How to study in Singapore

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image- Singapore, 800px x 451px
Reading time: 5 minutes

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. 

Find out where you can take PTE Academic now. 

Related Content

  • Image- Australian flag- 800px
    Australian post-study work visas
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Are you an international student in Australia who has recently completed your degree? Congratulations! With your studies complete it is now time to think about your future in Australia. Did you know you can apply for a post-study work visa (also known as a Temporary Graduate visa or subclass 485) following the completion of your studies? This enables you to work, live and travel in Australia. Find out more about this visa below.

    What is the post-study work visa and what does it mean for you?

    Depending on the qualification you graduate with, this visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 8 years following the completion of your studies, depending on your field of study and degree level. Recent changes have extended work rights for graduates in areas of workforce need. The Australian government currently estimates application processing times to range from 3 to 6 months. 

    Eligibility requirements  

    Before you apply, check to see if you meet the Australian government’s study requirements to ensure you meet eligibility requirements. A post-study work visa is only available if you successfully applied for your first student visa on or after November 5th, 2011. In order to ensure your application for this visa is processed by the Australian government, you’ll need to have held an Australian student visa for a period greater than 6 months before your application date and currently hold a substantive visa.

    Eligibility Requirements   

    Before you apply, check to see if you meet the Australian government’s study requirements to ensure you meet eligibility requirements. A post-study work visa is only available if you successfully applied for your first student visa on or after November 5th, 2011. In order to ensure your application for this visa is processed by the Australian government, you’ll need to have held an Australian student visa for a period greater than 6 months before your application date and currently hold a substantive visa. 

    Please note that you are not eligible for a post-study work visa if you have previously held a Temporary Graduate visa or a Recognised Graduate visa as a primary visa holder. However, graduates who studied at regional institutions may qualify for a second Post-Study Work visa. This second visa allows an additional 1–2 years of stay, provided that the applicant lived, worked, or studied in a regional area throughout their first PSW visa period. This initiative is part of the Australian government’s efforts to attract skilled graduates to regional areas and promote economic growth outside major cities. 

    Check your eligibility in full on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website. 

    The application process 

    The Australian government provides a useful step by step visa guide so students have a simple resource to follow once they’re in the position to apply for their Temporary Graduate visa.

    1. When should you start the application process? 

    It’s important that you start the application for your post-study work visa as soon as you receive confirmation from your education provider that you’ve successfully completed your studies. You must apply for this visa within 6 months of completing your eligible course.

    2. Ensure you have the required documents and paperwork 

    As with any application, you’ll need to provide documented evidence to support your application. It’s important that you thoroughly review all required documentation so you do not accidentally miss items essential to your application. Given that some documents may be harder to source than others, it’s important to get started on your application as soon as you receive notice of your successful completion. Please ensure you check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website to make sure you have up to date advice and a detailed list of required documentation.

    One of the most important documents to provide with your application is your English language test results to prove your proficiency. PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories, including post-study visa applications.

    To use PTE Academic to apply for an Australian visa, you need to select ‘Australia’ on the country dropdown menu and ‘work’ on the current goal options. You can choose to have your scores allocated to the DHA when you register or simply provide the Score Report Code on your visa application form so they can access your result.

    Find out more about PTE Academic and the test centers near you.

    3. Applying for your post-study work visa 

    Once you’ve gathered the required documentation, you’ll apply for your visa through your Immi account. If your student visa features a ‘no further stay’ condition (either 8534 or 8503), you’ll need to apply for your visa via the paper form. It’s at this point of the process that you’ll pay the required fee for your visa, and it’s also from this point that the processing of your application actually commences.

    4. What happens after you file your application? 

    As is the case when applying for a student visa, the Australian government will notify you of any additional required documentation through your Immi account. It’s important to note that if you choose to leave Australia once you’ve filed your post-study work visa application, you’ll need to inform the government. If you’re not in Australia when the government makes the decision about the status of your application, you may run the risk of your visa expiring.

