Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate: SGD 20,000–SGD 40,000 per year.
- Postgraduate: SGD 25,000–SGD 50,000 per year.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET): SGD 5,000–SGD 20,000 per year.
Cost of Living
Approximately SGD 12,000–SGD 18,000 per year.
- Accommodation: SGD 600–SGD 1,500/month
- Food and Groceries: SGD 200–SGD 400/month
- Transportation: SGD 50–SGD 150/month (students get discounts on public transport).
Climate
- Singapore: 24°C to 31°C (year-round tropical climate with humidity and rainfall).
Emerging Sectors (2025–2028)
- 2025–2027: Technology, digital finance, healthcare, and biotechnology.
- 2028: Artificial intelligence, smart city development, fintech, and clean energy.
Fun Facts
- Singapore is a "garden city" known for its lush greenery, with over 50% of its land area dedicated to greenery and nature reserves.
- It’s one of the cleanest cities globally, with strict laws against littering.
- The country is a cultural melting pot, with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences shaping its cuisine and traditions.
Finding Student Accommodations
Tips and Tricks
- University Accommodation: On-campus housing is available but may be competitive.
- Shared Apartments: Common in Singapore, with many students opting for shared flats or private rooms.
- Rental Agreements: Understand lease terms, especially regarding utilities, deposit, and the duration of stay.
Websites & Apps
- Websites:
- PropertyGuru
- 99.co
- Roomorama
- RentSingapore
- Apps:
Social Media Platforms
- Facebook Groups: Look for groups like "Singapore Student Accommodation" or "Singapore Room Rentals."
- Reddit: Check out subreddits like r/singapore and r/expats for housing advice.
Tips for Holidays & Cultural Exposure
- Chinese New Year (January–February): One of the largest celebrations in Singapore, with street parades, fireworks, and cultural performances.
- Singapore Grand Prix (September): Watch the world-famous Formula 1 race in the heart of the city.
- Hari Raya Puasa (April–May): A major Islamic holiday celebrated with festivities, food, and cultural performances.
- Deepavali (October–November): The Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with colorful decorations, markets, and family events.
Grocery Shopping for Students
Budget Grocery Stores:
- FairPrice
- Sheng Siong
- Cold Storage
- Giant
Indian Grocery Websites:
- Mustafa Centre: mustafa.com.sg
- Indian Supermart: indiansupermart.com.sg
- Spices of India: spicesofindia.com.sg
Pro Tip:
- Visit hawker centers for affordable and delicious local food, offering everything from traditional Chinese, Malay, and Indian dishes to fusion meals.
Best Banks
- DBS Bank: Offers a student account with no fees and easy access to banking services.
- OCBC Bank: Provides student banking services with discounts and perks.
- UOB Bank: Offers student accounts with no monthly fees and online banking features.
Health Insurance Options
- Health Insurance for Students:
- Integrated Shield Plans (available through major insurers like AIA, Prudential, NTUC Income)
- SingHealth
- Raffles Health Insurance
Work Permit Options After Studying in Singapore
- Eligibility
- Must have graduated from a recognized institution in Singapore.
- The program must meet Work Pass Qualification Criteria, depending on the job offer after graduation.
- Permit Options
- Employment Pass (EP): For graduates offered managerial, executive, or specialized roles, with a minimum monthly salary of SGD 5,000.
- S Pass: For graduates with technical or mid-skilled roles, requiring a minimum monthly salary of SGD 3,000.
- Application
- Graduates must secure a job offer from a Singapore-based employer before applying for a work pass.
- Employers typically handle the application process through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Lotus Study Experts Score Card for Singapore
- Affordability: 7.0/10
- Quality of Education: 9.0/10
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: 8.5/10
- Cultural Experience: 8.5/10
- Living Conditions: 8.5/10
Lotus Study Experts Score Card
The Lotus Study Experts evaluates study-abroad destinations based on critical factors for international students. Here's a concise breakdown of the factors considered:
Factors Considered for the Score:
Affordability (1–10):
Average tuition fees, cost of living, and availability of scholarships/financial aid.
Quality of Education (1–10):
University rankings, academic reputation, and research opportunities.
Post-Study Work Opportunities (1–10):
Work visa options, job market demand, and pathways to permanent residency.
Cultural Experience (1–10):
Cultural diversity, international student support, and social activities.
Living Conditions (1–10):
Safety, healthcare, public infrastructure, and environmental factors.
This comprehensive approach ensures that each score reflects the overall suitability of the country for students, helping them make informed decisions.