Studying in Singapore for Kazakhstanis. Basic requirements for foreigners upon admission to educational institutions

An applicant who has completed 9, 10 or 11 grades can enter a university in Singapore. high school.

If you have not taken an international English test IELTS language or TOEFL, upon arrival in Singapore you will have to take the Placement Test, which ranks all applicants according to their English language proficiency level and places them at the appropriate level of study. If your test result does not meet the minimum requirements for your chosen program of study, you will be required to take an English language course, and only after successfully completing this course will you be able to begin studying your chosen academic program.

If you have a passing certificate TOEFL exam or IELTS, for which the result is not lower than the level specified in the requirements for the program you have chosen, then you will be admitted to the university without additionally taking an English language course.

So, what training programs exist in Singapore:

O-Level program (based on grade 9)

Duration of training: 10 – 16 months

Applicants can enroll in this program after the 9th grade of school. Based on the results of your studies, you will move on to the first year of your Bachelor's degree.

English language requirement: IELTS 4.5

Certificate (based on grade 10)

Duration of training: 4-6 months

Applicants can enroll in this program after the 10th grade of school. This program is similar to the 11th grade of school. Upon completion of your studies, you will move on to the first year of your Bachelor's degree.

English language requirement: IELTS 4.5 – 6.0

Foundation Preparatory Program

Duration of training: 8 months

This program is optional in many universities in Singapore. But in branches of Australian universities such as Curtin (Curtin University Singapore) and JCU (James Cook University) it is required. Based on the results of training, a Certificate from Curtin College or a Certificate from James Cook University is issued. The Foundation program prepares students for university studies. Accounting, economics, IT, mathematics, communications and management or marketing are studied here. After passing this preparatory program, you will be ready to enter the first year of the Bachelor's degree program (Diploma degree).

English language requirement: IELTS 5.5

Bachelor's degree

If you are entering a university in Singapore (except Curtin and JCU) based on the 9th, 10th or 11th grade, then you initially need to complete the O-Level Program or Certificate, after successful completion you will be enrolled in the 1st year of the Bachelor's degree. If you are applying to Curtin or JCU, then to enroll in the 1st year of the Bachelor's degree, you will first need to complete the Foundation Preparatory Program.

1st course. Junior Specialist Degree - Diploma

This is the first year of the Bachelor's degree or secondary special education. If you successfully complete the training, then proceed to the second year.

2nd course. Senior Specialist Degree - Advanced Diploma

This is the second year of the Bachelor's degree. This course Not all programs have them.

3rd year. Bachelor's Degree

This is the third year of a Bachelor's degree or completed higher education. Students who have successfully completed the first two years of their Bachelor's degree are enrolled in this program. It happens that the program consists of only the 1st and 3rd courses, i.e. without the Advanced Diploma level, in this case the period of study is still not reduced.

Duration of Bachelor's degree: 2-3 years

English language requirement: IELTS 6.0

In some universities in Singapore you can choose up to two specializations.

Master's degree

Duration of training: 1-2 years

To enroll in a Master's program, you must have a Bachelor's degree. Sometimes an additional minimum of two to three years of work experience is required.

English language requirement: IELTS 6.5

What is Honors?

Many Bachelor's programs in Singapore have what are called "Hons" classifications. Such a diploma “with Distinction” in Singapore is valued higher than the “Ordinary” (Ordinary or Pass Degree).

However, even when applying for a Bachelor with Distinction, if you do not score the required number of points based on the results of your studies, you will not receive the classification “with Distinction”, you will be given a regular Bachelor’s diploma.

There are 5 classifications of Bachelor with Honors, depending on the average score:

  1. Most high class– First Class Honors, awarded for GPA from 70% and above.
  2. Upper Second Class Honors are awarded for an average score of 60-69%.
  3. Lower Second Class Honors are awarded for an average score of 50-59%.
  4. Third class (Third Class Honors) is awarded for an average score of 40-49%.
  5. An average score of less than 40% is recognized as “No result,” but some universities award such students a regular Bachelor's degree without classification or Pass Degree.

