How to study in Singapore?

Singapore is a country known for its academic excellence, and offers courses at an affordable rate. The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides financial aid to international students studying in Singapore. Some universities comply with the need-blind or merit-based admissions norms.

How much does it cost to study in Singapore?

The educational cost for undergraduate students comes to around INR 12-20 lakhs per year. This depends on the programme and the university chosen. Universities like MDIS, a popular choice among Indian students, generally have the tuition fee of INR 15 lakhs per year.

Often, the tuition fees depend on the university and program you choose to study and your nationality. Tuition fees for Singaporean universities might be more than the universities from the neighboring countries; however, Singapore’s public universities are a lot less expensive than many private and public universities overseas. The main factor that affects the price of tuition is nationality. In Singapore, there are four different prices depending on status:
Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by Singapore Citizens
Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by Permanent Residents
Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by International Students
Annual Non - Subsidized Fees
Generally speaking, it costs approximately SGD 8,000 to SGD 9,000 per year to study in a public university. However, this is the subsidized price. It costs around SGD 10,000 or more for non-subsidized and non-Singaporean students. Some programs in the universities are subsidized by the government as well.

What are the entry requirements for Singaporean universities?

Depending on the course the students want to apply for, they should submit the certified copies of the required transcripts/mark sheets/certificates of the minimum qualification that is asked.
If not already, the students should get the above mentioned documents translated into English language from an individual or authority recognized by the authority of a student’s home country.
Students should also get the marks converted according to the grading system that is followed in Singapore. School/University/College authorities can be contacted for the same.
Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL and GMAT exams are also to be submitted to the university authorities. Although the minimum score varies according the university/institution; it’s advised that, for competitive reasons, students should look to score above the minimum scores asked.
For students seeking admission in an MBA course, it’s absolutely mandatory to have a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience. A detailed CV along with letter of recommendation, from the professors with their contact information mentioned on the same are to be submitted to the university or institution.
For students seeking admission in a doctoral program, letters of recommendations and a statement of purpose (personal essays) mentioning the reasons as to why the student wants to pursue the particular field of study in doctoral degree should be submitted.
Apart from the above requirements, the students may also be asked to submit certified copies of their birth certificates or identity proofs and medical reports if they have or have had any illnesses or disabilities.

How to get a Stipend/Scholarship in Singapore?

No matter the reason, paying high tuition fees can be a source of stress for many. However, there are many options for financing your studies, including the use of scholarships. There are various scholarship opportunities available for international students looking to study in Singapore. Depending on your country of origin and the level of studies, there are different options for funding. To explore what scholarship options are available, check this scholarship database.

Do I need a Student Visa for Singapore?

International students wishing to study in Singapore will need to obtain a student visa. After receiving the university letter of approval, the student will also be issued a visa by the institution. Within two weeks of acceptance, the student will need to apply to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for a Student Pass.