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Are you considering studying in SINGAPORE? An island nation, Singapore is modern and vibrant. It has a rich and multicultural heritage, and offers a cosmopolitan and fast-paced lifestyle. Partner this with the number of world class universities, Singapore is the perfect destination for international students looking for a unique and contemporary higher education experience. Singapore might just be the place you’re looking for. To study in Singapore is to study in a place rich in culture and opportunities, where two of the world’s major languages are spoken.
Since its take-off, the world has recognized Singapore in several international rankings. Both the city and the country of Singapore are amongst the smartest and safest in the world with the best investment potential. Therefore, it’s no wonder that professionals, tourists, and students alike are flocking to the island nation to make their start. With four official languages – English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil – it’s also easy to make yourself understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and English –as quickly become the lingua franca of Singapore, making it easy to live and study.
Country Information – Benefits to be in SINGAPORE
Studying in Singapore, Visiting Singapore or moving for work to Singapore! In recent years, Singapore, one of Europe’s overlooked studies abroad destinations, has experienced a huge boost in interest from prospective students, and we think we know why.
Singapore takes great pride in maintaining extremely high standards of teaching and learning. Singaporean universities also have a strong research focus. Many universities in Singapore have strong links with industry, meaning that you will be able gain practical experience alongside your degree. This not only makes your time studying more interesting, it can also mean that you will find employment more easily.
The country has a well-developed educational system, providing numerous opportunities for international students. Education is a priority in Singapore and the nation is recognised as a ‘global schoolhouse’. A strong emphasis on education started when the British-based education system was introduced by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (founder of the Singapore Institution, now known as the Raffles Institution) in 1823. Today Singapore is one of the leaders in higher education both in Asia and Worldwide.
Two of Singapore’s universities are in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked is the National University of Singapore (NUS), which is placed at 11th. The next highest ranked is the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), which is placed at 19th.
Top Reasons to Study in Singapore
- Affordable Education: When deciding to study abroad in Singapore, one of the first things that come to mind is the cost. The cost of higher education in Singapore might surprise you, as it is affordable for international students. There are many programs in Singapore that offer scholarships and grants that allow you to complete your undergraduate diploma. Additionally, Singapore is much more affordable than some other countries that are popular for studying abroad.
- The Abundance of Cultural Diversity: One of the best parts about studying abroad is getting exposed to a variety of cultures. Singapore is very ethnically diverse and rich in cultural history. The universities in Singapore host students from all around the world, allowing you the opportunity to meet a variety of new people. There are students from China, Malaysia, India, and Europe, to name a few. This is also a great way to network and make connections for employment after graduation. Additionally, in Singapore, about 33% of the population is Buddhist, but they honour many different religious backgrounds. Over 17% of Singaporeans are Christian and 14% are Muslim. There are mosques, churches, and over 17 Buddhist temples that you can visit.
- The Famous Food Scene: If you are considering going to Singapore for college, you’ll be happy to know that they are famous for their vibrant food culture. Not only is the local food very tasty and diverse, but there is also an abundance of cuisine from other countries. There are pockets of cultural neighbourhoods like Little India, Chinatown, and Arab street. With so much variety, you will never get bored of the food options. Because Singapore is so culturally diverse, its food caters to many different people. There are many different dietary options for vegetarians, vegans, Hindus who avoid pork, and Muslims who avoid pork.
- The Ease of Travel to Surrounding Countries: One of the best reasons to study in Singapore is that it is very close to some amazing vacation destinations. You can fly to Kuala Lumpur in under an hour at a low cost. For a weekend beach getaway, Thailand is less than two hours away. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia are also very close to this busy Southeast Asian hub. Not only are the destinations accessible, but they are also very budget-friendly. Food, travel, and accommodation are well within a student budget–making it easy to explore other countries while living in Singapore.
- The Lack of a Language Barrier: One of the hesitations people have about moving to a new country is the language barrier. If you’re wondering, why study in Singapore if I can’t understand the language? There is great news for you. While the national languages spoken in Singapore are Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil, you will be pleased to know that English is also widely spoken. You won’t have any trouble getting around the city or even attending university. When it comes to business and administration in Singapore, English is the main language. Many students speak English or Mandarin and you will have the opportunity to share your English and learn Mandarin in exchange.