What to do: everything in order

  1. First you need to choose a university and study program. The website www.postupionline.com will help you with this. There you will find all the admission requirements, start dates, and tuition fees for each program. Or you can read this article(Universities of Singapore) and select the university you like, read more about it on its official website.
  1. One and a half months before the start of classes, you must submit an online application for admission to the university. To do this you will need the following documents:

Application (find on the official website of the university of your choice);
-Notarized translation to English language school certificate/report card/school completion certificate/diploma of secondary specialized or higher education with annex;
-IELTS or TOEFL certificate, if you have taken this test;
-Passport size photograph in JPG format with high resolution on a white background;
-Copy of the main page of the foreign passport.

These documents must be sent to the selected university, or scanned copies by email, or paper copies by regular mail to the university address.

Review of the application and documents takes up to five working days.

  1. After you have received confirmation that your documents have been reviewed, you will need to pay the application fee to the university account. The admission fee includes payment for reviewing documents, concluding a study contract, obtaining student visa forms and an official Letter of Offer from the university. The university itself will apply for a student visa for you. If you are denied a student visa, the application fee, unfortunately, is not refundable. For more information about the student visa, read the article in the section “How to get a Singapore student visa?”.
  1. When entering Singapore, do not forget to take with you the documents necessary to pass immigration control, obtain a visa card and register at the university:
  • Letter of acceptance from the university - Letter of Offer;
  • Foreign passport;
  • Entry visa In-Principal Visa Approval letter;
  • Originals and notarized translations of educational documents, copies of which you sent to the university upon admission;
  • Completed form.

After passing through passport control, you will be given an immigration card stub, which you need to keep as you will need it to obtain your student visa card.

  1. As soon as you arrive in Singapore, the next working day, you need to register at the university. They'll tell you there general rules University and familiarize yourself with the academic schedule. To register at the university you will need the following documents:
  • Valid international passport;
  • Printed entry visa - In-Principal Visa Approval letter;
  • Printed letter of admission to school - Letter of Offer;
  • Original educational documents and their notarized translations;
  • Receipt of payment of tuition fees and entrance fee.
  1. After registering at the university, you will have to undergo a medical examination to identify dangerous diseases, such as AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc., as well as to detect the fact of pregnancy and drug use. After this, you will need to submit your biometric data to the Singapore Immigration Service and register with government agencies. Only after this you will receive a student visa card. Keep in mind that this entire procedure takes up to two weeks. Also, if required, an English language test will be prescribed.
  1. Many universities provide rooms on campuses (like our dormitories). You can check into the university campus a week before the start of classes.

The rental period for a room in a dormitory is from 3 to 12 months; it is possible to extend the rental agreement, but subject to availability of rooms. Utilities are usually included in the rental price.

Cost of renting a room on the university campus: S$ 450 – 900 per month.

  1. If the hostel does not suit you, then you can rent a room in an apartment or an entire apartment. Read more about housing in Singapore

It is clear that if you rent a room in an apartment, then other people will live with you in the same apartment, these could be students, or maybe family members who have a free room to rent out. Typically, utility bills are paid based on meter readings, separate from the basic rent.

The cost of renting a room in an apartment: S$ 400-1500 per month.

Renting an entire apartment is a suitable option if you come to Singapore to study with friends or family.

When renting an apartment, you will be required to pay a month's rent in advance and a security deposit in the amount of 2 months' rent, which will be returned to you when the rental period ends. A security deposit is charged as a guarantee that if you damage something in the apartment, the owner of the property will have something to compensate for this damage. Utility costs are paid additionally, according to meter readings.

To book a room or apartment, you can use Airbnb or wimdu.ru

The cost of renting an apartment is from S$ 1800 per month. If the rental period is less than 2 years, the cost will be higher.

