Singapore is a remarkable country. Known as one of the “Four Asian Tigers,” Singapore has experienced rapid economic growth while simultaneously becoming one of the freest economies in the world. The stereotypes of Singapore as being too politically authoritarian and rigid (chewing bubble gum is banned) disregard the country’s complete other face.
Singapore is composed of 60+ islands and home to four official languages: Malay, English, Tamil, and Mandarin Chinese. That Singaporean culture is so diverse makes studying at the universities in Singapore much more enticing.
Studying abroad in Singapore is best for students who only speak English and are interested in Asia, city life, mixed cultures, languages, high standards of living, food.
There are three universities in Singapore: the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Nanyang Technological University, and the Singapore Management University. NUS has the only public policy school in all of Southeast Asia and ranks amongst the top 50 universities globally. Although there are only a handful of universities to choose from, you have a few study abroad options if you want to get to Singapore.
Direct Enrollment
The first option is to enroll directly into your university of choice. If the university you attend is not a partner of the university you want to study in during your time at Singapore, some universities like the National University of Singapore offer a non-graduating program for exchange students.
Provider Program
Enrolling through a provider program rather than directly on your own may streamline the process and also gives you access to assistance when it comes to housing, activities, and visa applications. This is a good option for those who have unfamiliar with traveling and studying abroad. However, it also may limit your area of study or the locations you can visit. Check the provider programs available to determine which option is the best fit for you.
Standard of Education
The most important thing to consider while going abroad to study is the standards of the universities that are available in the country. Singapore houses some of the top-rated universities in the world for higher education.
One of the most important things to note is that these universities in Singapore have direct connections to some of the other top universities in the western part of the world. Not only does this ensure that the standard of education is top-notch, but this will also help the student when it comes to job offers and placements during the final years of studying in Singapore.
Education is Affordable
The second most important thing for a student is the cost of education. There are universities where the students pay a lot of money towards tuition fees in the west. But Singapore is more of an affordable hub for students with the same quality of education that is offered by the colleges in the west.
One of the most important things that students get in Singapore is the gift of subsidized education. Students have the option of serving the Singapore government as an under-graduation student or as a postgraduate student for three years.
Lesser Cost of Living
The cost of living in Singapore is very less when compared to many other countries with good universities. Most universities have in-campus hostels that have all the required facilities for students, including gyms, food parks, libraries and so on. These come at affordable packages and dorm rooms that students can occupy on a sharing basis to reduce the cost.
If students do not like the idea of living on campus, there are a lot of private hostels and private flats that they can stay in. If a student is staying at a university hostel, the cost per month would be about six hundred to seven hundred US dollars.
Part-time Jobs
Another advantage that international students in Singapore have is the presence of part-time jobs. The Government of Singapore allows students who have a student visa to work for 16 hours per week during the term of their course at the university.
These work hour restrictions are completely lifted during the vacation time and the student can work unlimited hours. The restrictions in time allow the student to work as well as study in a proper manner and not let the two become a huge burden.
This facility is available in most of the universities in Singapore and allows the students to earn pocket money to support their expenses and also learn valuable experience in work ethic.
