Countries
Singapore
Universities in Singapore

Universities in Singapore

Why do students choose Singapore universities? Everything about the features of admission to Singapore universities and the learning process.

Free consultation

List and rating of universities in Singapore

National University of Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
#8 QS Rankings#17 THE Rankings#71 ARWU Rankings
from28,221USD
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, Singapore
#15 QS Rankings#30 THE Rankings#93 ARWU Rankings
from11,911USD
Singapore Management University
Singapore, Singapore
#585 QS Rankings
from19,042USD
Nanyang Polytechnic
Singapore, Singapore
Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore, Singapore
from6,335USD
Temasek Polytechnic
Singapore, Singapore

Advantages of universities in Singapore

Positions in ratings. According to the international rating QS, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University share 11th place in the world and occupy 1st and 2nd place in Asia, respectively. And the THE rating put NUS and NTU on 25th and 61st place worldwide, respectively.
Language of instruction. One of the official languages of the country is English — training in all educational institutions is conducted in it. For everyone who wants to get quality knowledge using an international language, which can subsequently be used in many countries of the world, Singaporean universities are an excellent choice.
Admission transparency. Universities provide a complete step by step guide on admission online. For each program, clear requirements are indicated. Sometimes these websites can even have so much information that applicants can get confused, but universities have their own representatives who are always ready to help applicants.
Freedom to learn. The country's universities have a flexible system of programs and choice of subjects. For example, in some universities, students have the opportunity to combine undergraduate and graduate programs, get a double degree, and study an exchange semester at another university. To reduce the study duration and tuition fees, you can choose a more intensive schedule and reduce practice hours.
International environment. Singapore is a real melting pot of Asia. It unites Malay, British, Chinese, and Indian cultures, and this affects the study environment at the universities themselves. Students from foreign countries are actively coming to Singapore, which creates a unique atmosphere of dynamism and a variety of opinions, languages, and cultures at universities.

Disadvantages of universities in Singapore

High cost. Despite the fact that the cost of education in Singapore is lower than in the USA or the UK, it can still be quite expensive. Moreover, living costs are added to the price, which makes studying in Singapore even harder on the wallet. However, it is worth noting that Singaporeans themselves regard paid education as a matter of course. Because they believe that the high quality of knowledge and prestige of the diploma will help to find a well-paid job. And this will make the money spent on education well worth it.
Tough competition. Higher education is highly valued by the local population, so there are more people who want to enter the best universities in Singapore than there are vacant places. It is also worth noting that the state does not allocate quotas for foreign students^[1].
Autonomy. Singapore has developed its own secondary education system, which is similar to the British and consists of several stages and the GCE exam. On university sites, the criteria for 12 years of secondary education are often indicated for admission to bachelor’s programs. If you have studied for 11 years, then you will need to contact the university and present your case. They will either accept your education with the condition of passing the SAT exam and an excellent secondary education certificate, or you will need to study for an extra year at the Foundation at a junior college.
Work while studying. Under Singapore law, students are allowed to work 16 hours a week. But the Ministry of Labor has defined a list of universities whose students may be employed. If your university is not listed, then you can not count on a part-time job. But even if this is not the case, other difficulties may arise. Some universities do not approve of work outside the campus, as the main task of the student is to gain knowledge, and not to earn money. If the administration decides that the vacancy does not increase your professional competence, the work will not be approved.

Requirements for admission to universities in Singapore

Program	Age	Duration	Min cost	Avg. cost	Min. language proficiency	Exams
Foundation	16+	1 year	3,035 USD	7,586 USD	B1	IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 66
Bachelor's	17+	3-4 years	9,104 USD	45,518 USD	B2	IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 85
MBA	20+	1-2 years	30,346 USD	60,691 USD	C1	IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 85
Master's	20+	1-2 years	22,759 USD	68,278 USD	C1	IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 85
Doctoral	20+	2–5 years	10,621 USD	27,311 USD	C1	IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 85

Universities in Singapore offer training that meets the international standards: bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years), master's degrees (1-2 years), doctoral degrees (2-5 years). For admission to each level of education, a student needs to prepare the documents and present himself and his achievements in a favourable light. The admission committee draws attention to academic performance, exam results, and student motivation. The language of teaching and communication in universities is English. Therefore, foreigners need to pass international exams IELTS/TOEFL. In addition to language exams, universities also request results of GRE/GMAT/SAT and conduct interviews. Admission requirements vary depending on the program and university.

