Study Abroad Programs in Singapore

Singapore lies below the west area of Malaysia and is made up of a main island and more than 60 islands and inlets. With endless Chinese shophouses, smoky temples, and skyscrapers, your time in your Singapore study abroad program will be a whirlwind full of adventures. Here are the best places to study abroad in Singapore.

Singapore City. The “Lion City” or the “Little Red Dot” offers malls for you to shop until you drop, ancient rainforests for you to discover Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, and chilli-spiked crab and other dishes to tingle your tastebuds. Here you can stroll through the Botanic Gardens to take your mind off your studies, hop on a bumboat to explore the island, and take pics of art in converted colonial barracks. You can enjoy a full tropical experience and take advantage of a year-round sunny climate with activities such as windsurfing, wakeboarding, and overnight biking excursions.

The city’s most popular beach, the East Coast Park, stretches more than nine miles and is a favorite destination for international students looking for fun outdoor activities and an exciting nightlife. From enjoying a picnic to feeling the sea breeze to playing volleyball with your classmates, this park offers a gateway to fun, and with a view of the cityscape and anchored boats, you’ll be glad you stopped by.

Singapore’s buildings artfully combine colonial and contemporary styles of architecture. The century-old Raffles Hotel is an iconic colonial-era structure. There are also the uniquely Singaporean Esplanade and the ultra modern Marina Bay Sands. This may be the only country where you never have to worry about stepping on chewing gum. From the sidewalks to the public bathrooms, the level of general cleanliness here is truly rare.

In Singapore, the culture puts an extremely high value on education. Singapore’s world-leading educational system has gained a reputation for being top notch and globally competitive. We surveyed students and here are the most popular subjects to study in Singapore.

Health. For those who are looking to pursue a graduate degree in biology and medicine, study abroad Singapore programs offer valuable global viewpoints. Covering a variety of fields from cancer to behavior disorders to stem cell biology, you’ll gain advanced training from experienced professionals firsthand. 

Business. Not only can you learn about business, but you’ll see it happen live in the skyscrapers and business centers. With its sound economy and political stability, multinational corporations are drawn to Singapore. You’ll also have the opportunity to take economics and finance classes in tandem with business. 

Liberal Arts. Whether you’re looking to study communications, politics, photography, travel & tourism, visual arts, and more, you can also look into taking Singapore study abroad programs in the summer to earn credits in these fields as well. You won’t just be reading from textbooks here, you’ll be exploring the culture and learning about the diverse ethnicities here that call Singapore home.

The cost of living in Singapore is quite high, comparable to New York City. Eat slurpable noodles and pink rose drinks at the street food stalls, or Hawker stands, to tip the balance back in your favor. Your program fee will put the biggest dent in your pocketbook, next to only your international flights.

To help cover the expenses for your Singapore study abroad program, consider looking into scholarships in Singapore and requesting help from friends and family via FundMyTravel.

What types of housing are available for students in Singapore? Generally, you can choose to stay with a host family or in an apartment/flat while you’re on your Singapore study abroad program. If you’d like to stay in an apartment alone or with other students, monthly rents are between $1500 to $3000.

However, with a host family, you’ll immerse yourself in the culture, and you’ll learn the ins and outs of the daily life of a Singapore citizen as you taste some homemade meals and learn more about traditions, customs, and etiquette.

If you plan on studying in Singapore for less than 90 days, you’ll just need a passport that is valid for six months beyond your departure date. If you plan to study longer, you’ll need to apply for a student pass, which involves an approval letter, your passport, passport-sized photos, a medical report, and other documents. Feel free to reach out to your program coordinator for assistance with obtaining a student pass or check out GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory for more assistance.

The prestige of good education of studying abroad in Singapore comes with a price — it requires that you tackle your studies with vigor like the local students. Be ready to mingle with fellow students who are serious about learning.

You won’t have to worry much about dangerous situations — Singapore is famed for having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. While violent crimes against visiting students are rare, watch out for pickpocketing and theft at tourist destinations.

From chowing down on fragrant laksa to sashaying down alleys, you’ll make unforgettable memories while you study in Singapore and meander through its myriad cultural influences.