Top Reasons to Study in Singapore | Universities, Scholarships & City Life

To study in Singapore, international students are typically required to prove their proficiency in English, especially if their prior education was not in English. Commonly accepted tests include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  Most Singapore universities require an overall IELTS band score of 6.0 to 7.0.
  ✅ IELTS Official Site – Registration & Practice
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  TOEFL iBT score requirements generally range from 85 to 100.
  ✅ TOEFL Official Site
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
  Accepted by several Singapore institutions. Score requirements range between 50–65.
  ✅ PTE Academic Info & Booking

💡 Always check the specific university’s language requirements for your chosen course. 2. Pre-Departure Preparation for Singapore

Before departing for Singapore, students should complete the following steps:

• ✅ Apply for a Student Pass through ICA Singapore
• ✅ Arrange accommodation in advance
• ✅ Take health check-ups and gather vaccination records (especially for Yellow Fever if you’re from certain countries)
• ✅ Prepare certified copies of academic and financial documents
• ✅ Pack essentials including SIM-unlocked phone, adapters, personal medication, and weather-appropriate clothes

📄 Singapore Pre-departure Guide – Study in Singapore
Academic Document Preparation

Documents to prepare before applying include:

• Transcripts & mark sheets (official and translated, if not in English)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement
• Resume/CV for postgraduate applications
• Certificates of extracurriculars or awards
• English proficiency test scorecard

✅ Tips on Writing a Statement of Purpose 4. Entrance Exams (if applicable)

While most undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Singapore don’t require entrance exams, some specialised courses or institutions may require:

• GMAT – Required for some MBA and business-related programs
  🔗 GMAT Official Site
• GRE – For specific postgraduate programs in technology or science
  🔗 GRE Official Site
• Institution-specific tests – Check individual university websites (e.g., NUS, NTU)

5. Singapore Student Visa Process (Student’s Pass)

Once accepted by a Singapore institution, you must apply for a Student’s Pass:

• Submit documents via SOLAR (Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration) system
• Required documents: Admission letter, passport, photograph, visa application forms, financial proof
• ICA processing time is 2–4 weeks

🔗 Student’s Pass Application via ICA
📝 SOLAR System – Login & Guide
Health Insurance & Medical Requirements

Health insurance is often provided by the university, but it’s advisable to verify:

• Most institutions offer Group Hospitalisation & Surgical Insurance (GHSI)
• Students should carry personal travel insurance for the initial period
• Singapore may require Yellow Fever vaccination proof for students from affected countries

🔗 Health Info for Travellers to Singapore – Ministry of Health
Currency, Banking, and Forex

• Open a student-friendly bank account in Singapore (DBS, OCBC, UOB are common choices)
• Bring sufficient Singapore Dollars (SGD) for initial expenses
• Use international remittance services like Wise or Western Union
• Consider carrying an international debit/credit card for backup

🔗 How to Open a Bank Account in Singapore – StudySG
Cultural & Lifestyle Orientation

Understanding Singapore’s multicultural setting and lifestyle is key to a smooth transition:

• Singapore is safe, modern, and multicultural (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western influences)
• English is widely spoken, along with Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay
• Public behaviour (no littering, no smoking in public, no chewing gum) is strictly regulated
• Cost of living is higher compared to other Asian destinations, but manageable with budgeting

📚 Cultural Guide to Singapore – Expatica
🌍 Living in Singapore – NUS International Office