Studying in Singapore: an essential guide

Singapore has emerged as a premier educational destination, attracting students from across the globe.

Especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the city state has cemented its status as a popular university choice for Asian international students, owing to its convenient proximity to their home countries.

Positioning itself as a key educational hub in Asia, Singapore offers foreign students a rich experience that blends academic excellence with cultural immersion.

Studying in Singapore: the universities

Singapore’s higher education landscape has flourished in recent years. Its top universities, the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, now rank 17th and 30th, respectively, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

In keeping with the city’s strong corporate reputation, Singaporean graduates are much sought after by international employers, particularly throughout Asia, with the city ranking joint 20th in the employer-activity indicator.

The main universities in Singapore include:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design
• Singapore Institute of Technology
• Singapore University of Social Sciences

These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as engineering, business, computer science and the humanities.

Admission is highly competitive, so it’s important to research each university’s specific requirements and application deadlines.

How to apply to university in Singapore

The application process for Singapore universities typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose a programme and university

Students should review the available programmes and entry requirements across the different universities. Consider factors such as academic strengths, campus environment and career prospects.

Make sure that students meet their chosen programme prerequisites. Last, check the number of programme choices each university allows in one application. For example, NUS allows up to eight choices, and SMU up to four choices.

NUS programme prerequisites:

• Single-degree programmes
• Double-degree, concurrent degree, double major, minor, specialisation and special programmes

2. Prepare application materials

Common requirements include:

• Online application form
• Photos of personal ID
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Standardised test scores (for example: SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
• English-proficiency test scores (for example: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced). This is compulsory for applicants who are presenting qualifications where English is not the medium of instruction.
• List of co-curriculars, achievements and activities beyond the school
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Portfolio or writing samples (for some programmes).

3. Submit application

Each university has an online application portal where applicants can complete and submit their materials by the specified deadline. Students should pay close attention to any required documents and formatting.

4. Interview or tests (if applicable)

Some programmes may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview or test, either in person or virtually. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their fit for the programme.

5. Await admissions decision

Universities usually notify students of their decision within two to three months of the application deadline.

Note for IB students

Students must authorise the International Baccalaureate to release their IB transcripts directly to Singapore universities before July. Application outcomes will be given two to three weeks after the submission of IB results in July.

Singapore universities do not give conditional offers prior to the submission of actual IB results.

What funding is available?

Financing studies in Singapore as an international student can be challenging, but there are several funding options to consider.

1. Tuition grants

Tuition fees at Singapore universities are highly subsidised by the Singapore government. This substantial subsidy comes in the form of a tuition grant.

Eligible international students may choose to apply for a Tier C tuition grant only. There is a limited number of tuition grants available for international students, and selection is competitive and based on merit. Successful applicants are required to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.

If students do not apply for a tuition grant, or if they do not complete the registration and signing process, they will need to pay non-subsidised fees.

2. Scholarships

Check each university’s website for the funding opportunities they provide. Students should pay close attention to the eligibility criteria and application requirements for these scholarships. Some may stipulate that recipients fulfil a service bond or maintain a certain academic standard to retain the award.

The types of available scholarship include:

• University-specific scholarships (such as the NUS Global Merit Scholarship, Nanyang Scholarship, NUS College International Scholarship)
• Singapore government scholarships (for example: ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, Singapore International Graduate Award)
• Scholarships from private organisations.

3. Loans

Students may be eligible for study loans from banks or financial institutions in their home country. They may also be able to apply for Singapore-based study-loan programmes, such as the OCBC education loan or DBS student loan.

4. Part-time work

International students in Singapore are allowed to work up to 16 hours a week during the academic term and full-time during school breaks.

What are the visa requirements?

International students must obtain a valid student pass or visa issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore.

Upon acceptance on to a programme of study, a student’s details will be registered by their university on the ICA SOLAR system.

Students should then fill in and submit eForm 16 with relevant documents. A non-refundable processing fee of SGD45 must be paid within seven days of submission of eForm 16. ICA SOLAR system accepts payment only via credit or debit card and internet banking. Processing takes between five and 10 working days.

Once approved, students should print the outcome letter of their student-pass application. They will be able to enter Singapore with this IPA letter.

Students will be required to pass a medical examination in Singapore.

They will be able to access the ICA SOLAR system to complete the other relevant documents. Once ICA approves the documents, students will be notified to make payment (within seven days). They will then have to make an e-appointment to complete their student-pass formalities at the ICA building in person within the expiry date of the IPA letter.

Finally, students will receive details about how to retrieve their digital student pass.

Full details are available here.

Students shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to university admissions offices for any clarification or support.