Are you confused about which country you wish to study in – the US, UK, Singapore, Canada, or Germany? In this blog, learn about 10 reasons to study in Singapore. As a master’s degree holder from NTU Singapore, Neha Agrawal offers valuable insights for those considering their options. When she was accepted to both Georgia Tech in the US and NTU in Singapore, she faced a tough choice. She ultimately decided to study in Singapore and doesn’t regret her decision!

1. High-quality education – mainly why you should study in Singapore

• Home to top universities – Singapore is home to some of the top universities in the world like NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, and InSead to name a few. In 2023, NUS ranked as the 11th best university in the world with NTU following closely with a rank of 19. Insead in Singapore also holds a global ranking of 9 for its MBA program which is truly exceptional. 
• Amazing facilities- The infrastructure, faculty, and research facilities of these universities are top-notch, which not only gives you a lot of exposure but provides you with opportunities to excel in academia as well as the industry. 
• Competitive peers – Full of young, energetic, and passionate people, which makes you strive for excellence as well.

  

  

  

2. Inclusive International Experience in Singapore

Singaporeans are warm and welcoming, genuinely wanting you to join their social circle. I observed that my Indian friends in the US typically formed tight-knit groups of 8-10 people, sticking together for meals, living arrangements, and outings, with little interaction with locals. In contrast, in Singapore, I had more international friends than Indian ones, which greatly enriched my experience.

3. Ease of getting a Student Visa in Singapore

Studying in Singapore offers a significant advantage. In the US and Canada, gaining university admission is just the first step; the visa process can be highly stressful and securing a visa appointment is difficult. In Canada, a separate Statement of Purpose (SOP) is required for the visa, leading to uncertainty about reaching the country. However, in Singapore, the visa process is straightforward after admission, with substantial university support, ensuring a high likelihood of obtaining a student visa unless there are major issues with your profile

4. Singapore is a safe country

Singapore has consistently ranked as the 2nd safest city in the world after Tokyo in Japan. Neha quotes – “I remember my first night in Singapore, when I stepped out of my graduate hall at midnight in the night to take a walk, the feeling that nothing could happen to me was amazing.

5. Affordability of Education

• Lower tuition fees than western countries-  20-30% lower than in many Western countries.
• The service obligation scheme applicable to most undergraduate and select postgraduate programs further reduces costs, making international education more affordable. 
• On-campus accommodation is inexpensive, and part-time work opportunities can cover up to 70-80% of living expense.

6. Easy availability and diverse food options 

• Singapore is like a melting pot of cuisine where you will not only find asian cuisine and seafood, but also amazing Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and international cuisines as well. 
• Many options for Indians and vegetarians – University campuses host numerous canteens. At NTU, there were over 20 dining options, including canteens, restaurants, and cafes. Indian cuisine is readily available, with NTU alone having 6-8 canteens serving Indian food. Meals are reasonably priced at 4-6 SGD. Neha recommends the Mala Hot Pot!

7. On-campus accommodation 

In contrast to many countries, including the US, where on-campus housing is more expensive than off-campus alternatives, Singapore’s universities provide highly subsidized, affordable, and comfortable on-campus accommodation, referred to as ‘halls,’ with priority given to international students. With a variety of options ranging from individual rooms to twin sharing, and prices starting at 400 SGD and reaching up to 700 SGD, on-campus housing in Singapore is significantly more cost-effective than off-campus rentals, which typically start at 700-800 SGD and can reach 1500 SGD, making Singapore an appealing destination for students.

8. Climate of Singapore

Located near the equator, Singapore experiences a tropical climate, which I prefer over the sub-zero temperatures in the US and Europe. While it can get hot, air conditioning is widespread. Singapore has two seasons: rainy and less rainy. During the rainy season, temperatures drop, making the weather comfortable and enhancing the city’s beauty.

9. Ease of traveling within the city of Singapore

Public transport in Singapore is convenient and affordable, with the MRT (metro) and public buses connecting the entire country, making cabs unnecessary. You can travel across the city for less than $5. Both the MRT and buses are air-conditioned for a comfortable journey. People of all ages use public transport, not due to financial constraints but for its convenience and environmental benefits. Large campuses like NUS and NTU provide free university buses, removing the need for bicycles. Efficient transport is a compelling reason to study in Singapore.

10. Never get bored to travel around Singapore!

Singapore attracts numerous tourists with destinations like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Bird Park, and Sentosa Island. Additionally, there are ample hiking and trekking spots to explore monthly. The city celebrates various festivals, including Christmas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, with numerous events. Also, for short vacations, nearby countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia (Batam and Johor Bahru) are popular weekend getaways, while Bali, Vietnam, and Cambodia are ideal for longer holidays.

Here are the top ten reasons to study in Singapore. If you have any doubts about pursuing your education or career in Singapore, you can join our 30-minute consultation session – Singapore Consultation. In this session, you can ask Neha any questions you may have about Singapore. She will do her best to provide you with the information you need. We hope you have a successful and fulfilling career ahead! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below!