Studying and Living in Singapore
Introduction
In the last few years, Singapore has become a hot spot for Indian students wishing to pursue further studies. More and more students flock to Singapore each year trying to broaden their horizons. Here are some pointers to help you decide if Singapore is the destination for you. Singapore has a rich history and culture. With the passage of time the city-state has emerged as an important trading destination in Asia. Diverse cultures, languages and religions give Singapore a cosmopolitan look. The Government of Singapore spends a huge amount on education and it is one of the top priorities of the government. Applying to Singapore Application procedures vary from university to university. Standard tests required for study in Singapore are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS). After submitting the completed application form with all the necessary original documents directly to a university of your choice, the university will conduct placement tests for the applicant if there is a vacancy. If you pass the placement test and the university accepts you they will issue a Letter of Acceptance. The Letter of Acceptance will indicate in-principle acceptance of university. You will then need to go to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to apply for your student's pass. Acceptance to universities are subject to you obtaining and returning with a student's pass from Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) within 2 weeks from date of issue of the Letter of Acceptance. Months of Admission University generally conducts admission process in the month of August and July. Polytechnic have July intakes running throughout the year. For private institutes you have to apply 3 months in advance before the actual intake. Studying in Singapore All students, regardless of nationality, admitted to a degree programme at the National Universities of Singapore are eligible to receive a tuition grant of 50 per cent to 75 per cent of the total tuition fee. International students, who accept this tuition grant, are bound, under its terms, to work for a Singapore-registered company for three years upon completion of their degrees. The following are the most sought after courses in Singapore which are preferred by Indian students. Courses -
Cost of Study
Tuition fee for Independent and Autonomous schools vary every year, please check with the institutions which wish to apply directly. Student Accommodation in Singapore Student Accommodation is an important requirement for students living away from home. There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Singapore to match every pocket. Most educational institutions have an International Student Office specializing in the needs of international students. The staffs at these centers offer advice on accommodation procedures, contacts for private rental offers, room-mate matching services, handy tips about renting student homes, as well as help in selecting an accommodation type which best suit students' needs like -
Financial Assistance for study in Singapore Singapore invests in education as it believes in nurturing talents and developing the leaders of tomorrow. To this end, large assortments of financial assistance schemes are available to help international students fund their education. A number of scholarships are also open for application. Selection is usually based on academic excellence and leadership, or co-curricular track records. Life in Singapore The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. Weather in Singapore is tropical and much as what most Indians are used to. The island is warm and humid all-year round with rain falls throughout the year and consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Smoking is not banned in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to 1,000 Singapore dollars. While it is an offense to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots. Spitting in public places is a serious offense and punishable by hefty fines, chewing gum is banned. Mustafa shopping mall, in Singapore's 'Indian' area is very famous for its cheaper rates. This 24-hour six-storey shopping centre stocks everything from Indian chutney and diamonds to plasma TVs and cars. Tipping is not practiced as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10 per cent service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport. A valid driving license from your country of residence can be converted into a Singapore driving license at a low fee at local driving test centers. While these tips will help you be better prepared, there's only so much you can do before getting there. So keep an open mind and be flexible to new experiences. Have an open and friendly attitude and you'll go a long way. Add Comment Comments |
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