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Choosing to study in Singapore could be a fantastic, life-changing experience. Singapore has positioned itself as an educational hub in Asia, and the country is a key location for the technology and global financial sectors.
Studying abroad is an opportunity to attend a world-class institution, gain new experiences and immerse in new cultures and build language skills and create networking opportunities. Not only that, international study is a fantastic addition to a personal statement, CV/resume or a further college or university application.
So why study abroad in Singapore? Where are the best places to study in Singapore? Let’s find out about this exciting country and what it can offer students academically and personally.
1. An educational hub of Asia
Singapore is a country as well as a city-state, known officially as the Republic of Singapore. It positions itself as a key educational hub and promises those who study in Singapore a rich academic and cultural experience. The country also has a reputation as the financial centre of Southeast Asia.
There are six publicly-funded universities: the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, the Singapore Management University, the Singapore University of Technology and Design, the Singapore Institute of Technology, and the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University both rank in the top 50 universities globally.
In addition, six more world-class universities from around the globe have a presence in the country, these are Massachusetts University of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, Georgia Technological University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, INSEAD, and the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania. There are also campuses of the Curtin University of Australia, the University of Nevada and the Shanghai Jiaotong University of China.
Some of the most popular courses to study in Singapore in state-of-the-art colleges and universities include Business Administration and other management degrees, Master of Business Administration degrees, financial and technology qualifications, and civil, electrical, bioengineering, and mechanical engineering disciplines. There’s a strong focus on research and innovation.
2. Courses are offered in English
The education system in Singapore has adopted English as its official language. Most college and university courses are delivered in English, and Singapore offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment as well as to experience its other spoken languages of Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
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3. The cost of education is low
Singapore is reputed to have lower education costs than the U.S. and other locations, but the cost of living in the city can be high. However, there are some grants available to international students opting to study abroad in Singapore, which are worth investigating. Tuition fees will vary based on the course and college or university. Likewise, some locations are more affordable to live in, and both public and private universities may have on-campus or off-campus dormitories.
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4. Innovation and economic activity
Singapore has many multinational companies headquartered on the island and an amazing startup environment. Over 26,000 international companies, including Twitter, Dyson, and Tencent, have facilities in the open-for-business city-state, increasing the opportunities for students to network, gain work experience, and seek out job opportunities.
The country’s economy is quickly developing, and the growth opens much potential for students. Sectors of note include technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, engineering, and aerospace. What’s more, Singapore’s government invests heavily in research and innovation to ensure the country stays at the cutting edge and, as such, offers scholarships and grants for students conducting research in certain fields.
5. Experience many cultures
Singapore welcomes students from many countries around the globe, making studying in Singapore for foreigners an easy, adaptable experience. According to UNESCO, Singapore welcomes almost 50,000 students every year, which is one of the highest admission rates among Asian countries. There are many students from Europe who choose Singapore or attend as exchange students
6. A clean, safe island and garden city
Singapore is a highly developed, eco-friendly city known for its standards of living, civic sense of duty, and cleanliness. It also has a strict system of law and order and low crime rates, which makes it safe for students to live, study, and explore. There are substantial penalties for any deviations, such as spitting or littering. The city is also dubbed the Garden City because of the many trees planted on its streets. An initiative began in 1963 that set a target to plant 2,000 trees every year has been hugely successful; Singapore is now famed for its greenery. Even its airport is famous for its design – it was one of the first in the world to incorporate beautiful gardens, including a butterfly garden in Terminal 3. Singapore has a thriving tourist industry, excellent standards of healthcare, and a reliable public transport system.
7. Amazing Food
As a gateway to Asia, students in Singapore can indulge in many different and healthy cuisines, not just from Asia but from around the globe, as Singapore is another fantastic multi-cultural location. The city has several world-class Michelin-starred restaurants but instead of the hefty prices you’d expect, you’ll actually find the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred meal. Many of these highly rated restaurants have more affordable but still amazing dishes.
When it comes to even more affordable eating out, some of the best food experiences can be found in Singapore’s open-air markets where you can find many inexpensive and delicious street foods.
8. A base to explore Asia
The main island of Singapore, with its imposing skyscrapers, is around 49 kilometers from east to west and 28 kilometers from north to south, so it’s easy to explore. There’s nearby Sentosa Island, with a Universal Studios Theme Park, for example. But it’s also wonderfully close to other Asian countries. A flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur takes less than an hour, and Phuket in Thailand takes less than two hours.
Those are eight incredible reasons to study abroad in Singapore. Take a look at our blog and resources for the lowdown on other study-abroad locations.
Interested in experiencing life as a student in Singapore? Register early interest to be part of our first ever cohort in a Singapore summer school. Receive priority enrolment by registering your interest today.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Singapore
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Vientiane/Studying-in-Singapore
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
https://www.unikglobalservices.com/why-study-in-singapore/
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/top-reasons-study-in-singapore
https://www.goabroad.com/articles/study-abroad/why-study-abroad-in-singapore
https://www.aeccglobal.com/study-in-singapore
https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/why-study-abroad-singapore
https://www.studies-overseas.com/country/study-in-singapore
https://www.visitsingapore.com/editorials/affordable-michelin-meals-in-singapore
