PTE inspiration and advice

No matter where in the world you choose to study, it’s important to take into account the financial cost of living abroad. Tuition, rent, textbooks, and transport can all be big expenses. But because of visa restrictions, not all students are able to work enough hours to support themselves while studying. 

In this, many international students might need to take out private student loans.  So, let’s explore what loan options are available for students – including in popular study destinations like Canada, Australia, the U.S., and the U.K.  

Where can I find a private student loan? 

Many countries have student loan systems in place to help learners fund their education. However international students are usually not eligible for these loans – only citizens, permanent residents, and those with protected status in a country can apply.  

On the other hand, there are lots of private loans for international students. Your eligibility will depend on what country you’re studying in. For example, in some countries, you’ll need a co-signer. In other countries, you’ll need to show you have a regular source of income.  

Loans for students studying abroad are available from various sources, including:  

• Local banks 

• Non-bank lenders and private student loan programs (popular in the U.S.) 

• Universities  

While searching for student loans, we always recommend checking with your university first, as these loans usually come with better terms. For example, the University of Sydney in Australia offers loans of up to $1000 AUD ($777 USD) that are interest-free and payable within 12 months, as well as $2000 ($1550 USD) loans that can be paid back up to two years after graduation.  

Private student loans by country 

Private student loans differ by country. So, let’s take a look at what’s available for international students in these four popular study destinations. 

Australia 

It can be expensive to study abroad in Australia. According to the Australian Government, tuition for international students perusing a bachelor’s degree can cost between $25,000 – $45,000 AUD ($19,425-$34,966 USD) a year. Likewise, the cost of living can be about $21,000 AUD ($16,317 USD) for 12 months. Of course, these costs can vary depending on your institution and where you study in the country.  

But, the good news is that on an Australian student visa, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks. 

As an international student, you won’t be able to access Australia’s Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). But you can explore the following to help further fund your studies:  

• Short-term and long-term loans from a university. Dozens of universities offer loans to international students, just like the ones from the  we mentioned above. For example,  offers students loans up to $5,000 AUD ($3,883 USD). The even gives out student loans of $200 AUD ($155 USD) in case of emergencies, like if you’ve lost your wallet or are short on cash. 

• A secured personal loan with a private bank, in which you offer an asset as collateral. 

• An unsecured personal loan. With these, you don’t have to offer an asset as collateral, but interest rates are generally higher. Banks across Australia offer these types of loans. One example is Westpac.  

Read more: Australian student loans for international students 

The U.K.  

On average, students in the U.K. spend about £795 ($1,100 USD) a month on living expenses, and for international students, tuition for a Master’s Degree can be between £5,000-17,000 ($6,983-$23,743 USD) a year. With Brexit, EU/EAA citizens will now considered international students.  

So, what loan options do foreign students have? 

• A foreign-enrolled loan. Students can apply to these to fund their education abroad – but it depends on what countries you come from the U.S. and what university you’ll attend. Students from, for example, can be eligible. 

• Bank loans for students studying abroad from your home country.

• Private student loans for foreign learners in the UK. Future Finance, for example, offers 

  flexible loans to international students. 

Read more: UK student loans for international students  

The U.S.  

The U.S. is one of the most expensive places to study as an international student. The cost of living can range between $1,000 – 3,000 USD per month, depending on where in the country you settle. Tuition for a four-year bachelor’s degree can cost roughly $40,000 USD at a public university and can reach past $50,000 USD at a private university.  

However, there are lots of student loan options available. These loans can be quite a long-term, and students might be able to repay them over the course of up to 25 years.  

• Banks and online lenders. Loans from these sources often require a U.S. co-signer with good credit history. Organizations like Assent and Discover provide loans to international students. 

• An online lender that doesn’t require a U.S. co-signer. MPOWER Financing, for example, offers loans for international students without a co-signer.

Canada 

Tuition fees at Canadian universities and colleges can vary – international students can expect to pay between $1000-30,000 CAD ($794-$23,830 USD) a year for a bachelor’s degree. Living costs depend on what city you study in but can range between $800-$2000 CAD ($635-$1588 USD)  a month.  

International students in Canada have a few loan options: 

• A bank loan from your home country. Like many countries, Canada requires students applying for a visa to show they have enough money to cover their expenses

   – making getting a loan from home a good first option.

