Founded in 1905 NUS is an autonomous, research-intensive university, and the oldest and largest institute of higher education in Singapore. Following the latest 2016 QS World University Rankings, it made it to 12th place in the world and consistently ranked 1st in Asia.

You can get a scholarship.

It’s not exactly surprising that “The World’s Greatest City,” is also the “World’s Most Expensive” one, as recently determined by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). But don’t let this deter you from pursuing your higher educational dream of studying in this extraordinary location. Tuition fees are less than many other Asian nations, and scholarships, grants and fellowships abound for international students who know where to look. These include the following:

The Singapore Scholarship of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore: This merit-based scholarship program offers support to government-endorsed students from ASEAN member countries enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programs at the Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Management University in all fields except medicine, dentistry, architecture and law.

Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships at the National University of Singapore: These prestigious scholarships provide tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a book and laptop allowance and travel funding to Ph.D. students for up to four years. Read more about the National University of Singapore here.

INSEAD Syngenta Endowed Scholarship(s) for Emerging Country Leadership: Global agribusiness leader Syngenta offers two scholarships of €22,500 each every year to MBA students at INSEAD. Candidates much come from emerging economies, and awards are based on outstanding achievement, management aptitude, leadership potential and commitment to making a future contribution in their home countries. Read more about INSEAD here
INSEAD Nelson Mandela Endowed Scholarship: In honor of Nelson Mandela, this award provides financial support in the amount of €20,000 to one outstanding African candidate annually. Candidates must exhibit a commitment to the goals of African development with the likelihood of returning during their careers. Southern Africans are given preference, as are those with proven need for financial assistance. Read more about INSEAD programs here.

ASEAN Foundation Research Scholarship: An initiative of the Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), this program offers funding to ASEAN country nationals in the schools of Arts and Social Sciences, Design and Environment, Law and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS. These prestigious scholarships provide tuition fees and other funding for a maximum of two years.

United World Colleges (UWC) International Youth Scholarships: This consortium brings together students from all over the world within thirteen institutions, including UWC South East Asia, of higher education toward the fostering of international understanding. A multitude of full and partial scholarships are based on both potential and merit.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) — Japan Scholarship Programs: Established in 1988 and financed by the Japanese government, this scholarship program offers outstanding citizens of ADB’s member countries the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in a number of development-related fields, including economics, management, and science and technology. Annually, 300 students at participating higher education institutions in 10 countries throughout the Asian and Pacific region receive full scholarship support for a period of one to two years.

Science and Education for Agriculture and Development (SEARCA) Graduate Study Program: This program offers support to well-qualified international students pursuing advanced degrees in agriculture, forestry and other related fields focused on global sustainable development issues. Since its 1968 founding, this program has awarded thousands of full graduate scholarships for MS and Ph.D. students.

 

2) You will study in one of the best education systems in the world.

Your future is already bright, but a Singaporean education offers even greater gleam. While the entire continent of Asia is heralded as a rising star in the world of international higher education, Singapore is outpacing the rest in establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with thanks to dogged government initiatives focused on the importance of educational innovation — not only in terms of acquiring superpower status, but also specifically –and uniquely — as it pertains to the country’s own economy. Grads of Singaporean higher educational institutions are primed and ready to conquer the ever-evolving global economy as well as their own local one thanks to a shared vision, explicitly defined outcomes as well as strategies toward their achievement. Read more about why Asia is the future of International Higher Education.

3) You will assure yourself a degree highly renowned by employers.

Singapore was ranked as one of QS’s top three “Best Student Cities” in 2013 for a multitude of reasons. Of course, there’s its extraordinary reputation as an epicenter for higher education, research and innovation thanks to a combination of government imperatives, top-ranked universities, a collaborative spirit and a magnificent quality of life.

Because of Singapore’s renown superiority in the field of education, employers increasingly seek out its grads — both in Asia and across the globe. Both NUS and Nanyang Technological University score higher in the QS World University rankings, due in no small part to their ability to attract top students and faculty from all over the world. The city’s commitment to educational imperatives makes it one of the world’s most desirable spots for students — not only because of the education they receive while there, but also because of the many doors opened by a Singaporean degree.

 

4) You will experience a student life like no other.

1. Safety Matters

Aside from the fact that Singapore is a diverse, beautiful and vibrant place to live, it also excels in terms of safety. Strict laws and correspondingly low crime rates mean that city streets and public transportation methods are exceptionally secure for wanderers. In fact, TripAdvisor recently awarded Singapore the #2 spot on its list of the World’s Safest Cities, behind only Tokyo.

2. Diversity Abounds

Diversity isn’t just accepted in Singapore, it is abundantly welcomed. A large percentage of expats offer a comfortable environment for newcomers and the town — and even the taxi drivers — is celebrated for its friendliness to strangers. The melding of so many unique cultures offers a unique worldview for residents and visiting scholars alike.

3. Anytime, Anywhere

If action is your endgame, then there’s no place quite like Singapore. The city is alive with people and activities throughout the day and well into evening. Night owls in particular will love life here, where shops, restaurants and other attractions remain open way into the wee hours. An extraordinary breadth and depth of local cuisine, unparalleled shopping and even a world-celebrated zoo, mean that no one is ever bored in Singapore.

4. You Pay for What You Get

Yes, Singapore is expensive. However, people who live here enjoy access to terrific amenities that just make life better. From efficient services to cheap public transportation to the sublime Changi Airport, Singaporeans enjoy an extremely high quality of life considered by many to be well worth the expense.

5. English Abounds

While Singapore may seem like a far-off destination, international students quickly acclimate to life here thanks to its four official languages, and the remarkable prevalence of English — spoken by a full 75 percent of its population. In fact, English is Singapore’s official educational language.

BONUS MATERIAL: 5 Secret Tips for Studying Abroad in Singapore

• The competition to study in Singapore is fierce thanks to a recent cap placed on foreign enrollment by the government in order to ensure places for nationals. To get the best chance at acceptance, you will need high IELTS/TOEFL scores.
• Once accepted to a university, you have just two weeks to apply online for a Student’s Pass after which you will receive an in-principle approval letter. Keep this letter handy: it incorporates your visa and is necessary to pass through security checkpoints. Upon arrival, you will be screened for TB and HIV. A clean bill of health is required before you can be issued a student pass.
• Tuition fees range widely depending on the institution and your course of study. While education is not cheap, it is still less than many other Asian countries. Many international students receive tuition grants to help offset the cost.
• Finding an affordable place to live can be a challenge. The housing office of your admitting university is a valuable partner in this process. Additionally, arranging for short-term hostel accommodations in advance can save you stress upon arrival.
• Students hoping to work while in Singapore can take on 16 hours of part-time work and full-time work between terms without a work permit.

Singapore’s motto is “Malujah Singapura,” or “Onward Singapore.” A unique commitment to progress, along with the infrastructure to pull it off, makes Singapore an ideal destination for upwardly mobile international students.

link_description: meta_description: Singapore’s motto is “Malujah Singapura,” or “Onward Singapore.” A unique commitment to progress, along with the infrastructure to pull it off, makes Singapore an ideal destination for upwardly mobile international students eager to get a degree in one of the best education systems in the world.