- The High Quality of Life: Not only will you enjoy the benefits of higher education in Singapore, but you will also enjoy a high quality of life. This amazing city has so much to offer with education, cultural experiences, and overall high quality of student life. It will allow you to learn inside, and outside of the classroom.
- The Efficient Public Transportation: Singapore is a busy and bustling city with many ways to get around. The public transportation system is one of the best in the world based on several different factors. These include its availability, affordability, efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. It is also easy to use with an EZ-link card that is easily loadable and affordable for its commuters.
- The Beautiful Weather Year-Round: Singapore is the perfect destination to study abroad and enjoy beautiful weather all year round. As an equatorial country, Singapore has a short rainy season, with the best time to visit between December and June. As a student, there are many fun outdoor activities that you can do because of the pleasant weather. Between February and April, there is less humidity, more sunshine, and less rain as it is the dry season.
- The Safety and Security: When you decide to study abroad, picking a country that is safe is one of the most important factors. If you choose to study in Singapore, you are choosing a safe and secure country. Singapore is often ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. It has low rates of crime, an honest legal system, and an efficient police force. This also applies to life on campus. All universities have a zero-tolerance policy for any type of physical or mental abuse. There is also a team of campus security that patrols the area 24 hours a day. Families who have children studying abroad in Singapore can rest assured that their children are safe here. The safe environment in the city and the university grounds is a great added benefit of studying on this amazing Southeast Asian island.
Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities
Student have lots of institutions to choose from for education in Singapore. A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in Singapore.
Education in Singapore is divided into three subject areas by school: institutes of education – there’s only one of these: the Institute of Technical Education – polytechnics offering specialized education and other institutes, like arts academies.
Singapore has public and private schools as well as international branches of other schools. The length of time it takes to complete a degree in Singapore is fairly similar to many European countries. It depends on the program and your level of study. An undergraduate program normally takes three to four years to complete. Specialist programs, like medicine or engineering normally take four years A postgraduate degree normally takes two years to complete. Some postgraduate programs, like a teaching certificate, can be completed in one year. A doctoral program takes two to five years to complete. It normally takes more towards five years if you choose to teach whilst studying.
As it’s a hub for technology, science and finance, Singapore places a strong emphasis on STEM subjects. In recent years, however, subjects like art and media have become more popular in Singapore. Competition for places at schools in Singapore is tough, so you’ll need to check and double-check the entry requirements before applying.
A few important reasons to be there in Singapore: Singapore offers many benefits to international students. If you want to study in Singapore, you must first have a clear idea of the list of Singaporean universities. Indeed, if you are an international student and want to study in a university abroad, be it a university in Europe, Universities in North America or Universities in Asia, then you can find the list of Singaporean universities here. Singapore has always decided to make its education system its top priority. Indeed, each year, there are several universities in Singapore which appear in the various rankings as being among the best universities in Asia and in the World. In addition, the quality of these university studies attracts more than 150,000 foreign students from more than a hundred countries. These study specialties are generally taught in English.
List of Top Singapore Universities: (Public & Private)
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore Management University
- Singapore University of Technology and Design
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore Institute of Technology
- Singapore University of Social Sciences
- Nanyang Polytechnic
- Singapore Polytechnic
- Temasek Polytechnic
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- Republic Polytechnic
- Yale NUS College
- Kaplan Singapore
- Management Development Institute of Singapore
- PSB Academy Singapore
- Singapore Institute of Management
- James Cook University Singapore
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
- Curtin University Singapore
- Informatics Academy Singapore
- Marketing Institute of Singapore
- Singapore Institute of Engineering Technology
Language Tests or Language requirements
Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in Singapore? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you. If your first language is not English, you’ll need to show excellent language proficiency to apply to a Singapore university.
English Language Tests for International Students: Language Proficiency in Singapore universities is subject to testing the knowledge of English language. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are the exams which are mandatory for fulfilling the criteria.