• A student line of credit from a Canadian bank. With these, you have a set limit (just like on a credit card) and only have to pay back the money you actually use. Learn more about the student line of credits on the Government of Canada website.   

• Private companies. For example, MPOWER Financing also offers loans to international students in Canada without a co-signer.  

This isn’t an exhaustive list. But we hope this article provides you with a good starting point and helps you understand where to begin looking for student loans to fund your education. Remember, it’s important to shop around for the loan that works best for you – there are lots of options out there. 

Preparing to study abroad?

PTE Academic can help you get one step closer. Our computer-based, unbiased language test is accepted by governments and higher education institutions around the world as proof of English proficiency. 

Find out more about the test or book your PTE Academic test today.

Applying to university and college is an exciting experience. However, it can also be nerve-wracking. After all, the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) manages three million applications each year.  

So, how can you make your application stand out? Writing an interesting, enthusiastic and genuine UCAS personal statement is one of the best ways to catch an institution’s attention.  

But if you’re still not sure what to write about, there’s no need to panic. In this blog, we’ll explore how to write a UCAS personal statement that will open doors – including how to brainstorm ideas and some UCAS personal statement examples.   

What is a UCAS personal statement for? 

A UCAS personal statement is all about you, and it’s your time to shine.  

In it, you’ll talk about why you’re interested in what you’re applying for. You’ll also talk about your skills, and how they’ll help you succeed in your studies. It’s a good idea to use concrete examples, and talk about how you have already used these skills in your life.   

Institutions want to see why you’ll make an excellent student. So, don’t be shy – you’ve got to sell yourself! 

How to brainstorm ideas 

We know it can be hard to write about yourself. That’s why we always recommend brainstorming ideas before you begin. This will make your writing process a lot more efficient, and let you communicate your thoughts better. Here are some things that can help:  

Write a list 

Make a list of all the topics you may include in your personal statement. Separate the list into three parts: why you’re applying, what you’re interested in, and what skills you want to highlight.  

Write down everything that comes to mind. With all your thoughts on the page, it will be easier to narrow down the most important ideas.  

On their blog, UCAS also shares a great tip. “Every course you can apply for is listed in our search tool, together with entry requirements and a description of what it covers. Find the courses you’re interested in and try to match up your strengths and experiences to the course requirements,” they write.   

Think about what makes you unique

What makes you special? Perhaps you’ve overcome a big challenge, or have an interesting hobby. Write about whatever comes naturally to you. This will ensure your statement is genuine. It’ll also make your personality shine through. If you’re an international student, don’t forget to talk about why you want to study in the UK.  

Talk to your teachers or mentors

If you’re still stuck for ideas, ask your teachers or mentors to help. What do they think makes you a unique student? You never know: they might even point out some transferable skills you didn’t realize you had.  

Use the tools designed by UCAS

Don’t forget to check out what resources are on the UCAS website. The UCAS personal statement brainstorming worksheet is a very helpful tool, for example.  

We also recommend taking a look at the UCAS personal statement builder. This will help you think of topics to write about, and understand how to put your statement together.  

How to structure your statement 

There is no right or wrong way to structure your UCAS statement. It all depends on what information you decide to include – and sometimes, even what institution you are applying to.  

This video by UCAS explores one way to structure your statement. It suggests including: 

• A catchy introduction that talks about why you’re so excited about the course.

• A middle paragraph that talks about why you’re so interested in the course – which includes concrete evidence and the skills that’ll help you succeed.

• And a final paragraph that talks about why you’re so unique.

Many universities and colleges also have tips on how to structure a UCAS personal statement. So, you should always see what advice the institutions you are applying to have to offer. The University of Sussex, for example, recommends applicants focus 80% on why they want to study the course and just 20% on their skills.  

And Amy Smith, who works in admissions at Nottingham Trent University, recommends focusing on your skills first. “Put your notes in order according to what the course you’re interested in is looking for. If you have any skills and experience relevant to the entry requirements, make sure you say so at the start of your personal statement,” she said in a popular UCAS blog.  

As you can see, there is lots of different advice out there. So, just do your research and focus on what works best for you.  

But don’t forget: you must stick to the word count. So just how long is a UCAS personal statement? It can only be up to 4000 characters or 47 lines – including spaces. 

