Last Updated on August 29, 2024
Singapore has over 40 universities and colleges, with the majority of the top colleges located in the central city. Students can apply for admission to Singapore universities and colleges by submitting their SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores. According to QS Global Rankings, some of Singapore’s colleges and universities include the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, INSEAD Singapore, Singapore Management University, and Singapore University of Technology and Design. Some popular courses in Singapore include BBA, MBA/PGDM, MIM, BE/Btech, and UG Diploma. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 10,000 Indian students have enrolled in Singaporean universities and colleges. In this article, we will discuss the List of Top Universities in Singapore so that you can easily look for the best university for yourself.
Universities in Singapore: Highlights
In general, top courses at Singapore universities and colleges last 12 months to four years. Singapore’s universities and colleges accept students during the Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes each year.
| Parameter | Statistics |
| No. of universities in Singapore | 40+ |
| Tuition fees of universities in Singapore | Up to INR 10 L: 22Up to INR 40 L: 46 |
| Top Streams in Singapore | BBA, MBA/PGDM, MIM, BE/Btech, UG Diploma |
| Entrance exams required | GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT |
| English Language exams required | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE |
Why Should You Study In Singapore?
Singapore as a higher education destination has not only encouraged international students to plan their academic careers in the country, but it has also produced excellent employment outcomes for them, allowing them to secure jobs in a variety of fields. It not only owns one UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it also has several visually appealing art galleries, parks, museums, and parks to offer. Singapore will soon establish itself as Asia’s leading international study destination, improving academic quality and research outcomes while maintaining the top-ranked status of many of its universities and institutions. Although it has four official languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English, the latter (English) serves as the medium of instruction, making it easier for foreign students to complete their studies. Each year, over 85,000 students from abroad, representing more than 100 nationalities, opt to study in the island country of Singapore.
Post Work Permit In Singapore
Students cannot stay in Singapore on a Student Pass or Study Visa to look for work, as they can in other European countries or the United States. This does not imply that they must return to India once their studies are completed. They have an option of staying back for one to three months. When a graduate student’s student pass expires or is cancelled, he or she is typically issued a short-term visit pass. This allows them to stay in Singapore for up to 90 days, during which time they can look for available job opportunities. However, while on this visa, you cannot work and must instead look for job opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Singapore does not allow students to pick up any work. Singapore universities provide internships related to the courses that students intend to pursue. A student can only select these related internships. Furthermore, most universities have partnered with industrial houses to provide students with part-time employment opportunities.
Student Visa Fee In Singapore: Visa Application Option And Cost
As an international student, you must obtain a student visa or a student pass in Singapore if you intend to enrol in an academic course at an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) that will last more than 30 days. Applicants must submit their visa or pass application through the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration, or SOLAR system. The visa processing fee is approximately INR 1,855 for online applications and INR 3,711 for manual applications. The documents required for a student visa in Singapore are listed below:
- A valid (minimum 3 months) passport
- Offer letter issued by an IHL (Institute of Higher Learning)
- Visa Application fee original receipt
- Completed visa application forms – Form 16 and Form V36
- Proof (bank statements) that you can bear the expenses of your education and stay
- Academic transcripts (degrees, diplomas, certificates) from an Indian institute
- GMAT/TOEFL/GRE/PTE test scores (if required)
- Letter of loan sanction by a bank (if student loan required) and proof of investments
Top Job Sectors & Economy
Candidates looking for work in Singapore can look into the following job sectors that require international talent. Executive positions are some of the highest-paying jobs in Singapore. According to a Michael Page report, C-suite roles such as CEO, CFO, and COO command high annual salaries ranging from INR 1.81 CR to INR 3.17 CR. These figures apply to roles in sectors such as Business Services, Chemicals, and Engineering, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Financial Services and fintech, and Healthcare and Life Sciences.
