Masters in Singapore: Top Universities, Eligibility and Scholarships
If you are considering pursuing further education in another country, why not choose Singapore? Singapore is a secure country with plenty of job prospects available. It is regarded as one of the top countries in which to reside. Singapore boasts world-class universities renowned for their excellence in research and innovation. International students choose top universities in Singapore because they provide excellent education at an affordable price and a low cost of living. Every aspect, whether college or jobs, individuals or the community, is highly efficient and friendly. This is a helpful manual for Indian students interested in masters in Singapore.
- Why Study in Singapore?
- Top Universities in Singapore for Masters Program
- Scholarships Offered by Singapore Universities
- Top Courses for Masters in Singapore
- Admission Process For MS in Singapore
- Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Singapore
- Jobs and Salaries in Singapore
- Cost of Living in Singapore
- Work Visa and PR in Singapore
- Singapore Student Visa Requirements
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Study in Singapore?
Opting to pursue your masters in Singapore can lead to promising career advancement opportunities. Singapore is famous globally for its academic excellence and is acknowledged in Asia and globally as a centre of educational excellence. The nation boasts top universities like the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Moreover, Singapore is now a hub for multinational companies, hosting the Asian headquarters and global research facilities of major corporations such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Dyson, and Tencent. With over 7,000 companies based in Singapore, you will likely secure employment after graduating from a top university.
- Global reputation for academic excellence
- Asian headquarters for top multinational companies
- Affordable Education
- A great cultural mix
- Low crime rate
- A progressive personal tax system
- Lucrative salaries
Here is a highlight of the factors that a student must know before deciding to study in Singapore:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | S$ 17,000 - S$ 90,000/ year |
| Cost of Living | S$ 1,000- SD$ 1,500/ month (excluding rent) |
| Exams Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, etc. |
| Intakes | August and February |
| Types of Visa | Student Pass |
| Top Courses | Marine Biology, Business Studies, Banking and Financing, Tourism and Hospitality, Architecture, Medicine, etc. |
| Types of Degrees | Diploma, Undergraduate Degree, Graduate Degree, Doctorate Degree |
| Language of Instruction | English |
Top Universities in Singapore for Masters Program
Singapore is known for its outstanding academic reputation worldwide, not only in Asia. The country’s education system is widely regarded as top-notch, with educational excellence that is both remarkably advanced and competitive.
For many years, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has consistently ranked Singapore as the top-performing location. It is also home to prestigious universities known worldwide for their exceptional academic standards and state-of-the-art research facilities.
The leading universities for masters in Singapore excel across all areas and help in the holistic development of students. Let’s look at the top universities in Singapore:
| Universities | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | 8 | S$ 36,421-55,720 (INR 22.42 L - 34.3 L) |
| Nanyang Technological University | 26 | S$ 29,533- 59,034 (INR 18.18 L - 36.34 L) |
| Singapore Management University | 545 | S$ 31,775-3,24,900 (INR 19.56 L - 2.2 Cr) |
| Singapore University Of Technology and Design | 429 | S$ 51,984 (INR 32 L) |
| PSB Academy | - | S$ 21,118- 27,616 (INR 13 L - 17 L) |
| Singapore Institute of Management | - | S$ 37,363- 47,110 (INR 23 L- 29 L) |
| James Cook University - Singapore | - | S$67,362 ( INR 55 L) |
Scholarships Offered by Singapore Universities
Obtaining a scholarship in Singapore is an excellent way to reduce your financial burden. This will significantly assist in cutting down your total expenses. Various government, non-profit, and private organisations sponsor students pursuing masters in Singapore. A few of the best scholarships are:
| Scholarships | Grants |
|---|---|
| SIA Youth Scholarship | It covers tuition fees, exam fees, living expenses, medical benefits, and accident insurance. |
| ASEAN Foundation Scholarships | Tuition fees and any other academic fees to study at the Chulabhorn Graduate Institute (CGI), air-fare, VISA fees, relocation allowance, monthly allowance, study material allowance and health insurance |
| Commonwealth Scholarship for Integrated Science | It covers travel expenses, tuition fees, and other allowances. Also offers a monthly stipend. |
| SINGA - Singapore International Graduate Award | Monthly stipend of S$ 2,000-S$ 2,500. One-time airfare grant and a settling-in allowance (once) |
| ADB - Japan Scholarship Program | Costs include tuition fees, monthly stipends for living expenses, study materials, health insurance, and travel. Furthermore, an extra stipend is provided for research and thesis development. |
| Singapore Millennium Foundation Scholarships | Includes monthly stipend and travel allowance |
Also read – Get High Paying Jobs in Ireland
Top Courses for Masters in Singapore
There are several top courses in universities for masters in Singapore. The best courses for Indian students are marine biology, business and management, banking and finance, medicine, law, and many more. Here is a list of the best courses in Singapore, along with their duration, which you can think of pursuing for your higher education:
| Top Courses | Duration |
|---|---|
| MSc International Tourism Management | 1-2 years |
| MBA | 12 - 17 months |
| MSc Computer Science | 1-2 years |
| LLB | 3-4 years |
| MSc Maritime Technology and Management | 1 year |
| MSc in Electrical Engineering | 2 years |
| MBBS | 5 years |
Also read – Cost of Living in Ireland 2024
Admission Process For MS in Singapore
Indian students and other international students can finish the admission process for Singapore online. Here is the method you can use:
- Choose your desired courses and search for the top Singaporean universities suited to your needs.