Personal statement examples  

Many institutions provide personal statement examples. These are great for inspiration – especially if you are struggling with how to start or how to end a UCAS personal statement. 

We especially like the list of examples the University of Essex has put together. They provide examples of personal statements for more than 2 dozen areas of study. None of the statements are perfect – each has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. But with this, students get an excellent idea of what institutions are looking for.  

You can take a look at their examples here. 

Dos and Don’ts  

We’ve covered a lot of information in this blog. So now, let’s quickly take a look at some dos and don’ts for writing a UCAS personal statement.  

Don’t

• Don’t mention any institutions by name. Your application will be sent to all the universities and colleges you are applying to

• Don’t plagiarize. UCAS uses software to detect this

• Don’t include jokes or informal hyperboles. This is meant to be a formal document. Still, do make sure you write in plain English 

Do  

• Do start your application early and have others read it over. The UCAS has a great timeline to help you plan, which you can check out here  

• Do be honest and genuine. You’re great – so just put your best foot forward!

• Do be enthusiastic. Let admissions staff know how excited you are to be applying for the course; they want to offer a place to students with great attitudes

Ready to apply to study in the UK? 

At PTE Academic, we want to help you get there. Our secure English language test is accepted by 99% of universities across the UK – and you can check out our minimum score requirements for UK universities here.

Do you dream of studying in Australia? In 2020, more than 878,000 international students enrolled in courses in Australia – with 45% of students coming from China and India alone.

The country offers a range of benefits for international students, including prestigious universities, multicultural cities, beautiful landscapes to explore, and more.

Let’s delve into everything that makes Australia a great study abroad destination:

Quality education

Did you know that Australia has one of the best education systems in the world? Australian universities and educational institutions have a great reputation, and are looked upon favorably by international students and employers alike. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, a number of Australian universities are ranked among the best in the world, including: 

• The University of Melbourne ranked at 13 

• The University of Sydney ranked at 18 

• The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) ranked at 19 

• And the Australian National University at 30 

The global university rankings take into account things like quality of education, fees, faculty and employer reputation – all important things to consider when deciding on a place to study.

Cost of living

Compared to other study abroad destinations, like the UK or the US, the cost of living in Australia is relatively affordable. The Australian Dollar is the currency in Australia. Keep in mind that $1 AUD is equivalent to about $0.64 USD, so your money is likely to go further here. 

The cost of living varies depending on the city you live and the lifestyle you pursue. You can use the Course Search Tool to find out detailed tuition fee for your dream course and the Cost of Living Calculator to estimate the living cost.  

Use of English

If you’re looking to master English, Australia is a great place to put your language skills to the test. About 73% of the population in Australia only speak English at home.

Australian slang – which many people consider part of their national identity – can be difficult for international students to grasp. But, learning the slang is all part of studying in Australia, mate.

A multicultural lifestyle

Australia is diverse and multicultural, which makes studying here a truly unique experience. Roughly 30% of the population is made up of immigrants; in 2019, people from every single country in the world lived in Australia! You can learn more about immigration trends in the country.

Beautiful landscapes

Australia boasts stunning cities, beautiful beaches and arid deserts. Students who study here have the opportunity to places like the Great Barrier Reef, the 12 Apostles, the famous Sydney Opera House – and so much more. What’s not to love?

Job opportunities before and after graduation

Most student visas in Australia allow you to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks on an Australian student visa. Better yet, the minimum wage is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week. This is a huge plus for people studying in Australia. 

For students that want to work in Australia full time after graduation, the Australian government also offers temporary graduate visas. These allow students to remain in Australia to live and work temporarily – as well as bring their families with them. 

Don’t forget to read our Australian student visa application guide.

Feeling excited?

PTE Academic can help you achieve your Australian study dreams. Our English language tests are fast, flexible, secure, and accepted by all universities in Australia. 

Learn more about PTE Academic in Australia or book your test today.

Last updated 20 December 2024.

Do you want to settle in the UK? With great healthcare, world-class education, and lots of art, history, and culture, it’s an excellent place to call home.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to take up permanent residence in the UK. We’ll delve into who can apply, and the online resources you’ll need to start your application.  

Why Live in the UK 

The UK is very multicultural. In fact, about 14% of the population in the UK was born abroad, according to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford.  About 35% of the immigrant population lives in London.  

