If you are someone who is looking for a sense of purpose in life and an idea of what to do after school, a few months – or even a year – abroad might be a good idea. This experience will help you get out of your comfort zone, build confidence, develop new skills and gain a sense of purpose. In this article, we will guide you through how to study in Singapore as an international student.

We also look at details such as visa requirements, admission procedures, scholarships and the costs involved in making this decision. 

Why Choose Singapore as an International Student?

Singapore is the perfect place for you to study abroad as a teenager. We don’t just say this because it’s a beautiful destination – there are key characteristics that make it the ideal place both academically and personally. 

For starters, Singapore has positioned itself as an educational hub in Asia. This is due to the number of academic centres (including institutes, polytechnics, academies and universities) in the country, its position in global rankings, and the number of world-class universities that have a campus in the country. 

They have adopted English as their official language, making it easy for students from around the world to enjoy the experience of living in another country, meeting new people and immersing themselves in a different culture.

And the cost of education is significantly lower than in the US and other places around the world. To make things even more interesting, while you’re there you’ll be experiencing an island known for its high standard of living, duty, cleanliness and delicious cuisine.

To find out more about the benefits of studying in Singapore as an international student, we recommend you read our article on the top 8 reasons to study in Singapore. 

Visa Requirements to Study in Singapore as an International Student

To study in Singapore, you must obtain a Student Pass. While the requirements and approval process vary depending on the type of educational institution you are attending (we explain the different options below). Please note that you must be accepted into an approved full-time programme in order to apply for your Student Pass. 

Student Passports are usually approved within 1 week. If you hold one of the following documents, you are exempt from the Student Pass requirement:

  • Dependant’s Pass
  • Long-Term Visit Pass
  • Immigration Exemption Order
  • Short-Term Visit Pass

If you are on a short-term programme, you are exempt from this process. Short-term programmes can be defined as any course that can be completed during the validity of the Short-Term Visit Pass or within 30 day. But before you pack your bags and head to Singapore, please check the eligibility criteria:

  • The programme must be completed during the validity period of the Short-Term Visitor Pass or within 30 days, whichever is shorter.
  • Must be a complete and self-contained module; a Student’s Pass is required for courses with multiple programme modules
  • The course should not involve practical vocational training and/or industrial attachment involving interaction with walk-in clients; not be delivered in premises that are also places of business (such as a hairdressing or beauty salon).

Documentation required for a Private Education Institution, Foreign System School (FSS) or Privately Funded School in Singapore

To study full-time at a Private Education Institution (PEI), Foreign System School (FSS) or Privately Funded School and stay longer than 30 days in Singapore, you must opt for a Student Pass. The first step is to check if the programme you are interested in is registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE). According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore, only PEIs and FSSs that are EduTrust certified can offer internships to international students.

They require the following documents:

  • The enrolment confirmation letter from the school you wish to attend.
  • The biodata page of your travel document and birth certificate (if applicable).
  • Personal information, including
    • A list of countries/places where you have lived.
    • Educational background.
    • Employment history.
    • Financial support.
  • Personal details of your parents, spouse and/or siblings (if applicable)
  • Your home address and contact details in Singapore.
  • Your email address
  • A recent, passport-sized, digital colour photograph taken within the last three months. 

To study at a private institution, you must start the application process at least two months and no more than three months before your course starts. You do not need to be in Singapore while your application is being processed. However, if you are applying to a Foreign System School (FSS) or a privately funded school in Singapore, you must start the process 4 weeks before the start of the programme.

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Admissions Process

Admission procedures and application deadlines in Singapore vary depending on your qualifications, the school and the programme you are applying for. Applicants for undergraduate programmes are categorised and then assessed according to requirements that commonly include the following:

  • Completion of 12 years of general education.
  • Secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent.
  • IELTS: minimum 7 band score
  • TOEFL: Minimum of 93, with a minimum of 22 in both reading and writing
  • PTE Academic: Minimum 66, with a minimum of 66 in reading and 56 in writing.
  • High School Results
  • Original copies of identification documents
  • Valid passport
  • Letter of recommendation

Please note that other supporting documents may be required by your school.

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Scholarships Offered for International Students

It’s always worth taking a look at the various scholarships available to international students in Singapore. While tuition fees in Singapore are lower than in other countries, a scholarship can help make the cost more affordable and make it easier for you to spend some time experiencing a different culture, meeting new people and working on your technical and social skills.

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ASEAN Scholarship: Designed for students from ASEAN countries (Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) who wish to develop leadership, communication and life skills. The application process varies from country to country. 

ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship: Offered by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to citizens or permanent residents of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), excluding Singapore. It includes

  • Full funding of subsidized tuition fees (after Tuition Grant).
  • Cost of living allowance of £3,450 per academic year.
  • Housing allowance of £1,780 per academic year
  • One-off computer allowance of £1,040

100% scholarship with Immerse Education: Our essay competition gives you the chance to win a full or partial scholarship to our university and career summer programmes, including our upcoming Academic Insights programmes in Singapore. It is open to students aged between 13 and 18 and requires them to answer specific questions on a topic of interest.

Course Fees for International Students in Singapore

As mentioned above, education in Singapore tends to be more affordable than in Europe, North America and Oceania. The average cost of a three-year programme is between GBP 14,000 and GBP 23,700.

Of course, living and accommodation costs must be taken into account. According to Collegepond, this can add up to around GBP 1,700 per month, including a campus apartment, utilities, public transport and food. 

Singapore is a country that makes it easy for students to retain their right to live and work there after completing their studies. With this in mind, we would like to provide you with a list of careers that have high earning potential if you decide to study and live in Singapore.

  • Accountant: GBP 32,695
  • Data Analyst: GBP 36,262
  • AI Specialist GBP 34,480
  • Robotics engineer: GBP 32,700
  • Cybersecurity Specialist GBP 29,723
  • UX/UI professional: GBP 16,050

The Bottom Line

Singapore is one of the best options if you are considering spending your summer or completing a programme abroad. Its culture, people, gastronomy and surroundings are breathtaking. As an added bonus, you will have the chance to meet new people, understand a different culture and gain confidence in yourself. 

All this comes at a lower cost than a similar programme in the US or Europe. Also, the paperwork should not be difficult to complete once you have been accepted into one of the accredited schools!

At Immerse Education, we strongly recommend that you consider our Singapore Summer School. It gives you the opportunity to experience the city first-hand and gain valuable insights and skills that can enhance your educational journey at one of the world’s top universities.