A Comprehensive Guide to Higher Education in Singapore

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. In any society, an educated population plays a vital role as they are the primary source of growth and development in different fields today. Knowledge acquisition and the way it is applied has become one of the major factors in the development of the economy. 

Today, most people see a university or college education like getting a bachelor’s degree in Singapore as essential and necessary, helping you determine your life’s path. Enrolling for a university or a college education is the next level in the learning process after completing high or secondary school. It is an essential phase of human development academically worldwide. 

But before we go on further, let’s first understand what exactly a university and a college are. In some countries, a college is a secondary school but in this guide, we would be seeing college as a higher institution of learning. Colleges are usually smaller in size and do not offer a wide variety of courses and some only award diploma certificates. Universities, on the other hand, are also higher institutions of learning but they are usually bigger, offer a wider range of courses across different fields, and have the capacity to award degrees (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate) to their students. 

Importance of A University Education

Now, defining the importance of tertiary education involves more than just the basic benefits like better career opportunities and competitive salary packages. At a much deeper level, a university or a college helps you plan your life, taking you to greater heights and possibilities. Put simply, tertiary education yields both tangible and intangible advantages for you that in turn will benefit others. So, here are some reasons you should pursue a university education. 

1. Better Job Opportunities

A bachelor’s degree in Singapore paves the way for better job opportunities that might have otherwise been inaccessible. In fact, university and college graduates get the privilege of finding more desirable job prospects compared to non-graduates and two-thirds of all specialised companies in Singapore require their employees to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Do remember that better job opportunities equate to better benefits like health insurance, monetary benefits, as well as travel allowance among others. 

2. Competitive Salaries

There is an obvious wage gap between those with and without a degree. Various online studies have revealed that people working full-time with a bachelor’s degree earn way more in their lifetime than those with just a high school diploma or certificate. 

3. Networking Opportunities

A tertiary education allows a student the opportunity to mingle and broaden their circle of friends through interactions with people from different walks of life.  The thousands of people you meet, study with and work alongside in university will range from peers to mentors along with power players in your chosen courses. The bond you create here could potentially be used to advance yourself and your ideas in the future. 

4. Being Able to Change The World To Be A Better Place

Through tertiary courses but not limited to a degree in computer science and business management degree, students get to gather with like-minded individuals to carry out research and solve problems. These courses will mould critical thinking future leaders who can present their ideas and develop solutions for a better world. 

5. Personal Growth and Improved Self-Esteem

There’s more to a degree than just a professional certificate. Apart from gaining basic skills like writing, time management and working efficiently in a team, students also are presented with opportunities to polish their presentation and interaction skills with other students and professors who will, later on, become a part of their networking circle. 

A degree, no matter if it is an online bachelor’s degree in Singapore or a physical one, is empowering as it boosts your confidence and gives you a sense of accomplishment. It will also equip you with the skills needed to overcome complex challenges and adversities. 

How to Choose the Right University Major/Course

If you don’t want to waste precious time and jeopardise your happiness by doing something you may not enjoy in the future, choosing your university major after high school plays a crucial role. Choosing the right course is vital, determining your passion to continue your studies until you receive the scroll. 

Not sure where to start? Here are some steps to help you with your decision-making. 

1. Ask Yourself Why You Want To Continue Your Education

After your high school graduation, the question “why are you planning to continue your studies” would surely pop up. Try to set a goal on what you want to achieve three to five years down the road. For tertiary education, the objective typically lies in obtaining a degree qualification that can propel your career and future. 

2. What Are Your Interests?

Are you interested in the arts, sciences, or technology? These fields present different courses and eventually, career routes you can choose. Understanding where your interests and passions lie ensures your chosen path is one you’ll not regret. 

You can also discuss this with your family, school seniors and counsellors for their opinions and advice. 

3. Factors You Should Consider

 A tertiary education, be it a Master’s degree in Singapore or a Bachelor’s degree in Singapore involves many factors that should be taken into consideration. Some of which include:

• Money – How much are you willing to spend? Who will be paying for your education tuition fee? Will you be taking a study loan? 
• Duration – How long do you want to spend studying? Is a gap year an option? Will you consider deferring your courses? Are you planning to graduate early? 
• Course syllabus – will this course be able to provide you with the skills you need for your future career? Does this course cover everything you want to learn? Are you happy with the materials and subjects covered? 
• Employability – Will this course contribute to your employability potential? Do you see a career growth opportunity with this major? How far in life can you go with this course? 

4. Study Destination 

Are you planning to study locally in Singapore or abroad? If you plan to study abroad, make sure you find out:

• Which country specialises in the course that you picked.
• What country would be best to live in as a student for a few years. 