The UK has an excellent healthcare system, too. The National Health Service (NHS) is free for residents and has been ranked among the best in the world for its affordability, safety, and efficiency. UK countries also boast world-class research facilities, universities, and a strong education system in general. 

How to apply for permanent residence in the UK  

Permanent residence in the UK is also known as Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR). With this, you can live and work in the UK permanently. You may also be able to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

There are different ways to apply to live permanently in the UK, depending on your situation. For example, you might be able to apply for ILR if: 

You’ve lived in the UK for 5 years or more 

If you have lived in the UK for 5 or more years, you should be able to apply for permanent residence in the UK. There are exceptions, though. For example, you won’t be able to apply for ILR if you’ve lived in the UK on a Tier 2 ICT work visa – given to people who’ve transferred to a UK company branch from abroad to work on a specific project.  

You’re a family member of a UK citizen or permanent resident  

If you’re the spouse, parent, or dependent relative to a UK citizen or permanent resident, you might also be eligible for ILR. Depending on the type of visa you’ve been living in the UK on, you might be able to apply for permanent residence as soon as 2 years.

Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain and learn about the financial requirements needed to apply.   

You have a work visa  

You can apply for ILR if you’ve had a Tier 2 (General) work visa for five years. Your employer will need to sponsor you. You’ll also likely have to prove you earn at least £25,600 per year unless you work in healthcare or in a profession that’s in short supply in the UK.  

Learn more about how to apply through ILR through your work visa. 

Fees and processing times 

According to UK Visas and Immigration, ILR takes about 6 months to process. The application for ILR costs £2,389. But keep in mind that many categories have financial requirements, which can make applying much for expensive. 

English requirements 

To apply for ILR, you might have to demonstrate your English skills are at least a B1 level. And, our PTE Academic UKVI secure English language test is recognized by the UK Home Office for all UK visas. The test is computer-based to reduce human bias, fast, and convenient – you get your results within 48 hours.  

Discover how PTE Academic UKVI can help.  

The EU Settlement Scheme  

If you’re an EU citizen – and don’t have IRL – you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.  

Applying for the scheme is free, and with it, you’re granted either “settled” or “pre-settled status.” With settled status, you can stay in the UK indefinitely. With pre-settled status, you can stay for another 5 years – but can always apply for settled status later.  

With both, you’ll get the right to work and study in the UK, access NHS, access public benefits and pensions, leave the UK to travel – and apply for British citizenship after 12 months.  

Read our article about applying for the EU Settlement Scheme. 

Ready to apply for permanent residence? 

At PTE Academic, we’re here to help make your dream come true.

Prepare for – and book – your approved English language test for permanent residence in the UK today.

Dreaming of studying in Australia? It’s never too early to start planning financially. Tuition fees for international undergraduate students typically range from AUD 35,000 to AUD 55,000 per year, depending on the university, course of study, and location. For example, STEM and medical programs are generally more expensive than humanities or social sciences​. However, there are lots of scholarships available to help pay for your studies. 

In this article, we’ll look at what funding is available for international students in Australia. By the end, you’ll have a list of resources to explore to find the scholarship that’s right for you.  

Are you eligible for a scholarship? 

Australia offers grants, bursaries, and scholarships to people from around the world – including undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and vocational students. They’re funded by the government, universities, and private entities.  

The Australian Government has an excellent scholarship search tool on its website. With it, you can search for funding opportunities based on a whole range of factors – like what country you come from, what university you’re attending, and your area and level of study. You’ll see how much each scholarship is worth, who it’s made for, and of course, whether you might be eligible.  

Australian scholarship opportunities  

Now, let’s cover a few scholarship opportunities for international students in Australia. 

Australia Awards Scholarships 

Australia Awards scholarships are offered to global student leaders from developing countries. They’re awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and support students with full tuition, airfare, living costs, and more. In 2021, 818 Australia Awards were given to students from 20 countries worldwide.  

Destination Australia Awards  

The Australian government introduced the Destination Australia program to provide both local and international students with the opportunity to study in more regional and remote areas of Australia – towns such as Ballarat (Victoria), Gatton (Queensland), and Lismore (New South Wales). The scholarships are given out through Australian universities and provide students with up to $15,000 AUD each year.  

