Singapore universities. Admission, conditions, prospects in Singapore. Features of the educational system of Singapore

Singapore is an Asian country with a high standard of living and oriental cultural values. It is one of the most comfortable for living due to progressive social policy, ecology and the level of wages. Singaporean education also deserves attention, which is distinguished by its high quality and relatively low cost of education. Therefore, educational institutions in Singapore are attractive for international students.

The history of the formation and principles of the Singapore educational system

Until the middle of the 20th century, Singapore was a British colony. The independence of the state was granted only in 1959. Teaching in schools was conducted in the native language of citizens (English, Malay, Chinese, Hindi). Only Europeans spoke English, 95% of the population were Chinese, Indians and Malays. To form a new society, a new education system was needed.

In the history of the formation of Singaporean education, 3 stages can be distinguished.

In the period from 1959 to 1979, educational programs were standardized. English was chosen for teaching school subjects. Within the framework of the education development program, 83 schools were built, financing was carried out from the state budget. Textbooks began to be published in Singapore. Special attention was paid to technical education - professional schools and institutes were created.

from 1979 to 1997, emphasis is placed on improving the quality of education. Streaming distribution of students is being introduced in schools (classes are formed depending on the abilities of children). In 1992, the Institute of Technical Education was created, and special technical streams were introduced in secondary schools. The salaries for engineering and research professions were increased, which increased the prestige of higher education.

Since 1997, there has been a stage in the implementation of the existing capabilities of the educational system. By 2008, streaming education in schools was canceled. The emphasis is on individualized educational programs, the ability of citizens to learn throughout their lives, the development of creativity and teamwork skills. The Edusave grant system was introduced, which allows to fully cover the costs of students for training. Natural and technical disciplines became the leading directions.

The principles of the modern Singaporean educational system are:

• bilingual education programs (teaching is in Chinese and English),
• fostering tolerance in the younger generation,
• meritocracy (a person's merits determine his position in society),
• accessibility (the state guarantees that no child will be deprived of the opportunity to study),
• individual approach.

Features of the educational system of Singapore

The educational system includes 3 stages - preschool, secondary and higher education. In state institutions, education is conducted in the state languages ​​- English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. In private educational institutions, children can also study in their native language, other than the state one. The academic year at school begins on January 1 and is divided into 4 quarters of 10 weeks each, in universities - into two semesters.

Singapore's educational system is similar to European

Preschool education

Singapore kindergartens are preschool institutions. They accept children from 3 years old, here they are taught communication skills, native and English languages, reading, counting, music and singing, drawing, modeling, dancing for 3 years. All preschools are private, some of them run by religious organizations or foundations. There are no state kindergartens.

Kindergartens are attended by children from 3 to 5 years old

Secondary education

The institutions of secondary education include schools, technical schools, colleges. Children start going to school at the age of 6. Secondary education is divided into primary, secondary and pre-university levels.

In elementary school, education lasts 6 years, children learn mathematics, English and their mother tongue (Chinese, Malay, Tamil), civics, drawing, music. At the end of school, children take exams and receive a PSLE ​​certificate, which is necessary to advance to the next level of education. All primary school curricula are standardized. If desired, students can attend sports sections, lessons on aesthetic education and classes for gifted children. The primary school education system is divided into 2 levels - basic (grades 1–4) and orientation (grades 5–6). From the 3rd grade, natural science disciplines are introduced into the curriculum. Primary school attendance is compulsory and free for all citizens.

Primary school is attended by children from 6 to 12 years old

In secondary school, groups of students are formed according to the results of examinations in primary school. Education in secondary school is carried out according to the following courses:

• special (4 years, emphasis on learning the native language, upon completion an O-level exam is passed),
• technical (4 years, an emphasis is placed on the study of technical disciplines, upon completion an N-level exam is passed),
• express (4 years, superficial study of the native and English languages, presupposes obtaining an O-level),
• academic (training lasts up to 5 years, upon completion an N-level exam is passed),
• an integrated program - a professional course (5–6 years, 6–10 disciplines are studied, upon completion, an A-level exam is passed, which is necessary for admission to the university).