Not very cheap. Both the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are quite high. However, don't give up on your dream. Remember that there are scholarship programs and grants. All this helps to find funding for the training course and enjoy your stay in Singapore.

First expenses

Regardless of their level of study, all students must submit an application to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) within two weeks of their admission to the university. It costs US$71.50.

Bachelor's degree

International students in Singapore pay more than local students. The cost of training, unfortunately, is quite high. Moreover, it varies depending on the educational institution and the chosen specialty. There are also a number of additional costs that international students have to deal with. For example, student fees, health insurance and administrative fees.

For example, the following prices for undergraduate studies are established for foreign students in the academic year 2015/2016:

*below is the full cost of training without taking into account the MOE grant, which reduces the cost by half

· Arts and Social Sciences - US$21,300

· Business - US$23,400

· Engineering - US$27,700

· Right - US$27,850

· Medicine (not including nursing) - US$104,000

International students can apply to the Ministry of Education for a tuition grant or tuition subsidy. You may be offered a non-refundable option. But in this case, you will have to work for some time in your profession in Singapore and thus return the funds invested in you. Please remember that the period of such work for international students lasts longer than for Singapore citizens.

Postgraduate education

Tuition fees for master's and other levels postgraduate education not much less than the cost of undergraduate courses. For example, students are often asked to contribute registration fee US$119. You will also likely pay a one-time fee of US$40 and an exam fee of US$159-397. In addition, there are annual fees of US$8-15.90 for computer maintenance and health insurance. Finally, annual tuition fees will vary depending on the university, from US$15,855 to US$42,810.

The same National University of Singapore has established the following prices for master's studies for foreign students in the academic year 2015/2016:

*the full cost of training is indicated below, excluding grants that reduce the cost by half

· Arts and Social Sciences - US$21,400

· Business - US$21,400

· Deontology and Medicine - US$37,300

· Engineering and Science - US$22,200

· Right - US$21,700

As in the case of undergraduate studies, at the postgraduate stage, students can apply for a scholarship or grant. The request must be sent to the Ministry of Education. But after completing your studies, you will have to work for three years in one of the Singapore companies.

Subsidies can range from US$3,964-31,711. The amount depends on the curriculum. For example, there are scholarships at the base that include monthly payments and health insurance.

If you find something you are interested in training course on our website, follow the following links. This way you can find out not only the cost of the course, but also calculate all upcoming expenses.

Low cost of education, highly qualified teachers, overcoming stereotypes, as well as the unique experience of communicating with people of a different nationality and religion - this is what studying at.

There are not many higher education institutions in the country educational institutions— five institutes and four universities. But the education received in each of them will be guaranteed to be excellent, since the learning process in both public and commercial universities is under strict control by the Ministry of Education. Thanks to this, Singapore's educational institutions occupy quite high positions in world rankings.

Education at Singaporean universities, institutes and colleges is conducted in English, which is official language state, which ensures a constant influx of foreign students who want to broaden their horizons and improve their knowledge of foreign languages.

Advantages of studying at universities in Singapore

  1. Relatively low cost of training. Of course, depending on the chosen institution, the cost of one academic semester there will differ, but still the prices for studying in Singapore are significantly lower than in other leading countries of the world - Canada, the USA, England. In addition, the state is pursuing a social policy, according to which students, including foreign ones, receive a refund of part of the funds spent on training.
  2. The educational process takes place in English. The first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore made English the official language of the new state, so all subjects are taught exclusively in it.
  3. High quality of education received. For example, National University Singapore, according to the Times newspaper, ranks 18th on the list best universities peace.
  4. Diplomas obtained from higher education institutions in Singapore are recognized in all developed countries.
  5. Very low cost of living (on average it is $500 per month). Most often, foreign students are provided with a place in a dormitory. Living conditions on campuses are much better than in other countries in Southeast Asia.
  6. Extremely low level crime in Singapore. The risk of being robbed or attacked by hooligans is practically zero here.
  7. Singapore is one of the largest business centers in the world, which allows you to study the features of business from a different angle. In addition, at the universities of this state, already established businessmen take advanced training courses, with whom you can meet and learn a lot of interesting things.