All documents must be translated and uploaded online.

Types of educational institutions in Singapore

The system of higher education in Singapore is somewhat unique and represented by the following types of institutions:

Junior colleges and Millennia Institute. These are pre-university educational institutions in Singapore. Their graduates can continue their studies at polytechnics or universities;
Singapore Sports School (SSP) and School of the Arts (SOTA) are specialized independent schools that offer education for students in a variety of sports and arts;
The Institute for Technical Education (ITE) provides students with technical and vocational education through full-time Nitec, Higher Nitec, or internship programs with employers. After graduation, you can find a job or continue training at polytechnics;
Polytechnics are educational institutions in which students are taught technical and applied specialties. The education process is based on project training and practical immersion. After a polytechnic, students can go to a university or start working;
LASALLE and NAFA. LASALLE College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) — are institutions that offer diploma programs and bachelor's degrees in visual and performing arts, such as music, theater, dance, fashion, and interior design. After graduation, students can immediately start looking for a job;
State subsidiary educational institutions. They offer industry programs to applicants. For example, BCA Academy, Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), IP Academy;
Autonomous universities. There are only 6 autonomous universities in Singapore. These large universities provide the widest range of academic, research, and future employment opportunities for its students.

Colleges in Singapore

Junior Colleges and Millennia Institute. Junior colleges are pre-university institutes in which studies last for 2 years. College graduates receive a GCE of level "A".

Millennia Institute is the only centralized institution in Singapore offering a three-year pre-university education. At the end of the school, students take the "A" level GCE exam. Unlike junior colleges, at the Millennia Institute, students have an extra year for project work, in-depth language learning, and preparation for national exams.

Junior colleges and the centralized institute offer a wide selection of programs and subjects. The curriculum in them is versatile and includes disciplines from different fields: mathematics and natural sciences, humanities and art. After graduating from a junior college or a centralized institute, graduates can continue their studies at polytechnic schools or universities if they pass the "A" level GCE.

International students wishing to enroll in JC or MI must apply directly to schools from October to December. However, the Ministry of Education emphasizes the fact that the admission of foreign students is not guaranteed. Admission committees evaluate the applicant's compliance with the admission criteria. A large role in admission is played by the availability of free seats^[2].

Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This is a public vocational education institution in Singapore. ITE prepares high school graduates for employment or for admission to a polytechnic, and has programs of continuing education for already working adults. The following disciplines are taught at the institute: engineering and technology, applied sciences, accounting, business administration, medicine, architecture, law, design, media, and cooking.

Until 2005, 10 colleges were located in Singapore, but then the state adopted the "One ITE system, 3 colleges" education model. As a result, 10 colleges merged into 3: ITE College Central, ITE College East, and ITE College West. They offer:

National ITE Certificate (NITEC);
Graduate NITEC;
Technical diploma;
Work-Study diploma.

It is worth noting that for most graduates, and generally Singaporeans, it is a very important step to continue their education and improve their skills. ITE in this case acts as a springboard to the next stage of training. According to the Minister of Education, 7 out of 10 graduates receive higher qualifications after technical education throughout the career. According to statistics, about half of NITEC graduates continue their studies at Higher NITEC courses at ITE, and the rest — at diploma programs in polytechnics and ITE^[3].

Polytechnics. They offer three-year training in various disciplines and accept students on the basis of "O" and “A” level GCE or the results of studying at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). For foreign students, certain diploma requirements are set. For example, Singapore Polytechnic, if your country is not listed, assesses qualifications based on their equivalence to GCE level “O” exams (certificate 11). Polytechnic schools offer three-year full-time and part-time programs in various disciplines, as well as programs of continuing education for working adults who already have diplomas and degrees and want to update their knowledge and skills, and maybe even change their profession.

There are currently 5 polytechnic universities in Singapore: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Temasek Polytechnic (TP).

