Singapore
"Studying in Singapore"
Studying in Singapore as an International Student
How to apply yourself?
As an international admissions consultant, let's take a step-by-step guide on how Indian students can apply for international student graduate admissions in top Singapore universities.
Exploration of the Landscape
The first step in applying for graduate studies in Singapore is to explore different universities and programs that align with your academic and career goals. Singapore has six local universities, namely, National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
You can browse their official websites and research the programs that interest you. You can also seek advice from education consultants or education fairs to help you identify suitable universities and programs.
Comparison of Universities and Programmes
Once you have shortlisted a few universities and programs, it's time to compare them based on various factors such as program curriculum, academic requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and living expenses.
Here are some useful links to help you compare universities and programs in Singapore:
- Study in Singapore
- Study in Singapore Guide
- Top Universities in Singapore
- Preparation to apply Stage
Once you have identified the university and program you wish to apply for, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the academic and English language requirements. For graduate studies, you typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA requirement of 2.5 to 3.0 out of 4.0. The English language requirements vary depending on the university and program, but a TOEFL score of 90-100 or an IELTS score of 6.5-7.0 is typically required.
Before applying, you should also gather the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, English language test scores, recommendation letters, and personal statements. You can apply for admission through the university’s official website or through online application portals such as ApplyBoard or IDP Education.
Applied already
Here are some general steps to help international students understand the process of securing admission confirmation:
Wait for the university's response
After submitting an application, it may take several weeks or even months to receive a response from the university. This waiting period can be challenging, but it is important to be patient and avoid constantly contacting the university for updates.
Respond to requests for additional information
During the evaluation process, the university may request additional information from the applicant. This may include transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, or essays. It is important to respond to these requests promptly and accurately.
Accept the offer of admission
If the applicant is offered admission, they will typically receive an offer letter from the university. The offer letter will outline the terms of the offer, such as the program of study, start date, and tuition fees. The applicant will need to review the offer letter carefully and accept the offer within the specified deadline.
Pay the acceptance fee
After accepting the offer of admission, the applicant will typically need to pay an acceptance fee to secure their place in the program. The acceptance fee can vary depending on the university and program, but it is typically a percentage of the total tuition fees.
Visa
International students who wish to study in Singapore need to obtain a Student's Pass, which serves as a student visa. The Student's Pass is issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore.
Here is the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a Student's Pass:
Apply for admission to a Singaporean educational institution that is registered with the ICA. You will need to provide the institution with the necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, language proficiency test results, and other requirements specific to the program you are applying for.
Once your admission is confirmed, the educational institution will apply for a Student's Pass on your behalf through the ICA's Student's Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system. The educational institution will require certain documents from you, such as your passport details, a recent photograph, and medical examination reports.
The ICA will review your application and may request additional documents or information. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Approval (LOA) via email.
You will need to print out the LOA and submit it to the Singaporean embassy or consulate in your home country, along with your passport and other required documents, to obtain your Student's Pass.
Upon your arrival in Singapore, you will need to complete formalities for your Student's Pass, which includes submitting your passport and the Disembarkation/Embarkation Card to the ICA, undergoing biometric registration, and collecting your Student's Pass.
It is important to note that the processing time for a Student's Pass application can take several weeks, so it is recommended to start the application process as early as possible.
Fee Payment
Once you have received your acceptance letter, you will need to pay your tuition fees. The tuition fees vary depending on the university and program, but you can expect to pay between SGD 20,000 to SGD 40,000 per year for undergraduate programs and SGD 30,000 to SGD 60,000 per year for postgraduate programs. Some universities may also require you to pay a non-refundable enrollment fee and a student activity fee.
To pay your tuition fees, you can usually do so through the university's online portal or through bank transfer. It is important to ensure that you pay your fees on time to avoid any late payment penalties or withdrawal of your admission offer.
It is also worth noting that some universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students to help cover the cost of tuition fees. You can check the university's website or contact the admissions office to enquire about the scholarships available and their application process.
Accommodation
There are several options for accommodation in Singapore, including university dormitories, private hostels, and rental apartments. University dormitories are a popular choice for international students, as they are often conveniently located on campus and provide a good opportunity to meet other students. Private hostels and rental apartments can offer more flexibility and independence, but may be more expensive.
To search for accommodation, you can check the university's website for information on available options and application procedures. You can also check online platforms such as HousingAnywhere and Hostelworld for private accommodation options. It is important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Onboarding and Joining
Once you have paid your tuition fees and secured your accommodation, it is time to prepare for your journey to Singapore. Make sure to book your flights in advance and apply for your student visa if you have not done so already.
Before departing, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, student visa, acceptance letter, and proof of finances. You should also research and familiarize yourself with Singapore's customs and culture to prepare for your new life in Singapore.
Upon arrival in Singapore, you will attend the university's orientation program for international students to help you settle in and get familiarized with the university and Singapore culture. You will also attend your course registration and start your classes.
Employment scope and Industry Recruitment on Campus
International students in Singapore are allowed to work part-time during their studies, with a maximum of 16 hours per week during school term and full-time during vacation periods. There are many part-time job opportunities available on campus, such as working at the university library, café, or bookstore. You can also search for part-time jobs off-campus through job portals such as JobsDB and Indeed.
Singapore is a hub for several industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare, and many companies offer internships and employment opportunities to university students. You can check with your university's career services office for information on available opportunities and their application process. Some universities also host career fairs and networking events where you can meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.
Studying in Singapore as an international student can be an enriching and rewarding experience. However, it is important to research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and successful transition. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the application process, secure your admission, and prepare for your journey to Singapore.
Top Singapore Universities
National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a research-intensive university located in Singapore. It is one of the top universities in Asia and consistently ranks among the top 15 universities in the world.
NUS offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 17 faculties and schools. These include programs in fields such as business, engineering, law, medicine, social sciences, and more.
NUS is known for its research capabilities and has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has partnerships with over 400 universities and research institutions worldwide.
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) is a world-class research-intensive institution with a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. NTU is consistently ranked among the world’s top 15 universities and is known for its excellence in science, engineering, business, and humanities.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its colleges, including the College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Business, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Singapore Management University
Singapore Management University (SMU) is a public university located in Singapore. It was established in 2000 and is the third autonomous university in the country. SMU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, law, social sciences, and computing.
The university is known for its strong focus on business education, with its Lee Kong Chian School of Business consistently ranked among the top business schools in Asia.
SMU has a diverse student body, with students from over 30 countries. The university has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for careers in business, law, and other fields.
List of Top Singapore universities
here's an updated list of universities in Singapore that accept international students:
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Location: Kent Ridge, Singapore
Specializations: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Dentistry, Design & Environment, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Music, Public Health, Science
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)
Location: Jurong West, Singapore
Specializations: Art, Design & Media, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Science
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Location: Bras Basah, Singapore
Specializations: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Information Systems Management, Law, Social Sciences
Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
Location: Clementi, Singapore
Specializations: Accountancy, Business, Communications, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Location: Changi, Singapore
Specializations: Architecture & Sustainable Design, Engineering Product Development, Engineering Systems & Design, Information Systems Technology & Design