- IELTS: IELTS is a commonly accepted English test all over the world. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular English Language tests for non-native English speakers. It evaluates English skills like listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It has nine score bands that identify the different levels of proficiency ranging from non-user to expert. Generally, a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 is required at the undergraduate and master levels, while 6.5 is at the Masters and 6.5 at the Ph.D. level.
- TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is accepted by most Singapore universities and colleges. TOEFL assesses English language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Its focus on academic A minimum score of TOEFL 90 is required at the undergraduate and master levels, while a minimum score of TOEFL 100 at the Ph.D. level is generally accepted. For Singapore universities, a test score of 90-100 is typically considered adequate for admission.
- DUOLINGO: The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a great English language test alternative to IELTS and TOEFL for international students. It is faster, affordable, and convenient as one can take the test from home with the help of a computer and a webcam. The test evaluates your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the English language. Proficiency in the test rates from 10 to 160, with the average acceptance score for international students being 115-120. The Duolingo exam validity is two years from the original date.
- PTE: PTE is accepted by 60% of Singapore schools and universities. It is usually available in over 50 countries. However, it is currently available in 10 countries, including India and Nepal. Results are available immediately. The minimum PTE score required in Singapore is 65 and it may go up to the highest depending on the course level. (Only a few universities accept this)
- SAT (Scholarship Aptitude Test): It is a standardized exam given by a high school applicant wanting to take admission in an undergraduate program. It tests the reading, writing and Mathematics finesse of them. Three areas are judged in SAT exam: Reading, Writing and Mathematics, also SAT Essay (optional).
- ACT (American College Testing): ACT too is an academic entrance exam, required for taking admission in the undergraduate program. ACT tests the below-stated subject areas: English, Reading and Mathematics, Science, ACT Essay (Optional).
- GRE: It is a standardized test given to take admission in post- graduate courses with its availability in 2 formats – paper-based and computer-based. The score will be valid for 5 years with the minimum average score being 320 for verbal and quantitative aptitude sections and 3.5 in analytical section.
- GMAT: This 4-sections, computer-based test is the most preferred entrance test for admission in MBA schools. It requires for an applicant to have secured an average of 650 marks.
- Entrance Examination: For admission to Singapore university, in addition to above exams, there are quite a few universities which take their own entrance tests. For instance, NUS conducts University Entrance Examination (UEE) for selecting candidates under its UG courses. First, the candidate will be shortlisted based on the minimum qualification and then those shortlisted applicants will have to sit for UEE. Likewise, many other universities have their own admission entrance exams over the basic requirement for selection.
Without IELTS? Take English Language Proficiency Programme: A few universities also offer English pathway courses for those students whose English qualification is not up to the mark, as required, but want to study in Singapore university. For instance, James Cook University requires you to have a 5.5 score in IELTS. If you don’t have that, then you will have to do JCU Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP) level 2. Similarly, Singapore University of Social Sciences requires its applicants to have given Language Proficiency Exam like IELTS, TOEFL, CAP, etc. before enrolling for the course. If not, then they will have to pass University’s English exam, failing which, they have to go through 4 Language Enhancement Courses (LECs) per term of the course they are doing.
VISA types and Its Understandings
A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in Singapore for the duration of their studies. A student who is not a citizen of Singapore but wants to study in Singapore requires a Singapore Student Visa to fulfil this purpose. Any foreign student who enrols on a course lasting three months or more in Singapore will require a student visa. In accordance with immigration regulations, if you’re going to study in Singapore, you’ll need to get a Student Pass. There are exceptions to this.
Type of Visa for Singapore
- Student Pass or Student Visa: The requirements and procedures for a Student’s Pass differ slightly depending on the type of educational institution in which you intend to study. Students should check their eligibility and the procedure they should follow on the website of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. To apply for a Student Pass, you must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore. Part-time courses and courses that take place in evenings or on weekends aren’t eligible. If you wish to transfer to another school after your application has been approved, you’ll need a anew Student Pass. To get this, you’ll need to submit a new application. Singapore Student Visa is an essential document that foreign students need to obtain to pursue full-time study programs in Singapore especially for courses lasting for more than 30 days. The Singapore government has designed a specific scheme named the SOLAR system, i.e. Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration system which is the official registration department that monitors the student visa applications.
