As a multicultural nation, Singapore provides a wide range of opportunities for international students who are looking to experience a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle. Not only is Singapore a very clean city, it also has a very low crime rate, which can be seen as reassuring for many individuals as they feel safe and secure throughout their daily commute.
To find out more about Singapore, go on to Visit Singapore.
Top Notch Education System
Singapore is a popular study abroad destination because of its many education and career opportunities. Education is a priority in Singapore, and the nation is recognised as a ‘global schoolhouse’. Constantly ranked highly in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, Singapore is the most desirable educational destinations in Asia and the world. With the city’s rapid development, Singapore’s education system has drastically evolved to adopt the western ideologies and methodologies.
Multicultural Society and English Language
There are 4 official languages in Singapore – English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay and Tamil – but the working language for government and business is English. The current population of Singapore is about 6.0 million people, with Chinese, Malay, Indian and other ethnic groups, and different religions, cultures and languages, all living together harmoniously.
Before departing for Singapore, the student should have made prior arrangements with Ngee Ann Academy regarding the airport pick up for a smooth and easy transfer to your accommodation in Singapore. While travelling to Singapore, there are several crucial information that you should be mindful of to ease the immigration and customs clearance process.
Arrival in Singapore
Upon arrival in Singapore, please report to Ngee Ann Academy to complete your administrative formalities.
- Verification Of Original Qualifications
- VISA Enquiries
- Airport Pick Up Service
- Immigration Clearance
- Customs Clearance
- Administrative and Student’s Pass Formalities
Living Expenses
An international student in Singapore spends, on average, about S$1,500 to S$3,300 a month on living expenses. This amount will vary depending on your lifestyle and course of study. The table below is an estimated guide on the average basic expenses an international student may incur in a month.
| Item | Cost per month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Price of rental varies with geographical location, type, size, demand, facilities provided & the number of people sharing, etc |
$600 to $2,800 |
| Food Calculated based on $20 -$40 per day for 3 meals. |
$600 to $1,200 |
| Transportation Amount spent depends on distance travelled and mode of transport. Full time students can enjoy student concession on the MRT and public buses. |
$80 to $120 |
| Mobile Phone Subscription Depending on personal usage, and various plans. |
$48 to $108 |
| Personal Expenses Varies with the individual. Includes expenses on clothes, toiletries, entertainment, haircut, and miscellaneous. |
$30 to $300 |
Bringing family members
If you want to bring an immediate family member with you to Singapore, they have to acquire separate visas before entering Singapore. Please note that dependent visas may take longer to arrange compared to a Student’s Pass. For more information, please contact the nearest Singapore Embassy in your home country or visit the ICA Website.
Transportation Cost
Public transport in Singapore is relatively affordable.
Bus fares for adults range from $0.95 to $2.80.
Fares on Singapore’s railway system, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), varies from $0.45 to $2.80.
The fares are all determined by distance. Click here for the full Bus and Train Fare brochure as of December 2021. You can also calculate your travel fares via lta.gov.sg
All Taxis in Singapore are metered. Fares are charged according to the taximeter, plus applicable surcharges. The flag-down fare for normal taxi starts at $2.80-$3.90. Visit Public Transport Council for more information on Singapore’s Taxi Fares. On top of that, Singapore has many ride-sharing apps which you can download.
Climate
Singapore is near the equator and has a generally tropical climate, with occasional rain, uniform temperatures, and high humidity all year round. The temperature generally ranges between 24-33°C (75-91°F).
Leisure
There are many things that students can do in Singapore during your free time. You can visit tourist spots such as the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, East Coast Park, Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India and many more. We have state-of-the-art facilities like theatres, cinemas and shopping centres offering a wide range of entertainment. For those who wish to do sports and outdoor activities will not be disappointed by the numerous convenient facilities all around Singapore. On top of that, as a hub for learning and research, Singapore has various libraries and museums that are all easily accessible.
Medical Insurance
International students on Student Pass must have a valid Hospital & Surgical (H&S) Insurance which provides for 24 hours H&S Coverage in Singapore with a minimum annual coverage limit of up to S$20,000 per person, in Singapore Government / Singapore Government Restructured Hospitals throughout the course duration as stipulated in the PEI-Student Contract.
Committee for Private Education (CPE)
Established under the Private Education Act, the Committee for Private Education (CPE) is a statutory board sanctioned with the legislative power to regulate the private education sector. In addition to its role as the sectoral regulator of private education institutions (PEIs), the CPE facilitates capability development efforts to uplift standards in the local private education industry.
Ngee Ann Academy is a private education institution (PEI) governed by CPE. To know more about the Private Education Act and EduTrust Certification Scheme for Ngee Ann Academy, please click here.
For more information about the CPE, please visit Committee for Private Education.
Important Information for Student’s Pass Holders
All full-time international students must hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore for their studies at Ngee Ann Academy. Approval of Student’s Pass application is strictly by the ICA. Additionally, International Students have to be aware that holding a Student’s Pass in Singapore is strictly for educational purpose only.
- All Student’s Pass holders have to ensure that their attendance is 90% and above. If the Student’s Pass holders do not meet the attendance percentage requirements, NAA will have to report to ICA immediately.
- All Student’s Pass holders are only allowed to study in Singapore in Ngee Ann Academy which is stated in the Student’s Pass application.
- All Student’s Pass holders are not allowed to engage in any form of employment or attend an industrial attachment/internship programme, whether paid or unpaid, without a valid work pass issued by Ministry of Manpower.
- Female Student’s Pass holders are not allowed to become pregnant.
- Consuming of drugs or participating in political activities is prohibited.
- Students shall not engage in any activity, criminal or otherwise, which is inconsistent with the purpose for which the Student’s Pass has been issued.
- Overstaying in Singapore is considered a serious offence.
Should the Student’s Pass holder breach any of the regulations, the Student’s Pass will be cancelled and the Student will have to leave Singapore within 24 hours.
For any further enquiries about the Student’s Pass, please visit the ICA‘s website for more information.
Singapore’s Laws and Regulations
As an international student in Singapore, you need to be familiar with the Singapore Laws and do not commit criminal offences.
You can visit the Singapore Police Force (SPF) website for more information here.