Classrooms are formed based on the results of primary school exams

The pre-university level (Foundation) involves preparation for a university. After completing express and special secondary school courses, students can enter part-time (junior) colleges, the duration of which is 2 years. The final stage of studying in colleges is passing the exam for obtaining the A-level certificate. For students wishing to get a technical education and having certificates of O- and N-level, there are polytechnic schools (training period - 3 years) and institutes of technical education (1–2 years).

Academic performance is assessed on the following scale:

• A1 / A2 - excellent,
• B3 / B4 - good,
• С5 / С6 - test,
• D7 / D8 - fail,
• E8 / F9 - unsatisfactory.

According to this system, the highest grade A1 is equal to 1 point. Upon admission to an incomplete college, the level of knowledge is assessed according to the L1R5 system, where L1 denotes a score in the native or English language, and R5 is the sum of points in 5 disciplines, which include at least one exact and 1 humanitarian subject. The lower the score, the higher the level of knowledge. The maximum score required for admission to part-time college is 20. Polytechnics use the L1R2B2 system, where R2 is the two compulsory subjects and B2 is the two subjects for which the student earned the highest score. Polytechnics usually put forward additional requirements for applicants.

Higher education

Higher education institutions are:

1. Polytechnic institutes.
2. Technical University (Nyang Technological University).
3. Independent universities.
4. National, state, private universities.

Training is conducted in Chinese or English. Upon admission to universities, applicants take exams. Gifted and successful children, as an exception, can be admitted without any entrance tests. High school graduates provide an A-level certificate. Graduates of incomplete colleges and technical schools must provide information about their progress and attendance at additional classes, sections. At the discretion of the selection committee, the applicant may be assigned additional entrance tests.

Education in universities meets international standards

Education in Singapore universities is carried out according to international standards and includes 3 stages:

• Bachelor's degree (3-4 years),
• Master's degree (1-3 years),
• Doctorate (2–5 years).

To award an academic degree and when moving from one level of study to another, students must pass exams, the list of which is approved by each specific university. Diplomas from Singaporean universities are recognized all over the world.

Tuition fees in Singapore for Russians and not only

The cost of studying in Singapore for international students is higher than for local students. It also depends on the prestige of the educational institution and specialty.

The cost of education in kindergartens varies from $ 100 to $ 2000 per year, in a public school - about $ 1000 per year, and in an international school - $ 1000-3000 per month.

Tuition fees for undergraduate programs vary on average from $ 10,000 to $ 32,000 per year, in master's programs - $ 15,000-42,000 per year. 4-week English courses will cost applicants about $ 2000. The cost of pre-university education is $ 7000-17000 per year.

Education for international students can be free of charge. There is a subsidized fee system and grants for undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, the student may be offered work at one of the enterprises in Singapore by profession after graduation.

Table: the most popular educational institutions

Photo Gallery: Popular Universities and Colleges in Singapore

SIM University offers programs of study in the arts, social and natural sciences Nanyang Polytechnic College specializes in training students of technical, engineering and scientific specialties Singapore Management University - the largest private university The main focus of Nanyang Technological University is engineering sciences National University of Singapore is the oldest educational institution in the country

Basic requirements for foreigners when entering educational institutions

Each educational institution has its own list of entrance examinations, often SAT testing is included in it. A prerequisite for admission for foreign applicants is the presence of a certificate or diploma of education (secondary, higher), a certificate of international testing for knowledge of English - IELTS or TOEFL (the minimum passing score is 6.0 or 550, respectively). In the absence of these certificates, you can study at one of the language schools in Singapore (training lasts 2-10 months), after which students are tested for admission to the university.

SAT is a standardized test for university admission. Developed and operated by College Board, an American non-governmental organization. Includes tests in mathematics, text analysis, and English grammar. Testing is carried out on a paid basis.

If the applicant has only a high school diploma, to enter the university, you need to study at a Singapore school for 2 years (a requirement of government agencies), and then complete the Foundation program. For admission to the master's program, a diploma of graduation from the university under the bachelor's program is required.