Disadvantages of getting an education in Singapore

Difficulty in understanding local residents. Despite the fact that Singapore is a pro-Western state, the majority of its residents are from Asian countries, so their English is often poor, and English is often mixed with Asian languages, which makes communication with Singaporeans outside of university walls much more difficult. Slang is also very popular, which is called Singlish and is a mixture of English, Indian, Chinese, Malay, as well as Australian and American dialects;

The cost of training, which, although much lower than the cost of studying in European countries and the USA, is significantly higher in comparison with prices in China, Vietnam and Thailand. Renting an apartment is also quite expensive, so you need to worry in advance about getting a place in a hostel or choosing a family with whom you will live. It is necessary to take into account that, in addition to the direct cost of training, you will have to buy training material;

A small selection of higher education institutions, which is represented by only nine institutes and universities. The information presented on the Internet is extremely scarce and describes only the basic aspects of obtaining an education. In addition, problems may arise with training in highly specialized areas. It may also happen that you will have to undergo training in a more comprehensive program than you originally planned;

— . Be prepared to sweat outside and freeze indoors. Singapore is located almost on the equator of the Earth, so it is almost always hot and humid here, and there are often unpredictable downpours. What helps is the fact that student dormitories and classrooms of educational institutions are equipped with air conditioning;

— . As soon as you step on Singaporean soil, you will see many prohibitory signs. Here you are not allowed to do things that no one would pay attention to in other countries. For example, on the streets of Singapore you cannot spit out chewing gum, which, by the way, is not sold anywhere. The atmosphere of constant, total control can be depressing at first, but it also has a reverse, positive side. It is thanks to the many fines and other sanctions that it is possible to achieve ideal order in the city.

5 best universities in Singapore

1. National University of Singapore was founded in 1980. It offers training in the following faculties: humanities, social sciences, design, ecology, engineering, civil service, medicine and dentistry, law. The university also includes a music conservatory.

2. Nanyang Technological University(Nanyang Technological University) was established in 1991. It has 23,000 students from different countries. Strength Institute is considered to be the study of engineering subjects.

3. (Singapore Management University), founded in 2000. This is a private university, but has partial government funding. The university includes schools of business, economics and accounting, social sciences, information systems. The university operates in close cooperation with the American University Carnegie Mellon.

4. founded in 2006 and offers training in programs in the fields of arts, social and natural sciences.

5. Nanyang Polytechnic College(Nanyang Polytechnic) opened in 1992 and includes six faculties: engineering, information technology, business and management, design, biology, medicine, chemistry. The total number of students is 12,000.

– one of the best student countries in the world: this is the opinion of the compilers of the world-respected QS ranking (and studying in Singapore for Russians can easily confirm this fact!). Here excellent conditions for accommodation plus there is a huge investment in education, and for those who have completed their education, Singapore has many options to stay and pursue a brilliant career. This country successfully combines the traditions of the East and the advanced ideas of the West, which is why studying in Singapore for Russians is becoming more and more popular every year.

Advantages of studying in Singapore for Russians

Current information for schoolchildren from abroad

The Singaporean education system has undergone many reforms and today has the following characteristics, which, of course, apply to studying in Singapore for Russians:

  • Bilingualism and, as a consequence, learning in several languages
  • Children are divided into groups according to abilities
  • Key subjects are English, mathematics and science
  • System technical education one of the strongest in the world
  • Independent schools are developed and in demand in the country, thanks to which foreigners have a large choice of schools and programs
  • The importance of lifelong learning is one of the values ​​of education
  • National Education - Study moral values and history of the country
  • The desire to become a major educational center of the East by attracting branches of the world's largest universities
  • The country strives to adopt the best of the existing educational systems of the West and East.

