Singapore Education  »  Country  »  Switzerland
 
About the country

If there is one word that best captures Singapore, it is “unique”. The country is a melting pot of diverse cultures blending harmoniously to create Singapore’s unique identity.
In addition to being a global city with flourishing business opportunities and a thriving arts and cultural scene, Singapore ranks highly as an Asian city offering a quality lifestyle. In fact, it is ranked by Mercer Human Resource Consulting as the top city in Asia for expatriates to work, live and play.

Those residing in Singapore enjoy its clean and green environment. Things work in Singapore - a well-connected public transport system, well-planned housing and commercial zones, and a efficient healthcare system.
 
 
There are also many dammed-up lakes, mainly to drive water turbines of power plants. Switzerland is located in a transition zone. In the west, there is a strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean. In Switzerland April is well known for fast and often changing weather conditions.
 
Why Singapore

Education has always been key in the growth and development of Singapore society, particularly in the years following 1965 when it became an independent republic. Now in the 21st century, where the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping our country's future. At the same time, through education, every individual can realise his/her full potential to benefit the community, nation, and lead a personally fulfilling life.

By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.
  • Hub for Educational Excellence
  • Stable Economy
  • Infrastructure and Accessibility
  • A Multicultural Nation with a High Quality of Life
  • A Vibrant City Lifestyle
Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. Singapore Changi Airport serves more than 60 airlines which fly to over 145 cities and has for many consecutive years been nominated as the best airport in the world. Singapore is also probably the most wired country in Asia, with an Internet penetration rate of 42%. Housing ownership is encouraged by the government to give citizens an asset in the country. About 85% of Singaporeans are living in government-built housing.
 
 

There's nothing like the transformative experience of studying abroad to gain new perspectives, create fresh impressions and be inspired by what's happening beyond your corner of the world.

Over the years, Singapore has evolved from its traditional British-based education system to one that endeavours to meet the needs of individuals and seeks to nurture talents.

The education system in Singapore evolves around the premise that every student has unique aptitudes and interests.  Singapore Education System has a flexible approach to allow students to develop their potential to the fullest.

The strength of Singapore's Education system lies in its bilingual policy (English with Malay/Mandarin/Tamil) and a broad-based curriculum where innovation and entrepreneurship command a premium.  Individuals acquire the relevant skills and abilities to survive in competitive environments, equipped for a brighter future.

Singapore is refreshingly different from other countries for a Study Abroad experience in different ways:
  • Best of East and West
  • Cultural Inspiration
  • 24/7 Fun In and Out of the Sun
  • Gastronomic Delights
  • The Living Space
  • Gateway to Asia

By choosing to study abroad in Singapore, international students have an opportunity to not only be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence, but also be a part of a global community.

International students can choose an exchange experience with Singapore's public universities such as National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) or Singapore Management University (SMU) on a tuition-waiver basis.
 

Like any other nation of the world special scholarships are allotted in Singapore for students to encourage higher education in them. The students who meet the criteria required for receiving the scholarships can apply for the one's that suits their career interests. There are some special scholarships for the students in need of financial assistance and for those with exceptionally good academic background.

The diploma holders and the undergraduates can apply for the PUB Scholarship scheme in Singapore. The scholarship is open for the citizens of Singapore with incredible GCE "O" and "A" Level results. The CCA record has also to be noteworthy. Applicants may choose to study in any of the local university in Singapore or at any of the renowned foreign university.
A*Star's National Science Scholarship (NSS) was started funding a joint program of undergraduate and also graduate studies.
 
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore manages the Joint Postgraduate Maritime Scholarship Scheme (JMSS). It is a scholarship that concentrates on upgrading the expertise of employees in local maritime related companies for their betterment. 

Students may even apply for Public Service Commission scholarshipsto enable the civil service jobs get a good share of the talents of the nation. This certainly meets the demands of the manpower needs in special areas. The other major scholarships awarded in Singapore are Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) scholarships, Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) scholarship and National Arts Council (NAC) scholarship.

 
 
Any international student wishing to study full-time in Singapore is required to apply for a Student's Pass and visa (if applicable) from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). For applicants who require a visa to enter Singapore, please ensure that your application for the Student Pass is submitted to the ICA at least 2 months before the commencement date of the course.
 
