Welcome to Singapore Education System

Five Quick Points About Singapore

• Fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures
• Great ethnic diversity
• World-class education system
• Amazing dining, shopping, and nightclub scene
• Highly impressive economic and urban planning infrastructure

Location and Geography

Located at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula, Singapore (officially the Republic of Singapore) consists of the island of Singapore and some 63 islets within its territorial waters. The main island is about 42 kilometres from west to east and 23 kilometres from north to south. It’s a mostly undulating country with low hills.

Climate

Like most of Southeast Asia, Singapore is generally hot and humid. The temperature almost never drops below 20°C, even at night, and usually climbs to 30°C during the day. Humidity is usually over 75%.

History and Population

Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore became an important port in the 14th century as part of the Sri Vijayan empire. It was known as Temasek (“Sea Town”), and trading and military seacrafts from China, India, Portugal, and the Middle East visited it regularly.

During the 18th century, the British saw the potential for Singapore to serve as a “halfway house” to nurture the merchant fleet of their growing empire, and as a location to rebut any advances by the Dutch in the region. For these strategic reasons, as well as their growing interest in the spice trade, the British established Singapore as a trading station. Singapore attracted merchants from around the world. Before the end of the 19th century, Singapore was unconditionally wealthy and trade exploded between 1873 and 1913.

Singapore fell to the Japanese in World War II and remained occupied for close to four years. The British returned after the close of the war, but self-government was attained in 1959. Singapore was for a brief time part of a larger Malaysia, but in 1965 became a sovereign, democratic, and independent nation.

Singapore now has a population of nearly 5.8 million. Totally urban, it is densely populated. The main ethnic groups are the Chinese (77%), Malays (14%), and Indians (8%). English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are the four official languages of Singapore.

Society and Culture

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interaction among different races is amicable. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past have given the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have intermingled. Behind the facade of a modern city, these ethnic groups are still evident. The bulk of Singaporeans think of themselves as Singaporeans, regardless of race or culture.

Known for how well run and regimented it is, Singapore provides an easy, safe, navigable, and enjoyable experience for visitors and international students. Nightclubs, restaurants, and boutiques are among the most stylish in Asia, and the food is fantastic – sampling from all over Asia. Despite how urban it is, Singapore surprisingly offers many outdoor activities as well, including mountain biking, rock climbing, and water skiing.

Economy

Singapore boasts the world’s second busiest port after Rotterdam, minimal unemployment, and a super-efficient infrastructure. Indications of how advanced and prosperous. It is ranked the second-most competitive country in the world according to the WEF, based on measures including “macro-economic environment, infrastructure, health and primary education, and labour market efficiency.” Singapore is incredibly international, and it has had to be given limited natural resources; the government welcomes foreign investment and the economic policy is export-oriented. The official currency is the Singapore Dollar.

Government

Singapore is a sovereign republic, with a legal system based on English common law. Its constitution lays down the fundamental principles and basic framework for the three organs of state: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The president, acting on the advice of the prime minister, also appoints other ministers from among the members of parliament.

Living Conditions and Cost of Living

Singapore’s safety, low crime rate, and high standards of living are world-renowned, offering international students an ideal environment for study.

Leisure activities include sports, entertainment, and a range of fascinating sights and sounds to experience. The cost of living is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced. Tuition fees average about SGD10,000 a year, but can be much higher than that. However, many students receive financial aid/scholarships to help them afford their studies.

Education System

Originally based on the British model, the Singaporean education system has evolved to meet the needs of the globalised economy. It has moved from a fairly rigid orientation to incorporate emphases like personalisation of learning, advanced technology, innovation, and creativity.

The universities in Singapore often feature in lists of the top universities in the world. There are currently 34 universities in Singapore, of which six are national and government-funded. There are also foreign universities in Singapore which have either set up a physical campus (institutes of higher learning) or have joint collaborations/programmes with local universities (local tie-ups).

Information Specific to International Students

Students can work part-time for a maximum of 16 hours per week provided they are enrolled in an approved institution. For more information: http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students

More Information

• QS guide to Singapore: https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/asia/singapore/singapore/guide
• Visa information: https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/asia/singapore/singapore/guide