Study In Singapore

A four-tier model of education is followed in Singapore that consists of primary schools, secondary schools, the pre-tertiary level at junior colleges of polytechnics and the university tertiary education. The first six years of education are carried out at the primary level. At the secondary level, the duration of education remains four years. In case a student has reached the age of 14 and has been unable to clear the former (primary school), he or she can leave the school and attend a 2-year course which the Adult Education Board handles. Those who wish to study further in university first have to complete a 2-year additional A-level course in the secondary school, which is considered a part of the integrated program.

The post-secondary education offers the following options to students:

Junior Colleges: Before enrolling in a university, students can obtain pre-university education at a junior college or centralized institute. This can help them obtain a GCE A-Level exam certificate or an International Baccalaureate diploma certificate.

Singapore School of Arts/Sports: Sports and art enthusiasts can opt for specialised education. This can help them obtain an International Baccalaureate diploma at both schools or a Diploma in Business Studies at the Singapore Sports School.

Polytechnics: Those who wish to carry out their studies in a more practice-oriented manner can go for full-time diploma programs offered at Polytechnics. Eligibility includes O-level qualifications or ITE’s Nitec and Higher Nitec qualifications. Also, Polytechnic Foundation Program allows top-performing secondary 4 N(A) students to apply for Polytechnics. The advantage of polytechnic education is that students get a taste of practice-based learning.

Institute of Technical Education (ITE): ITE leads to technical or vocational education through higher Nitec programs/full-time Nitec/traineeship courses. In order to get into ITE one should be an N-level holder and O-level holder. Secondary 4 N(A) students meeting the eligibility criteria are considered for some of the courses

Singapore is a modern city with some of the best public amenities. It boasts of highly sophisticated infrastructure and convenient facilities, making it a dream city to live in. These world-class facilities make Singapore one of the more expensive cities in the world. As such, the monthly cost of living in Singapore tends to be slightly high. Like with most cities, the expenses you incur depend on various factors, such as the type of school you choose to attend, whether you opt to stay on campus or in private lodgings, and the locality in which you choose to live

Necessary Expenses
The cost of living in Singapore can be categorised based on the necessary expenses that you have to incur. These include:

1. Accommodation
As with any country, the cost of housing depends on the type of accommodation and the locality in which you choose to stay. If you choose to live on campus, in residence halls, you can expect to pay approximately SGD 400-500 per month. A typical student dormitory can house four to six students. You can also choose to live in a rented off-campus accommodation on your own or on a shared basis with other occupants. The cost of off-campus housing depends on the locality and the amenities provided. In Singapore, average rent of living off-campus can be anywhere from SGD 900-2600 per month.

2. Transport
Singapore is renowned for its sophisticated and urbane transportation services. Getting around this city is incredibly easy, with a vast bus network, frequent buses, and stops at every corner. Furthermore, the six Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines, covering over 130 local stations, make the commute breezy. As a student, you can avail of concessions and get a monthly MRT pass for SGD 45, whereas monthly bus passes can cost you about SGD 52, making your total monthly transport expenses about SGD 97.

3. Food
Your everyday living expenses in Singapore also include the money you have to spend on food. The best way to reduce your food expenses is to opt for meal plans that can cost you around SGD 90 to 120 per month. However, meal plans may vary, and your university may not provide every meal. You can also buy your meals from university canteens or food courts, which can cost you approximately SGD 250 to 350 per month. Of course, the costs will vary if you opt to live off-campus and cook food in your rented facility.

4. Schools
Your school fees include your tuition fees, cost of books, cost of apparatus, library fees, and so on. This fee depends on the program and university you choose to attend. Your nationality is also a critical factor that affects your tuition fees and school expenses in Singapore. As such, the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students can vary compared to students of other nationalities. Your school fee expenses depend on whether you opt for the Annual Non-subsidised payment plan or the annual subsidised payment plan for international students. It typically costs approximately SGD 27,000 to 30,000 for a three-year program at a public university for international students.

5. Healthcare
Singapore has a world-class health care system and is renowned for its fantastic and affordable health care system. Expats, including international students, can buy health insurance to pay for unexpected medical expenses. It can cost you anywhere from SGD 920 to 5,015 per annum to purchase health insurance as a foreign national in Singapore. The maximum coverage offered against these premiums is in the range of SDG 900,000 to 2.5 million.

Besides the living expenses in Singapore mentioned above, you also have to consider other costs.
These may vary based on whether or not you avail of these facilities. Here is a rough schedule of the expenses you are most likely to make on a regular basis:

Expenses Type                                                                                 Average cost in SGD
1). Internet usage (8mbps speed)                                                $45 per month
2). Cost of Books & Stationery                                           $150 per annum
3). Single visit to a public polyclinic                                            $15 per visit
4). Meal for 2 at an average restaurant                                    $54 per meal
5). Street food or meal for 1 at a fast-
       food restaurant                                                                               $4-$8 per meal
6). Utility bills for one person in a
       Studio Apartment (Approx 480 square
       feet)                                                                                                        $94 per month
7). Utility bills for 2 people in 900
       square feet apartment                                                                $158 per month/ $79 per person
8). Hourly rate for house help (housecleaning)                   $18
9). Cost of a taxi trip                                                                            $13 for five miles
10). Cold medicines for six days                                                   $11
11). 12 doses of antibiotics                                                             $13
12). Short visit to a private doctor                                              $57 per visit
13). Gym membership                                                                        $153 per month
14). 2 tickets to the movies                                                              $26 per trip
15). Toiletries (shampoo, deodorant,
          toothpaste, toilet paper etc.)                                                $21 per month

• Tuition Grant Scheme upto 50% offered by Ministry of Education Students are required to sign the bond for 3 years work permit upon successful completion of the courses to work either in Singapore company or Singapore registered entity anywhere in the world .
• Scholarships, Merit Awards & bursaries every year not exceeding SGD 1500