Education system in Singapore for Russians at the school stage

Primary education

This level of education is free and compulsory. In the first four grades, children study mathematics, English and their mother tongue (Chinese, Tamil or Malay). After grade 4, children are distributed into groups according to their abilities, and in grades 5-6, children go through the stage of specialization. After 6 years of study, students take a final exam and choose a further education option.

Middle classes

Based on the results of the Primary School Leaving Examination, children are distributed into different classes of secondary school:

  • Special course and Express course - involves a four-year course in-depth study native or foreign language. Upon completion, children take an exam to receive Ordinary Level (lowest, ordinary level)
  • Standard academic class - here children study academic disciplines and, as a result, pass the Normal Level exam
  • Standard technical - the emphasis is on technical subjects.
  • School education for locals and foreigners is available in private and public schools. When choosing a program, it is necessary to take into account plans for further training. If a child, having studied at a Singapore school for several years, will most likely return to his homeland, then it is better to choose a program from his native country. For those who have moved to the country on a permanent basis, it is advisable to consider international programs.
  • Numerous positive reviews speak in favor of international schools, where children study in an intercultural environment and where education in Singapore for Russians most often takes place in English.
  • The country has simplified admission rules for foreigners - if you present a certificate of dependency, you can do without a special permission to study.
  • Tuition fees are highly dependent on the availability and number of available places, so it is best to enroll your children in school as early as possible.

Current information for applicants to universities in Singapore

  • When applying for applicants from Russia, high competition awaits: not many places are allocated for foreign students - the country’s policy adheres to the principle of nurturing specialists from the local population.
  • Good knowledge of English is one of the main requirements for applicants: English here is simply necessary for successful living and adaptation, so it is recommended to improve your language level as early as possible. But for children and adults with zero knowledge of the language or with basic knowledge in Singapore, there are different language courses, which are designed for different levels and ages. In language schools you can select special courses according to your needs: for passing international exams, business English courses or simply developing communication skills.
  • By law, students can work part-time while studying, but, as a rule, universities do not approve of this - vacancies for students can most often be found only within the campus. If a student manages to find a job outside the university, then it is likely that he will receive a refusal from the administration of the educational institution: the student’s main goal is to apply university knowledge, and not to earn money.
  • It will not be possible to enroll in a university in Singapore immediately after school due to the difference in the educational systems of Russia and Singapore. Before entering, you must complete a one-year university preparation course, which is called a “junior college.”
  • To study in Singapore for Russians for a period of more than 4 months in the country, you need a student visa, which is given in 99% of cases out of 100. Usually the visa process takes about four weeks. Conditions for obtaining a visa: a student from abroad must study at least 15 hours a week with 90% of classes attended. As a rule, the university where a foreign student enrolls provides maximum assistance in obtaining a visa.

To receive a scholarship to reduce the cost of studying in Singapore for Russians, you must:

  • Minimum IELTS level - 7.0
  • Average score in the certificate – 5.0
  • Top place in class in terms of academic performance
  • It is advisable to start preparing documents a year in advance

5.Student visas usually cover 25-50% of the cost of study.

Programs and prices of leading educational institutions in Singapore, cost of studying in Singapore for Russians

Language schools (summer Chinese/English, language immersion)

From $4600 (2 weeks)

From $1750 (week)

Pre-university programs

From $4000 (year)

Higher education

London School of Business and Finance Singapore

From $16,000 (year)

Singapore is an Asian country with high level life and oriental cultural values. It is one of the most comfortable to live in thanks to its progressive social policy, ecology and wage levels. Singaporean education also deserves attention, as it differs high quality and relatively low tuition costs. That's why educational institutions Singapore is attractive to international students.

History of formation and principles of the Singapore educational system

Until the mid-20th century, Singapore was a British colony. Independence was granted to the state only in 1959. Teaching in schools was conducted in the native language of citizens (English, Malay, Chinese, Hindi). Only Europeans spoke English; 95% of the population were Chinese, Indians and Malays. To form a new society it was necessary new system education.

In the history of the formation of Singaporean education, three stages can be distinguished.

