Singapore Blog

1. Why Study in Singapore - 10 Reasons

• Excellent education system
• Cheaper than UK/ USA/ Australia
• No language barrier - English spoken widely
• Clean, green and safe country
• Multicultural Society
• Home to many foreign universities
• A Leading Global Business Hub
• A degree from Singapore is valued by employers globally
• Enough scholarship opportunities
• Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS)

2. Courses in Singapore

• Architecture and Building
• Agriculture and Environment
• Creative Arts, Communication, and Design
• MBA, Business and Management
• Arts, Social Science and Humanities
• IT and Computing
• Engineering & Sciences
• Tourism, Hotel and Food Management
• Law
• Health, Veterinary Studies and Medicine

3. Education System in Singapore

Singapore boasts of premium institutions and globally-renowned universities, recognized for state-of-the-art academics, distinguished faculty members, and cutting-edge infrastructure that provide scope for higher education. In context of innovation and competitiveness, Singapore's education system is strengthening its position in the global market, gaining recognition from across the world. Renowned universities in Singapore, like Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), collaborate with leading varsities across the world to improve the quality of education and the overall experience. Furthermore, they have strong links with various industries, leading to a good placement record. More about top universities in Singapore

4. Top 5 MBA Colleges in Singapore

5. Top 5 Engineering Colleges in Singapore

6. Top 5 Art & Design Colleges in Singapore

6. Top 5 Polytechnic Colleges in Singapore

7. Top 5 Polytechnic Colleges in Singapore

8. Living in Singapore

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city and a multi-cultural nation. It's also one of the safest places to live in and one of the most student friendly countries. Students can experience a vibrant lifestyle, with modern facilities such as healthcare, leisure and entertainment, transportation, and civic amenities.

Another great thing about being a student in Singapore is you can travel to other Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam) on a frugal budget. There are also regular flights from India to Singapore, which ensures a hassle-free experience for students.

9. Living Cost and Tuition Fees

Singapore's fast-growing economy and modern lifestyle has contributed to a high cost of living. Cost of education is also among the highest in Asia. However, it is still an inexpensive option when compared to UK or Australia. Currently, annual tuition fees average around approximately US $11, 800.

The tuition fee for a full-time MBA program (as of year 2016) from NUS Business School (National University of Singapore) is SGD 62,000 (approximately Rs. 30 lakhs.)

Accommodation expenses in Singapore varies depending on whether you rent a room (SGD 500 - 1,000 per month i.e. Rs 25,000 - Rs. 50,000 p.m.) or an entire apartment (SGD 2,200 - 3,000 per month i.e. Rs. 1 - 1.5 lakh p.m.) These prices are for public facilities; private rooms and apartments cost almost double this amount.

Transport costs within Singapore vary between SGD $100 - $150 (Rs.5,000 - 7,500) if you stick to just buses and train.The rail and bus network is quite extensive so you can balance your cost of living in Singapore by using these modes of traveling.

However, the good news for Indian students is that 52% of international students in Singapore are eligible for financial aid from top Singapore banks.

10. About Singapore

Singapore is a city-state and an island nation made up of not just one, but 63 islands. Mainland Singapore is one of the most densely populated regions in Asia. Singapore is an anglicised version of the name 'Singapura', which means the 'Land of the Lions'.

The modern history of Singapore commences with Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles setting up a trading outpost for the East India Company in 1819. In 1963, Singapore declared independence from the British and joined the Malay Federation. In 1965, the country broke apart from the Malay Federation, and since then Singapore's progress from an underdeveloped country to a financial and technological hub has been an inspiring story.

11. Education system in Singapore

Universities: Universities in Singapore are either private or public campuses or branch campuses (satellite campuses) of other popular higher education institutions. There are six autonomous universities in Singapore: National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Social Sciences.

Polytechnics: Polytechnics provide more industry-oriented programmes which prepare work-ready graduates. Both diploma and degree programmes are offered at polytechnic institutions. There are five polytechnics in Singapore: Nanyang Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic.

Institute of Technical Education (ITE): ITEs provide technical-oriented studies in areas like business, electronics, media and applied sciences. Students studying at ITEs develop technical skills and knowledge to work at several industries.

12. Why study in Singapore?

Singapore is extremely popular amongst students who wish to study courses in animation, design, game development, music, etc. Courses in law and combined postgraduate courses in management and engineering are extremely popular choices for students from South Asia. With numerous technological companies having offices in Singapore and some institutions offering scholarships for students with a 'work in Singapore clause', Singapore has become a popular study destination for Indians.

Students who opt for higher education courses in engineering also have a good chance of securing jobs in Singapore after their internships.

