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Study Abroad in Singapore: A Guide for International Students

Are you looking to earn a degree while taking part in a unique adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the equator. In recent years, Singapore has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination for students interested in something new and exciting. 

Feb 8, 2019
  • Study Abroad in Asia

Looking to study in Singapore? Looking for a great education in a fascinating place? Then 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.

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Since its takeoff, 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 has quickly become the lingua franca of Singapore, making it easy to live and study.

Singapore - Facts & Figures

CapitalSingapore
LanguageEnglish, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Population5.7 million
Area Size728 km²
International students2,000+
Academic YearAugust - May
CurrencySingapore Dollar (SGD)
Calling Code+65
Time zoneGMT+8

The city-state is home to 5.6 million residents, a large portion of which are foreign nationals. Therefore, you’ll have no problem fitting into your new home. The city of Singapore is a cosmopolitan dream. Offering both seaside and skyscraper views, Singapore never gets boring. After a long week of studying, visit the beach, Chinatown, or a theme park. Plus, there’s plenty of opportunities for fine dining, exotic street food, and lively bars and clubs. No matter what your interests, there’s something for everyone who wants to study in Singapore. 

Aerial photography of Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Managed by the Ministry of Education, education in Singapore ranks highly compared to other nations around the globe, making it an ideal destination for international students interested in a study abroad experience. Another alluring factor is that English is the primary language of education, making it an easily accessible and popular choice for students around the globe. Often scoring top marks in international rankings, there’s no denying that students can get a great education in Singapore.

Singapore has six autonomous universities which receive funding and support from the government through the Ministry of Education. With growing popularity, this number is expected to grow. That being said, many foreign universities have also established satellite campuses that provide both international and local students university educations.

Education System

Singapore offers world-class education. It even has three different types of schools to help you find a program that suits you. Find out more about how education works in this section.

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter Singapore to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizen status. You will also be required to bring certain documents with you to passport control at the airport, which we cover as well.

Housing & Living Costs

Singapore can be quite expensive compared to other countries in Asia. We’ve detailed average living and housing costs, so you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Singapore.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for Singaporean programs vary based on the school as well as your nationality. Usually citizens will have a different tuition fee than non-Singaporean students. There are also scholarships available.

Language & Culture

Singapore is a country enriched in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, cuisine, and more!

Application Process

All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to enter their universities. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in Singapore, and what you need to do to apply, depending on your citizenship.

Programs

Ready to look at education in Singapore? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Singapore today!