University-specific scholarships 

In addition to government-provided scholarships, universities also offer their own scholarships to qualifying international students. There’s the James Rice Postgraduate Award at The Australian National University (ANU); International Stand Out Scholarship at Bond University, and the Adelaide Refugee & Humanitarian Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship at University of Adelaide.

The point is, universities offer lots of scholarships for international students based on a long list of eligibility factors – like home country, area of study, and academic merit. 

To search for funding opportunities at your own institution, use the search tool on the Australian Government website.

A case study: Monash University scholarships 

To get an idea of all the different scholarships that can be offered by Australian universities, we’ll take a closer look at one popular institution for international students: Monash University.  

Monash University is recognized for its research and teaching, and offer more than 80 scholarships to international students, including:   

• Monash International Tuition Scholarships

• Monash International Merit Scholarships

• The Dal Sasso Family Scholarships

• The Monash Jazz Music Scholarship

Universities throughout Australia offer similar scholarships.  

To apply for any scholarship or funding opportunity, you’ll need to contact the scholarship provider.  

Other ways to fund your studies 

As an international student, there are other options to pay for your studies in Australia.   

One of the biggest perks of studying in Australia is that international students can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks on an Australian student visa. The minimum wage is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week,  meaning you’ll be able to put some money aside to help fund your education.

 Depending on where you are from, you might also be able to get a student loan or scholarship from your own country to study overseas.  

Last updated 20 December 2024.

PTE Academic can support you on your journey abroad. Our computer-based, bias-free English language proficiency test is accepted by all universities in Australia – as well as by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories. 

Learn more about PTE Academic in Australia.

Studying abroad in the UK can be expensive. International students need to budget for flights, tuition, textbooks, accommodation, and don’t forget the visa application.

Of course, living costs in the UK for international students can vary depending on your lifestyle and where you live. So, in this blog, we’ll look at how much students in the UK spend on average each month – and explore how much it cost to live in a large city, compared to a smaller city.  

Average student living expenses in the UK

At the beginning of this year, new Brexit-related rules went into effect in the UK and the EU.  They’ll have a big impact on immigration and travel – including on how people will be able to move to the UK to live, work and study. 

If you’re an EU citizen—and started living in the UK before 2021—immigration rules won’t change for you until June. But after that, you might have to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the country. 

More than 4.3 million people have been approved for the scheme already. And, they’re on the path to receiving a British passport. With the EU Settlement Scheme, EU citizens can apply for British citizenship after 12 months. 

In this blog, we’ll explore more about the scheme and how to apply for citizenship. We will also look at the English language requirements you’ll need to keep in mind as an EU citizen. 

Keep in mind: We aren’t immigration agents. For the latest information and official updates, please visit the GOV UK website. 

First, what is the EU Settlement Scheme?

The EU Settlement Scheme is a program set up by the UK government. It allows EU, Swiss, and EEA citizens to keep living in the UK after June 2021. It’s free to apply, and once you do, you’ll be granted either: 

• Settled status – You’ll get this if you’ve lived in the UK continuously for five years. You will be able to stay in the UK indefinitely provided you don’t leave the UK for 5 years consecutively.

• Pre-settled status – You’ll get this if you’ve lived in the UK for less than five years. With pre-settled status, you’ll only be able to stay in the UK for another five years but can always apply for settled status later if you want to settle permanently. 

With settled status, as we mentioned, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for British citizenship. Although, many people have decided to apply for citizenship right away instead of going through the scheme – for example, if they have a British parent or spouse. 

With citizenship, you’ll have the right to live permanently in the UK with a British passport, which means you’ll no longer be subject to immigration controls. You’ll also be able to work and study in the UK, sponsor your family members to migrate, access NHS healthcare, access public benefits and pensions  – and of course, vote in elections. 

The Mayor of London’s website has a comprehensive FAQ on the EU Settlement Scheme. You can also find out more information on the official GOV UK page.

How to apply for British citizenship 

If you’re interested in applying for British citizenship, there are a few ways to do so. For example, you could be eligible if you: 

• have a British civil partner or spouse;

• were born in the UK;

• have a British parent;

• have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. 

