STUDY, WORK AND LIVE IN SINGAPORE
GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR AN EDUCATION IN SINGAPORE
Singapore, often dubbed as the “Asian Miracle,” stands out as a shining gem in the heart of Asia. It has not only achieved remarkable economic prosperity but also earned the distinction of being one of the wealthiest nations in the world.
Singapore offers a unique blend of opportunities for education, career development, and quality of life. Its strategic location, strong economy, and commitment to innovation have made it an attractive choice for global giants like Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Meta (Formerly Facebook), Microsoft to make Singapore their Asia Headquarters . Whether you’re a student seeking world-class education, a professional pursuing a successful career, or an individual looking for a high-quality lifestyle, Singapore has something to offer everyone. It’s no wonder that Singapore is often regarded as the ultimate destination to study, work, and live.
Education System
Singapore is a global education hub that attracts over 60,000 international students and home to top-ranked universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
In this article, we will explain only on the pathways from Years 11 and 12 (e.g. IGCSE, O-Level, SPM, A-Level, AUSMAT IB, OSSD, STPM, UEC) to tertiary education in Singapore.
Public Education
Year 11 (IGCSE, O-Level, SPM) Pathways to Public Education in Singapore
Students with only Year 11 education will not be able to admit to public universities like NUS and NTU as they do not offer foundation year programs. They will require at least Year 12 qualifications. The education pathway for Year 11 is through the 5 public polytechnics that offers 3 year Diploma programmes with industry placement. Polytechnics in Singapore are institutions of higher education that provide practical, hands-on education and training in a wide range of technical and vocational fields.
Public Polytechnics in Singapore
1. Singapore Polytechnic
2. Ngee Ann Polytechnic
3. Nanyang Polytechnic
4. Temasek Polytechnic
5. Republic Polytechnic
Year 12 (A-Level, AUSMAT, OSSD, UEC, STPM) Pathways to Public Education in Singapore
Students with only Year 12 education will be able to apply to public universities like NUS and NTU. Admissions to public universities in Singapore are highly competitive especially for undergraduate programs. Students are required to possess stellar academic achievements and English level proficiency to be considered for admissions. There no pre-sessional English pathways to public universities in Singapore.
If you do not meet the requirements for gaining admissions to public universities, private education institutions (PEIs) are popular options among international students.
Public Universities in Singapore
1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
3. Singapore Management University (SMU)
4. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
5. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
6. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
Private Education
Introduction to Private Education in Singapore
Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore are are subject to stringent regulation to ensure quality and maintain high standards of education. The regulatory framework is in place to safeguard the interests of students and maintain the reputation of Singapore’s education system. The primary regulatory body overseeing PEIs in Singapore is the Committee for Private Education (CPE).
EduTrust is a quality assurance framework in Singapore specifically designed for private education institutions (PEIs). To obtain EduTrust certification, a PEI must meet strict criteria and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of education. International students are highly encouraged to only consider PEIs with EduTrust and EduTrust Star certification.
Advantages and Disadvantages to Private Education in Singapore
Advantages
1. Shorter in duration to complete a Bachelor degree. (We will discuss that in the pathways below).
2. English preparatory programs for students who do not meet the English Language requirements.
3. Degrees are conferred by international universities, and in most PEIs, the certificates earned are the same to those granted to students studying on the university’s main campus.
4. Tuition fees are significantly lower compared to international full fee paying students at the main campus as well as public universities in Singapore.
5. Diverse international student community.
6. Multiple intakes in a year.
Disadvantages
1. Many PEIs have relatively compact campuses and may not offer comprehensive sports facilities.
2. Students enrolled in PEIs are not able to take up part-time employment in Singapore.
3. Most PEIs do not offer on-campus housing.
4. Limited program offerings. PEIs do not offer most professional programs like Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Dietetics, etc.
If the above disadvantages do not bother you, private education institutions are a great choice for you! Do read on to find out about the pathways to a degree at PEIs in Singapore.
Pathways to Private Education in Singapore
Case Study: PSB Academy
PSB Academy is one of Singapore’s leading private education institutions, offering a wide range of diploma, degree, and postgraduate programs.
PSB Academy has established partnerships with several renowned universities from around the world, which allows students to earn internationally recognized degrees while studying in Singapore. Some of its university partners include:
- The University of Newcastle, Australia
- Coventry University, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Napier University, United Kingdom
- The University of Wollongong, Australia
- La Trobe University, Australia
Pathways for Year 11 (IGCSE. O-Level, SPM) to a Bachelor in Business Administration offered by the University of Newcastle, Australia at PSB Academy vs an Australian University campus in Malaysia
Pathway for Year 11 students (IGCSE, O-Level, SPM) at PSB Academy’s partner institution, University of Newcastle, Australia:
1. Certificate in Business Management: 6 months [2023 Tuition: SGD $6,269.20]
2. Diploma in Business Administration: 12 months [2023 Tuition: S$13,915.60]
3. Bachelor of Business: 16 months (Year 2 Entry) [2023 Tuition: SGD $31,930.00
Total duration: 34 months (2 years and 10 months)
Total Tuition (2023): SGD $52,114.80 / MYR 182,000
Pathway for Year 11 students (IGCSE, O-Level, SPM) at an Australian University campus in Malaysia:
1. Foundation Year: 1 Year [2023 Tuition: MYR 22,400]
2. Bachelor of Business and Commerce: 3 Years (Year 1 Entry) [2023 Tuition: MYR 40,000 x 3 = MYR 120,000
Total duration: 4 years
Total Tuition (2023): MYR 142,400
Conclusion of the Above Case Study
In terms of tuition, it is slight more affordable to study in an Australian university campus in Malaysia. The difference in tuition is approximately MYR 40,000. However in terms of duration, studying at PSB Academy would only take less than 3 years to complete. This means that students have the opportunity to start employment earlier, gain work experience earlier and gain income earlier.
PEIs in Singapore, such as PSB Academy, typically offer shorter academic durations compared to traditional institutions. This is primarily due to their adoption of a trimester system, which replaces the conventional two-semester structure with shorter breaks between study terms, thus allowing students to complete their programs more efficiently.
Contact us to find out more about your study options in Singapore now.
Featured Private Education Institutions in Singapore
1. Curtin Education Centre (Curtin Singapore)
2. James Cook University (Singapore)
3. Kaplan Higher Education Academy
4. Ngee Ann Academy
5. PSB Academy
6. Singapore Institute of Management
Culinary Arts
1. At-Sunrise Global Chef Academy
2. Shatec Institutes
Design/Fine Arts
1. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
2. Orita Sinclair School of Design and Music
3. 3D Sense Media School