As an education destination, Singapore offers world-class education in a cosmopolitan yet Asian setting. Singapore`s thriving economy, high quality of education and other facilities makes it an ideal choice for Indian students to pursue their education.
Popular courses:
The most popular courses in Singapore are:
•Engineering
•MBA (Masters in Business Administration)
•Hospitality
•Biological Sciences
•Art and Design courses
Top institutes:
•Branch of France`s INSEAD
•Branch of Chicago Graduate School of Business
•Singapore Management University
•Nanyang Technological University
Commencement of the session:
The academic year generally commences in July/August at public universities. Semesters vary for different universities/ institutes. Some universities also offer a third or summer term over a long vacation period, which enables a student to take additional courses for credit.
Student Visa:
Those aspiring to study full-time in Singapore need to apply for a student`s pass and visa from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Applicants who require a visa must submit their student`s pass applications at least two months before their program starts.
Scholarships:
The Ministry of Education Tuition Grant is applicable to UG students at universities and to diploma students can study at highly subsidized rates, which come to 65% to 80% of the tuition fees.
Accommodation Facilities:
The accommodation facilities in Singapore are really good. The international students should not face any problems with regards to accommodation.
Part- time jobs:
Full-time undergraduates at polytechnics and universities are allowed to work part time for up to 16 hours a week during school terms.
However, they need to take permission from the institute`s student`s liaison office. During vacations, they are permitted to work full time as Singapore`s ministry manpower exempts them from applying for work permits.
How to apply:
The candidate needs to apply directly into the educational institutions. Local universities accept online applications; some will however want to interview the candidate and then accept their application. Upon acceptance, the candidates will be sent a letter offer, which has to be signed and submitted before the closing date.
Application:
For the academic year (2008), the candidate needs to apply beforehand itself, so as to avoid confusion and fiasco during the admission period. It takes at least 2 months to process the application, i.e. for a session beginning in August; the candidate needs to apply in June.
Tests to be taken:
There are no qualifying tests in the strict sense but general requirements include:
•Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which demonstrates adequate proficiency in English.
•IELTS scores are also considered for the admissions in these institutes.