Top Ranking Universities In Singapore
Some of Singapore’s top universities for international students are listed below:
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 |
| National University of Singapore | #8 | #19 |
| Nanyang Technological University | #26 | #36 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | #429 | NA |
| Singapore Management University | #501-550 | NA |
Top Ranking Universities in Singapore
The top Ranked Universities Singapore are as follows:
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 |
| National University of Singapore | #8 | #19 |
| Nanyang Technological University | #26 | #36 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | #429 | NA |
| Singapore Management University | #501-550 | NA |
Top Engineering Universities in Singapore
| University Name | QS- Engineering and Technology Rankings 2024 |
| Nanyang Technological University | #14 |
| National University of Singapore | #16 |
| Singapore Management University | #401-450 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | #451-500 |
Top Business and Management Universities in Singapore
| University Name | QS Global MBA Rankings 2023 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | #26 (World Rank) |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) | – |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | – |
Top Medicine and Health Sciences Universities in Singapore
| University | Asian Ranking | World Ranking |
| National University of Singapore | #15 in Asia | #128 in the World |
| Nanyang Technological University | #62 in Asia | #350 in the World |
| Singapore Management University | #864 in Asia | #2289 in the World |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | #988 in Asia | #2583 in the World |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences | #1339 in Asia | #3365 in the World |
| Singapore Institute of Technology | #1683 in Asia | #4114 in the World |
List of Top Courses in Singapore
| Course Name | Count of Universities |
| BBA | 22 |
| MBA/PGDM | 20 |
| MIM | 20 |
| BE/BTech | 18 |
| UG Diploma | 18 |
| MS | 12 |
| BA | 10 |
| BHM | 9 |
| BSc | 8 |
Admissions Requirements In Singapore
The admission requirements for most courses in Singapore are listed below:
- Copy of the National Level High School Examination result slip.
- School examination results slip, for example, Year 11 High School transcripts/SPM/IGSCE/Indian Standard 10.
- Official SAT or ACT scores (if applicable)
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable).Â
- Copy of Passport / Birth Certificate / Identification Card
- Copy of Certification of exceptional talent achievements in co-curricular activities (if applicable)
- Copy of medical report, if you have or had any major illnesses or disabilities (if applicable)
- Copy of criminal records (if applicable)
| Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in Singapore | SAT GREGMAT |
| English Language Requirements by Universities in Singapore | TOEFL IELTSPTE |
Documents Required
The general eligibility requirements for admission into courses at top Singapore universities are listed below.
- The applicant should have received an aggregate of 90-95% in both Class 10th and 12th.h.
- If the applicant has not completed his secondary education at the time of applying for undergraduate admission, he or she should submit a Class 12 predictive score.
- Universities such as SIM, NUS, and Yale-NUS will require applicants to submit advanced placement test results.
- The SAT scores should be impressive. Additionally, state-board applicants must submit their SAT scores.
- If the applicants attended an English-medium school and scored more than 75% in English, they are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Cost Of Living In SingaporeÂ
Moving outside of your home country for higher education necessitates consideration not only of tuition fees but also of living and other miscellaneous expenses that students will face. Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate course will require you to stay there for years, not just a few days or weeks. The student must plan their budget based on their needs, as well as their preferences and dislikes. So, if the student intends to relocate to Singapore for studies, be prepared to spend SGD 750-SGD 2,000 (INR 46,370 to INR 1,23,655)* per month on average for living expenses.
Conclusion
Singapore’s top universities provide a diverse range of courses and programs in fields such as Business Services, Chemicals, Engineering, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Financial Services and Fintech, and Healthcare and Life Sciences. Students can apply for admission to over 40 top universities and colleges using their SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores. Popular programs include BBA, MBA/PGDM, MIM, BE/Btech, and UG Diploma. Every year, more than 85,000 students from over 100 different countries choose to study in Singapore. To obtain a student visa, applicants must provide a valid passport, offer letter, visa application fee, completed visa application forms, proof of financial ability, academic transcripts, GMAT/TOEFL/GRE/PTE test scores, and a letter of loan sanction from a bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How are the top universities in Singapore determined?
Top universities in Singapore are evaluated using criteria such as academic reputation, research impact, faculty expertise, student satisfaction, and global recognition. Organizations such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education take these criteria into account when ranking universities.
Are the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) the only top-tier institutions?
No, in addition to NUS and NTU, Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) are prestigious institutions recognized for their academic excellence and research contributions.
Do rankings of top universities in Singapore change over time?
Yes, university rankings can fluctuate due to changes in research output, faculty expertise, international collaborations, and infrastructure investments, necessitating frequent updates to ensure accurate information.
How can students choose the best-fit top university in Singapore?
Students should consider academic programs, campus culture, location, internship and research opportunities, faculty-student ratio, and career prospects, as well as visit campuses, speak with current students and alumni, and thoroughly research each institution.
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