In the period from 1959 to 1979, educational programs were standardized. English was chosen as the language of choice for teaching school subjects. As part of the education development program, 83 schools were built, financed from the state budget. Textbooks began to be published in Singapore. Particular attention was paid to technical education - vocational schools and institutes were created.

from 1979 to 1997, emphasis was placed on improving the quality of education. In schools, a stream distribution of students is being introduced (classes are formed depending on the abilities of the children). In 1992, the Institute of Technical Education was created, and special technical courses were introduced in secondary schools. Salaries for engineering and research professions were increased, increasing the prestige of higher education.

Since 1997, the stage of implementation of the existing capabilities of the educational system has been underway. By 2008, streaming education in schools was abolished. The emphasis is on individual educational programs, the ability of citizens to learn throughout life, the development of creativity and teamwork skills. The Edusave grant system was introduced, allowing students to fully cover their training costs. Natural and technical disciplines became the leading directions.

The principles of the modern Singapore educational system are:

  • bilingual education programs (teaching is conducted in Chinese and English),
  • education of tolerance in the younger generation,
  • meritocracy (a person’s merits determine his position in society),
  • accessibility (the state guarantees that no child will be deprived of the opportunity to study),
  • individual approach.

Features of the Singapore educational system

The educational system includes 3 levels - preschool, secondary and higher education. In government institutions, training is conducted in official languages- English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. In private educational institutions, children can be taught in a native language other than the state language. Academic year at school it starts on January 1 and is divided into 4 quarters of 10 weeks, at universities - into two semesters.

Singaporean educational system similar to European

Preschool education

Singapore kindergartens are preschool education institutions. They accept children from 3 years old, here they are taught for 3 years communication skills, native and English languages, reading, counting, music and singing, drawing, modeling, dancing. All preschool institutions are private, some are managed religious organizations or funds. There are no state kindergartens.

Kindergartens are attended by children from 3 to 5 years old

Secondary education

Secondary education institutions include schools, technical schools, and colleges. Children start going to school at the age of 6. Secondary education is divided into primary, secondary and pre-university levels.

IN elementary school training lasts 6 years, children study mathematics, English and their native language (Chinese, Malay, Tamil), civics, drawing, music. At the end of school, children take exams and receive a PSLE ​​certificate, which is necessary to move on to the next level of education. All primary school curricula are standardized. If desired, students can attend sports clubs, aesthetic education classes, and classes for gifted children. The primary school education system is divided into 2 levels - basic (grades 1–4) and orientation (grades 5–6). From 3rd grade to curriculum natural science disciplines are introduced. Attendance at primary school is compulsory and free for all citizens.

Primary school educates children from 6 to 12 years old

In secondary school, student groups are formed based on the results of primary school examinations. Education in secondary school is carried out in the following courses:

  • special (4 years, emphasis on studying native language, upon completion, an O-level exam is taken),
  • technical (4 years, emphasis is placed on the study of technical disciplines, upon completion an N-level exam is taken),
  • express (4 years, superficial study of the native language and English, assumes obtaining an O-level),
  • academic (training lasts up to 5 years, upon completion an N-level exam is taken),
  • integrated program - professional course (5-6 years, 6-10 disciplines are studied, upon completion an A-level exam is taken, which is required for admission to the university).

Classes are formed based on the results of primary school examinations

Pre-university level (Foundation) involves preparation for university. After completing express and special courses in high school, students can enter incomplete (junior) colleges, the duration of which is 2 years. The final stage of studying at colleges is passing an exam to obtain an A-level certificate. For students wishing to obtain a technical education and having O- and N-level certificates, there are polytechnics (course of study - 3 years) and institutes of technical education (1-2 years).

Academic performance is assessed on the following scale:

  • A1/A2 - excellent,
  • B3/B4 - good,
  • С5/С6 - test,
  • D7/D8 - failure,
  • E8/F9 - unsatisfactory.

