Topics Covered
Introduction
Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia’s most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal. In addition, Singapore offers luxury hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! The island nation of the Republic of Singapore lies one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia.
The country includes the island of Singapore and 58 or so smaller islands. Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing nations. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main island.
Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore’s tropical climate welcomes both leisure and business travelers year round. The island republic’s excellent infrastructure enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Award winning Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and subway systems are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has established Singapore as one of the premier cruising centers of South East Asia and an exciting port of call on any Asian cruise itinerary.
In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good way to explore the city . All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year. No matter when you choose to visit, warm weather will be abundantly available. The visitor is struck immediately by Singapore’s abundance of parks, nature reserves, and lush, tropical greenery.
The east coast features good seafood restaurants set on long stretches of sandy beach. In addition there are over fifty islands and islets within Singaporean waters, all of which can be reached with varying degrees of ease. Singapore used to be considered a “stop over” on the way to larger Asian cities. This is no longer true! Visitors seek out Singapore for business and finance and also for a fascinating and satisfying vacation for the whole family. Singapore is both an island and a country, but perhaps its best description is that of city-state.
Like the great city-states of the past, it offers civilization and order in the highest degree. Its combination of Western-style development and Eastern-style calm seems to present the best of both hemispheres: It’s a modern metropolis where you feel safe walking the streets, and it’s an Asian business center that’s a model of efficiency. Singapore is also a multicultural city, and close to one-quarter of its population are expatriates or foreign workers from all over the world. Known for its desire to become the technology hub of Asia, Singapore is the most wired country in the region.
Education in Singapore
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary from institution to institution. As English is the common language of instruction, most institutions require students to meet a minimum standard of English. Generally, certification of competence in English is in the form of:
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
- Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Student requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or GMAT or SAT. Graduates from Indian Universities may elect to use GATE, instead of GRE score.
Note: Many universities do not force you for GRE/GMAT/SAT but they give preferences if you have attempted these test before.
Fees & Living Expenses
For Undergraduate programs the fees varies from institute to institute between S$ 6,500-7,500 and for postgraduate programs the fees ranges from S$ 7,500-,8,500.
The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.
An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$700 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount of course, varies depending on your individual lifestyle and course of study.
Visa Documentation
From the Applicant,
- 2 copies for Form 16, Form V36 and Form V39S duly completed and signed by applicant and local sponsor at the relevant sections. (The first set of forms must be original.)
- 2 recent passport-sized photographs (BW/ Colour) to be pasted on the top-right hand corner of Form 16
- Applicant’s Official Birth Certificate (in English and photocopy)
- Applicant’s highest education certificates and result transcripts (in English and photocopy)
- Copies of personal particular pages of applicant’s travel document/ passport (photocopy)
After Study Benefits
- Student on completion of the course may apply for EPEC ( employment pass eligibility certificate) which allows him to stay and find work
- Depending on the offer and remuneration offered, student would be put under E / S category work visas for contract period [ as offered by the employer]
- Guaranteed work permit of 1 yr on completion of 12 months of education & 2 further years on application
- After stay on work permit for at least a year supplemented by good academics, he could file his case for PR
- The proximity of Singapore in geographical terms is beneficial to Indian students, as it cuts down on their travel costs.
- Education in Singapore is affordable, modern, skills-rich and value-laden
- The diversity associated with students who represent different nationalities is a guarantee for international exposure and global outlook. As of now, there are nearly 70,000 foreign students studying in Singapore
- The prevalence of lesser red tape, easier student visa rules, better student hostels and a unique fee protection scheme under which foreign students in private educational institutions are offered an alternative when that institution is closed down.
- What more, the policy of government-funded institutions make it mandatory for foreign students to stay and work in Singapore for three years after graduation. This means immediate job opportunity after the completion of degree course, and ensuring their stay in Singapore. Sectors dealing with banking, manufacturing, IT and telecom have the largest employers, where the students find ready jobs after completion of the educational programs