- Training Work Permit Pass: Students undergoing practical training up to 6 months as well as semi-skilled foreign workers.
- Training Employment Pass: Foreign professionals undergoing practical training and must earn a minimum of S$3,000/ month.
- Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Program): Students in the age group of age 18 to 25 who’d like to work and holiday in Singapore for no longer than 6 months.
- Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Program): This visa is for Australian students in the age group of 25 – 30 who’d like to work and holiday in Singapore for no longer than a period of 6 months.
Admission & VISA Application Process
Admission process explained in a simplified way. If you’re from a country outside the EU, you need to have a recognized high school certificate. This certificate serves as a confirmation that your diploma is valid according to the requirements in Singapore. You can easily have your diploma validated at the Singapore embassy in your country. Singapore embassies will provide you with a Volante Accreditation which can be used to apply to the university of your choice.
- Apply for a school in Singapore
- Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Submit Visa Application & Book Biometric at VAC
- Attend Visa Interview
- Visa Approve or Decline
- Arrive in Singapore
1. Apply for a school in Singapore
- Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. Admission to universities in Singapore must be done through the individual universities’ websites; there is no centralized admission portal. Most public universities in Singapore have two intakes, that is one around August and the other in January. Private universities, on the other hand, have numerous intakes throughout the year. Start your application process by searching which course you want to study in Singapore. With a variety of courses available at your discretion, it is very important to choose the right type. Candidates first have to decide which course and university they want to apply to, then find out the specific requirements from the university’s page. Undergraduate applicants to Singapore universities are broadly divided into six categories based on their previous educational qualifications:
- After identifying which criteria are applicable to you, Submit an online application (or a postal application, in some cases) to the particular university. You have to fill the form that is specific to international students, which is available on the university website. Pay the application fee, the amount varying according to university. Upload/send the required documents before deadline. Most universities provide an Application Checklist that you can refer and submit. Students will be informed well in advance if they receive an admission offer, so they will have ample time to make other arrangements before the semester begins.
2. Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
- Now that you have been admitted and you receive a document called Letter of Acceptance from the institution’s international student office. You will be instructed to pay some fees to confirm your admission to the institution. Pay the fees from your bank account for safer transactions and then get Final Offer Letter from the college.
- Once you receive your acceptance letter then you can apply for a student visa. In this case, you actually need a visa on the basis of studying. The application process for the visa starts by creating a user account. Once you create an account select the application form for a visa on the grounds of a study program in the e-service.
- Fill in the online application with the correct information and submit your application. You must attach scanned copies of the required documents (see above) to your application. If by any chance you can’t fill in an online application then you can visit a local embassy or consulate and fill in a paper application in person.
- At some universities, the interview plays a huge role in the selection process. A candidate’s conduct and social behaviour in the past is also examined, and those who have poor certificates of conduct, or have been subject to criminal conviction, are less likely to be accepted in case of both academic institutions and immigration services. It is imperative that prospective students thoroughly check the timelines of the admission process, so as to not miss out on any of the crucial steps. Different universities ask for documents that are relevant to them, so if you want to apply to NUS or NTU, make sure to read the fine print in each case before starting with the application.
3. Submit Visa Application & Book your Biometric at VAC
- You have passed the admission test or met the admission’s criteria for higher education studies at a Singapore university. Next step is to apply for your student visa/residence permit as soon as possible. Contact your closest Singapore Embassy or Consulate for additional queries. You must submit the student visa application to the Singapore Agency.
- Complete the Singapore student visa online application form. Find the online visa application at kdmid.ru. This is the official website of the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Answer the mandatory questions marked with a “*”.
- Once you submit your application through the e-service then you have to go to the embassy to prove your identity and submit your fingerprints. Bring all the documents you submitted in the online service with you. Additionally, you must pay the application fee at the embassy/consulate. If you apply in person then similarly you will be asked to submit your fingerprints and pay the fee.
