Why Study in Singapore?

Samrat Kataktalware
Jun 24
7 min read

Updated: Jun 28

Singapore has swiftly risen to become one of Asia’s most prestigious education hubs, attracting over 65,000 international students in 2024 (Singapore Ministry of Education, 2024). With world-class universities, a globally competitive economy, and an innovation-driven ecosystem, Singapore offers Indian students the perfect blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, career opportunities, and safety—all within a short flight from home.

For Indian students seeking internationally recognised degrees, global industry exposure, and a high standard of living, Singapore is a top-tier study destination for 2025.

🎓 Academic Excellence and Global Rankings

Singapore’s education system is globally acclaimed for its academic rigor, employability-driven curricula, and research strength. It integrates Western pedagogy with Asian values, encouraging innovation, creativity, and global perspectives.

Singapore’s education system is ranked among the best globally, with two of its top universities consistently placing high in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

🌟 Top Universities in Singapore (QS World University Rankings 2025):

National University of Singapore (NUS) – Ranked #8 globally, #1 in Asia; excels in business, computer science, engineering, and life sciences.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Ranked #15 globally; known for AI, engineering, media studies, and sustainability.
Singapore Management University (SMU) – Leading in business, law, and economics with a global and interdisciplinary focus; known for American-style interactive learning.
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) – Developed with MIT; focused on design, architecture, and innovation.
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) – Applied learning model with close industry partnerships.
INSEAD Asia Campus – Among the world’s top business schools for MBA and executive education.
James Cook University (JCU) Singapore – Australian university’s branch campus offering globally recognized degrees in business, IT, and psychology.

🔗 Source: QS World University Rankings 2025

🇮🇳 Why Indian Students Choose Singapore

1. ✅ Globally Recognized, Industry-Linked Education

Degrees from Singapore’s top universities are internationally recognized and respected by employers worldwide.
Strong ties with leading global companies (like Google, Unilever, and DBS Bank) offer students access to internships, mentorship, and job placements.
Curriculum is industry-relevant and often includes hands-on learning through case studies, projects, and lab work.

2. 💰 High-Quality, Affordable Education and Strategic Location ✅

Tuition Fees:

Public Universities:
- Undergraduate: SGD 8,000–9,000/year
- Postgraduate: SGD 20,000–50,000/year
Private Universities:
- Undergraduate: SGD 15,000–60,000/year
- Postgraduate: SGD 35,000–55,000/year

Numerous merit-based scholarships, tuition grants, fellowships, and financial aid options (especially for international students at public universities) reduce costs significantly.
Tuition fees are lower than in the US, UK, or Australia while offering world-class education.
Close proximity to India reduces travel expenses and time zone challenges.

🔗 Source: Study in Singapore – Tuition & Scholarships

🔗 To view entire break-up average tuition fees and monthly expenses, refer to: Shiksha | Study Abroad | Cost of Studying in Singapore

3. 🔬 Innovation & Research-Driven Ecosystem

Ranked among the Top 5 Most Innovative Economies globally (Global Innovation Index 2024).
Hosts 80+ global R&D centres including those of Google, Apple, Rolls-Royce, Siemens.
Research and internships are integrated from the undergraduate level in fields like AI, fintech, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

🔗 Source: Global Innovation Index 2024

4. 🛠 Internships, Industry Exposure & Career Support

Universities in Singapore embed internships, capstone projects, and real-world industry collaborations into academic programs.
Strong career centers at NUS, NTU, and SMU support job placements, resume development, and networking.
Singapore’s position as a global business hub, with Asia-Pacific HQs of major MNCs, offers excellent post-study employment prospects.
Top sectors: Finance, IT, Logistics, Biotech, Engineering, Hospitality, and Urban Planning.

