Study In Singapore

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Why studying in the Singapore is the best destination for an international student

The Lion City "Singapore" emerges as a leading destination for studying abroad and research prospects. With rapid development, a stable economy and a well-structured education framework, the country has marked its position among global leaders.


Education has played a significant role in the growth & development of Singapore’s economy, recognizing the pivotal role the same the Singapore government has always emphasised and encourages the academic pillar to be the strongest suit of the country. Hence, known for its prestigious education all over the globe.


Singapore has been named the best-performing location for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test. It is also home to universities that have won global recognition for both their top-tier academics and their advanced research facilities. NUS is the best university in Asia and 11th in the global ranking.


The country’s integration of varied cultures and its welcoming stance towards foreign investment has made it a powerhouse of big tech giants and global in dustrial centres. With that opportunities for professional growth with world-renowned firms are immense.


Multiculturism not only attracted foreign investments and economic spurred but also students from all across the globe. With 4 official languages and a culture of inclusivity, easing international students to assimilate into a Singaporean culture as their own.


Singapore ranks 9th as the safest country in the Global Peace Index, which explains laws in Singapore are strictly reinforced with a low crime rate and political instability, garnering the reputation of the safest country to explore excellent educational avenues.


Studying in Singapore is relatively inexpensive if compared with other study-abroad destinations like US, UK and Australia. The prospect of employment while studying part-time and after graduation on a visit pass is highly lucrative for an international student to explore.


The plenitude of partially funded or fully-funded scholarship programmes for Indian students serves as an accelerator for those who dare to dream big and of the impossible. Studying in Singapore can be a life-changing experience that an ambitious student should not miss out on!


Visa Requirements And Obligations


WHY STUDY IN SINGAPORE

A Singapore student visa also known as a student pass is a golden ticket to enter Singaporean territory. With this pass, students are allowed to live, study and work part-time in Singapore while they are enrolled in an accredited institution. The Singapore government embraces cross-cultural competencies which are lauded with the 90% success rate in visa application also 1 in 10 people in Singapore are of foreign origin.


Under the SOLAR scheme launched by the Singapore government, students can apply for and track their visa applications. The processing time for a Singapore student visa is generally from 15 days to 4 weeks, the student is expected to apply a month before the beginning of the new session or commencement of the programme. After completion of the course, the international students are expected to cancel and return their student pass (STP) to the immigration and checkpoint authority, failing to do so the student will be subjected to legal action.

To obtain a Singapore Student Visa, candidates need to submit the processing fee of S$30 as well as the issuance fee of S$60.


The immigrant student has to furnish the following mandate documents mentioned by the SOLAR authority in order to obtain the student pass. The student has to submit a Letter of admission granted by the Singapore University, a Passport, Birth certificate, Visa fee receipt, Degree certificates, academic transcripts and scores of international exams such as GRE, IELTS/TOEFL and SAT, CV as well as 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs). Proof of travel and Health insurance undertaken, Vaccination certificates and most importantly Proof of sufficient funds.


study in singapore

Students have to show proof of sufficient funds to pay their tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses while enrolled at Singapore University. This can be in the form of bank statements/fixed deposit accounts/savings accounts of a student or a sponsor. The advisable amount should be SGD$ 30,000


Another mandate criteria for international students are to pay a security deposit (not in all cases). After the student pass is approved, the student will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter that will indicate whether you are required to pay a security deposit or not, if yes then the student has to deposit SGD$5,000. The security deposit must be paid in the form of a Banker’s Guarantee.


Language proficiency test scores like TOEFL and IELTS are preferable, but not mandatory by all Singapore Universities. The student has to verify the specified requirements outlined by the University.


The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) Singapore allows students to pursue part-time work opportunities for 16 hours a week during their course duration and after completion of the course, students can apply for a 1-year visit pass at ICA to explore employment prospects in Singapore.


To maintain a valid status as a student, pass the international student must abide by the general-laid ground rules by the ICA which are to maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet the attendance criteria, Refrain from any kind of criminal offences, the student not allowed to explore and indulge in any sector for employment purpose, the student not allowed to switch courses and universities before 6 months of enrolment.