While studying abroad might expose you to new experiences, cultures and even future work opportunities, studying in Singapore is also worth considering as many of our local universities are known for producing credible and outstanding academic deliveries. 

Some local universities and institutions have also collaborated with prestigious universities abroad like the University of London, Teesside University, and the University of Northampton to offer students twin programs and certified degree and master courses from that particular university. 

5. Research And Homework

By this stage, you should already have planned out a few courses that you would like to explore. Now’s the time for proper research. 

• Evaluate and assess your options – Polytechnic, A-Level, Foundation Studies or Diploma
• Attend open days and education fairs to get one-to-one contact with the universities’ counsellors for more information and advice. 

6. Take A Reality Check

Before taking the next step give yourself a reality check by going back to step #3. Can you really afford the tuition fees? If you plan to study abroad, you will also need to ponder over travel expenditure and living costs. 

Some courses require minimum qualifications and grades. If achieving this seems daunting, will it affect your performance should you choose to take that major in university?

7. Narrow Down Your Options

Keep in mind that every course or major has its own specialisations. For example, IT is divided into different areas like Cyber Security degree, degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering degree and more. Be precise and careful when you identify which area suits your interest. 

It will definitely take some time before coming to a decision.. But once you’ve decided on your major, next comes thinking about the location of your tertiary education. 

Why You Should Consider Continuing Your Studies in Singapore

Singapore, widely known for its multicultural and multinational residents, has definitely made its mark around the world for its academic excellence. The garden city’s Master’s degree in Singapore  and Bachelor’s degree in Singapore are considered world-class and boast academic talent that is both highly professional and competitive. So, for all curious and ambitious students out there, here are some reasons why you should consider studying in Singapore. 

A Multicultural Society

Singapore is a multicultural society, consisting of individuals with different religions, races and cultures. There are four official languages that are widely spoken here – English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. This inclusivity and diversity have definitely attracted international students from all over the world as they are able to thrive in this welcoming environment by experiencing a mix of multi-ethnic cultures.

A Safe and Secure Environment

Singapore is renowned for being one of the world’s safest cities. Its strict policy against riots and crimes ensures a safe and conducive learning environment. 

In addition, Singapore’s low crime rate, honest legal system and efficient police force provide added assurance that foreign students are in an absolutely safe environment. 

Affordable Education

After deciding on your major that you will be studying, cost then comes into play. Compared to other countries like The United States of America, Australia and the United Kingdom, the cost of tertiary education in Singapore is relatively affordable. On top of that, many programmes in this Lion City offer scholarships and grants for your Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree to lighten your financial burden. 

Certain tuition programmes also offer subsidies for international students who wish to study in Singapore with the requirement of working here for a certain period of time. 

High Quality of Life

Beyond enjoying affordable education and diversity of culture, Singapore offers a high quality of life, ranking as one of the top cities in Asia. Factors that contributed to this include geographical location, economic development, climate, transportation efficiency, safety, social tolerance, food, history, architecture, leisure activities and nature. 

With so much to offer, students will be able to learn both inside and outside their classroom environment. 

Home of Top Universities in Asia

Singapore is recognised for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty members and  education system. This country also has universities that are highly ranked and well-regarded in the world such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU). 

These universities provide high-quality education like business management courses in Singapore and MBA in Singapore among others at an affordable cost and have strong connections with Singapore’s top-performing industries where students can apply for job placements at the end of their term. 

Student Visa for Foreign Students

Since Singapore’s education system has always been ranked highly across the globe, it is a popular education destination among international students. So, for fellow international students who have snagged a place here for your Master’s degree in Singapore and Bachelor’s degree in Singapore, congratulations! Now, let’s move on to your visa application requirements. 

Note: A student visa in Singapore is referred to as a student pass and universities are known as Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). 

When Should You Apply For A Student Pass? 

As soon as you’ve received your formal invitation to study at an IHL in Singapore, you should begin the student pass application process. As this pass is often processed swiftly, you may get your student pass within 15 days to a month if there are no complications. However, some cases will require an interview at the embassy which will take up to 4 months for the pass to be issued. 

Types Of Student Passes

Singapore only has one type of pass for their international students that are accepted in all 34 IHLs in this country. But there are 2 variants to this pass and they are:

• Student pass based on the duration of the programme – Depending on the duration of your course, you can either apply for a short-term or a long-term student pass. 
• Student pass based on the type of programme you wish to attend – Your pass will include details of the course that you will be attending. These courses include diplomas, certificate courses, vocational courses, practical training courses for international students, along with Bachelor’s and Master’s Courses.

Student Pass Fee

International students are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of  SGD $30 when they submit their application to the Singaporean Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA). 