Areas of study at polytechnics include business, accounting, tourism and hotel management, mass communications, biotechnology. More specialized courses are also available, such as marine engineering, aeronautical research, optometry, and nursing.

One of the features of polytechnic education is a strong emphasis on practical training. Internships are part of the curriculum and can last from 6 weeks to six months. This gives students valuable experience and the opportunity to work with experts in their respective fields. After graduating from polytechnic universities, students can go to university or start working.

Submit an application

Public and private universities

There are 6 autonomous public universities in the country. The admission process depends on the university and the chosen program. Basically, you need to prepare a package of documents, pass language and specialization exams and prepare for the interview. For bachelor’s programs SAT examinations are required, and for master's or doctoral studies — GRE/GMAT. Prospective students should study the program website and requirements. If you have questions, it is advisable to contact the selection committee and consult directly with the university.

National University of Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
#8 QS Rankings#17 THE Rankings#71 ARWU Rankings
from28,221USD
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, Singapore
#15 QS Rankings#30 THE Rankings#93 ARWU Rankings
from11,911USD
Singapore Management University
Singapore, Singapore
#585 QS Rankings
from19,042USD
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Singapore, Singapore
#440 QS Rankings#901-1000 ARWU Rankings
from18,056USD
Singapore Institute of Technology
Singapore, Singapore

State universities of Singapore

National University of Singapore (NUS) includes 16 faculties/schools and a music conservatory. The university is the 1st in Asia and 11th in the world. NUS is also among the top 10 best universities for studying chemical engineering^[4]. In addition to the traditional bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programs, National University of Singapore offers the University Scholars Program and specialist programs at Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Duke-NUS Medical School, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The University has a Joint Degree Program, Concurrent Degree Program and student exchange programs in collaboration with other universities. An important part of the life of the university is scientific research.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It provides education in engineering, science and technology and places great emphasis on research. It has five colleges offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in various fields. The NTU also operates a medical school Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. The university cooperates with many foreign institutions and offers dual degrees, joint and student exchange programs. NTU is among the top 10 universities in the world of 2020^[5]. In particular, the university’s engineering college is one of the largest in the world, and the Business School is ranked 43rd among the best MBA programs, according to the QS rating^[6].
Singapore Management University (SMU). A specialized research university, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and double degree programs in six schools: Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Accountancy, School of Economics, School of Information Systems, School of Law, School of Social Sciences (more on the website). SMU adopted the American educational system, unlike other universities in Singapore, which took the British system as the foundation. Therefore, studying at SMU is held in an interactive style in the form of seminars in small classes. The university campus is located in the heart of Singapore's civil and business district, which is one of its main advantages. However, tuition fees here are way higher than in the NUS (with the exception of medicine and dentistry) and NTU.
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The university offers education in design, engineering, and architecture. The university also conducts world-class research on technologically intensive design. SUTD actively collaborates with universities and companies, both local and foreign, and implements student exchange programs, internships, and joint/dual programs.
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). One of the first universities offering applied programs. The main areas of study are science and technology. Students can choose programs that are implemented by the university independently or in partnership with foreign educational institutions. They emphasize practical training, close ties with industry and the combination of study and work.
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) was reorganized into the sixth autonomous university of Singapore in 2017. The university provides applied education for graduates of schools and adults in the field of social sciences, business, science and technology. Upon admission, previous education and work experience are taken into account, therefore, students who have just graduated from school and adult specialists can sit in the same classroom. This provides a rich and unique learning experience.

There are also many private universities in Singapore. The process of entering private universities is not fundamentally different from entering a state university. For example, at the Kaplan Singapore international student must fill a questionnaire, provide a copy of the highest academic qualification with a transcript, submit a resume (for a master's degree), a copy of the passport and photo. Admission requirements and the cost of education must be clarified on the websites of universities. Here are some examples of private universities in Singapore: Kaplan Higher Education Academy, Singapore Institute of Management, Management Development Institute of Singapore, Nanyang Institute of Management, PSB Academy, TMC Academy, East Asia Institute of Management, Dimensions International College, ERC Institute.