13. Some reasons why students choose Singapore as a study destination are as follows:

• English-taught courses are on offer at most institutes.
• Tuition fees and living expenses are less compared with other countries abroad.
• A lot of scholarship options are available.
• With many Indians and Sri Lankans living there, Singapore has a strong South-east Asian community. Student life is pretty exciting in Singapore!
• The country’s strict law enforcement policy and stable political environment offers students a lot of safety.
• Zero tolerance to racism and drugs.
• Some institutions offer courses in partnership with leading American and Australian institutions.
• Well-connected to the rest of Asia as Singapore has one of the best airports in the region.
• With good academic performance, chances of securing a job in Singapore are higher.

14. Study options

Academic intakes vary from institution to institution in Singapore. Institutes like the NUS and NTU have two intake periods, i.e., in August and January for postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. Private institutions like PSB and SIM have intakes every quarter. The admission cycle changes depending on the admission cycles of various other universities which have campuses in Singapore.

Some of the popular courses in Singapore amongst foreign students include, hotel management, MBA, engineering, applied & pure sciences, business, architecture and travel & tourism.

15. Cost of studying in Singapore For Indian Students

The cost of studying in Singapore for international students could vary between SGD 2000 and 12,000. The tuition cost is relatively inexpensive, and most universities offer financial aid for international students.

Living expenses could be SGD10,000, including stay, transport and food. Housing expenses (rent) could be SGD 150–1000, depending on the type of accommodation the student selects.

Or an Indian student living in Singapore, average living expenses (inclusive of accommodation, food, transport, entertainment etc.) will be approx. (SGD) $2000-12000 per month

16. Scholarships for international students

Singapore is a country known for its academic excellence, and it has courses on offer that are affordable. The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides financial aid to international students studying in Singapore. Some universities comply with the need-blind or merit-based admissions norms. Every deserving student who has a good academic record and a lot of potential is granted admissions, regardless of his/her financial difficulties, under need-blind admissions criteria.

You can apply for scholarships at the following institutes in Singapore

• National University of Singapore
• Nanyang Technological University
• Singapore University of Technology and Design
• University of Chicago Booth School of Business – Asia Campus

17. Benefits of studying in Singapore

With its relatively affordable education and top-notch courses in computer science, applied science, law and animation, Singapore is an excellent study destination for Indian students. The visa process is simple and hassle free as well. Being very proximate to India also means cheaper air-fare.

Also institutions from the USA, UK and Australia have opened satellite campuses in Singapore to offer their courses at a subsidised cost. With so many positive factors in place, Singapore has become an education hub and popular study abroad destination for Asian students.

Want to experience a global and youthful community of students in Singapore? This could be your chance to study in one of the popular study destinations which has outpaced many other countries in technology and research opportunities. Because of Singapore’s education quality, many employers seek the graduates who have experience studying in the country. You can be one of them too! Our counsellors can help you plan your studies in Singapore.

18. Why singapore is good destination to study

• Singapore has also registered a steady growth in the education sector and is considered as the best study destination in Asia and 4th best in the world.
• Indian students find it a good abroad education option due to its proximity and affordable education cost.
• With its relatively affordable education and top-notch courses in computer science, applied science, law and animation.
• Singapore is an excellent study destination for Indian students, With so many positive factors in place.
• Singapore has become an education hub and popular study abroad destination for Asian students.
• The world-class living quality should certainly be one of the reasons to study abroad in Singapore.
• From Mercer's rankings, Singapore topped the list in Asia for having the highest quality of life with the best infrastructure in the world.
• Getting around Singapore is so convenient and fuss-free.

Popular courses offered by Singapore universities:

• MBA/ Business/ Management.
• IT/ Computing.
• Engineering & Science.
• Tourism/ travel/ hotel management.
• Creative Arts/ Design Courses.
• Architecture.
• Medicine.
• Although Singapore is not a popular study abroad destination for Americans, it's actually a very popular destination for students from Europe.
• Although these are all great reasons to study in Singapore, the truth is, anywhere you choose to study abroad will be amazing and life changing.
• OVERALL RISK : LOW. Generally, Singapore is very safe to visit. It is probably the safest country in Asia to travel to, but it has its dangers.
• Use your common sense and keep your valuables closely by your side, since the most common type of crime is petty theft.

19. The path towards future study in singapore universities:

Here are the top 4 reasons why you should study in Singapore.

You can get a scholarship.

It’s not exactly surprising that “The World’s Greatest City,” is also the “World’s Most Expensive” one, as recently determined by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). But don’t let this deter you from pursuing your higher educational dream of studying in this extraordinary location.

You will study in one of the best education systems in the world.

Your future is already bright, but a Singaporean education offers even greater gleam. While the entire continent of Asia is heralded as a rising star in the world of international higher education, Singapore is outpacing the rest in establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with thanks to dogged government initiatives focused on the importance of educational innovation -- not only in terms of acquiring superpower status, but also specifically --and uniquely -- as it pertains to the country’s own economy. Grads of Singaporean higher educational institutions are primed and ready to conquer the ever-evolving global economy as well as their own local one thanks to a shared vision, explicitly defined outcomes as well as strategies toward their achievement.