The requirements for citizenship are often different, depending on why you’re applying and how you’re eligible. But if you’re applying under the EU Settlement Scheme, in most circumstances you’ll have to show you: 

• have been living in the UK for more than five years and will continue to do so;

• are of good character;

• have passed the Life in the UK Test, which consists of 24 questions on British traditions;

• are knowledgeable in English, Welsh, or Gaelic. You will also need to take an approved English test for UK citizenship.

Learn more about how to apply for British citizenship with the scheme here. 

Asian students have long been drawn to Western universities. In fact, in 2018 and 2019, China sent more students to study in the UK than any other country. But now as Asian countries seek to attract more international students themselves, many learners are choosing to study closer to home instead.  

After all, studying within the region offers plenty of benefits. Not only do Asian universities provide a world-class education at a more affordable price. But they are also “among the world’s best at enhancing their alumni’s job market prospects,” states the QS Graduate Employability Rankings. This is a big draw, considering a recent report found that 81% of respondents from eight Asian countries wanted to study at a foreign university to improve employment. 

So, what are some of the top study abroad locations for Asian students? And what do learners need to keep in mind when choosing a destination? In this guide, we’ll focus on Singapore: 

Singapore at a glance 

Singapore is modern, sustainable, and multicultural. This makes it an attractive place to study for students from around the region. Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English are all recognized as official languages, although English is most commonly spoken. In fact, almost 40% of the population in Singapore speaks English at home.  

Singapore invests heavily in human capital. For example, it spends more than 20% of its budget on education each year. It comes as no surprise, then, that Singapore’s education system is listed as one of the best in the world by OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). 

Universities in Singapore 

There are dozens of universities and colleges in Singapore. The two most popular universities are the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Both universities are ranked among the top 20 in the world. According to QS World University Rankings 2021, NUS holds the spot for 11. NTU is ranked number 13. About a quarter of learners at both universities are international students.  

Even more, according to QS, NUS ranks number 24 for graduate employability.  

To study at a Singaporean institution, you must apply directly through the admissions office. This is usually done at the beginning of the year. 

If you’re a second language speaker or haven’t studied full-time at an English institution, you will also need to prove your English proficiency. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure results and can help you qualify for studying and migrating abroad.  

Students wanting to attend a college in Singapore – including the Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE), the East Asia Institute of Management, and LASALLE College of the Arts – will need a PTE Academic score of 42. In general, universities look for a minimum PTE Academic score between 55 and 62. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what some popular universities require: 

• National University of Singapore–62 

• Nanyang Technological University– 55 

• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) – 62 

However, students are strongly advised to always check with their own university or college to see exactly what PTE Academic score is needed.  

Getting your visa 

If you want to study in Singapore, you will need to have a Student Pass. To apply, you must already be accepted as a full-time student at an academic institution. With a Student Pass, you’ll be able to work up to 16 hours a week during the school term. However, you can only do this if you go to an approved institution.  

Find out exactly how to apply for a Student Pass here.  

Cost of living 

Singapore is considered one of the best student cities in the world; it has great weather, a vibrant mix of cultures, and an excellent food scene. However, compared to other Asian countries, it is on the expensive side. International student tuition fees sit at about $18,700 USD a year. To get an idea about how much it costs to live in Singapore, check out the government’s cost of living calculator.  

Financial aid 

It’s important to keep in mind that Singapore does offer financial aid for citizens, permanent residents, and international students. The Ministry of Education provides these grants under The Tuition Grant Scheme.  

The amount of money offered depends on the area of study and the status of each student in Singapore. This table is a good resource, showing what was available to students studying at NTU in 2020. You can see that for international students, the grants start at about $7,700 USD.   

To accept a Tuition Grant, students who aren’t citizens must sign a Tuition Grant Agreement. This states that they will work in Singapore for a minimum of three years after graduation.  

For more grant information, visit the Ministry of Education website.  

Want to study in Singapore?

With PTE Academic you can achieve your dreams.  

Our unbiased English tests are trusted as proof of English proficiency by universities in Singapore –  and results are typically ready within 2 days. 

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Podcasts are a great way to practice your English skills. You can listen to them while studying from your desk at home. Or you can listen to them on the go – like while you’re driving, cooking, cleaning, or working out.  

We especially love podcasts because, since many are conversational, they give you the chance to hear how English speakers interact in real life and expose you to lots of interesting new languages.  

If you’re planning to take PTE Academic this year, podcasts are great practice for the listening section of the exam – for which you’ll have to answer questions based on audio or video clips.   