University	Branch in Singapore
ESSEC Business School (France)	ESSEC Asia-Pacific
INSEAD (France)	INSEAD Asia Campus
SP Jain School of Global Management (Australia)	SP Jain School of Global Management
James Cook University (Australia)	James Cook University
University of Nevada Las -Vegas (USA)	University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Singapore
DigiPen Institute of Technology (USA)	DigiPen Institute of Technology
Technical University of Munich (Germany)	German Institute of Science and Technology-TUM Asia
London School of Business and Finance (Great Britain)	LSBF Singapore
Sorbonne-Assas International Law School (France)	Sorbonne-Assas International Law School-Asia

Groups and associations of educational institutions

Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE) is a non-profit association created to improve private higher education. SAPE ensures that private universities show the highest level of professionalism and apply the best practices in administration. The association also supports its members in improving the quality and competency of teaching and learning.

SAPE represents all private educational institutions in Singapore. Members of the organization study educational innovations, collaborate with partners, and participate in educational events and conferences of the association.

Singaporean universities are also part of a number of international associations:

Asian Universities Alliance (AUA). The mission of the AUA is to collaboratively solve regional and global problems related to higher education, economic, scientific, and technical development by strengthening cooperation between participating universities. National University of Singapore is a member of AUA, while Tan Eng Chye is a representative on the board of directors.
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). The members of APRU are National University of Singapore and Nanyang University of Technology. The association connects the leading universities of America, Asia, and Australia. APRU research focuses on natural disasters and disaster risk reduction, women in leadership, aging populations, global health, sustainable cities, artificial intelligence and the future of the labor market, the Pacific Ocean, and labor mobility.
M8 Alliance. M8 Alliance of Academic Health Centers, Universities and National Academies is the academic foundation of the World Health Summit. This is a growing network of 28 members from 19 countries and the Inter Academy Partnership, which is the national academy of medicine and science in 130 countries. The alliance includes National University of Singapore.
Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Association unites the universities of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is the oldest international university network in the world. Its mission is to promote and support higher education for the benefit of people and societies around the world. Nanyang University of Technology and National University of Singapore participate in this association.

Free universities in the country

There are no free universities in Singapore, but various grants and scholarships are offered to students:

Tuition grants;
Service obligation;
Singapore international graduate award (SINGA);
Scholarships of universities and external organizations.

However, most of them provide partial financial support. Therefore, the main expenses are covered by students themselves.

Singapore universities are truly international. For example, at SMU in 2018 foreigners accounted for 61% of the total number of bachelor’s students and 10% of master's and doctoral students. These were representatives of 44 and 25 countries, respectively^[7].
For 6 years (from 2014 to 2019), Nanyang Technological University ranked first among the best young universities in the world. It is the fastest growing young university in the world^[8].
The NTU campus plans to become the greenest campus in the world. The initiative was launched in 2014, and now the campaign has achieved 20% energy and water savings. At the same time, the university receives 3-5% of all energy from solar panels installed on the roofs. Solar panels have a capacity of 5 MW and save about 1.5 million USD in annual energy costs^[9].
Singapore universities are actively involved in charities. For example, in 2019, NUS Business School held the annual charity race Bizad Charity Run and raised a record 250,000 USD. Of these, 210,000 USD went to student scholarships, and 40,000 USD to Singapore Cerebral Palsy Alliance^[10].
The Nanyang Technological University has a licensed registrar of marriages — Mr. Song Min Yam who is also the Director of the Alumni Department. He married many couples right on campus. This way, the newlyweds pay tribute to the university — the place of their acquaintance^[11].
Universities are actively encouraging and supporting startups and entrepreneurship, and this is paying off. For example, startups related to NUS became profitable and now earn tens of millions of dollars^[10].
The NTU campus has “cat cafes” and the club NTU Cat Management Network dedicated to cats. The club takes care, treats and feeds the pets living on campus, and the “cafes” are the feeding ground for the four-footed.
Nanyang University of Technology was the first in the world to count credits for massive open online courses (MOOCs) hosted on Coursera. Nearly 12,000 NTU students took advantage of this opportunity in 2018, while more than 12,000 people worldwide attended the University’s online MOOC courses^[12].