5. 🌍 Safe, Multicultural, and English-Speaking

Ranked as one of the world’s safest countries (Global Peace Index 2024).
Over 30,000 Indians live and study in Singapore.
Multicultural society with strong Indian, Malay, Chinese, and Western influences.
Major Indian festivals like Deepavali, Pongal, Holi, and Onam are widely celebrated.
English is the medium of instruction and widely spoken in daily life.

🔗 Source: Global Peace Index 2024

6. 💼 Post-Study Work & PR Opportunities

While Singapore does not offer an automatic post-study work visa, students can apply for:
- Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) – Stay up to 90 days after graduation to seek jobs.
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) – Valid for up to 1 year to find full-time employment.
- Employment Pass (EP) – upon securing a job with a qualifying salary.
Graduates can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under the PTS Scheme (Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme).
Talent-focused schemes like Tech Pass attract skilled international professionals.
High-demand fields like IT, AI, engineering, and biomedical sciences improve job prospects.

🔗 Source: Ministry of Manpower – Singapore

🎯 Top Programs & In-Demand Fields

Singapore’s universities offer future-ready and internationally recognized programs across diverse disciplines that are aligned with future workforce needs:

💼 Business, Banking, Finance & Economics
💻 Computer Science, Data Analytics, AI & Machine Learning
📦 Logistics, Supply Chain & Operations Management
🏨 Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management
🧬 Life Sciences, Biotechnology & Biomedical Engineering
🛠 Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
🎨 Media, Communication, Digital Design & Marketing
🏛 Urban Planning, Architecture & Environmental Sustainability
⚖ Law, Public Policy & International Relations
🧠 Psychology, Education & Social Sciences

Program Duration:

Undergraduate Degrees: 3–4 years
Master’s Degrees: 1–2 years
MBA: 12–18 months
PhD: 3–5 years

📝 English Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction.
Singapore's universities often have flexible English proficiency requirements.
However, specific mandates vary, necessitating individual verification before application.

International students must demonstrate proficiency through recognized tests:

IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 85–100
PTE Academic: Minimum 58
Some universities also accept O-Level, A-Level, or IB English grades.

🔗 Source: [Individual University Portals]

📄 Singapore Student Visa (Student Pass)

All international students must apply for a Student Pass through the SOLAR+ system by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

📌 Student Visa Process:

Receive an Offer Letter from a Singapore institution.
Institution applies for your Student Pass via the SOLAR+ system.
Submit documents: passport copy, photo, acceptance letter, financial proof, medical report.
Pay the processing and issuance fees.
Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
Travel to Singapore and complete formalities at ICA.

⏳ Processing Time: 10–15 working days

🔗 Source: ICA Singapore – Student Pass

🔗 For more information, refer to: ICA – Student Pass Guidelines

💼 Part-Time Work Opportunities

Students at recognized institutions can work up to 16 hours/week during term time and full-time during holidays, subject to institutional approval.
Conditions: Must be enrolled full-time at an approved institution.
Common roles: Retail, campus jobs, admin work, research assistants, tutoring.
Some internships are integrated into academic programs.

🔗 Source: Ministry of Manpower – Work Guidelines

💵 Cost of Living & Lifestyle

Average Living Costs: SGD 1,000–2,000/month

Accommodation Options:

University dormitories
Off-campus student apartments
Shared HDB flats or apartments
Homestays with local families

🌿 Lifestyle Highlights:

Ultra-modern infrastructure and efficient public transport
Iconic attractions: Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, East Coast Park
Diverse cuisine, nightlife, and eco-conscious city life
Excellent healthcare, clean environment, and urban greenery
Easy weekend getaways to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries

🔗 Source: Study in Singapore – Living Costs

🎓 Scholarships and Financial Aid

Singapore offers generous financial support for Indian and international students

Government Scholarships:

Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) – Fully funded PhD scholarship in science and tech.
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship – For students from ASEAN member states.
Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) – Subsidised tuition with a post-study work bond for eligible international students.