Post-study Work Visa


With a population of around 5 million and declining birth rates, Singapore embraces the settlement of new residences and encourages a meritorious workforce in accentuating the country’s economy. The desirous students can apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass followed by a working pass. After graduation, students can apply for this visit pass, which allows them to stay up to 12 months in Singapore. Graduate students from an accredited Singapore Institute of Higher Learning will ONLY be eligible for this pass.


The student has to furnish the following mandate documents to obtain this pass which is a Travel Document, Foreign Identification Number (FIN), Transcripts and Certificates showing your highest level of academic qualification, Disembarkation/ Embarkation (D/E) card and receipt of online payment. The Singapore application process for The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) may take up to six weeks, so the students have to track the expiry date mentioned in the student pass and have to apply beforehand. The LTVP is a non-renewable permit.


The holder of a Visit Pass is not permitted to work or engage in any business, profession or occupation without a valid work permit or written consent from the Controller of Work Pass. This explains that students will not be allowed to take any type of employment beyond their scope of studies while on this permit.


If the student has secured the job, then the employer will put forward the candidate for a work pass. Acquiring a work pass is mandatory for all international students working in Singapore. Since, this pass is specific to one employer where you are employed, in case you switch company, your current pass will be cancelled and then your new employer will have to re-apply for a work pass for you.


Based on gross salary and work experience, work pass is bifurcated into two categories: S Pass and Employment Pass.


S Pass is mainly for fresh graduates (mid-level skilled staff). The pass is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. The candidate is required to have a minimum monthly salary of SGD 2,500 and graduate from accredited institutions.


Employment Pass on the other hand aims for highly-skilled professionals. The pass is valid for two years and can be renewed for up to three years. The eligibility criteria to qualify for the employment pass is that candidate should have a minimum monthly salary of SGD 4,500, Graduated from an accredited institution and have relevant work experience.


Route To Permanent Residency


Studying and working under a work pass is a direct route to permanent residency in Singapore. The work pass holders either S Pass or Employment Pass are eligible to apply for a PR in Singapore.


The applicant can start applying for a PR after completing the 6 months in the job, as to apply for a PR, you need to furnish the 6-month payslip as a mandate document. Application processing time for Permanent Residence usually takes about 4-6 months, provided all the required documents are submitted.


To become a bonafide citizen of Singapore, the applicant can apply for Naturalised Citizenship. The eligibility criteria for the same is that you have been a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) for at least two years and are aged 21 and above. Permanent Resident studying in Singapore; and have been residing in Singapore for more than 3 years (of which, at least one year as a PR); and have passed at least one national exam.


After acquiring the PR, the applicant can avail of all the benefits, privileges and facilities while staying in Singapore indefinitely.


Singapore Scholarships For International Students


Singapore emerges as one of the attractive destinations for scholastic avenues with its state-or-art facilities, advanced research and elite quality of education. It is the most sought destination for its academic excellence as well as affordability which is relatively, costlier in hot spot study abroad destinations like the US, UK Germany and Australia.


Singapore International Pre-graduate Award – For final-year undergraduates and Graduates with a monthly stipend of SGD 1500. Singapore International Graduate Award for Postgraduates, who intend to pursue PhD in Engineering, Physical sciences and Biomedical sciences. This is awarded to students with excellent academic performance with full financial assistance for up to four years. This includes full tuition fees, monthly stipends, airfare and settling-in allowances.


SIA Youth Scholarship is offered by the Singapore Ministry of Education for 10th-passed students. The award covers school fees, exam fees, insurance, airfare and initial settlement allowances. The Global Indian International School (GIIS) offers GIIS Singapore Global Citizen Scholarship for 10th-passed students with SGD 90,000. Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (National University of Singapore) and Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship award 12th-passed students to pursue graduation in Singapore. The award covers full tuition fees, annual stipends, hostel fees, airfare and settling allowances.


NTR Videshi Vidhaydharna Overseas Scholarship is offered by the social welfare department to Masters and PhD students. This is an exclusive scholarship for only Indian Nationals. Deserving students are eligible to avail up to INR 1M which covers tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Shirin Fozdar Scholarship – A special scholarship only for Female Students provided by Singapore management university. An outstanding female candidate can avail of up to SGD 15000.


Syngenta Endowed Scholarship – This is awarded by INSEAD Business School for full-time MBA students up to SGD 22500. President’s Graduate Fellowship for PhD Students with full tuition fees, accommodation, stipends, airfare and living allowances.