FAQ
What should I keep in mind when searching for the right course in Singapore? 
Before selecting a course, a student should crystal clear about what he or she want to pursue. Once decided, the student should start looking for the institutions, which offer the course. It s always advised to go through institutions websites and online brochures to have a better idea about what the course curriculum offers and whether it s in tune with the industry needs or not. Singapore is known for its diverse range of programs, which can start from general programs arts and sciences to specialized ones in business management, law, dentistry and medicine.
Depending upon the choice of programs students can search for colleges, though the fees, joining time and duration of the course may vary. However, it is advised to narrow down choices to a fewer institutes due to the cost of application.
Note of caution: Students must be careful about selecting an institution. It must be a genuine and recognized one. It s advisable to check Singapore government s higher education website before opting for an institution.
How do I apply to a university in Singapore?
To apply for Local Universities/Polytechnics/Institute of Technical Education, students should first check the course brochures or website of the University of their Choice to see if they meet the course requirements. They should apply directly to the educational institutions accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation. Please note that local universities accept online applications. Some institutions or courses will require you to undergo an interview or placement test. Upon acceptance, you will be sent a Letter of Offer. Applicants who apply online to local universities can check their application status online. Afterwards, they should sign the acceptance form and return it by the closing date. Students should plan to reach Singapore at least two weeks before the semester commences.
What are the general application procedure for government, government aided or independent schools?
Admission of international students into government, government-aided or independent schools is strictly based on availability of vacancies.
Submit your application at the school of your choice with the required documents
If there is a vacancy, you will need to pass a placement test conducted by the school
Upon passing the test, the school will issue you with a Letter of Acceptance
The Letter of Acceptance is valid for two weeks, during which time, you must apply for a Student's Pass with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and revert to the school with your Student's Pass confirmation
Upon successful admission to the school, the Ministry of Education's (MOE) Pupil Placement Section will send your parents or guardian a Letter of Donation, for a donation of S$1,000 for every two years that you are studying in Singapore.
What are the application procedures for Local Universities/Polytechnics/Institute of Technical Education?
Check the course brochures or website of the university of your choice to see if you meet the course requirements
Apply directly to the educational institutions accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation. Please note that local universities accept online applications
Some institutions or courses will require you to undergo an interview or placement test
Upon acceptance, you will be sent a Letter of Offer. Applicants who apply online to local universities can check their application status online
Sign the acceptance form and return it by the closing date
You will receive a package and should plan to be in Singapore at least two weeks before the semester commences.
Private schools
Private schools conduct their own admissions exercises which are usually publicized in the media or course brochures.
Check that the school is registered with MOE and that the course has been approved
Check the course brochures or website of the school to see if you meet the course requirements
Verify that the courses offered, certification, school facilities and international student services meet your expectations
Apply directly to the school accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation
You will be kept informed of your application status and sent a Letter of Offer upon acceptance
What documents will I require for my study in Singapore? s
Once the college and course is decided, you should start collecting documents like syllabus of the last program studied, result certificates and recommendation letters from teachers.
Exam Scores- GMAT, GRE, IELTS grades, whichever is applicable to you
Transcripts-Your qualifying certificates for various colleges
Statement of Purpose- Document explaining everything about you. You need to present a case explaining why you are the best candidate for a particular course
and a particular college
Recommendation from your professor or your last employee
What is a recommendation letter and what should it have?
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission to a good MBA program. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information. The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case. Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate s chances of selection.
What is an application essay or a Statement of Purpose?
The personal application essays, and/or statement of purpose, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for admission to the MBA program. It gives the admission committee assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. A personal statement should include reasons for choosing this particular course, your area of interest, the suitability of your education and experiential background for this course and your personal and present future goals.
Most business schools have a set of questions that they would like the students to answer. These include questions about your achievements, leadership activities and the reasons for seeking an MBA. We recommend you to spend as much time as possible in this part of your application as this could make or break your application.
How do I get a Student Visa for Singapore?
Any foreigner wishing to pursue full-time studies in Singapore in an institution that is registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE); or has obtained approval from the Commissioner, ICA to accept international student, is required to apply for a Student's Pass.
Student pass holders are strictly not allowed to engage in any form of employment, business profession or occupation, whether paid or unpaid. This is unless they have the consent in writing of the Director of Immigration. Violators will be prosecuted by law.
If you intend to look for employment after your graduation you must make sure your student pass does not expire. You may then apply for a social visit pass at the Singapore Immigration & Registration approximately 2 weeks before your student pass expires.
What documents must I have for the student visa application?
2 copies of form 16, V103, form V39S and form V39Q must be duly completed and signed by the applicant, local sponsor and school at the relevant sections. (The first set of forms must be original. The second set may be photocopies of the original set)
2 recent passport-sized photographs (color/black & white) must be pasted on the top right-hand corner of Form 16
the original and a photo copy of the applicant's official birth certificate
a photocopy of the applicant's travel document pages showing his/her full particulars and travel document date of expiry if he/she is not in Singapore
the local sponsor's identity card
an original copy of a letter of acceptance from the school addressed to the ICA , that was issued not more than 1 month from the date of submitting the application for a student pass
What are the exams required for study in Singapore?
The education system is quiet similar to that of India however in some cases the exams you might be required to take depending on your course are:
IELTS International English Language Testing System
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
What are some important tips when applying for study in Singapore?
When applying check for the language of instruction in your course/ university
When your student pass application is approved you will need a valid immigration pass to enter Singapore to collect the same
You are not allowed to be in another course or school other than the one indicated on your student pass
Be familiar with all the do s & don ts in Singapore as they are one of the strictest countries in the world
What are the approximate fees for a course in Singapore?
Below are the fees approximately for polytechnic and University courses.
Polytechnic
$2,150 per academic year(excluding other charges eg. exam fees, miscellaneous fees, sports fee, student union fee, etc)
University
From $6,220 per academic year for non-lab based courses to $17,820 per academic year for medical / dental courses (excluding other charges eg. exam fees, miscellaneous fees, sports fees, student union fees, etc)
How much security deposit is required from the local sponsor upon approval of student pass application for Indians?
A security deposit may be required from local sponsor upon approval of student pass. For Indians it is approximately S$1,500 in the form of a Banker's Guarantee from any established banks in Singapore or Cashier's Order or NETS
Exemption from the security deposit requirement may be granted to:
Malaysians / Brunei nationals
Holders of valid Dependent's Pass, long term social visit pass and work pass
Children of Singapore Citizens / Permanent Residents
Foreign students who study in kindergartens registered with Ministry of Education / Childcare centres licensed by MCYS
Foreign students who attend a full-time course at an approved private education organization that is awarded Singapore Quality Class for Private Education Organisation, or SQC(PEO), by SPRING, Singapore
Foreign students who pursue a full-time university degree (Graduate / Post-Graduate) programme at an approved private education organization.
How much does it cost an international student to live in Singapore?
Below is a guide on the cost of living in Singapore. Some typical fees are:
| Item |
Average per month in $s |
| Accommodation |
$200-$1,500(rental varies with geographical area, type of accommodation, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing) |
| Utilities |
$50-$80 |
| Food |
$300-$450 |
| Public transport |
$20-$100(varies with types of student concession pass) |
| Telecommunications |
$30-$50(varies with usage and package) |
| Books & Stationery |
$30-$100(varies with courses) |
| Medical Hospitalisation Insurance |
$5 - $8 |
| Personal expenses |
$100-$200(varies with individuals) |
| Estimated |
$750-$2,000 |
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