University-Specific Scholarships in Singapore:

Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) – Subsidized tuition fees offered by the Singapore government, requiring a 3-year work bond with a Singapore-registered company after graduation.
NUS Global Merit Scholarship (National University of Singapore) – A highly competitive, full undergraduate scholarship awarded to high-achieving international undergraduates with leadership potential at the National University of Singapore.
NTU India Connect@NTU Internship Programme (Nanyang Technological University) – A research-based summer internship for top Indian students, offering monthly stipends and exposure to NTU’s world-class labs.
NTU Nanyang Scholarship (NTU) – NTU’s premier undergraduate scholarship covering full tuition, living allowance, and travel grant for top international students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership at Nanyang Technological University.
SMU Global Impact Scholarship Award (SMU) – A full scholarship for outstanding undergraduates at Singapore Management University, focusing on overseas immersion, leadership training, and mentorship support.
SMU ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (Singapore Management University) – Targeted at bright ASEAN students with strong academic profiles and leadership potential, offering partial to full funding.
INSEAD Diversity Scholarships (INSEAD Singapore Campus) – Merit- and need-based MBA scholarships promoting global diversity and leadership among international students.
James Cook University Merit Scholarships (JCU Singapore) – Tuition discounts for high-achieving international students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programs at JCU’s Singapore campus.
Kaplan International Scholarships (Kaplan Singapore) – Tuition support for deserving international students enrolling in business, IT, and hospitality programs at Kaplan Singapore.
SIT Scholarship (SIT) – Merit-based undergraduate scholarship support for international undergraduates with strong academic records and co-curricular achievements, at the Singapore Institute of Technology, covering tuition fees and study-related expenses.
SUSS Scholarship (SUSS) – Awarded to students with strong academics and commitment to social responsibility, at the Singapore University of Social Sciences
SUTD Global Distinguished Scholarship (SUTD) – A fully-funded scholarship for top students at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, including internship and overseas opportunities.
DUKE-NUS Merit Scholarship (Duke-NUS) – Offered to exceptional medical students at Duke-NUS Medical School enrolled in graduate MD programs, covering tuition and related costs.

🕐 Apply 8–12 months in advance for maximum eligibility.

🔗 Sources:

📅 Application Timeline & Intakes

Singapore follows a bi-semester academic calendar:

Primary Intake: August (Main)
Secondary Intake: January (for selected programs)
Private institutes in Singapore often have more flexible intake options throughout the year, including January, February, July, August, September, and October.

⏳ Plan Ahead:

Applications open 6–12 months before intake.
Begin preparations 10–15 months in advance.
Check university websites for SAT/GRE/GMAT or interview requirements.

Application Process:

Choose your course and university.
Apply directly via the university portal or through approved education agents.
Submit required documents: academic records, English test scores, SOP, passport, etc.
Accept the offer and proceed with Student Pass application.

🛠 Useful Tools:

🚀 Studying in Singapore – A Smart Step Towards Global Success

With its top-ranked universities, multicultural environment, safe and sustainable cities, and strong career pathways, Singapore offers Indian students a strategic and exciting gateway to success—right in the heart of Asia. Whether your dream is to work in a global financial firm, launch a tech startup, or become a researcher in biotech or AI, Singapore delivers excellence, opportunity, and innovation—all in one vibrant city.

🔍 Ready to Start Your Singapore Journey?

Compare programs, explore scholarships, and get personalized expert guidance through our overseas education advisors.

Make your Singapore dream a reality APPLY NOW!

📚 Links for your reference:

Study in Singapore – https://www.studyreport.sg
Study in Singapore Portal – www.studyinsingapore.org
Ministry of Education Singapore – www.moe.gov.sg
QS World University Rankings 2025 – https://www.topuniversities.com
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – https://www.mom.gov.sg
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority – https://www.ica.gov.sg
Global Peace Index 2024 – https://www.visionofhumanity.org
SINGA – Scholarships – www.a-star.edu.sg/singa
Singapore Scholarships Portal – https://www.singaporescholarships.gov.sg
University Websites (NUS, NTU, SMU, etc.)