You will assure yourself a degree highly renowned by employers.

Singapore was ranked as one of QS’s top three “Best Student Cities” in 2013 for a multitude of reasons. Of course, there’s its extraordinary reputation as an epicenter for higher education, research and innovation thanks to a combination of government imperatives, top-ranked universities, a collaborative spirit and a magnificent quality of life.

You will experience a student life like no other.

Aside from the fact that Singapore is a diverse, beautiful and vibrant place to live, it also excels in terms of safety. Strict laws and correspondingly low crime rates mean that city streets and public transportation methods are exceptionally secure for wanderers. In fact, Trip Advisor recently awarded Singapore the 2nd spot on its list of the World’s Safest Cities, behind only Tokyo.

20. Benifits of IT studied in abroad (Singapore)

The Information Technology (IT) industry has become one of the most flourishing industries in the world today. More than any other industry, the IT sector has enhanced its productivity, particularly in the developed world. This is one of the major reasons why it has become an important driver of global economic growth.

Rising demand for jobs in the IT field and economies of scale are largely responsible for information technology sector’s robust growth. In developing countries like Singapore, the information technology sector has witnessed substantial growth. This is mainly due to the higher standard of living and low taxation rates. Furthermore, with boost in modern technology, Singapore’s IT sector is expected to witness further growth in future.

Students looking to make a career in the IT field have innumerable options to choose. Apart from internet and networking, you can also choose hardware and software.

Foreign students have good options to work in Singapore. However, prior to applying for a job in Singapore, it is imperative to have Singapore work visa. The Asian continent is one of the most preferred destinations for international students in terms of job opportunities in information technology.

Here are a few reasons why you must choose Singapore as your destination, if you are looking to make a career in the IT field.

21. Why Singapore’s IT Industry is Thriving?

Making the most of Southeast Asia’s talents in information technology and having inexpensive manpower are two major reasons why Singapore’s IT industry is thriving.

Singapore Market Is Open & Favourable to IT Sector. Several global IT corporate has invested largely in setting up their business in this city state. Singapore’s global market is favorable to IT sector.

22. Businesses that Benefit in Singapore’s Booming Economy

IT consultancy services and internet access providers are people who have a major advantage in Singapore. Besides, wireless network providers and software development firms are also doing good business in this beautiful city. Businesses like web development and online marketing are doing equally good because of their rising demand. Foreigner’s eager to set up their company that largely focuses on developing or providing IT infrastructure can be sure that it will run efficiently in Singapore.

23. Why Singapore is a Superb Place for Employment? Economy

One of the major reasons why many expats prefer being employed in Singapore is because it is relatively easy to get work pass for Singapore. Having the right connections can fetch you a good job in Singapore and moreover the country is in desperate need of cheap foreign workers.

So, come to Singapore and explore the various job opportunities, particularly in the information technology sector here.

24. How to get started part time jobs in Singapore

The first step to working part-time while studying in Singapore is to get your student pass, which is issued only to international students pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The process to apply for a student pass may vary depending on the type of educational institution you are enrolled in.

The Employment Pass (EP) is popular among international students to pursue employment in Singapore. But the eligibility criteria for the EP includes a minimum salary of $3,600 per month, which is tough for students to acquire. Instead, international students tend to apply for work pass exemption to be able to work during their stay in Singapore.

To be considered for work permit exemption, you must:

• Be enrolled in an institution approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore
• Not be an exchange student pursuing study modules in Singapore

Some of the approved institutions include:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University
• INSEAD, Singapore
• SIM University
• Temasek Polytechnic
• United World College of South East Asia
• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

25. How many hours are you permitted to work as a student in Singapore?

Most institutions have their own rules and guidelines about their international students working on part-time jobs. As per the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of the Singapore Government, international students can work for 16 hours a week during their term time.

Work during vacation: You can work without a work pass during vacation, provided you:

• Are enrolled in a full-time program in one of the approved institutions
• Own a Student Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
• Are aged 14 years and above

Work during term: To be able to work during college term, you must meet the following criteria:

• You need to be a full-time matriculated or registered student in any one of the approved institutions.
• You must possess a Student Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

26. What kind of part-time jobs are available for students in Singapore?

Some of the popular part-time student jobs in Singapore are:

Data-entry Operator: With good typing skills this may be the perfect job for you.

Waiting or Kitchen staff in restaurants: Good pay and quite labour-intensive. If you are good at cooking, you can also consider being a chef’s apprentice.

Interpreter: If you know a foreign language and are proficient in it, you can get translation assignments or an opportunity to work as an interpreter.

