SINGAPORE

Singapore attracts over 70,000 international students from 70 countries. It has 670 sq.kms. area with 4 millions of population who comprises Chinese, Malay & Indians. A number of foreign universities like INSEAD, University of Chicago, SP Jain, IIM Bangalore, the MIT-Singapore alliance, Wharton-SMU alliance, Cornell-NTU alliance for Hopspitality management and Tisch School of arts among many others. Singapore is the regional head quarters for organisations like Informatics, Universitas21, Thompson prometric and International Baccalaureate Orginsation (IBO). There are over 7,000 MNC in Singapore which can absorb the Post Graduates. Students in Singapore are allowed to work while studying, to a maximum of 16 hours/week. There is 80% tuition fees loan scheme for all International students for studies in a local university or polytechnic and this grant is subjected to the signing of a deed with the Singapore government, undertaking to work in Singapore, for a company registered in the country for 3 years, upon completion of your programme. For unversities & polytechnics, the academic year generally commences in July/Aug and comprises of 2 semesters. IELTS/TOEFL is required by most institutions. Tuition fees range from S$ 3000 to 10,000 and living expenses are around S$ 6000 to 10,000 per annum. An international student is required to apply for a student's pass and visa (if applicable) from the immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). (top)

Education is among the top priorities for the people of Singapore and is the government's second largest expense. Mandatory schooling is enforced for 6 years of primary school and 4 years of secondary school. From secondary school, students can apply for junior college and eventually move on to one Singapore's three universities: the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University, or the Singapore Management University. (top)

Any international student wishing to study full-time in Singapore is required to apply for a Student's Pass and visa (if applicable) from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). For applicants who require a visa to enter Singapore, please ensure that your application for the Student Pass is submitted to the ICA at least 2 months before the commencement date of the course. To get Visa, the applicant must first be accepted by an approved Singapore institution to pursue an approved full-time course. A local sponsor is required for the application for a Student's Pass. Local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR above age of 21 or the educational institution where applicant intends to study. (Exception: A local sponsor is not needed for students applying to the polytechnics and universities - 5 local polytechnics, NUS, NTU, SMU, INSEAD & University of Chicago) Student's Pass application must be submitted at least 2 months in advance and not more than six months from the course commencement date. The normal processing time is about 4 weeks, though some applications may take a longer time to process. (top)

Full-time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term. However, they need to obtain permission from the Student's Liaison/Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and Universities. During their vacations, they are allowed to work full-time as the Ministry of Manpower has exempted them from applying for work permits. Please note that other international students are generally not allowed to engage in any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, or in any business, profession or occupation in Singapore during the validity of their Student's Pass, unless they have the consent in writing from the Controller of Immigration. Violators will be prosecuted by law. More info at www.singapore.edu.gov.sg/htm/stu/stuoza.html and www.iea.gov.sg

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