Scholarships and grants for international students

Every successful and gifted student can apply for a scholarship or educational grant. Financing of training programs is carried out by the state, educational institutions and employers.

At the state level, support is provided by the Ministry of Education, with funding provided for various stages of education. The list of scholarship programs and grants is regularly updated on the Ministry's website (https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/edusave). Only students enrolled in an educational institution can apply for a scholarship. Upon approval of the application, an additional agreement is signed, according to which the student is required to work in Singapore after graduation for several years. The grants provided by the Ministry of Education represent an amount of money that will only partially cover educational costs.

Almost all universities in Singapore have their own scholarship programs. Information is available on the websites of specific universities. Funding is often provided for highly specialized students.

Large enterprises and corporations are also interested in highly qualified personnel, therefore they are ready to pay for the training of a future employee. To do this, the student signs an agreement with the company, according to which he needs to work for several years under a contract in this organization after studying.

Accommodation for students

Singapore students live in dormitories and rented rooms (apartments). Not all educational institutions can provide a hostel for students. It is also possible to live with Singaporean families (information is provided by the university).

Some Singaporean universities provide a hostel for students

Infrastructure, quality and novelty of interior decoration and furniture, age of the house, proximity to the center affect the cost of housing. The price of renting a room or apartment on average varies from $ 200 to $ 1500 per month. Also, the list of student expenses includes:

• utility bills (~ $ 80),
• meals (~ 400 $),
• payment of travel by public transport (~ $ 100),
• telephone, internet (~ $ 50),
• books, office (~ $ 70),
• medical insurance ($ 20-300).

To rent out properties, landlords must have an HDB permit, which they must present to the potential tenant prior to signing the contract. The contract must specify the terms of the lease, the rights and obligations of the parties.

Video: Student Life in Singapore

Obtaining a study visa

Citizens of Russia and the CIS countries need a student visa to study in Singapore, the duration of which is more than 4 weeks. The registration process takes about a month.

The visa section of the Singapore Embassy is required to provide notarized documents translated into English:

1. Passport.
2. Photo 3cm × 4cm.
3. Education certificate.
4. Final exam results.
5. Birth certificate.
6. Copies of passports of close relatives (father, mother, brothers, sisters).
7. Bank statement confirming the possibility of living abroad and tuition fees.
8. Certificate from the parents' place of work indicating the position and average monthly earnings for the last six months.
9. Letter of invitation from the university confirming the fact of enrollment.
10. Proof of residence.

You also need to pay a visa fee of $ 25. If the decision is positive, it is necessary to additionally issue a 30-day tourist Singapore visa in order to undergo a medical examination at an educational institution, receive a visa card and register at the Singapore immigration department during this time.

Foreign students are required to study at the institutions that are indicated in the visa application. When changing the place of study, the visa is subject to cancellation and re-issuance. At the same time, the minimum number of teaching hours must be at least 15 hours per week, and attendance must be at least 90%. Student visa holders are not allowed to work in Singapore.

Courses while studying and job prospects

During the training, students can attend additional language courses. At the same time, they are not allowed to work during the entire period of study. At educational institutions in Singapore, attendance and academic performance are tightly controlled. If a foreign student misses a session and has an attendance below 90%, he is expelled and sent home.

The situation with the employment of foreign citizens is quite difficult. In 2012, local authorities began monitoring the number of foreign workers in Singapore. However, talented and talented students have a chance to find a job after graduation. Graduates of educational institutions are allowed to stay in Singapore for some time after graduation in order to receive a diploma, and draw up related documents. If a graduate wants to stay in the country, he needs to find a job and obtain a work visa. The list of priority areas for employment is approved by the government. At the moment, these areas include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, finance, information technology, tourism, trade. Even if a graduate has not found a job, but has a priority specialty, he can stay in Singapore. An employer who wishes to hire a foreigner must obtain permission from the authorities.

The curriculum adopted in Singapore covers a wide range of subjects such as English, mother tongue, mathematics, science, humanities and moral education. Learning the native language is necessary to teach students to understand the cultural heritage of their people. Training is conducted in English.

