Studying In Singapore
Looking for a place to study? Somewhere outside of your comfort zone? Maybe in a whole new and different country? Why not consider going to Singapore for your educational experience?
Singapore is known to be one of the leading countries when it comes to research and innovation. The country has many well known and world-class universities and has an international standard of education. Not to mention, all this can be had at an affordable price. Singapore is a global education hub that many students go to because of its many achievements and initiatives such as the “Global Schoolhouse”. A singapore university is a great choice for any student.
Crowned as one of the most compatible cities for students, many students are drawn to Singapore when it comes to choosing a country to study in. In 2016, Singapore was ranked sixth by the QS in terms of its universities, the standard of living, job opportunities, and student lifestyle compatibility.
So why then should you consider Singapore as your place to study? Here are a few reasons we have for you!
1. Great for exchange students
Education in Singapore exposes you to a variety of cultures due to its rich heritage. Not only that, it is very popular amongst exchange students which allows you to learn and interact with people from all around the world. There are many exchange programs for you to choose from as well. Most of its exchange students come from the United Kingdom and other European nations.
Within Singapore itself, there are also many institutes from popular institutes such as the University of Nevada of USA and Shanghai Jiaotong University of China. As such, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which school to pick from. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of people.
2. Global Education System
Singapore has a lot of opportunities when it comes to higher education. This can be seen through its latest academics and distinguished faculty members as well as its modern infrastructure. Singapore has universities that are both public and private. Both include in-campus provisions. Their better known, world-class universities are Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), and National University of Singapore (NUS). The universities have strong connections to many industries and job sectors and are able to help pave the way for its students to find a great placement at the end of their school university program.
Other than universities, the polytechnics in Singapore are also industry orientated. The better-known polytechnics are Temasek Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and Nanyang Polytechnic to name a few.
There are also schools that offer technical studies in areas such as business, electronics, media, and applied sciences.
3. Cost
Although the tuition costs in Singapore might still be on the pricey end, it is still much cheaper than that of the United Kingdom, the United States, and even Australia. A year’s tuition fees averages around USD 11,800. However, there are subsidies for you to apply for. If you serve the Singaporean Government during your term as an undergrad, your tuition fees will be subsidized. For post-graduates, you can also apply for a subsidy if you agree to serve the Singaporean Government for three years.
Other than tuition fees, the cost of living in Singapore varies too depending on your lifestyle. This can cost you as low as SGD 750 to SGD 2000 a month. There is the option to live on campus in hostels and halls of residence as a student. The monthly rental for a university hostel costs around USD 345.32, meals at the hostel costs around USD 254.45, and transportation costs of at least USD 70.
4. Job Opportunities
If you are looking to earn some extra cash before you graduate, this is the place for you. In Singapore, you are allowed to start earning even before your schooling year ends. According to the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, as long as international students have a Student pass on them, they are allowed to work part-time for sixteen hours a week during school terms and an unlimited number of hours during their holidays. However, the university must allow for the part-time work program first.
5. Accessibility to other countries
Singapore’s Changi Airport is ranked number one in the world. It has over a hundred airlines that connect to over three hundred different cities. This means that going on holiday or visiting a different country is not that hard. There is the renowned Singapore Airlines that you can take or, if you are on a budget, opt for their budget airlines such as Scoot for more affordable plane tickets.
Living in Singapore makes it easy to go on short trips to Malaysia, Bali, or even Thailand. Have yourself a quick break in another country.
6. Many attractions
Even though Singapore is a very small country, there are lots to see and do during your free time. There are many places of interest that you should visit when in Singapore. It has a skyline with many skyscrapers while at the same time, sustaining a thriving ecosystem of nature and wildlife with nature reserves and wetlands. The nightlight in Singapore is also one that is very busy. Visit the different clubs and bars that can easily be found almost everywhere in Singapore.
If you are not a party animal, the city is a great place for a stroll. Walk around the streets and do window shopping, or even visit one of their museums.
If you are adventurous, there are activities for you too. Try wakeboarding or windsurfing. For team sports, try kayaking or dragon boating. You can also visit Sentosa, the hub of fun. Be a daredevil and zipline across the ocean on their MegaZip or ride the Battlestar Galactica in Universal Studios Singapore.
One thing that you cannot miss while in Singapore is their wide variety of food. With a wide range of races and cultures, there are many different cuisines for you to try! Be it Indian, Chinese, or Peranakan.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless if you are willing to explore. Singapore is very student-friendly and has many different schemes for you to choose from to help ease your cost of living. Sign yourself up for the right course and school program and have yourself a ball of a time!