5 Things to Know before Studying in Singapore
Singapore is the smallest state in Southeast Asia with around 4 million inhabitants. Elsewhere, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikh and Taoists are fighting each other. In Singapore, they live peacefully side by side. However, that’s just one reason why Singapore is so attractive to study.
The fact that people from China, Malaysia, India and other countries around the world understand each other relatively well in Singapore is probably due to public safety. Crime is almost non-existent because of draconian punishments. After all, even the slightest offence will be severely punished. This includes eating and drinking in public transport as well as the “wild” crossing of streets. At least officially. Alcohol and tobacco are not prohibited.
Although the system of deterrence and control has earned Singapore a reputation as a “fine city” (meaning both “beautiful city” and “punishment city”), it does not keep the students from the five universities from celebrating. There are also clubs in Singapore – most do not close before 4 am, some even open 24/7.
Education System in Singapore
The largest and top universities in Singapore are public universities, with 42,000 students from 100 countries and 14 faculties. In addition to the universities, there are also four “Polytechnics”.
As in Europe, there is the three-level study model (Bachelor – Master – PhD) in Singapore. This makes it easier for newcomers from the West to start their studies in the East. The Singaporean study seems at first very schooled. The courses to study are relatively tightly organized, and the students generally speak to their supervisor before any course selection. This is to ensure that everyone is supported according to their strengths. The excellent achievements of the students make this system right.
An undergraduate degree in Singapore usually takes four years. During the first year, students mainly complete a series of compulsory courses, only then can they continue to specialize. The Bachelor degree already qualifies for a job. If you want to further develop your professional qualifications, it depends on a graduate program. This usually takes two years and ends with a master’s degree.
The Singaporean academic year also includes two semesters: the first is from July to November, and the second from January to May. Since each university independently decides on the approvals (and can formulate their own criteria), you should inquire for detailed information directly at the target university. Alternatively, education agents can help find a place to study in Singapore.
Living in Singapore
Singaporean students often live in their parents’ home. For international students, dormitories are the cheapest and best. Thanks to the international atmosphere, they close here and the safety of the students is ensured by security services.
there is strict gender segregation for students living in dormitories. Strangers have no access. If that does not matter, get the room for about 125 euros per month. As students in Singapore usually have to re-apply for courses every year, early enrolment is advised. Another option is the private housing market, where rents are not as low as that for living in dormitories.
In Singapore’s multicultural society, you can hear several official languages: Malay (official), Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil. Since English is spoken in many areas of Singapore (including business, science, tourism and engineering), you should also be able to speak sufficient English prior to your visit to the University of Singapore.
Cost in Singapore
How expensive your studies in Singapore will depend on your subject or the tuition fees. As a bachelor in social sciences, you pay the equivalent of about 4,500 euros, as a prospective physician even converted to about 17,000 euros per year.
You can find out more directly at your target university (either on the corresponding homepage or by e-mail). Anyone who can not afford the tuition can also apply for a scholarship or other benefits. Especially in the graduate programs, there are numerous grants for ambitious, but “poor” students.
Depending on your personal lifestyle, you need between 400 and 700 euros for life outside the university.
Visa and Work
As long as you want to stay less than 90 days, a tourist visa (“Social Visit Pass”) is sufficient for Singapore. Those who spend more time studying, for example, need to apply for Singapore student visa – Singapore Student’s Pass. As soon as you are enrolled in a college, you will receive it from the Singaporean Immigration Affairs Department (on-site or online).
In addition, you need a health certificate, but you can get it in every “proper” hospital in Singapore.