Every child in Singapore studies for at least 10 years in general education. This includes six years of elementary school and four years of high school. In the education system of Singapore, the emphasis is on the development of the ability to read, count, speak two languages, on physical and moral education, the development of creative and independent thinking.

Bilingualism policy requires every child to learn both English and their mother tongue. This allows children to perfectly master both English and their native language. Computer programs are also being introduced in schools. Education is heavily subsidized. Students pay low tuition fees in elementary, high school and junior colleges, with the exception of private schools that set their own fees.

After numerous reforms, the educational system of Singapore is characterized by the following features: bilingualism; division into streams according to students' abilities; training in several languages; emphasis on learning English, science and mathematics; strong technical education system; independent schools, autonomous schools and clustering system; decentralization of power and delegation of power to directors; an effective system of promotion and reward for teachers; teaching the moral values ​​and history of Singapore through the national education program; widespread use of information technology; extensive restructuring program; an education program for gifted children; teaching thinking skills; a strong funding program including the Edusave Foundation; many scholarships; the existence of a Special Plan of Assistance and madrassas due to the fact that Singapore is a multinational and multilingual state; The pursuit of excellence; an ambitious plan to become the Boston of the East by attracting affiliates of ten large international universities; effective integration of educational policy and economic development; focus on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; equal treatment of all languages, communities and cultures; utilitarian philosophy of education; a clear vision of the results of education; awareness of the political significance of education; emphasis on the need for education throughout life; development of a training and retraining program for workers; drawing the line between knowledge of facts and creative thinking; careful study and borrowing of the best features of progressive education systems; political will, careful planning and excellent leadership.

Distinctive features of the Singapore education system:

• bilingualism
• division into streams according to students' abilities
• training in several languages
• emphasis on learning English, science and mathematics
• strong technical education system
• the presence of a large number of independent schools
• teaching the moral values ​​and history of Singapore as part of the national education program
• strong funding program including Edusave Scholarship Fund
• an ambitious plan to become the Boston of the East by attracting affiliates of ten large international universities
• emphasis on the need for education throughout life
• borrowing the best features of progressive education systems of different countries

Higher education in Singapore

University education in Singapore did not appear in Singapore until 1905 with the founding of the College of Medicine. In 1929, Raffles College was founded, which had a liberal arts department and a faculty of exact sciences. Established in 1949, the University of Singapore included the College of Medicine and Raffles College.
Singapore currently has three nationwide public universities:

• National University of Singapore
• Nanyang Technological University
• Singapore University of Management

Singapore's first private university, Singapore Management University, was founded in July 2000. Specializing in business and finance, the university accepted its first students in mid-2000 and issued its first diplomas in 2005.

Branches of Western (in particular, British) universities are very popular. The advantages are obvious - a significantly lower cost of training with the equivalence of the degrees awarded.

Low tuition fees, highly qualified teachers, overcoming stereotypes, as well as a unique experience of communicating with people of a different nationality and religion - this is what studying at.

In total, there are not many higher educational institutions in the country - five institutes and four universities. But the education received in each of them will be guaranteed to be excellent, since the learning process in both state and commercial universities is under the strict control of the Ministry of Education. Thanks to this, educational institutions in Singapore occupy rather high positions in the world rankings.

Education in Singapore universities, institutes and colleges is conducted in English, which is the official language of the state, which ensures a constant influx of foreign students who want to broaden their horizons and improve their knowledge of foreign languages.

Benefits of Studying at Universities in Singapore

1. Comparatively low cost of training. Of course, depending on the chosen institution, the cost of one academic semester in it will differ, but nevertheless, the prices for studying in Singapore are significantly lower than in other leading countries of the world - Canada, USA, England. In addition, the state pursues a social policy, in accordance with which students, including foreign ones, receive a part of the funds spent on education.
2. The educational process takes place in English. The first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore made English the official language of the new state, so all subjects are taught exclusively in it.
3. High quality of the education received. For example, National University of Singapore is ranked 18th in the list of the best universities in the world according to The Times.
4. Diplomas obtained from higher education institutions in Singapore are recognized in all developed countries.
5. Very low cost of living (on average $ 500 per month). Most often, international students are provided with a place in a hostel. Living conditions on campuses are significantly better than in other countries in Southeast Asia.
6. Extremely low crime rate in Singapore. The risk of being robbed or attacked by hooligans is practically zero here.
7. Singapore is one of the largest business centers in the world, which allows you to explore the specifics of business from a different angle. In addition, at the universities of this state, advanced training courses are held for already held businessmen, with whom you can get acquainted and learn a lot of interesting things.

