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Study in Singapore

Study in Singapore, a city-state in South-eastern Asia

Singapore is a city-state in South-eastern Asia.

Get free Singapore counsellingBrowse Singapore universities
Singapore949 programmes · 67 universities
14Universities listed
$2,000Avg. monthly living cost
IELTS 4.0–7.0 overall, depending on programmeEnglish requirement
Singapore (a city-state: the country and the city are one place)Capital city
949English-taught programmes

Overview

Why study in Singapore?

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Singapore is a city-state in South-eastern Asia. Its official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, and English is the working language of education and government.

Higher education includes six autonomous universities (NTU, NUS, SIT, SMU, SUSS and SUTD), five polytechnics and private education institutions. A private education institution must hold EduTrust certification to enrol international students; a Student's Pass is not issued for one that is not certified. EduTrust awards last up to four years (up to one year for EduTrust Provisional), so check that certification is current before you apply.

In 2022, international students were around 10% of undergraduates at the autonomous universities. About 20% of them paid full fees; the rest held a Tuition Grant, which carries a three-year work bond in Singapore.

Over 2020 to 2025, average daily lows and highs stayed between 23.5 °C and 29.8 °C in both January and July. Average annual rainfall was 2,607 mm in the centre and 3,135 mm in the west, and there is no snow.

Higher education includes six autonomous universities (NTU, NUS, SIT, SMU, SUSS and SUTD), five polytechnics and private education institutions. A private education institution must hold EduTrust certification to enrol international students; a Student's Pass is not issued for one that is not certified. EduTrust awards last up to four years (up to one year for EduTrust Provisional), so check that certification is current before you apply.

In 2022, international students were around 10% of undergraduates at the autonomous universities. About 20% of them paid full fees; the rest held a Tuition Grant, which carries a three-year work bond in Singapore.

Over 2020 to 2025, average daily lows and highs stayed between 23.5 °C and 29.8 °C in both January and July. Average annual rainfall was 2,607 mm in the centre and 3,135 mm in the west, and there is no snow.

Quick facts

Everything you need to know at a glance.

Language of instruction
English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil; English is the working language of education
Avg monthly cost
$2,000 / month (approx.)
English test
IELTS 4.0–7.0 overall, depending on programme
Top student cities
Singapore
Currency
SGD

Where students go

Top student cities

From the capital to quieter university towns — where our Singapore students actually enrol.

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  • Singapore9 universities · 489 programmes

Before you travel

Student visa

Get your student visa with a simple and transparent process.

You need a Student's Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Your institution registers you in ICA's SOLAR system, then you submit eForm 16.

Read the full guidance

ICA issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter; after arrival you complete formalities at the ICA Services Centre. Apply at least two months and not more than three months before the course begins. Processing: within one week at institutes of higher learning (two weeks if a visa is required); within one month at private institutions (two weeks if EduTrust-certified). Fees: S$45 processing (non-refundable), S$60 issuance, S$30 multiple-journey visa if applicable. For Indian applicants: a visa is required; it is in the IPA letter.

  1. 1Apply to a universitySecure your admission offer
  2. 2Prepare your documentsWe check every page with you
  3. 3Submit the applicationLodged with the consulate or online
  4. 4Receive your permitTravel with your study permit in hand

Documents we prepare with you

  • Valid passport
  • Admission letter
  • Proof of funds
  • Academic certificates
  • Passport photos

While you study

Work while studying

Earn, gain experience and build your future.

  • Full-time students at institutions named under the Work Pass Exemption for Foreign Students (including NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUSS, SUTD and the five polytechnics) may work 16 hours a week during term, or do an internship that counts towards graduation.
  • Private education institutions are not an eligible category, and exchange students may not work.
More on working here
  • There is no post-study work visa: graduates of listed institutes of higher learning may apply for a 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to stay and look for a job, without the right to work.
  • To work, graduates need an Employment Pass or S Pass.

Work today, build tomorrow

Our counsellors explain the hours, permits and paperwork before you land.

Funding

Scholarships and funding

Programmes in Singapore that list a scholarship on our catalogue.

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  • James Cook University SingaporeEligible students may receive an award of up to S$10,000 depending on their results and the program of study.Graduate Certificate of Business Administration

Programmes

Top programmes in Singapore

Popular programs from our catalogue — Empire Overseas Education verified ones carry a verified badge

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Institutions

Top universities in Singapore

Institutions we can apply to on your behalf.

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Compare Singapore with other countries

Tuition, living costs and work rights, side by side.

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about studying in Singapore.

What are the living costs in Singapore?
Budget around $2,000 a month for accommodation, food and transport. Costs vary by city.
Is IELTS required for Singapore?
IELTS 4.0–7.0 overall, depending on programme. English-test requirement derived from 316 of our 378 verified Singapore programmes. Individual programmes set their own; your counsellor confirms the exact score.
Can I work while studying in Singapore?
Full-time students at institutions named under the Work Pass Exemption for Foreign Students (including NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUSS, SUTD and the five polytechnics) may work 16 hours a week during term, or do an internship that counts towards graduation. Private education institutions are not an eligible category, and exchange students may not work. There is no post-study work visa: graduates of listed institutes of higher learning may apply for a 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to stay and look for a job, without the right to work. To work, graduates need an Employment Pass or S Pass.
Which cities do international students choose?
Singapore
How does the student visa work for Singapore?
You need a Student's Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Your institution registers you in ICA's SOLAR system, then you submit eForm 16. ICA issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter; after arrival you complete formalities at the ICA Services Centre. Apply at least two months and not more than three months before the course begins. Processing: within one week at institutes of higher learning (two weeks if a visa is required); within one month at private institutions (two weeks if EduTrust-certified). Fees: S$45 processing (non-refundable), S$60 issuance, S$30 multiple-journey visa if applicable. For Indian applicants: a visa is required; it is in the IPA letter.