass in order to work in Singapore, just like any other foreigner, in order to prevent potential exploitation.

2. Can international students work while studying in Singapore?

International students are permitted to work part-time jobs for up to 16 hours per week during the academic year and for an unlimited number of hours during the summer, according to the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, provided that they are enrolled full-time in one of the recognised institutions.

3. How to study in Singapore?

International students need to apply for a Singapore study visa in order to study in Singapore. After securing admission in Singapore universities the international candidates can apply for this visa. 

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hello,

Hope you are doing great.

To answer your question To gain admission to the Computer Engineering program at the National University of Singapore (NUS), it is crucial to comprehend the admission criteria

JEE Mains Percentile:

The anticipated JEE Main Cutoff for 2024 across different categories is as follows:

General: 89+ percentile

EWS: 78+ percentile

OBC: 74+ percentile

SC: 44+ percentile

PwD: 0.11+ percentile¹.

A commendable percentile in JEE Mains 2024 falls within the range of 90-95 percentile³.

However, it is important to note that meeting the previous year's cutoff does not guarantee admission for the current year.

Hope this helps!!



Dear Aspirant,
Singapore is one of the best country across the world for Business and Finance Studies. Some of the best institutions for Masters of Business Adminstration (MBA) are as follows-
1. INSEAD
2. NUS (National University of Singapore)
3. Lee Kinf Chian School of Business
4. Manchester Business School
5. Nanyang Business School
6. ESSEC Global MBA
7. The Strathclyde MBA

You can visit the respective websites for details .

Hope this helps you !

Hello,

Yes you can! As long as your medical certification is from a recognised institution by the Singapore Medical Council, yo can apply to be allowed to practice in Singapore. Of course there will be a set of admin stuff you will have to complete before being allowed to practice here.

For practicing in in Singapore as a medical practitioner you must secure a job with hospitals, register with Singapore medical council and finally get accredited with Specialists Accreditation Board (SAB)  registration if you are practising as a specialist.

Alternatively, if there is a hospital/Medical institution willing to hire you, they can complete the procedutes on your behalf which will be much more convinient for you.


Hope this helps!!!

Dear Aspirant,

There are many colleges that accept students without the said exams but make sure you have your transcripts ready- LORs, projects/internships/Volunteering certificates, Statement of Purpose, Essays, Extra-curricular activities. These things are a must when trying to apply for colleges abroad.

Colleges in the US:

https://yocket.in/blog/universities-that-dont-require-sat-act-3527

There are 08 top Australian Universities which follow the above given criteria in order to exempt international students from submitting IELTS scores for admission. They are as follows:

  • UNSW
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Southern Queensland
  • Macquarie University
  • University of South Australia
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Bond University

Most of the colleges in Australia require an IELTS test score but have been waived off only on a case by case basic which is entirely judged. Many a times they have also waived it off if the students have completed their education in english medium.

Colleges in Singapore:

  • Nanyang Technological College
  • National college of Singapore
  • Singapore Management University

Singapore also has numerous centres of internationally acknowledged universities like Duke University, University of Chicago, Booth Graduate School of Business, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and SP Jain Centre of Management.

Colleges in Canada:

  • University of Saskatchewan
  • Brock University
  • Carleton University
  • University of Winnipeg
  • University of Regina
  • Memorial University
  • Concordia University

Hope this helps!




Hello,

Designing is an upcoming and demanding field and is gaining recognition faster than ever. Studying abroad does seem desirable but it is not entirely different from studying in your own country. Several Indian institutes ,not just NID offer amazing designing programs. Many Institutes in India have tie-ups with international universities and study abroad programs which will give you the exposure required for an undergraduate degree.

Studying abroad for an UG degree also requires a lot of capital ,so instead of spending that money for UG , you can save up for PG/higher studies abroad which will be of much more use. As long as you choose study and work hard, choose a good college with experiential learning then from where you study NID or NAFA or Lasalle or UAL it doesn't matter.


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