4. Attend Visa Interview
- Now is the time to wait for reply from High Commission and based on your application, biometric and details you will be asked to submit documents (if required). Attend the interview.The embassy will ask you to show up for an interview to ask questions related to your application process and education. Then, you must wait to receive an answer whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
5. VISA Approve or Decline
- Once you submit your application you must patiently wait for an answer. The Singapore Immigration Office evaluates students’ applications as a top priority so the processing time will be done as soon as possible.
- The time will vary especially if you are missing anything from your application and the embassy contacts you to submit the missing documents, but, the usual time it takes to review an application is usually sometime between 1 to 3 months. As soon as your application has been approved the Singapore Immigration Office will send your residence card to the embassy where you can then pick it up and leave for Singapore.
6. Arrive in Singapore
- You have already gained your admission and your student visa. If your application is successful, you will get a visa to Singapore and travel there. Yet, upon arrival in Singapore, you need to complete two more procedures. Get the immigration card. At the Singapore port of entry, you will receive an immigration card. The card consists of two identical parts that contain questions about you and your trip. Fill in the required information. One part of the card should remain at the border police, and the other one you should carry with you. Register your Singapore student visa. This is the responsibility of the hotel or the owner of the private home where you will be staying in Singapore. Provide them with a copy of your passport data pages, Singapore visa, and immigration card. They will need these documents to complete the process.
Applying for Student Visa?
Understand the procedure and then only start the visa application process. You are expected to apply six months in advance of your trip. It takes about four to eight weeks to get your visa if you do not forget to submit any documents or have to re-submit them. Here are the steps for applying for your Singapore student visa:
Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Student Visa: To be eligible for a visa to study in Singapore you must fulfil the following conditions. The main part of every Singapore visa application process is gathering the requirements. The required documents for a Singapore student visa are as follows. These are some of the documents you need to submit during the application for a residence permit:
- Passport and its copy: Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date in Singapore. A copy of the passport must be from the photo page.
- Visa Application Form: You can access this form through the Singapore Embassy website.
- Applicant Photo: The size of the photo must be the size of the passport photo.
- SOP, resume as well as 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Certificate of Admission and Confirmation of Visa Issuance: As mentioned, these documents are issued by the university.
- Proof of financing: You must provide evidence that you can cover your expenditure in Singapore.
- Birth certificate.
- Health insurance policy document.
- Vaccination Certificates.
- Previous educational certificates.
- Proof of solvency, meaning that you have the sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. The minimum amount required for Singapore is around 2500 AED per month and you can prove it by providing bank statements.
- Certificate of good conduct with no prior criminal record.
- Medical certificate and insurance. If you are a European national, then you need to provide the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Proof of payment of the administrative fee.
- Proof of accommodation in Singapore.
- If there is a lack of income, you should present a sponsorship letter from your parents stating they will cover all costs.
- Copy of marriage certificate with notarized translation into English. (If applicable)
- Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal.
Dos and Don’ts for Singapore Student Visa Application: You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for Singapore student visa.
Dos
- Apply for a student visa at least 5 weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course.
- Remember that if you are applying online, you can only apply for your visa a maximum of 180 days before your course starts
- Fill up your visa application form carefully with all accurate details.
- Submit all the required supporting documents along with your visa application form.
Don’ts
- Do not present false documents for your visa.
- Do not provide any false information.
- Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your visa application.
Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to study in Singapore? Singapore remains the most preferred among most international students when it comes to popular study-abroad destination options. However, proof of clear available funds is required to pursue studies in Singapore to cover tuition and living expenses.
- How much are the tuition fees in Singapore?
- How to prove funds for Singapore?
- How much does student accommodation costs in Singapore?
- How much does it cost to live in Singapore?
- What financial support is available to international students in Singapore?
- How much are the TUITION FEES in Singapore?
- Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for university study but, like the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, it is comparatively expensive. For an international student, the total tuition fees of a four-year course at a local university cost between $65,500 to $94,000 (rough average of $58,250). In contrast, a student without subsidies will have to fork out between $121,324 to $182,400 (rough average of $151,862), which is 297% more than what a Singapore citizen pays.
- How to prove FUNDS for Singapore?