Payments can be made via:

• Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card or,
• American Express (AMEX) credit card or,
• Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank Internet Banking accounts in Singapore)

Documents Required

To complete your student pass application process for your Master’s degree in Singapore or Bachelor’s degree in Singapore, these are the documents you need:

• The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the school you plan to attend
• Your travel document biodata page and birth certificate (if applicable)
• Your personal information, including the list of countries/places you have previously resided in, your educational background, employment history and financial support
• Your parents’, spouse’s, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable)
• Your residential address and contact details in Singapore
• Your email address
• Your recent, passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months. 

Student Pass Exemption

An international student who has been accepted by an educational institution to pursue full-time study in Singapore will require a Student’s Pass unless he/she has:

• An Immigration Exemption Order, or
• Been granted a Short-Term Visit Pass at a Singapore Checkpoint and wishes to attend a short course.

What No One Told You About University Life

Assignments, examinations and mugging can be considered a common rite of passage in university life, but what are some of the lesser known aspects? Here are some tips that should be discussed more often.!

1. Make The Most of Your Orientation Week

Orientation week presents the opportunity to meet other freshmen like yourself. So, talk to as many people as you can and make as many friends as possible. After all, these individuals will be there with you till the end of your term. 

2. Be Mentally Prepared

University is nothing like high school. For most, it will be their first time leaving the comforts of home to explore something totally new. Feeling lost and intimidated is completely normal, which makes it important to start with the right mindset. Although it can be challenging at first, the next few years may well be the best years of your life as you make new memories with some of your closest friends. 

3. Use Your First Semester As A Gauge

Although your first semester doing a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Singapore can be exhausting and overwhelming, use this experience to plan the rest of your semester and classes. If taking a certain number of classes per week is too much for you, try cutting them down the next semester as a gauge to see if there are improvements. Always remember, your university life is not a race you have to complete by a certain time. 

4. Buy second-hand textbooks

Second-hand books are a great way to save costs. You can ask your friends or seniors of the same course if they are willing to let their books go at a lower price. In fact, textbooks may not even be required for some subjects or courses! 

5. Always Attend Classes

While getting to early morning classes on time can be a chore, remember that punctuality is not only important in your tertiary education, it will also help you when you start working. Even if you struggle to wake early, tardiness beats absence. 

6. Make Full Use Of Your Student ID

Make sure to fully utilise your status as a university student and maximise your student ID. Some perks that students in Singapore get to enjoy include discounts for food, public transportation, movies, and even theme parks. 

What You Need To Know About Graduating University Early

Once you are in your final year, the phrase “I can’t wait to graduate” gets mentioned often. It is always wise to consider the pros and cons of graduating early and if you should do it. 

Advantages of Graduating Early

1. You get to save on tuition and earn more earlier – Graduating a semester or two earlier can definitely save you money and relieve some of your financial burdens. Entering the job market earlier will also give you an upper hand in picking the best before the rest!

2. Prepare for grad school – Continuing your education at a medical school, law school or through another graduate programme means spending most of your twenties in university. So, finishing your bachelor’s a semester or two early will give you some extra time to prepare for your grad school’s entrance examination. You can even use this time to rest or travel before you start studying again. 

Disadvantages of Graduating Early

1. Missing out on non-academic parts of university life – the years you spend in university opens the door to self-exploration. It is where you experiment and make mistakes with limited consequences. This is also the time when you start building your social network and learn how to make valuable friends and connections. 

Leaving early may result in less time to develop new interests, strengthen friendships and think about your future. 

2. Less time and flexibility in academic and extracurricular activities – Taking more subjects in a shorter period of time allows you to graduate early. However, this extra load limits your ability to explore other elective classes outside your major or even extracurricular activities that might enrich your life. 

Ultimately, unless you have a solid reason for graduating early, the best strategy is to just go with the flow. Since you have the rest of your life to build a career, we would suggest not rushing through your university life. But still, do consider the advantages and disadvantages before making your decision. 

Conclusion

The four to five years that you spend at your university may just be one of the best moments of your life. Not only does it allow you to carve your future career path, but you will also gain memorable experiences and create core memories worth cherishing forever! 

By choosing to study in Singapore, access to a superior education system, efficient transportation, safety, high quality of life, affordable education and life-changing experiences are granted.  

At Amity Global Institute, we are eager to provide you with the best tertiary education! Through our wide range of courses like a Degree in Computer Science, Business Management Degree and Accounting Degree among others, and our commitment to nurture students, we raise future leaders and competitive professionals!

If you wish to know more about the courses we offer and our collaboration with prestigious universities abroad, do contact us today to speak to our experienced counsellors.