    5. Visa outcome 

    If you’re successful with your application, the Australian government will notify you of your new visa status as a Temporary Graduate visa holder in writing. It’s important to remember that all updates will be received through your Immi account and as such, there’s no need to call for updates regarding your application.

    Are you currently waiting to find out if your visa application has been successful? Whilst it can be stressful waiting for confirmation when professional opportunities are on the line, remember to keep an eye on your Immi account and stay on top of updates. Good luck!

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • Image- A woman in front of Big Ben- 800px
    Job opportunities for international students in the UK
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Studying abroad is rarely cheap. Even if you’ve got a scholarship, a job on the side can help you live a little more comfortably during your degree. Luckily, there are lots of jobs for international students in the UK. You just need to know where to find them.  

    Once you arrive, you’ll be able to do the traditional resumé drop-offs and ask about opportunities in the store. But you don’t have to wait until then to start your hunt. Jumping online and applying in advance is the best method for getting a job in the UK for international students. It’s also nice to know that you’ve got a casual or part-time position waiting for you.  

    This quick guide discusses a variety of jobs in the UK for international applicants including: 

    • Part-time jobs in the UK for international students

    • Summer jobs in the UK for international students 

    • Graduate jobs for international students in the UK

       

    Part-time jobs in the UK for international students

    If you’ve got strong time-management and organization skills, working a part-time job while you study can be an effective way to earn an income. On an international student visa (Student route visa), you’re able to work up to 20 hours per week during the term. 

    Common part-time jobs for international students in the UK include: 

    • Receptionist

    • Retail worker

    • Mystery shopper

    • Shelf packer 

    • Waiter/barista/bar tender

    • Student ambassador

    • Library assistant

    Would you prefer a part-time job that is more academic in nature will intellectually challenge you as much as your actual course? You might consider becoming a research assistant at your university.

    If you’re studying a postgraduate degree or PhD, you could even apply for part-time teaching jobs in the UK for international students. Sharing your experience with undergraduates in tutorials is a great way to solidify your own knowledge while earning some money.

    The UK’s largest job databases are a good place to start your hunt:

    If you’ve got a specific job in mind, try searching for a niche jobs website (e.g. C+D Jobs is a great place to find pharmacy jobs in the UK for international students).

    Most UK universities have support services that can help you find a part-time job (as well as a job after you graduate). As an example, the career center at University College London helps UCL students with all types of career-related activities – including finding part-time jobs in London for international students. Similarly, the University of Edinburgh runs a careers service where international students can get advice about part-time jobs in Scotland. Visit your chosen university’s website to see what kind of career services they provide.

    Summer jobs in the UK for international students 

    Prefer to focus all your time and energy on your studies? That’s alright – a casual job during semester breaks might be a good alternative for you. A student visa allows you to work full-time during vacation periods.

    Most of the part-time jobs listed above are also great options for working during your time off. You may also find an opportunity over summer to work as a:

    • Sales representative

    • Event assistant

    • Call center operator

    • Private tutor

    The resources previously mentioned for part-time jobs are also relevant for international students finding a summer job in the UK. You should also consider talking to your university’s career support staff about any summer internships that might be available – these can provide a great experience and give you a foot in the door.

    Graduate Jobs in the UK for International Students

    As your final exam and graduation approach, you’ll naturally start thinking about your first job after university. The UK’s immigration program will allow you to transition from a student visa to a working visa if you secure a position that meets the relevant salary and time criteria.

    This is where your university’s career center will really come in handy, so make sure you’ve made appointments with them well ahead of your last class. They can help you find and apply for UK jobs for international graduates.

    Many jobsites allow you to filter your search to jobs that are marked as suitable for new graduates. Check that you’re searching in the right area/with the right filter.  

    Whether you’re looking for a part-time role while you study or a full-time job to extend your stay in the UK, you’ll find a wide range of opportunities available to you.