- In order to pursue your studies in Singapore, proof of sufficient funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove to fund with the following:
- Proof of financial ability: An international student who is a national of visa required country of Singapore needs to show that they have the financial ability to study in Singapore. The documentary proof of financial ability can be in the form of bank statement /fixed deposit accounts/savings accounts. The amount of money is advisable to be minimum SGD$30,000.
- Security deposit: An international student might be required to pay a security deposit in certain cases. Once your student pass is approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter that will indicate whether you need to pay a security deposit. The security deposit must be paid in the form of a Banker’s Guarantee, and the amount varies as per your country. The security deposit will be refunded to international students if they have departed Singapore and have not breached any of the conditions stated in the security bond.
- How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in Singapore?
- Student accommodation is generally provided by Singapore universities in student residence halls or student apartments. In Singapore you can either live in a student dormitory within a university campus or rent a private accommodation. The cost of living in Singapore is student-friendly but a little costlier, but it all depends on the region you are living and your lifestyle.
- Since accommodation is a necessity that comes associated with various utilities like electricity and hydro bills, it demands the largest chunk of your budget. General Housing Accommodation costs in Singapore fall around S$800-$1000 for a single person to rent a room. For a 4-person family, a whole flat rental will cost between $2,500-$4,000.
- Sounds like a sizable sum, right? But, it’s nearly the same as in America and Canada. So, how do you tackle the excessive housing rents in Singapore? Well, there are two ways around it: either consider living on campus or share an apartment with friends. These cost-cutting solutions are popular basically all over the world and will significantly decrease the expenditure for shelter.
- How much does it cost to LIVE in Singapore?
- The cost of living in Singapore varies by location, but in general it is easy to live well in Singapore on a student budget. Overall, as a student in Singapore you are expected to spend 800-1600 AED per month. Finding a place to live on your own is more expensive, especially in core city.
- Cleaning Services Cost: Cleaning services for lodgings are also included in the housing area of living costs. Typically, this service is given by employing domestic assistance, which is relatively widespread in Singapore. The fees differ based on the type of cleaning, but a full-time domestic assistant may expect to earn roughly AED 2,700 (USD 735) per month, while a part-time domestic helper who comes in once a week (3-hour service) can expect to pay around AED 390 (USD 106) each month.
- Cost of Groceries in Singapore: When it comes to the grocery costs, basic food requirements for one person will cost around SG$200 a month (say, for your daily dinners and breakfast items). The more bulk cooking you do, the cheaper it can get. It’s not really worth it to cook up meals for just one person in Singapore due to how cheap it is to eat out. I know what you’re thinking–not only are the restaurants really pricey, groceries also consume a good chunk of your income.
- Food Costs: Food costs in Singapore vary depending on the region you live in. Fortunately, eating out in Singapore is pretty cheap. There are plenty of delicious food options everywhere costing between $4-10 per meal (meal + drink). If you dine-in at restaurants, expect to fork out $20-30 per person generally. Hot or cold drinks, coffee, chocolate, juice, cola can cost somewhere between SG$1–SG$2.50. Popular local dishes like chicken rice, nasi lemak cost between SG$3–6. A personal-pan pizza (for one pax) can cost around SG$6–SG$12.
- Mobile & Internet Cost: Internet expanses varies as per your package. When you rent a room, generally it will be part of your rental package. If you’re renting an entire apartment, usually you’ll pay for your own. Rates are around $50/month.
- Gas Cost: No home is complete without a gas connection and a stovetop. You can apply for this if you rent an entire apartment, costing you about $20-50/month. Note that in Singapore, cooking is generally not allowed if you are renting a room with a live-in landlord.
- Electricity Cost: If you rent a room, your landlord will charge you extra if you require the usage of an air-conditioner (which you’ll probably do in hot and humid Singapore). If you rent an entire apartment, you’ll have to pay for this yourself. This will set you back between $50-$200/month depending on usage.