- Once you have narrowed the universities, visit their official admission websites to learn more about the requirements and eligibility criteria.
- To start the application process, complete the application form on the university’s official website with the necessary documents and certificates. Certain predominantly privately owned universities may also offer a traditional paper-based application process.
- Finish the procedure by submitting the necessary application fees.
- Wait for the universities to respond. Once chosen, you must apply for a student visa in Singapore.
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Singapore
The requirements for international students to apply for a Masters in Singapore vary between universities. In general, the other criteria that individuals need to satisfy to be eligible for acceptance include:
- Previous Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 6.5 or 60%.
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- CV
- English Proficiency Test Score- IELTS: 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL-iBT: 90-100
- 1-2 Page Statement of Purpose/Essay
- Passport
- Minimum work experience, if required for the course
- Minimum 83-86%
Jobs and Salaries in Singapore
After successfully finishing a Masters in Singapore, graduates can anticipate securing high-level positions in various fields. Singapore has established itself as a premier business hub, consistently ranking among the most globalized economies. This success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, Singapore boasts a highly skilled and educated workforce consistently rated as the best globally. This talent pool fuels innovation and attracts international businesses seeking a competitive edge. Secondly, the government implements progressive policies that streamline obtaining work and residence permits. This openness fosters a welcoming environment for foreign professionals, further enriching the talent pool.
Furthermore, Singapore adheres to a fair and transparent tax system, ensuring a solid financial incentive for businesses and individuals. This combination of skilled labour, streamlined procedures, and a favourable tax structure creates a fertile ground for business success. Finally, Singapore prioritizes education, with top-notch universities attracting students and researchers worldwide. This combination of knowledge and expertise strengthens Singapore’s position as a global leader in innovation and business.
The table below indicates the typical yearly income and employment prospects after completing an MS in Singapore for different roles:
| Profession | Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Analysts | S$ 56,173 (INR 34.38 lakhs) |
| Health Policy Analysts | S$ 44,106 (INR 27 lakhs) |
| Data Analysts | S$ 52,171 (INR 31.93 lakhs) |
| Marketing Managers | S$ 71,417 (INR 43.71 lakhs) |
| Civil Engineers | S$ 68,000 (INR 41.62 lakhs) |
| Teachers | S$ 44,919 (INR 27.49 lakhs) |
Cost of Living in Singapore
Living expenses for international students in Singapore are relatively high. This is why, if you decide to pursue masters in Singapore, it is essential to plan and manage your finances carefully in advance. Overall, you should budget approximately S$ 1,542 or 94,920.21 INR per month. The typical elements that make up the cost of living for international students in Singapore are as follows, on average:
| Expense Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Internet | S$ 50 (INR 3,028) |
| Accommodation | S$ 940–S$ 2700 (INR 56944 - INR 1,63,563) |
| Transportation | S$ 128 (INR 7754.12) |
| Health | S$ 99 (INR 6,000) |
| Meals | S$ 90 to 120 (INR 5,545) |
Work Visa and PR in Singapore
You will require a long-term visit pass (LTVP) to stay in Singapore after completing your masters in Singapore and finding a suitable job. International students seeking permanent residency must submit their application to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). To be eligible to apply, applicants must have lived in Singapore for at least two years, have passed at least one national exam, or be enrolled in the integrated program. If you have a job or secure one, the procedure for obtaining a work visa in Singapore is outlined below:
Entrepass: A special pass for professionals who want to start their own business in Singapore. Having appropriate company paperwork and registration is essential for obtaining an Entrepass.
Employment Pass: International students frequently utilize the Employment Pass. Your employer should sponsor the post-graduate work visa in Singapore. To be eligible for the post-study work visa, the individual must possess a recognized qualification and earn at least S$ 4,500 monthly.
S visa: This work visa is for foreign mid-skilled professionals who are qualified. The employer sponsors it, with a minimum salary requirement of about S$ 2,500 per month.
Singapore Student Visa Requirements
Student visas in Singapore are typically granted between 15 to 30 days. However, it is advisable to submit your application at least two months before the start of your course for added security. Sometimes, you may need to participate in a visa interview, which could lengthen the time it takes to receive your visa. Here is a document checklist for student visa applicants:
- Test scores – GMAT, TOEFL, GRE, PTE etc.
- Original receipt of visa application fee payment
- Bank loan sanction letter (if applying for a student loan), along with proof of investments, if requested by the ICA
- Current and legible passport, valid for a minimum of three months.
- An invitation letter issued by the IHL in Singapore
- Transcripts of degrees
Conclusion
Singapore provides a fantastic blend of cultures for those interested in studying there. Students travel from various countries to pursue masters in Singapore. Hence, studying in Singapore can provide a beneficial chance to build connections. However, the application process can be hectic for you to complete. Worry not. We at AdmitX are here to help you with your application process. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about study abroad opportunities.
FAQs
Is Singapore a cheap option for Indian Students?
No, Singapore is considered one of the most expensive countries for international students who wish to study there, but if you manage your expenses well, you will not have to struggle for your basic means of living.
Can International students work in Singapore while studying?
Yes, international students can work up to 16 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.
How long does it take to complete masters in Singapore?
It takes around 1-2 years to complete on a full-time basis. Depending on the student’s academic background, some programs might take longer.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
