How to choose a University in Singapore

On the basis of 5 criteria listed below, determine your institution of higher learning in Singapore.

If something remains unclear in the pages of the University of Singapore ask questions to representatives of universities, their job is to answer students ' questions. Or entrust us with the selection of universities and programs in Singapore, ordering a customized selection of University and program.

CRITERION 1: the Ranking of higher education institutions by subject area

Universities offer a wide range of technical, scientific, medical and humanitarian field, but a leader in the Singapore education system are of technical profession and it. The Humanities should look to linguistic and philological specialities — in a country where 100% of the population is bilingual, their development also received considerable attention. Promising education in Singapore will also receive future economists.

2 Singapore national University of the six went in the top 15 of the world ranking QS 2018, indicating that the quality of their programmes and significant contribution to world science.

Choosing a College, look not only the overall ratings, but the line occupied by the University in subject areas. The ratings are calculated based on many indicators, and the University may not be in the top overall rankings, but to lead in your area of interest. In this case, it will be a good choice and confident start for your future career.

In addition, we recommend you to check ranking positions of American and British universities, which have campuses in Singapore, and universities, on behalf of diplomas affiliated to the Singapore universities. So you can get a diploma from a prestigious University, spent to study less than in the US or the UK.

CRITERION 2: Your level of education and type of institution

Exactly the same as high school graduates of Russia and CIS countries, most Singaporean students cannot go to University. For those wishing to pursue higher education there are several opportunities: to study two years in Junior College or three years in a Polytechnic or College of art. Important point: the diploma of Junior College is recognized only within the country.

Pre-University training

Students who have graduated from colleges and polytechnics, can start a professional activity or to enter the bachelor programs of universities. Diploma of the Polytechnic gives a student the opportunity to read the modules studied, to reduce the time of study and, thereby, reduce tuition fees.

Most polytechnics accept foreigners, and this may be one of the variants of preparation for admission to universities of Singapore for the Russians. Another option could be a transfer from the University at home after learning it for 1-2,5 years at the close of the specialty.

Types of universities in Singapore

To higher educational institutions of Singapore have the right to confer bachelor and/or master's and doctorate are:

1. Public universities: all universities offer bachelor degree programs; all except the Singapore Institute of technology — graduate programs and PhD programs. A number of programs developed jointly with renowned foreign universities and leading to double degree.

2. Private universities, campuses of foreign universities and collaboration with foreign universities colleges of higher education — for example, Rutgers Business School Asia Pacific or INSEAD Asia Campus.

3. Affiliated institutions — universities that have programs of leading world universities and was awarded the degree in their name, for example, James Cook University Singapore working on behalf of James Cook University.

Joint colleges, universities, foreign campuses and affiliate institutions is an opportunity to get a degree from prestigious American and European universities at a significantly more affordable prices.

Read more about Singapore's universities read the article “Universities in Singapore”.

In order to understand the features of educational institutions of Singapore and choosing the right one you order our services for the admission in foreign University.

CRITERION 3: the Duration and cost of studies

In many universities of Singapore, by analogy with Europe and America the system of credit hours. The academic year is divided into semesters or trimesters.

The duration of undergraduate programs

For bachelor's degrees must complete the program with a duration of 2 - 4 years equivalent to 120-180 credit hours and to defend a thesis. On some programmes, the training period is reduced to two years if you have a diploma on professional education or relevant A-level.

If a student wants to obtain a bachelor's degree with honours, the course lasts a year longer than it was when the simple degree.

The duration of master programs

To obtain a master's degree after 1-3 years of training and, in most cases, the thesis defense. The duration of training depends on previous education and programs, but the curricula in Singapore are shorter than research. The MBA program lasts 12-18 months.

Universities have considerable freedom in shaping the curriculum of the graduate program with the same name vary widely in content, so it is recommended to very carefully compare them.

Quality assurance programs

Programs are accredited by the Singapore universities meet the standards and quality criteria specified by the Singapore Ministry of education. However, private and foreign educational institutions are not required to obey those rules. In this case, you can only rely on the authority of a foreign University in his homeland and in the world.

