Singapore has a rich history and culture. Over time, it has become a significant trading hub in Asia, thanks to its diverse cultures, languages, and religions, giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The Government of Singapore places great emphasis on education, making it a top priority. After completing secondary education, students can enroll in a junior college and subsequently attend one of the four universities in the country.
These universities – the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, and SIM University – offer modern facilities and excellent higher education opportunities.
The two public universities in the country, the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, each have more than 20,000 students. They provide numerous undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, including doctoral degrees. Singapore Management University is a government-funded private university specializing in management and business education.
The higher education curriculum follows a modular system. Undergraduate and graduate programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to tailor their education based on their abilities, interests, and ambitions.
Singapore: A Preferred Educational Destination
Singapore boasts the highest literacy rate in the world, with education managed by the Ministry of Education. This ministry sets education policy, oversees state school administration and development, and provides guidance to private schools.
English is the primary language of instruction in Singapore, alongside other mother tongues taught as second languages. The bilingual policy and merit-based educational system have been highly successful, producing students who excel in international competitions in areas like debating, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Singapore has four main universities, two public and two private. In addition to universities, there are five polytechnics and several tertiary institutions offering graduate and postgraduate degrees. Furthermore, several international educational institutions have established their centers in Singapore.
Living in Singapore
Accommodation is essential for students living away from home, and Singapore offers a wide range of options to suit various budgets and needs.
It's advisable for students to arrange accommodation before arriving in Singapore. You can secure temporary accommodation before leaving home, giving you time to plan your living arrangements upon arrival.
Most educational institutions have International Student Offices dedicated to the needs of international students. Staff at these offices offer guidance on accommodation procedures, provide contacts for private rentals, offer roommate matching services, provide advice on renting student homes, and help you choose an accommodation type that suits your needs.
Halls of Residence and Hostels
First-year international students typically receive priority when applying for on-campus accommodation. Rooms can be single or shared, with meal packages available at extra charges. Halls of Residence offer amenities such as television rooms, reading rooms, laundry facilities, computer rooms, and more. Welfare services and social activities are also organized for residents.
Room rates range from S$155 to S$560 per month, depending on the number of students sharing the room.
Boarding Schools
Boarding schools generally admit secondary and junior college students aged between 13 and 19 years. Selection typically involves interviews with both parents and students. Boarding services include lodging, meals, laundry, 24-hour security, pastoral guidance, tuition, supervision, sports, and recreational facilities. Boarding schools foster camaraderie and friendships among students.
Rates range from S$8,000 to S$15,000 per academic year.
Private Hostels
Private hostels are run by educational institutions or independent agencies and offer options for single or shared rooms.
Homestays
Some households in Singapore open their homes to international students, providing full boarding. Homestays aim to create a welcoming environment where students can enjoy a homely atmosphere, receive attentive care, and emotional support in the absence of their parents. Homestay costs range from S$1,000 to S$1,600 per month.
Education System in Singapore
Pre-School Education
Pre-school education in Singapore is provided by kindergartens and childcare centers, offering a structured three-year program for children aged three to six. Kindergartens, registered with the Ministry of Education, are run by various organizations like community foundations, religious bodies, social groups, and businesses. Childcare centers are licensed by the Ministry of Community Development and Sports.
Most kindergartens offer two daily sessions lasting from 2 1/2 to 4 hours, running five days a week. Their curriculum typically includes programs in English and a second language, except for foreign or international schools that cater to expatriate children.
Registration periods for kindergartens and childcare centers can vary. Many childcare centers admit students throughout the year, depending on available vacancies. If you want to know more about admission, curriculum, or other details, it's best to contact the specific kindergarten or childcare center directly.
Primary Schools
Singapore's primary education system spans six years, starting with a four-year foundation stage from Primary 1 to 4, followed by a two-year orientation stage from Primary 5 to 6. During the foundation stage, students master core subjects like English, Mother Tongue, and Mathematics, complemented by additional subjects such as Music, Art & Craft, Physical Education, and Social Studies. Science is introduced from Primary 3. Primary 6 students sit for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) before progressing to the next level. The curriculum, particularly Singapore's math teaching methods, is internationally acclaimed. Foreign students may join primary schools, subject to available vacancies.
Secondary Schools
Singapore's secondary education offers government-funded, government-aided, or independent schools. It involves four or five years of study, depending on whether students follow the Special, Express, or Normal Course. Special and Express Courses lead to the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level exam in four years, while the Normal Course prepares students for the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'N' Level exam after four years, followed by the GCE 'O' Level exam in the fifth year. The curriculum includes English, Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, with elective subjects introduced in Secondary 3. Secondary education in Singapore is known for developing critical thinking skills and is open to foreign students based on vacancy availability.
Junior Colleges / Pre-Universities
After completing the GCE 'O' Level exam, students may apply for two-year pre-university courses in junior colleges or three-year courses in centralised institutes. These programs serve as a foundation for tertiary education and include compulsory subjects like General Paper and Mother Tongue, along with a choice of up to four GCE 'A' Level subjects from Arts, Science, or Commerce Courses. Students complete their pre-university studies with the GCE 'A' Level exam. Foreign students can join these institutions, subject to available vacancies.
Polytechnics
Singapore's five polytechnics offer practice-oriented diploma-level studies. These institutions prepare students for future careers and higher education.
These schools provide lots of different classes. You can learn things like how to build stuff (Engineering), how to run a business (Business Studies), how to work in the media (Mass Communication), how to be creative (Design), or how technology and communication work (Info-Communications).
Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
ITE is a place where you can learn practical skills for different jobs. It's not like a regular college, but it's for people who want to get good at technical stuff. They offer programs for high school graduates and even for adults who want to learn more while working.
Universities
The three local universities in Singapore:
NUS, which started in 1905, gives students great degrees that are known everywhere. They have many subjects like Science, Engineering, Law, and more. NTU began in 1981, mainly for engineering and technology. They also have teaching programs and business and communication courses.
SMU is a newer school, founded in 2000, and it's a business-focused university.
International Universities in Singapore
Singapore also has international universities from other countries where you can study. Some of them have their own campuses here, and others work together with local universities.
Leading International Institutions with an Asian Campus located in Singapore
Leading International Universities in Collaboration with Singapore Universities
Singapore's top universities, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), have forged partnerships with more than 16 renowned international universities. These global collaborations include institutions like the University of St. Gallen, University of Melbourne, and King's College London. Such partnerships provide students with diverse academic opportunities and a chance to gain global exposure.
Private Arts Education Institutions
Singapore is home to two notable non-profit private arts institutions, LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). These institutions receive support from the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) and offer a wide range of arts-focused diploma programs. Moreover, they provide offshore degree programs tailored to specific artistic interests, enriching students' educational experiences.
International Schools/ Foreign System Schools
Singapore offers various international schools for students who wish to follow the educational framework of their home countries. These schools, registered with the Ministry of Education, adhere to the curricula and guidelines of their respective home countries. They welcome both foreign students and permanent residents, with admission criteria varying among institutions. Tuition fees range from S$4,600 to S$18,000 per year, depending on the grade level and school.
Three distinguished Singaporean institutions, namely Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), Hwa Chong Institution, and St Joseph's Institution, have expanded their educational offerings. ACS International, Hwa Chong International, and SJI International, the private arms of these schools, offer a wide array of secondary and post-secondary programs. ACS International provides the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Hwa Chong International focuses on secondary and pre-university programs, leading to the Cambridge GCE A Levels certificate. Meanwhile, SJI International offers an international curriculum leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma, ensuring students have a diverse range of educational opportunities.