- Transportation Costs: Public transportation costs in Singapore are quite cheap as compared with other countries. A one-way bus fare can fall somewhere between SG$1 or SG$2 depending upon how far your destination is. If you spend about SG$2–SG$4 every day, it roughly adds SG$60–SG120 a month, which is still a great addition to the loads on your shoulders. So, is there a cheaper way around? The most affordable way for transportation is either by choosing an apartment or hostel at the nearest location to the university. It could save you thousands of bucks throughout your education years. Choose either of the cheap options – MRT (Mass Rapid Transit); Bus; Taxi whichever is affordable to you.
- Entertainment Costs: Entertainment is essential for mental health. If you move to Singapore for education, you’ll probably be visiting parks, playgrounds, historical places, museums, and other attractions in Singapore. Attractions generally don’t cost very much. Entertainment costs can fall somewhere around SG$$10–40 per person per attraction place. This can include a variety of attractions such as museums, parks, etc. Singapore National Park is among the most popular parks in Singapore. Its ticket only costs SG$10 for students (provided you have your student pass), otherwise, you might have to pay SG$15.
- Miscellaneous Costs: If you rent a room, you don’t need to worry about trash charges. If you rent an entire apartment, this costs about $15/month. Also travelling costs, health insurance costs or some tutoring costs have to be kept in mind and might cost up to SG$1800–2200.
- What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in Singapore?
- Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. In Singapore, there are ways that students can fund their studies–scholarships and financial aid. There are a few scholarships that students can apply for which can help towards living expenses and tuition fees. However, studying abroad can be a slightly expensive affair and thus availing university and government scholarships. Universities offer many excellent scholarship opportunities to international students. Here are a few of them:
- Scholarships in Singapore: If you cannot afford the living expenses and tuition fee in Singapore and don’t want to get under the burden of a loan either, aiming for a scholarship is a viable solution to your problem. Now, there are many organizations offering scholarships to enthusiastic students with their own limitations. These corporations include:
- The Singapore Government Scholarship (SGS): This Ministry of Education in Singapore offers scholarships to students in need of financial assistance. There are various strict requirements for obtaining a scholarship such as applicants must not have taken a study loan or scholarship from some other organization.
- GIC Private Ltd.: This is a private organization that offers scholarships to students and helps them study in the best universities around the world. Their scholarship requirements include: Scholarships are applicable only to Pre-Tertiary students. Candidates with strong critical thinking, creativity, and leadership qualities. Good CCA/NS records or involvement in community service.
- Singapore Institute of Materials Management (SIMM): SIMM is a non-profit organization helping students’ complete education at their dream universities by giving them part-time jobs. There’s a variety of jobs you can apply for. These particularly include the position of the supply chain professional.
- Financial Loan Providers in Singapore: If you don’t consider yourself eligible for scholarships, moving toward financial loan providers can be a considerable option for you. Study Loan from Banks: If you’re looking for the most reliable and trustable way of attaining a financial loan in Singapore, banks should be at the forefront of your priority list. Although you’ll have to pay a certain amount of interest, it’ll help you tide through for multiple years. The top banks offering education loans to foreign students in Singapore are Maybank and OCBC by Frank. Both come with competitive rates and offer flexible plans to suit multiple criteria.
Work opportunities and work environment
Currently, Singapore has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in Singapore. Working in Singapore as an international student.
- Work Opportunities: The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) student pass entitles international students to seek part-time jobs and internships in Singapore. We advise international students to familiarise themselves with the ICA’s website for current information governing student work privileges in Singapore. According to the Employment of Foreign Workers Act (Cap 91A, S4) Work Permit (Exemption) (Consolidation) Notification. All international students* studying in NUS on ICA’s student pass are eligible to work during term vacations without having to apply for work permit. International students are allowed to work not more than 16 hours per week. Incoming Non-Graduating Exchange (NGE) students intending to do an internship / industrial attachment (IA) in Singapore (regardless of whether they receive remuneration) will have to apply for the appropriate work pass.
- Working in Singapore after graduation: For international students hoping to work in Singapore after graduation, the latest updates on work visas and employment regulations can be downloaded from the Ministry of Manpower’s website. Should you require a longer period of stay to look for jobs upon completion of your courses, you may apply for a one-year (non-renewable) long-term social visit pass at the ICA’s Social Visit Pass Unit. The latest updates are posted on the ICA’s website.