Making decision about studying in a foreign University in Singapore, be sure to check whether it is recognized diploma in any countries.

Read more about undergraduate and graduate programs, see the guide “How to choose a program at the University of Singapore.”

The cost of education

The cost of undergraduate and graduate programs depends on the subject area. As a rule, the cost is indicated per semester or trimester, at least — credit hours. Be careful when calculating the budget and payments.

As elsewhere in the world, most are budget programs in the areas of social Sciences and Humanities, the most expensive — all laboratory specialties, music, medicine and MBA/ DBA. In addition, professional, or educational, the programs will cost less research.

The approximate cost of the bachelor of Singapore is around:

• without the state grant — 29650 SGD /22240 USD to SGD 50800 /38100 USD per year;
• scholarship — 15 900 SGD/11 USD 925 per year.

The approximate cost of study at the master of Singapore is around:

• without the state grant — 18850 SGD - SGD 92450/ 14140 - 69340 USD per year;
• with a scholarship from 17550 - 59950 SGD/ 13160 - 44960 USD per year.

In addition to the partial government scholarships there are several ways to offset the cost of master's programs, especially in the research field, read about it in the section on scholarships.

Accommodation and other expenses

Every year the universities are reviewing the tuition fees, but for continuing the increase less significant than for freshmen. As for accommodation, according to NUS and QS, the estimated cost of living for students is 10,000 SGD, or USD 7500 per year.

In addition to the cost of tuition and accommodation in the budget need to mortgage and other mandatory expenses: tickets, visa, medical insurance, fee for freshman, examination fee, transport from your accommodation to the University and travel within the country, membership in student organizations, attending events for students.

Not found the cost of programs that interest you?

Specify the details of representatives of interested universities in Singapore on the pages of these universities. They will be happy to help you!

CRITERION 4: Scholarships

The Ministry of education of Singapore provides foreign students with undergraduate and graduate grants partially covering tuition fees. Obligatory conditions for obtaining the grant is an offer from the University of enrollment and willingness to work in a Singapore company for three years after graduation. Dentists need to work in the country for five years, doctors six years.

The universities in Singapore also have their own scholarship programs for foreigners who demonstrate high academic achievement and provide a strong application for the scholarship. Competition for scholarships is very high, and your application must be extremely convincing.

Universities offer scholarships of two types: complementary scholarship of the Ministry of education and private, for students who do not have state scholarships. Most scholarships cover the tuition fee partially. The lists of programs to which allocated funding for foreigners is published on the websites of universities of Singapore.

Other funding options:

• work at the University or on campus — higher education require the approval of the selected jobs from the administration of the program and do not encourage the work to third party companies during their studies; students may not work more than 16 hours a week during the school year and full day during the holidays;
• to look for financing in their country — for example, scholarships of the government of the “Global education” in Russia.

You need to write a budget for study in Singapore, as well as to create the most compelling application for admission and a scholarship? Order our services for admission in foreign University.

Also contact representatives of Singapore universities, to learn details of the funding you are interested in the program.

CRITERION 5: the Level of entrance requirements

For admission to universities of Singapore, the Russians and students from the CIS high school diploma is not enough — they need to undergo annual training on the University Foundation programme or A-level exams (similar to Britain), study in Singapore Polytechnic or to transfer from a University in their home country after one or two years of study.

Level entrance requirements of the Singapore universities set yourself. In rating universities, the level of requirements on scores for language and subject tests above, you can recognize them in the pages of higher education institutions. Traditionally, difficulties for Russian-speaking students call requirements points exam on knowledge of English — TOEFL or IELTS.

Examine entry requirements on pages of programs of universities of Singapore and finalise details of the University staff by sending questions directly from the pages you are interested programs.

Need help? Entrust us with the selection of your University, Singapore program order a customized selection of University and program.

Watch the video of our founder Jana Drapkina-Uehara on the choice of the University abroad.