According to this system, highest score A1 is equal to 1 point. When entering a junior college, the level of knowledge is assessed according to the L1R5 system, where L1 denotes a score in the native or English language, and R5 is the sum of scores in 5 disciplines, which include at least one exact and 1 humanitarian subject. The lower the score, the higher the level of knowledge. The maximum score required for admission to a junior college is 20. Polytechnics use the L1R2B2 system, where R2 are the two compulsory subjects and B2 are the two subjects in which the student has received highest score. Polytechnics usually have additional requirements for applicants.

Higher education

Higher education institutions are:

  1. Polytechnic institutes.
  2. Technical university (Nyang Technological University).
  3. Independent universities.
  4. National, state, private universities.

Training is conducted in Chinese or English. Upon admission to universities, applicants take exams. Gifted and successful children can be accepted as an exception without entrance examinations. Secondary school graduates provide an A-level certificate. Graduates of junior colleges and technical schools must provide information about their academic performance and attendance at additional classes and sections. At the discretion of the admissions committee, the applicant may be assigned additional entrance tests.

Education at universities meets international standards

Education in Singapore universities is carried out according to international standards and includes 3 levels:

  • Bachelor's degree (3–4 years),
  • Master's degree (1–3 years),
  • Doctoral studies (2–5 years).

To be awarded an academic degree and when moving from one level of study to another, students must pass exams, the list of which is approved by each specific university. Diplomas from Singaporean universities are recognized throughout the world.

Cost of training in Singapore for Russians and not only

The cost of studying in Singapore is higher for international students than for local students. It also depends on the prestige of the educational institution and specialty.

Tuition in kindergartens varies from $100 to $2,000 per year, in a public school - about $1,000 per year, and in an international school - $1,000–$3,000 per month.

Tuition fees for bachelor's programs vary on average from $10,000 to $32,000 per year, for master's programs - $15,000–$42,000 per year. A 4-week English course will cost applicants approximately $2,000. The cost of pre-university education is $7,000–$17,000 per year.

Education for foreign students can be free. There is a system of subsidizing fees and grants for bachelor's and master's degrees. In addition, the student may be offered work at one of the enterprises in Singapore by profession after graduation.

Table: most popular educational institutions

Name of educational institutionPeculiarities
Founded in 1980. Offers training in the following faculties: humanities, social sciences, design, ecology, engineering, public service, medicine and dentistry, law. The university includes a music conservatory.
Founded in 1991. 23 thousand students from all over the world study here. The university specializes in engineering sciences.
Private university founded in 2000. Partially funded by the state. The university includes schools of business, economics and accounting, social sciences, and information systems. Collaborates with the American University Carnegie Mellon.
Founded in 2006. Specializes in social and natural sciences. There are training programs in the arts.
Nanyaang Polytechnic CollegeFounded in 1992. Offers training in the faculties of engineering, information technology, business and management, design, biology, medicine, chemistry. Over 12,000 students study here.

Photo gallery: Popular universities and colleges in Singapore

SIM University offers training programs in the fields of arts, social and natural sciences Nanyang Polytechnic College specializes in training students in technical, engineering and scientific fields Singapore Management University is the largest private university The main focus of Nanyang University University of Technology- engineering sciences National University of Singapore - the oldest educational institution in the country

Basic requirements for foreigners upon admission to educational institutions

Each educational institution has its own list of entrance tests, often including SAT testing. A prerequisite for admission for foreign applicants is the presence of a certificate or diploma of education (secondary, higher), a certificate of international testing of English proficiency - IELTS or TOEFL (the minimum passing score is 6.0 or 550, respectively). In the absence of these certificates, you can undergo training at one of the language schools in Singapore (training lasts 2–10 months), after which students are tested for admission to a university.

SAT - standardized testing for admission to universities. Developed and managed by the American non-governmental organization College Board. Includes tests in mathematics, text analysis and English grammar. Testing is carried out on a paid basis.

