United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its flagship Human development Index ranks Singapore as the 11th most human-friendly country in the World and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ranks it as the 8th most innovative country in the World. This Little red dot has shown the World its ability beyond its size.
Singapore is an island state in Southeast Asia. Its dynamic culture and world-class education system have invited a number of international students every year.
Since the pandemic has put a halt in the Visa approval and clearance process for most sought after countries like the US, Canada, and the UK, students are looking for other destinations to fulfil their study abroad dreams.
With a 99% Visa success rate and Air bubble with India, Singapore can be a desirable substitute for the majority of students.
Here are 7 reasons that will burst all myths about choosing Singapore as your education destination.
7 Reasons to Study in Singapore- Indian Students
1. Part-time Work Policy for International Students
According to the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore, an international student on a student pass can work for 16hrs per week during term and for unlimited time during vacation provided they are registered as full-time students with approved institutes.
Most of the universities in Singapore have industrial linkages that allow one to opt for internships and part-time work opportunities while studying. This gives the dual benefits of earning and adding to one’s skill set in the relevant field.
2. Internationally Acclaimed Universities
There are 34 Universities with 6 national Universities in Singapore.
Two Universities of Singapore ranked in the top 15 in QS World University Rankings 2022 with the National University of Singapore holding 11th place and Nanyang Technical University at 12th place.
Other universities like Singapore Management University and Singapore University of technology and Design in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of technology are great attractions to students across the world.
Also, interdisciplinary courses, industryial linkages and research orientation provide numerous opportunities to students to create a difference in their education.
3. Affordable University and Tuition Fees
The average annual fee for universities in Singapore is around 8-10 lakhs which is lesser in comparison to countries like the US, UK and Canada.
Though Singapore has a high level of urbanisation, a highly capitalized economy and a luxurious lifestyle, the cost of living in Singapore is relatively higher than in most countries.
But part-time work policy for working students, government, institutional and philanthropic scholarships can become a major relief lessening the financial burden.
4. Singapore Scholarships for International students
Scholarships provide a pocket-friendly way to fulfil one’s education dreams.
For an affordable study experience in Singapore students can look for the following scholarships:
For this scholarship, students are shortlisted based on their application for the National University of Singapore(NUS).
Beneficiaries: Outstanding students from Asian countries except for Singapore.
Eligibility: Application for admission to a full-time undergraduate degree programme in Computing, Engineering or Science (excluding Environmental Studies and Pharmacy) at NUS.
Award: Tuition fees and compulsory fees, annual living allowance, one-time settling-in allowance, annual accommodation allowance and airfare.
It’s a private-sector scholarship administered by the Association of Banks in Singapore.
Beneficiaries: Outstanding students from 15 Asian countries including India for undergraduate studies at local universities in Singapore including NUS, NTU, SMU and SUTD.
Eligibility: Applicants for the National University of Singapore(NUS), Nanyang Technical University(NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU) or Singapore University of technology and Design (SUTD). Most courses (except for specialised courses like Medicine) will be considered. Applicants should depict strong leadership qualities, co-curricular activities and outstanding academic records.
Award: The scholarship supports a maximum of 4 years of undergraduate study.
It includes tuition and other compulsory fees, annual hostel allowance, one-time settling-in allowance, annual accommodation allowance, annual maintenance allowance and airfare.
The Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award is provided by the agency of science, technology and research.
Eligibility: International students pursuing Biomedical Sciences, Physical Science and Engineering related disciplines, are undergraduate students in their third or fourth year, or Master students.
Award: Monthly stipend of $1,500
INSEAD business school offers scholarships for its flagship MBA program to students from emerging economies.
Beneficiaries: Students living or working in the developing world.
Eligibility: Admission to INSEAD Business School’s full-time MBA
Award: Up to SGD 22500
5. International students can work for the Singaporean Government to get a Fee Waiver
The Tuition Grant Scheme was introduced by the Government of Singapore to help students with the costs of tertiary education. The Tuition Grant Scheme is currently open to students enrolled for the full-time diploma or undergraduate courses in the Institutes of Higher Learning.
In exchange for the grant received under the Tuition Grant Scheme, International students are required to apply for Tuition Grant and sign a Tuition Grant Agreement, they will be contractually obliged to work in a Singapore entity for three (3) years upon graduation.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Education, Government of Singapore.
6. Numerous Career Opportunities
According to the World Bank, Singapore is the easiest country to do business in. Also, The Wall street journal ranks Singapore as the economically most free country in the world. Making Singapore the Asian headquarters for many top multinational companies like Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Dyson.
Most of the Singaporean Universities have industrial linkages encouraging students to gain practical experience alongside their studies.
7. Immigrant Friendly Culture and Safe Environment
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and a hub of international students. Global Finance Magazine ranks Singapore as the 4th safest country in the world and first in the Asia Pacific.
Its safe and cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it easier for students to adjust easily in a space far away from their homeland.
If you are looking to study in Singapore, we have a dedicated team of Study Abroad Counsellors, assisting students with personality development training. This includes conceptualising social projects that enable them to create a positive social impact on society. We help students formulate research ideas for them to explore an academic subfield from an interdisciplinary perspective. This helps students understand their goals and aspirations in addition to being a concrete step in actualising the same.
With a holistic approach, we’re here to simplify the application process for you– by shortlisting countries to apply to (considering budget and expected ROI) and curating options based on student profile and job opportunities.
Contact us and get started today!
Written by: Anmol Arora