Basic requirement:
  • Applicant must first be accepted by an approved Singapore institution to pursue an approved full-time course.
  • A local sponsor is required for the application for a Student's Pass. Local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR above age of 21 or the educational institution where applicant intends to study. (Exception: A local sponsor is not needed for students applying to the polytechnics and universities - 5 local polytechnics, NUS, NTU, SMU, INSEAD & University of Chicago)
  • Student's Pass application must be submitted at least 2 months in advance and not more than six months from the course commencement date.
  • The normal processing time is about 4 weeks, though some applications may take a longer time to process.
Note: For PRC national who wishes to pursue a language, commercial, vocational or fine arts course at private schools in Singapore (with the exception of students taking a degree or postgraduate degree course and students studying at SQC for PEOs schools), applicant is required to submit Student's Pass application through the Singapore Embassy in Beijing.
 

The Government of Singapore spends a huge amount on education and it is among one of the top priorities of the government. After the secondary education, students can get themselves enrolled to a junior college and then move on to any one of the four universities present in the country.

These universities – the National University of Singapore, the Nan yang Technological University, the Singapore Management University, and the SIM University – provide state-of-the-art facilities and excellent opportunities in higher education.

The two public universities in the country – the National University of Singapore and the Nan yang Technological University each has more than 20000 students. These universities have a number of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes and doctoral degrees. The Singapore Management University is a private university funded by the government. The SMU provides excellent education in Management and Business streams.

The curriculum at the higher educational institutions has been patterned on a modular system. The undergraduate and graduate programmes are multi-disciplinary in nature. These programmes have been designed according to each student’s ability, interest and ambitions.
 
 

Full time students and graduates ages 17 to 30 can now live and work in Singapore for up to six months. The Work Holiday Programme (WHP) allows participants to discover the spectrum of career opportunities available and encourages students to supplement their education with real-world job experience in an international setting.

Full-time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term. However, they need to obtain permission from the Student's Liaison/Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and Universities. During their vacations, they are allowed to work full-time as the Ministry of Manpower has exempted them from applying for work permits.
 
 

The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.

When planning your budget, you will need to cater for these items:
  • Accommodation
  • Utilities
  • Food
  • Transport
  • Clothing
  • Telecommunications
  • Books & Stationery
  • Medical/Hospitalisation Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$750 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount of course, varies depending on your individual lifestyle and course of study.

Singapore offers a range of accommodation with varied facilities and prices to suit different budgets. These include dormitories, hostels, hotels and rooms-to-let by private home owners.

Rental prices vary depending on the housing type, size, location, and facilities available. It is common in Singapore for rented accommodations to come furnished. Monthly rentals may range from about S$600 for a room in a HDB flat.
 
Hostels

A student or youth hostel generally offers facilities like a TV/recreation room, computers and internet access, washer/dryer machines, kitchen, and the company of other young, adventurous fellow travelers!

You might wish to refer to the following websites for information on hostels in Singapore.
  1. Singapore Hostels on Hostelbookers.com
  2. Singapore Hostels on Hostelworlds.com
  3. Hostelling Singapore International on hisingapore.org.sg
  4. Singapore Budget Hotels on hotels.online.com.sg
  5. Lodging Singapore on lodgingsingapore.com
  6. Streetdirectory.com on streetdirectory.com
  7. Anglo Info Singapore on singapore.angloinfo.com
 
Homestays
Some households in Singapore open up their homes and offer full boarding for international students. The cost for homestay ranges from S$500 to S$1,000 per month.

You might wish to refer to the following websites for more information:
Educational institutions generally provide special support services for international students. Some even have an International Students Office to cater to your specific needs. Assistance rendered range from helping you look for accommodation to advice on financial, social and other matters.

The Singapore Tourism Board also has a dedicated Student Services Department who will provide information and advice to all international students, regardless of the school they are from.
 
Visa application centres closed in Mumbai (North and South) & Pune.
 
Student Tier 4 applications - maintenance funds must be in bank accounts for at least 28 days.
 
Student exchange concession.
 
Student Tier 4 applicants with International Baccalaureate qualifications.
 
Revised guidance for points-based system Tier 4.
 
   
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