Singapore, the city in Asia leading the race towards development and advancement, is home to thousands of international students vying for an education they can proudly show off to friends and employers in their home countries. If you don’t see why students flock Singapore when it is but a tiny island in Asia, you probably have your eyes closed. Singapore may be a small city which you can explore in a day, but this smallness is also home to a number of astounding feats. For one, its 2 premier universities, the Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore, consistently make it to the top international university rankings. It is also the epitome of research and innovation as seen in its master-planned design integrating nature into modernity. Moreover, Singapore enjoys a high quality of life as seen in its residents who live sophisticated lives. Singapore is small only in terms of size, but it is a gigantic city in terms of what it holds and what it can provide.

International students will find applying to universities in Singapore fairly simple. Before you start applying for a Singapore student visa or pass, you need to secure a slot at your selected university. This is actually the first step towards your dream of studying in Singapore. Once you get your admission letter, everything else will be easier. So, we are here to help you take this first crucial step of your journey.

Table of Contents

1. Facts about Admission to Singaporean Universities
2. Steps in Applying to a University in Singapore
3. Requirements for the Student Pass Application in Singapore
4. How much does it cost to study in Singapore?

Facts about Admission to Singaporean Universities

• Applying to a university in Singapore is made directly with the selected institution, unlike admission in countries in the European Union (EU) which is coursed through a centralized admission portal.
• Admission to universities in Singapore is available either online or offline. Usually, public universities follow online applications, while private universities follow offline applications. Some universities provide both options.
• Online admission applications mean that all documents and forms are submitted to the university via an international student portal in the website.
• Offline admission applications follow the traditional enrolment format of requiring printed copies of documents.
• Generally, universities in Singapore close admission applications in March or April.
• International students who wish to seek scholarships should apply for admission to a university as early as January or February.
• Universities often send out admission letters to accepted students in May.
• Universities in Singapore with English-taught programs have a high standard with regards to accepting international students. Hence, a good command of the English language is a competitive advantage. This should show in an applicant’s test scores in TOEFL or IELTS.

Steps in Applying to a University in Singapore

1. Now that you have an idea of how the international admission application process in Singapore works, we will give you the steps in accomplishing this goal.
2. Create a shortlist of at least 3 universities you wish to attend. Three is a safe number so that you will have other choices in case a university rejects your application. A recommendation we can give is to set your own criteria for your shortlist. Consider the location of each university, its reputation, its international student population, its study programs offered in English, and its tuition fees.
3. Check each of the universities’ website. Look for the international admissions tab, and review the admission process as well as deadlines.
   Organize your admission timeline and study plan. A few things to include in your admission timeline will be taking of required examinations, exploring scholarship programs or student loans, preparing the documents, and sending the application. Consider as well sufficient time to apply for a student pass.
4. Settle all the requirements for your application.
5. Submit your applications. If you are following an online process, send your forms at least a week before admission applications close. If you are following an offline process, send your forms at least a month early.
6. Wait for the results. You may follow up with the university once 2 months after the deadline had passed and you still got no response.
7. If you are accepted in a university in Singapore, the next step is to fix your student pass. Your host institution will play a role in the application of your student visa or pass. It will be the one to complete the registration of your account for visa application.
8. Once you have a student pass, pack your bags and be on your way to Singapore.

Requirements for the Student Pass Application in Singapore

Each institution has its own set of requirements they use to evaluate a prospective international student. Nonetheless, these are the most common documents most universities will ask you to submit with your application for admission:

• Valid passport
• Recent photographs
• Duly accomplished application form
• Standardized admission test scores (i.e. SAT, GMAT, GRE, depending on the university)
• Proof of language proficiency (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers hoping to enroll in an English-taught study program)
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter
• Letters of recommendation

How much does it cost to study in Singapore?

Studying in Singapore costs a lot, given the city’s strong economic standing. When compared with its neighboring countries in Asia, Singapore will be seen as an expensive place to live and study. Nonetheless, it is still comparatively cheaper than its counterparts in Europe and the Americas. Tuition fees for international students in public universities in Singapore range from $14,500 to $50,000 per academic year. Private universities and prestigious institutions have even higher fees. Similarly, living costs in Singapore are also higher compared to other study abroad destinations in Asia. On average, transportation, accommodation, and food expenses for an international student are expected to cost around $8,000 per year.

Despite the high costs, international students still try their luck to get accepted into a university in Singapore for the premium education and lifestyle they can experience. Scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment are available anyway to somehow help with the finances.