On-Campus Jobs: Check for vacancies in your university/college. You could be working in the library, auditing all the books and magazines and arranging them properly.

Freelancing: A lot of interesting opportunities are available for graphic designers and programmers. You can work from the comfort of your hostel-room with a laptop and working internet connection.

You can enroll with the Careers Team of your university and keep checking for updates. You can also check with local businesses like cafes, restaurants, supermarkets if they are looking to hire students for part-time jobs and apply for relevant jobs.

27. How much can you get paid in Singapore?

The pay depends on the nature of your work and any additional benefits that you may get. If you work at a restaurant you may get your dinner free every night! If you are working at a supermarket, your employer may offer you additional discounts on the grocery and merchandise that you buy from there. Students may earn from $1000 to $2500 a month.There is a list of jobs and wages offered in Singapore to International Students.

28. Organisation structure in Hospitality Management

A typical organizational chart for a large resort hotel operation may often resemble the following:

General Manager reports to a Regional Vice President and/or Ownership/Investors

General Manager or Managing Director

• Assistant General Manager or Resident Manager
• Director of Operations or Rooms Division

• Director of Front Office or Front Office Manager
• Front Desk Manager (Shift Manager)
• Bell Captain
• Chief Concierge
• Valet Captain or Parking Manager
• PBX/Communications Manager
• Overnight Manager or Head Night Auditor
• Director of Housekeeping or Executive Housekeeper
• Assistant Director of Housekeeping or Executive Housekeeper
• Floor Manager (Shift Manager)
• Laundry Manager
• Director of Revenue Management or Revenue Manager
• Reservations Manager
• Director of Sales & Marketing
• Senior Sales Manager
• Leisure Sales Manager
• Business Travel Sales Manager
• Social Group Sales Manager
• Corporate Group Sales Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Social Media Manager
• Public Relations Manager
• Director of Food & Beverage
• Restaurant Manager
• Assistant Restaurant Manager
• Executive Chef
• Room Service Manager
• Butlers Manager
• Club Manager
• Bar & Lounge Manager
• Banquets Manager
• Director of Events and Catering
• Assistant Director of Events
• Convention Services Manager
• Event Manager
• Catering Manager
• Director of Finance
• Accounting Manager
• Payroll Manager
• Purchasing Manager
• IT Manager
• Director of Engineering
• Chief Engineer
• Maintenance Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Director of Human Resources
• Human Resources Manager
• Recruiting Manager
• Training Manager
• Labor Relations Manager (For Unionized Hotels)
• Chief of Security
• Recreation Manager
• Information Technology Manager

Additional Management Positions may exist for additional facilities such as hotel-owned golf courses, casinos, or spas.

29. The major Departments in Hotel Industry

• House Keeping Department.
• Food and Beverage Service Department.
• Food Production or Kitchen Department.
• Front office Department.

Operational Departments:

• Sales and Marketing.
• Personal and Human Resources.
• Accounts and Finance.
• Security and Engineering.
• Purchase and store.

30. House Keeping Department Responsibilities.

• Cleaning of public areas.
• Laundering of guest linen
• Issuing and receiving of staffs inform on clean to dirty basis.
• Issuing and collecting linens from various outlets.
• Placing of various VIP’s amenities. Etc. in the VIP guest room.
• Co-ordination with the other department of the hotel.
• Maintenance of gardens.
• Cleanliness and maintenance of swimming pool.
• Implementation of pest control activities in all areas of the hotel.

31. Food and Beverage co-ordinates:

• Food and Beverage production
• Front Office.
• Kitchen Stewarding.
• Purchase.
• House Keeping.
• Engineering and Maintenance.
• Account.
• Human Resource.
• Sales and Marketing.

32. Organisation structure in Hospitality Management

There are many exciting jobs opportunities for hotel management graduates with the increasing competition in the hotel industry.

Since a hotel has many departments such as Operations, Front Office, Food and Beverages, Accounting, Sales and Marketing, Engineering/ Maintenance, Security etc. one can opt for a field of their liking and pursue a career and successfully grow in it.

Apart from jobs in Hotels and restaurants, hotel management diploma holders /graduates can find good jobs in:

• Airline Catering (flight kitchen) and Cabin Services
• Club management
• Cruise Ship Hotel Management
• Hospital administration and catering
• Hotel and Tourism Associations (for eg: state tourism development corporations)
• Hospitality services in the Indian Navy
• Hospitality services in various MNCs
• Forest Lodges
• Guest Houses, resorts
• Kitchen Management (in hotels or running canteens in college, schools, in factories, company guest houses etc.)
• Catering departments of railways, banks, armed forces, shipping companies etc.
• Hotel and catering institutes (as a management trainee/ marketing or sales executive)
• Self employment (as an entrepreneur)