Disadvantages of Studying in Singapore

Difficulty understanding the locals. Despite the fact that Singapore is a pro-Western state, most of its inhabitants are from Asian countries, so their English is very often poor, as well as often mixing English with Asian languages, which greatly complicates communication with Singaporeans outside the university walls. Also very popular is the slang called Singlish and is a mixture of English, Indian, Chinese, Malay, as well as Australian and American dialects;

The cost of training, which, although much lower than the cost of studying in European countries and the United States, is much higher in comparison with the rates in China, Vietnam and Thailand. It is also quite expensive to rent an apartment, so you need to worry in advance about getting a place in a hostel or picking up a family with which you will live. It should be noted that, in addition to the direct cost of training, you will have to buy educational material;

A small selection of higher education institutions, which is represented by only nine institutes and universities. The information presented on the Internet is extremely scarce and describes only the main aspects of obtaining an education. In addition, there may be a problem with training in highly specialized areas. It may also happen that you have to undergo training in a wider-profile program than you originally planned;

-. Expect to sweat outdoors and freeze indoors. Singapore is located almost at the equator of the Earth, so it is almost always hot and humid here, and there are often unpredictable showers. It is saved by the fact that student dormitories and classrooms of educational institutions are equipped with air conditioners;

-. As soon as you step on Singapore land, you will see many prohibition signs. It is not allowed here to do what in other countries no one will pay attention to. For example, on the streets of Singapore, you cannot spit out chewing gum, which, by the way, is not sold anywhere. The atmosphere of constant, total control may be depressing at first, but it also has a reverse, positive side. It is thanks to the many fines and other sanctions that it is possible to achieve perfect order in the city.

Top 5 Universities in Singapore

1. National University of Singapore was founded in 1980. It offers training in the following faculties: humanities, social sciences, design, ecology, engineering, public service, medicine and dentistry, law. The university also includes a music conservatory.

2. Nanyang Technological University(Nanyang Technological University) was established in 1991. It has 23,000 students from different countries. The strength of the institute is considered to be the study of engineering subjects.

3. (Singapore Management University), founded in 2000. This is a private university, but with partial government funding. The university includes schools of business, economics and accounting, social sciences, information systems. The university works closely with the American Carnegie Mellon University.

4. was founded in 2006 and offers training in programs in the arts, social and natural sciences.

5. Nanyang Polytechnic College(Nanyang Polytechnic) opened in 1992 and includes six faculties: engineering, information technology, business and management, design, biology, medicine, chemistry. The total number of students is 12,000.

Universities attracting a huge number of foreign students began to appear in Singapore only in the 20th century, most of them are considered very "young" by world standards. Nevertheless, today a high-quality education is given here, and graduates receive diplomas of the international standard.

Among the famous polytechnics of Singapore are:

Tuition and living costs

To do this, you must submit to the consular section of the Singapore Embassy: a valid foreign passport, confirmation of existing education, birth certificate, color photographs of 3x4 cm format, a certificate of passing a language test, a bank statement and other documents, a complete list of which can be found on the website Embassy of Singapore.

Pros and cons of studying in Singapore

Pros:

• relatively low cost of training
• quality teaching in English
• borrowing the best educational programs from universities in Europe and the USA
• international recognition of diplomas
• tolerance and individual approach to each student

Minuses:

• young educational institutions not distinguished by outstanding history and traditions
• the need to undergo preliminary training for a period of 1 to 4 years before entering a university
• strict, in comparison with Europe and America, orders that apply to both the lifestyle and the learning process
• unusual Asian culture that has left its mark on the education sector

Despite the fact that Singapore is a city-state, the number of universities here is quite impressive. There are four universities and five institutes on a small territory. Three universities of the country are state-owned:

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)

In addition to them, higher education can be obtained in private educational institutions and branches of universities in other states located in Singapore. The specificity of these universities lies in the fact that they do not conduct research work and do not have postgraduate studies.