So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of English language podcasts? In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best podcasts to learn English:

1. 6 Minute English 

6 Minute English is a podcast by BBC Learning English. Each week, the BBC hosts chat about everyday situations – and it makes for a really interesting listen. Ever wonder if trees are intelligent? Or if humans could live in cities underwater? Well, this could be the podcast for you. 

Overall, 6 Minute English is great for people with an intermediate level of English. It’s short (you guessed it, just 6 minutes) and each episode includes a vocabulary list and transcript. 

2. But Why

But Why is another fun podcast for intermediate-level English learners. Kids record questions for the show, and host Jane Lindholm brings in an expert to answer them on air.  

But Why is produced by Vermont Public Radio in the U.S. And while the podcast is made for kids – it answers questions like ‘why do dogs have tails’ or ‘why are whales so big’ – Lindholm speaks slowly and charismatically, making it easy to understand. Of course, if you have kids, But Why is also a good show to listen to as a family.   

Each episode is about 30 minutes long and includes a transcript. Even more, the episodes come with free learning worksheets (like this one), which you can use to practice your English writing and listening comprehension skills.  

3. Luke’s English Podcast 

Luke’s English Podcast is hosted by Luke Thompson, an English teacher, and comedian from the U.K. The podcast covers a big range of topics; one episode may cover pronunciation tips, and the next may simply feature a conversation between Thompson and his wife. 

The show is often touted as one of the best podcasts to learn English (it’s been downloaded more than 60 million times) and overall, is a good way to practice your British English skills. The episodes are on the longer side, and some are up to two hours long. 

While the podcasts are free, Thompson also produces paid content for listeners to subscribe to – giving them access to things like extra podcast episodes, worksheets, tests, and pronunciation drills.  

4. Criminal

Many podcast consumers enjoy listening to true crime stories. And, Criminal is one of the most popular crime podcasts out there.  

Criminal releases two new episodes every month, and each episode explores the story of a different crime. The host, Phoebe Judge, tells how the crime occurred and interviews the people involved – usually a witness, victim, police officer, historian, or the person charged.  

Since Criminal brings on lots of interview subjects – with different accents and ways of speaking – the podcast is not only thought-provoking. It’s also great for practicing your listening skills, particularly if you’re an upper-intermediate or advanced English learner.  

 5. This American Life

This American Life is one of the most popular English speaking radio programs and podcasts today. In fact, 3.1 million people download each podcast episode! The 1-hour show is hosted by Ira Glass. Each episode delves into a different theme and includes different stories about the theme.  

Sometimes the show features long-form pieces about U.S. politics or tells about how one family has been impacted by American immigration policies. Other episodes talk about break-ups or peculiar family traditions.  

Overall, it’s an excellent show to improve your English comprehension – and learn about American culture, politics, and stories while you’re at it. So if you plan to move to the U.S., listening to This American Life is a must.  

How to learn English with podcasts  

We know podcasts help to improve your listening skills. But you can use them to improve your speaking, reading and writing skills, too. Here are a few tips:  

Listen with the transcript 

As we mentioned above, many podcasts publish transcripts of their episodes. If you’re studying English at home, it’s a great idea to listen to your favorite podcast with the transcript in front of you. This will help to improve your reading, as well as understand everything the host is saying.  

You might even want to pause the podcast every few seconds and repeat after the host to practice speaking and pronunciation.  

Take note of interesting vocab 

To expand your vocabulary, write down 15 new words from each podcast episode. Take a few minutes at the end of each show to look up the words and define them. If you listen to two podcast episodes each week, you’ll learn 120 new words a month.  

Write a summary of each episode  

It’s also a great idea to write a few words about each podcast episode. You might want to challenge and write a 200-word podcast summary. Or, you could simply write a sentence about something new you learned from the show.  

These writing exercises are great practice for PTE Academic because writing a one-sentence summary of a text or audio file is something you’ll be tested on.  

Join a listening club 

A podcast listening club is just like a book club – you get together with a group of friends to discuss and reflect on what you’ve learned.  

So, if you’re a fan of a particular podcast, why not ask a few friends to meet to chat about some recent episodes? It’s a great way to practice your speaking skills, and it will also help you gain more confidence in expressing opinions in English.  

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