Expat guide to universities in Singapore & beyond: which to choose!

Are you thinking about your future university plans?

Whether you have your heart set on a specific place or if you are still unsure about where you want to go, it helps to know more about your options so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

In Singapore, you have access to some great options because it is a key destination for education – that means you’ll have fantastic opportunities for further studies and a chance to lay your foundation properly.

With three main pathways to choose from, you will be able to find a suitable choice.

The 3 university education pathways in Singapore & beyond

1. Local universities

 Singapore has four major local universities – National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Singapore Management University (SMU).

If you are planning to launch a career and live in Singapore as a fresh graduate, having a degree from a local university would give you the upper hand as employers – especially in government bodies – tend to view it as the more prestigious certification.

However, as the education system’s standards are high in Singapore, it could be challenging to secure a spot in a local university as many students would be vying for that coveted spot.

Studying in a local university would set you back anywhere from $25,000 for a 3-year course to $39,000 for a 4-year course.

2. Private universities

Another option you can consider is pursuing your degree in a private university.

In Singapore, your options include institutions such as PSB Academy, SIM Global Education and MDIS.

If you prefer a faster route, private universities could potentially offer that as there is the option of picking a short degree course which you can complete within 12 months, equivalent to a final year of a bachelor’s degree course. Having said that, it would also depend on the field of study and your prior qualifications.

Should you decide to study in a private university in Singapore, expect to pay anywhere from $16,000 to $65,000 for a full-time course.

3. Overseas universities 

If you plan to further your studies abroad, you can also consider doing so in an overseas university – the University of Sydney in Australia, University College London in the United Kingdom or Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.

Apart from obtaining your degree, studying abroad would also help with your personal growth and development, as well as gain a global perspective while having the adventure of your lifetime!

However, studying abroad can be costly if you factor in the cost of airfares, accommodation or rent and your daily expenses, should you decide to travel within the country on weekends or in between semesters.

All universities accept IB (International Baccalaureate) 

Regardless of whether you wish to pursue your degree in Singapore or overseas, one thing’s for sure – an IB Diploma can help you to make it to your dream university. You don’t need to sit for the A-levels to enter a Singapore university.

Founded in 1968, the IB provides high-quality and challenging educational programmes at every stage of the child’s academic journey while offering a holistic educational environment.

It is known for its high academic standards and mission to develop global citizens of the 21st century, with a curriculum that places great emphasis on cultivating creativity and imagination.

IB Singapore schools offer there are three main different levels of programmes:

•   IB Primary Years Programme (for students from Grades 1 – 5)
•   IB Middle Years Programme (for students from Grades 6 – 8)
•   IB Diploma (for students from Grades 11 – 12)

Recognised in all of Singapore’s major universities as well as many world-class education institutions worldwide, the IB will open many doors and options for your future.

Give yourself a head start with AIS

Now that you have a better idea about your Singapore university options, it’s time to take the next step towards the next chapter of your study journey.

At AIS, we are committed to providing the best IB education that will help students study in their dream university, be it locally or internationally.

Get started by booking your tour today!

Choosing Your Singapore International School – 5 Advantages Of An Australian Education

From gaining a diverse and global perspective to unlocking top universities around the world, there are many benefits of obtaining an international school education.

If you have been planning to enrol your child in an international school, you might not be sure where to begin or how to determine which is the best choice for your child.

Hence, it helps to explore your options and get familiar with the different types of international school curricula to make an informed decision and pick one that is best suited to your child’s individual needs.

Today, we take a closer look at the benefits of obtaining an Australian education – read on to discover what it has to offer and how it can set your child up for success in future!

5 reasons to choose the Australian International School

1. Well-rounded academic curriculum

In Australian international schools, the curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education. It focuses on the development of knowledge and skills across eight learning areas including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, and technologies.

At the elementary level, students develop literacy and numeracy skills, as well as tap into the available tools to conduct inquiry, be problem solvers and successfully navigate their future pathways.

When they move on to the secondary level, the curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which helps cultivate skills that enable students to thrive even after graduating from school.

2. IB qualification as your passport to global universities

 The IB provides high quality and challenging educational programmes at every stage of the child’s academic journey while offering a holistic educational environment.

Known for its high academic standards and mission to develop global citizens of the 21st century, it has a curriculum that places great emphasis on cultivating creativity and imagination.

After graduating with an IB Diploma, your child would have plenty of opportunities – be it in Singapore or overseas – to gain admission to top universities as the certification is globally recognised.

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is another option that allows you to explore universities globally as well. The HSC allows students to pursue subjects of specialisation as well. Here are the differences to know.

3. Co-curricular activities (CCAs) to develop holistic individuals

CCAs encourage your child’s development beyond the classroom while creating the opportunity for him or her to pursue a passion or interest – be it in sports, performing arts or volunteering.

Apart from being able to explore and participate in different activities and programs, your child would also pick up skills, build confidence, learn to work in a team and get comfortable with being outside his or her comfort zone.

As Australian international schools offer a wide range of CCAs, from arts and crafts to science and coding, there’s bound to be an option that aligns with your child’s unique preferences and interests.

4. Develop a global perspective through languages 

Your child will be exposed to language programs in an Australian international school.

Through daily lessons and exposure to a foreign language, he or she would develop proficiency and gain the confidence to speak, listen, read and write in a new language.

On top of being bilingual, students will also gain a deeper understanding of world cultures, which can set them up for success in our modern, globalised world.

5. Develop an inquisitive mind through Inquiry-Based Learning 

The Australian curriculum adopts an inquiry-based teaching method, which sparks curiosity in students and encourages them to ask questions and connect better with their learning material.

Through exploration and high-level questioning, students are able to make real-world connections and also develop problem solving skills while understanding the world around them.

Take the next step towards a bright future with AIS 

From undergoing a curriculum and activities that encourage holistic development to gaining a valuable IB qualification, there’s no doubt that an Australian education can be advantageous for your child.

At AIS, we are committed to providing your child with the best possible international school curriculum that leads to an IB diploma which sets him or her up for success in university and beyond.

Get started by booking your tour today!