- Part-Time Jobs in Singapore: You can pursue a number of part-time jobs in Singapore in your field of interest or in general public services. Listed below are some of the most common ones:
- Working at the Campus: Working on the campus is one of the most popular part-time jobs in Singapore for international students. There are various jobs offered on one’s campus, from working in the cafeteria to computer centres to the library to being a part of the student’s union. This will also allow you to spend more time with your peers and provide you with some valuable experience and improve your language. Some universities take the help of their international students to promote the university through blogging and social media promotions.
- Language-Related Work: If you’re proficient in a foreign language, you can get translation assignments and work as an interpreter. You can also teach languages like English, Korean, Chinese, Spanish and more as a private tutor.
- Working with a Company: You can work as a receptionist, a product distributor or a sales assistant with a company. These jobs will allow you to build more confidence. In the case of positions like product distributor or sales assistant, give you insight and experience in that field. You can also work as an associate or part of the data entry staff if you’re quick with your fingers.
- Freelancing: You can work part-time at any service if they are willing to hire you. These can range from restaurants and cafes to supermarkets. Many interesting opportunities are available for graphic designers and programmers. Some of the popular part-time jobs in Singapore are waiting staff or a cashier, and in case they have the skills, as an apprentice chef as well, though the last option varies as many restaurants don’t prefer hiring part-time chefs. Being in the waiting staff also guarantees tips which can add to the overall pay. You can also be part of the food-delivery staff. There are also chances of receiving some added benefits. Example: Students working in restaurants and cafes may receive free dinner, and working in supermarkets might get discounts when they shop there.
- Voluntary Work: You can choose to work with a non-profit organization. It will allow you to learn worthy and valuable work skills and even experience, you might not get paid in this field. It is a good option for medical students to get some experience.
Salary: The pay depends on the nature of your work and any additional benefits that you may get. Students may earn from $1000(₹54,620) to $2500(₹13,652) a month. Here are some of the popular part-time jobs in Singapore with salary structures: Retail Staff $8; Sales Associate $10; Data Entry Staff $9; Food & Beverages Staff $8; Business Operations $11; Chef $9; Events Associate $9; Waiting Staff $8; Receptionist $10.
Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Visa
- Can I work in Singapore on student visa?
- International students who hold a valid student pass may work up to 16 hours per week during school term, and full-time during school vacation. However, it also depends on the type of educational intuition you are enrolled in. International students who enrolled in government schools, international schools, local polytechnics and universities, and a selected number of foreign and international universities are generally allowed to work during their study.
- Is English Proficiency test score required for Singapore study visa?
- Language proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL might be required (not necessarily) for Singapore Student Visa if your chosen university has specified the same.
- How long does it take to get a Singapore student visa?
- The processing time for Singapore Student Visa can be somewhere between 15 days to a maximum of 4 weeks and mainly varies as per the type of academic institution.
- Is PTE accepted in Singapore universities?
- Yes, PTE is accepted by the following 10 universities in Singapore:
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- PSB Academy
- INSEAD
- East Asia Institute of Management
- Dimensions International College
- Leadership and Management Institute
- Curtin University
- London School of Business and Finance, Singapore
- Heartpower Tesol and Teacher Training Centre
- How much does a Singapore student visa cost?
- There will be an SGD$30 processing fee when a student pass application is submitted to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Upon a student pass approval, there will be an SGD$60 issuance fee and a further SGD$30 multiple-enter visa for visa required nationals, where applicable.
- How long does it take to get a Singapore student visa?
- The general processing time for student pass will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks. After your school submitted your student pass application, you can track your application status here.
- Does Singapore offer scholarships?
- Singapore offers scholarships and discounts for international students. Scholarships are provided particularly for law, finance and management degrees. Those who have successfully graduated high school can apply for scholarships. On the other hand, Emirati students are granted specific scholarships.
- Is Singapore cheap for study?
- Singapore is an expensive city. Hence, studying in Singapore is not cheap. Most of the universities in Singapore charge a lot of tuition fees. For example, an undergraduate degree can cost between SG$ 37,500 and 120,000 per year. Hence, it is wise to apply for scholarships.