How to Apply for a Student Visa in Singapore: Requirements, Cost, Eligibility, & Process in 2024

Singapore’s educational system is consistently rated as one of the best in Asia and among the best worldwide.

Two of its universities—Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore were both ranked 11th in the 2020 World University Rankings. It was ranked second in the PISA rankings* in 2018.

Universities in Singapore are referred to as Institutes of Higher Learning, and a student visa is known as a student pass there (IHL).

You must apply for this student pass if you are an international student in Singapore planning to enroll in any academic program lasting longer than 30 days.

Your visa or pass application is submitted to the nation’s official registration system, the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration system, or SOLAR.

For applicants under the age of 19 who wish to enroll in a private institution, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) processes student pass applications directly.

Students over the age of 20 who want to enroll in courses in the fine arts, business, language, or vocational fields may be required to attend an interview.

The first thing you will require if you are accepted into one of the nation’s higher education institutions is a student visa. We have your back.

What students need to know about Singapore student visa requirements is provided below and every detail.

Check out: How to Apply for a Student Visa in Spain: Requirements, Cost, Eligibility, & Process

Quick Navigation:

7 Reasons to Study Abroad in Singapore

It is not surprising that Singapore draws tens of thousands of international students each year for their studies abroad because it has one of the best education systems in Asia according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) index—a significant number for a small city state!

Here are the few major reasons why you should study Abroad in Singapore:

1. World-class education system

Singapore is home to many renowned universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University, as a result of the tenacious government efforts that place great emphasis on the importance of education (NTU).

Singapore’s public universities each have more than 100 student clubs, and they regularly host events that you wouldn’t want to miss. As a result, the country’s universities actively promote a vibrant student life.

The NUS “Rag & Flag” event, where students put on spectacular performances to thank the public for their donations, and Singapore Management University (SMU”Day,” )’s Patron’s which is held each year to commemorate the institution’s birthday, are two iconic university-wide occasions.

2. Access to an attractive job market

According to its GDP per person, the IMF ranked Singapore as the fourth richest nation in the world in 2017.

This is supported by a robust and consistently expanding economy with a very low unemployment rate (at just 2.2% in 2017) and a very competitive job market.

Nearly 90% of graduates from public universities found employment within six months of their final exams, according to a Straits Times survey.

Fresh public university graduates’ starting salaries have also been rising, with some earning as much as $4,000 to $5,000 in the business and computing fields.

3. Dining and Shopping Experience in Singapore

In Singapore, there are always options available for everyone’s favorite activities, dining and shopping.

Due to Singapore’s multiculturalism, there are delectable foods from every cultural group that are both affordable and delicious everywhere.

There are countless options for cutting-edge retail hotspots when it comes to shopping, not to mention the renowned Orchard Road belt.

4. Top industry connections

Since gaining its independence in 1965, Singapore has thrived and developed into a global economic force.

It now serves as a major industrial hub for the fields of precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, the creative sector, and professional services.

Singapore is the location of many multinational corporations’ Asian and international research and development hubs. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and, more recently, Dyson and Tencent, are a few notable examples.

So studying there definitely increases your chances of being connected to top industries that is to say automatic employment as the case maybe.

5. A multicultural society

People in the multicultural nation of Singapore show respect for those of other races, religions, and cultures.

Singapore has four official languages: English (which is the one most people use at work and in schools), Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.

Singapore has been able to draw students from all over the world thanks to its diversity. International students in Singapore thrive in this setting because they can interact with various multiethnic cultures while still using English as their primary language of communication.

6. A safe and secure environment

In its 2019 Safe City Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Singapore as the second-safest city in the world.

Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and is known as one of the safest nations because its laws are strictly upheld.

Undoubtedly, many international students are drawn to this. International students and their families may worry about them living away from home, which is why NUS has a dedicated security team that patrols its campuses around the clock, 365 days a year.

7. Weather in Singapore

In Singapore, an equatorial nation, summer lasts all year long. A brief rainy season is anticipated in the later months. This enables students to participate in outdoor activities while donning comfortable, light clothing. Consequently, you will have a wonderful experience on campus.

What Are The Best Places To Study Abroad In Singapore in 2024?

Singapore has great places to study. Singapore is one of the most beautiful and top countries in Asia that offers top-notch education to its students.

If you are looking for good cities in Singapore to study in, below are listed few cities you can consider looking into:

Thomson
Tanglin
Orchard
Serangoon
Upper Bukit Timber
Robertson Quay
Holland Village
Tiong Bahru
Novena
East Coast

Check also: How to Apply for a Student Visa in New Zealand: Requirements, Cost, Eligibility, & Process

What are the Requirements to Study Abroad in Singapore in 2024?

There are some major requirements that are needed to study abroad in Singapore; we guessed that some students would be curious to know about them, and that was why we decided to compile these few things so that you can prepare ahead of time.

A few are the major things you need to get ready if you want to study abroad in Singapore.

Proof of acceptance for admission from the institution.
A valid passport.
Completed student application form.
The receipt of the visa fee.
Proof of funds.
At least two passport-size photos.
Statement of Purpose.
Academic certificates.

Do I Need A Visa To Study Abroad In Singapore in 2024?

You must apply for this student pass if you are an international student in Singapore planning to enroll in any academic program lasting longer than 30 days.

The Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration system, also known as SOLAR, is where you submit your visa or pass application.

It is necessary as an international student to have a student visa to enable you to study in Singapore.

Do You Have To Speak Malay To Study Abroad in Singapore?

However, if you know a few Malay or Hokkien words, older people do find it charming. Due to the “English first, Mandarin second” policy, many southern Chinese languages, including Hokkien, have been marginalized, including Malay.

It’s really nice to run into a younger person who can say Hello and Thank You in their language for some of the unschooled older people who don’t speak either well.

Speaking Malay is really not a big deal in Singapore, it is not a necessity that you must be fluent in malay for you to be able to study in Singapore, but as you are there learn to know the basics so that you can communicate as well with the locals especially the old ones.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad In Singapore?

The price of studying abroad in Singapore can range from $5,000 to more than $20,000, depending on the program type, the provider, and the length of your stay.

The average cost of a program for a summer or semester-long stay is $10,000. Scholarships are offered to deserving students.

The cost of tuition varies significantly among various types of institutions, as it does in every nation. In actuality, top universities would charge much higher tuition than lesser known institutions.

Additionally, Singapore’s polytechnics, which grant certificate diplomas, are still less expensive. For instance, top universities like NTU and NUS charge about S$40,000 in tuition each year for bachelor’s degrees in engineering.

However, a student who chooses to attend a private institution like PSB Academy will be required to pay approximately S$21,000 in tuition fees for one year.

The master’s program also offers the same grade difference. The average cost of an MBA program at a more renowned university is about $75,000 in Singapore.

What Are Scholarships To Study Abroad In Singapore?

Singapore is home to numerous reputable public and private universities that offer top-notch instruction and a broad selection of courses.

Although studying in Singapore is expensive, this does not mean that you cannot afford it. International students in Singapore can get the financial support they need to enroll in their dream courses thanks to scholarships.

Government, outside, and institution-specific scholarships are all available. These are the scholarships available in Singapore.

1. Singapore International Graduate Award

One of the most prestigious scholarships in Singapore is this one. This scholarship, known as the SINGA, is given to students who want to pursue a Ph.D. in engineering, physical science, or biomedical science.

The Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) collaborate to form SINGA (SUTD). Students can do research in the labs of any of the universities listed above.

2. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

They are given to exceptional students leaving for study abroad in places like Singapore.

These awards are intended to give students the best possible impression of America and encourage them to build cordial relationships with people worldwide, wherever they are.

In various fields and international pursuits, eligible applicants compete head-to-head with academically outstanding students, so be sure you can substantiate your merit and financial need.

Candidates must be able to present their international experience in a polished manner to a Rotary audience after returning.

3. Micron Scholarships in Singapore

Electrical engineering students who believe studying in Singapore will help them advance their technical and electronic education should look into the Micron Scholarships there.

A leading global manufacturer of microchip technology is Micron. Candidates must have a strong background in technology and be able to provide arguments for why enrolling in the course of study in Singapore would advance their career goals.

Candidates must also be enrolled at Nanyang Technological University or the National University of Singapore. Up to $6,000 in awards are given each academic year.

The catch is that you have to be open to thinking about working for Micron after graduation. This is a fantastic deal for a student interested in technology development who doesn’t mind a bundled package.

4. Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia are intended to assist American students who may be considering studying abroad in an Asian nation.

The Freeman Awards are provided as encouragement and incentive to offset the cost of the international programs you are considering.

The Freeman Foundation firmly believes in Asia’s inherent beauty and ability to offer Western students distinctive, cutting-edge environments today.

Candidates must be academically outstanding and have a severe financial need. Programs can be one year, one semester, or one summer long. The maximum prize is $7,000.

What Are The Best Programs To Study Abroad In Singapore?

Singapore as a country has a lot of programs it offers to its students to help them with their careers and to help them bring out their innermost passion as they study these programs.

We are here to help you discover the Best Programs Singapore offers.

International Fashion Design
Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality and management
Computer Science & Information Technology
Engineering & Science
Business & Management
Economics & Finance
Law
Design (Fashion, Interior, Game) Management

Steps To Prepare You For Study Abroad In Singapore

You recently got admitted to one of the universities in Singapore. Wow, that’s a nice one. Congratulations, I guess a lot is going through your mind already, and I’m sure a few of those things are the basic steps to follow to prepare yourself for Singapore.

You are reading the right article; Below are a few steps that will help you prepare for what is to come in another man’s land.

1) Familiarize Yourself with Life in Singapore

2) Learn the Local Language

3) Build a Support Network

4) Always Ask for Help

5) getting around Singapore

6) pack for the weather

FAQs

Is Singapore a good place to study Abroad?

Singapore is well-known for its high-quality universities and exceptional student living conditions.

What type of visa do you need to study abroad?

For academic studies, you need an “F” visa. Students enrolled in an academic or English language program are granted an F1 visa.

Is it less expensive to study in Singapore?

Singapore has a relatively low cost of living, making it more affordable for most families to send their children to school there than in other well-known study-abroad destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, studying in Singapore will increase your chances of becoming a better person and an exceptional student because it is a wonderful country with many beautiful cities and various programs it offers to its students.

Singapore offers courses that usually offer automatic employment to their students after they are done with them, and their scholarship programs do too.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Singapore: Requirements, Cost, Eligibility, & Process