Singapore universities are consistently ranked among the world's best higher education institutions. Thus, according to the results of research conducted by the British magazine Times Higher Education in 2014, the University of Singapore (NUS) occupies an honorable 25th place in the World University Rankings, ahead of several American, Canadian, Australian and English universities. Also in the top 100, taking 61st place, was Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Diplomas obtained in Singapore are recognized all over the world and provide an opportunity for successful employment in the received specialty in any country.

Singapore Universities

Universities in Singapore, as well as in most countries of the world, do not accept Russians for training on the basis of only one certificate. The problem lies in the inconsistency of education systems, because in Russia secondary education is obtained in 11 years, and in Singapore - in 12. There are several ways to level this difference:

• graduate from school in Singapore or any country with a 12-year education program;
• complete a year at a domestic university and transfer to a university in Singapore from the second year;
• undergo training on the Foundation Program preparatory course, which will allow applicants to “pick up” a year, as well as fill in the missing knowledge of the English language, help to adapt to the educational system of a new country for a future student.

Many educational institutions of the state practice interviewing via Skype. This saves the student from having to fly to Singapore for the interview, and greatly speeds up the enrollment process. The process of admission to a Singaporean university takes no more than 4 months, unlike universities in most countries of the world, documents to which must be submitted one year before the start of study.

To stay in the country for more than four weeks, you will need to apply for a student visa, which can be done at the Singapore embassy in your country. Usually there are no problems with obtaining it - it is issued within 4-6 weeks.

Education cost in Singapore

The cost of higher education in Singapore is significantly lower than in the USA or European countries, and its quality is not inferior to the best universities in England and Switzerland. On average, the cost of one year of study at a Singaporean higher education institution varies between 4000 - 12000 USD, depending on the chosen specialty. The most expensive is education at medical and dental faculties - it can cost up to 40,000 USD.

Unfortunately, only a few educational institutions in Singapore provide international students with hostel accommodation. Therefore, most often, students rent housing in the city on their own. On average, an apartment in a good neighborhood with a living room and one bedroom costs S $ 500-600 per month. Living with two or three people will significantly reduce the monthly rent.

Food costs should be calculated based on S $ 120-150 per month per person. The cheapest form of transport in Singapore is city buses, which follow the same route as metro trains. A bus ticket will cost only one and a half dollars. You can also spend your leisure time quite inexpensively, for example, going to the cinema will cost 8-10 S $.

Scholarships and grants

The Singapore Ministry of Education implements a variety of university funding schemes that enable international students to significantly reduce their tuition costs. The Singapore Ministry grants are only a partial coverage of the costs. However, when it comes to living in a new country, even partial tuition fees make life much easier for a student. Therefore, if you are serious about getting an education in Singapore with noticeable financial savings, then regular monitoring of the website of the Ministry of Education can help in this. It constantly updates the list of scholarships and international programs. Also, almost all universities in Singapore implement their own scholarship programs, which can be found on the website of a particular educational institution.

The application for funding is submitted after successfully passing the entrance exams and enrolling in the university. If the request is approved, an agreement will be required, according to which the student undertakes, after graduation, to work in a Singapore company for several years. In case of violation of the concluded contract, you will have to reimburse the cost of training.

Many large companies in Singapore are interested in recruiting young specialists, so they are ready to provide them with financial support for their studies, provided that the student undertakes to work in this enterprise for several years after graduation. If the graduate receives a more favorable offer from another company and wishes to terminate the already existing agreement, then he will also have to pay a penalty in a predetermined amount.

Over the past 30 years, having made an economic breakthrough, Singapore has become one of the leading countries in East Asia, a dynamically developing state and a center for communications, technology and research, providing tremendous prospects for young professionals to realize their potential. Higher education received in Singapore is the key to successful employment in the chosen specialty and career growth in a prestigious large company.