Many international students study in Singapore after their 12th, but they are confused about which stream to choose – Arts, Commerce, or Science? Today, we are going to guide aspirants on how to apply to a course of their choice. Given the excellent education system in Singapore, innovative pedagogical practices, and post-study work opportunities, the country has become one of the most sought-after study destinations in Asia.
Education System in Singapore
Singapore’s higher education system is managed by the Ministry of Education (MoE). After completing a school education of 12 years, students can proceed to undertake a college program. Here are the types of colleges and universities in Singapore.
Junior Colleges
Students can pursue two-year academic programs offered by junior colleges in Singapore. They can get admission to a junior college based on their merit in GCE “O” level results. This would guide and prepare them for the Singapore Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (“A”) examination. Their performance in co-curricular activities acts as eligibility for their university application. Therefore, each and every student is required to participate in it. These institutions educate students for a local university degree so that they can take it up in the coming two to three years.
Polytechnic and Arts Institutions
The polytechnic and art institutes shape a student for a local university or tertiary overseas education. After scoring good grades in polytechnic, they can avail the chance of studying in top Singapore universities or go for abroad education in countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Students who are unable to relocate to foreign countries can undertake the course locally because of an initiative of the polytechnic and arts institutions in which they are in constant communication with universities overseas.
Universities
There are a total six universities in Singapore out of which five are autonomous, namely Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology & Design, and Singapore Management University. There is one comprehensive private university in Singapore which is the SIM University.
Cost of Studying in Singapore after 12th
Compared to other countries that offer high-quality education, Singapore is comparatively cheaper in higher education. However, a degree in medical or engineering might be slightly higher than other courses. Studying in Singapore after completing 12th will cost somewhere between SGD 30,000 – SGD 40,000. However, the cost depends on the university and the course chosen.
Average Tuition Fees for Popular Courses in Singapore
Courses
Average tuition fee
Medicine
SGD 65,000 – SGD 75,000
Media Studies
SGD 29,000 – SGD 35,000
Arts and Social Studies
SGD 21,500 – SGD 38,950
Architecture and Design
SGD 28,000 – SGD 30,000
Law
SGD 27,000 – SGD 53,000
Engineering/Computer Science
SGD 26,750 – SGD 53,500
Study in Singapore after 12th Commerce
There are several colleges and universities in Singapore that offer undergraduate programs for students with a commerce background. Some of the top courses to study in Singapore after 12th commerce include:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance
Bachelor in Business Studies
Bachelor in Supply Chain Management
Economics
Finance
Study in Singapore after 12th Non-Medical
After completing their 12th with science, students have the option of pursuing a UG degree in non-medical subjects. Here are the programs they can study in Singapore after 12th non-medical:
If students want to choose courses from a medical background, they are sure to get many options in Singapore. Here is a list of courses one can study in Singapore after 12th medical:
MBBS
Medicine and Surgery
Pharmacy
Nursing
Dentistry
Psychology
Study in Singapore after 12th Arts:
Many international students in Singapore prefer art subjects. Here are the study options in Singapore after 12th Arts:
Filmmaking
Acting
Sociology
Law
Interior Design
Theatre Studies
Visual and Fine Arts
Digital Animation
Music
Fashion Design
Industrial Design, and many more
Top Colleges in Singapore after 12th
Name of the university
Average tuition fees per year
Nanyang Technological University
SGD 25,000 – SGD 29,000
National University of Singapore
SGD 25,000 – SGD 30,000
Singapore Management University
SGD 35,000
Singapore University of Technology and Design
SGD 40,500
Singapore University of Social Sciences
SGD 30,000 – SGD 34,000
Singapore Institute of Technology
SGD 22,500 – SGD 43,500
Requirements to Study in Singapore after 12th
The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the course chosen and the university applied to. However, the basic eligibility requirements that need to be met are as follows:
International students need to attain an age of 18 years during the application process
Students should have 12 years of education before going for a degree in Singapore
Class 12 completion certificate is mandatory for undergraduate program
A minimum aggregate of 65% in top five subjects including English but top universities might require an aggregate of 90-95% marks
Valid scores for SAT of ACT according to university requirements
English language proficiency score for any one test – IELTS: 6.5-7, TOEFL: 80-95 or PTE: 56 (overall)
Documents Required to Study in Singapore After 12th
Attested marksheets of class X and XII
Scores of SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL
Statement of Purpose, letters of recommendation, and resume (only if asked by the universities)
Passport-size photographs
Visa-related documents
Financial documents (which include bank statements and loan proofs)
Scholarships to Study in Singapore After 12th
There are need-based and merit-based scholarships offered by the Government and universities. International students having excellent academic records and possessing decent performance in standardized tests can apply for a scholarship by filling up the application form and submitting all the relevant documents before deadlines. Here is a list of scholarships that can be availed.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
David L. Boren Scholarship
Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant Scheme
SIA Youth Scholarship
Commonwealth Scholarship for Integrated Science
National University of Singapore Undergraduate Scholarships
After graduating, international students need to apply for a post-study work visa to stay back in the country. Usually, after graduating, they receive a Short-Term Visit Pass which permits them to stay back for 90 days after their student visa expires. This time can be used to look for a job but students are not allowed to take any kind of employment under this visa.
Post Study Work Visa Options
Type of visa
Features
Duration of the visa
Long-term Visit Pass
Applicable for graduates from an accredited Singapore Institute of Higher Learning.
1 year
Employment Pass
Students who have got a job offer with a fixed monthly salary of SGD 4,500 can apply for this pass. They will be judged on the basis of their qualifications, work experience, and salary.
2-3 years
S Pass
Graduates with degrees from an accredited institution and a minimum monthly salary of SGD 2,500 are applicable for S Pass.
2 years
EntrePass
Candidates registered with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) are eligible to apply for this pass to start and operate a business in Singapore.
Studying in Singapore after the 12th can be a great start to a student’s career. They can come across many unique opportunities while studying here. Thus, if they have been considering top countries to pursue their education, opting for Singapore can bring big returns in the future.
Which are some of the popular universities in Singapore?
Some of the most popular universities in Singapore are Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology & Design, and Singapore Management University.
How to apply to universities in Singapore?
To apply for admissions to universities in Singapore, students need to keep an eye on the university website as to when the colleges are rolling out their application forms. On shortlisting universities of choice, they have to understand the application requirements and apply before the deadline.
What is the cost of studying after 12th in Singapore?
The exact cost of studying in Singapore after 12th varies according to the lifestyle of a student and their course and university. However, on average, the tuition fees can range from SGD 25,000 to SGD 35,000 per year.
What is the duration of a bachelor’s course in Singapore?
The duration of a bachelor’s program in Singapore is three years and to complete an honors degree takes four years. These three or four-year degrees are considered to be more useful as they are according to the industry standards. However, certain private and foreign leading universities offer fast-track degree programs spanning a duration of 2 to 2.5 years.
What are some of the most preferred courses amongst Indian students in Singapore?
Banking & Finance, Supply Chain & Logistics, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Construction are some of the popular courses amongst Indian students. Moreover, a bachelor’s degree in business-related programs are often opted for by the students.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4600 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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