If the applicant has only a certificate of secondary education, to enter a university you must study at a Singapore school for 2 years (requirement government agencies), and then complete the Foundation program. To enroll in a master's program, you need a university diploma from a bachelor's program.

Scholarships and grants for international students

Every successful and gifted student can apply for a scholarship or grant for education. Financing of training programs is provided by the state, educational institutions and employers.

At the state level, support is provided by the Ministry of Education, and funding is provided for various stages training. The list of scholarship programs and grants is regularly updated on the Ministry's website (https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/edusave). Only students enrolled in the educational institution can apply for a scholarship. If the application is approved, an additional agreement is signed, according to which the student is obliged to work in Singapore after completing his studies for several years. Grants provided by the Ministry of Education are a sum of money that will only partially cover educational expenses.

Almost all universities in Singapore have their own scholarship programs. Information is available on the websites of specific universities. Often funding is allocated for students in highly specialized areas.

Large enterprises and corporations are also interested in highly qualified personnel, so they are ready to pay for the training of a future employee. To do this, the student signs an agreement with the company, according to which he needs to work for several years under a contract in this organization after studying.

Student accommodation

Singaporean students live in dormitories and rented rooms (apartments). Not all educational institutions can provide students with dormitories. It is also possible to live with Singaporean families (information is provided by the university).

Some Singaporean universities provide hostel accommodation for students

The cost of housing is influenced by infrastructure, quality and newness of interior decoration and furniture, age of the house, proximity to the center. The average price for renting a room or apartment varies from $200 to $1,500 per month. The list of student expenses also includes:

  • utility bills (~ $80),
  • food (~400$),
  • fare for public transport (~100$),
  • telephone, internet (~50$),
  • books, stationery (~70$),
  • health insurance ($20–300).

To rent out a property, landlords must have HDB approval, which they must provide to the potential tenant before signing the lease. The agreement must specify the lease terms, rights and obligations of the parties.

Video: student life in Singapore

Obtaining a study visa

Citizens of Russia and CIS countries need a student visa to study in Singapore for more than 4 weeks. The registration process takes about a month.

The following documents must be submitted to the visa department of the Singapore Embassy: notarized and translated into English:

  1. Passport.
  2. Photo 3cm×4cm.
  3. Certificate of Education.
  4. Final exam results.
  5. Birth certificate.
  6. Copies of passports of close relatives (father, mother, brothers, sisters).
  7. Bank statements confirming the possibility of living abroad and payment of tuition.
  8. Certificate from the parents’ place of work indicating their position and average monthly earnings for the last six months.
  9. A letter of invitation from the university confirming the fact of enrollment.
  10. Proof of residence.

You must also pay a visa fee of $25. If the decision is positive, you must additionally apply for a 30-day Singapore tourist visa in order to undergo a medical examination at an educational institution during this time, receive a visa card and registration at the Singapore Immigration Department.

Foreign students are required to study at the institutions specified in their visa application. If you change your place of study, the visa must be canceled and reissued. At the same time minimum quantity teaching hours must be at least 15 hours per week, and attendance must be at least 90%. Holders student visas are not allowed to work in Singapore.

Courses during study and employment prospects

During their studies, students can attend additional language courses. However, they are not allowed to work during the entire period of study. In educational institutions in Singapore, attendance and academic performance are strictly controlled. If an international student misses a session and has an attendance rate below 90%, he will be expelled and sent back to his home country.

Employment situation foreign citizens things are quite complicated. In 2012 local authorities began to control the number of foreigners working in Singapore. However, capable and gifted students have a chance to find a job after graduation. Graduates of educational institutions are allowed to stay in Singapore for some time after graduation to receive a diploma and prepare related documents. If a graduate wishes to stay in the country, he needs to find a job and obtain a work visa. The list of priority areas for employment is approved by the government. Currently these areas include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, finance, information Technology, tourism, trade. Even if the graduate has not found a job, but has a specialty priority direction, he can stay in Singapore. An employer who wishes to hire a foreigner must obtain permission from the authorities.