Singapore's education system is one of the best in the world, and the city-state is fast becoming a knowledge-based economy, with tourism bodies coming on board to attract international students to the country on various programmes to attend Singapore's excellent schools and tertiary education facilities. Its English-medium education places a strong emphasis on both English and Mathematics from an early age. There's also a good choice of schools for a country with a population of just 5 million – incredibly, there are 1,000 private schools in the city-state, and many more public schools.
For many international students, the decision of whether to enroll in an international school, a private or a public school is not an easy one – there may be a language barrier. However, Singapore's public schools are English-medium, maintain high standards, are closely monitored and standardised by the Ministry of Education (MOE), and are moreover often much cheaper than private or international schools. They may be worth looking into if you plan to stay in Singapore for a long time, or if the Singaporean school syllabus is similar enough to that in your home country.
Singapore students usually start school at 6 years old. Primary schools run from Primary 1 to Primary 6, while high school runs from Secondary 1 to Secondary 5, followed by Pre-University 1, 2 and 3. The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is held at the end of Primary 6, while GCE O Levels are held in Secondary 4 and 5 and GCE A Levels at Pre-University 12 and 13. Note that no foreign students will be enrolled in Primary 6, Secondary 4 and 5 or Pre-University 12 and 13, as they won't be sufficiently prepared for the exams at the end of these years.
The first step to enrolling a child in the public school system is to pass a standardised test called the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS). This is a compulsory test for all students seeking admission to mainstream schools in Singapore. This test is conducted twice a year in the month of February/March and September/October. Registration can be done through online at Ministry of Education's website. The admission is not guaranteed, and is subject to the applicant’s performance in the test. If successful, placement will depend on available vacancies and the applicant’s declared residential area in Singapore.
As for private school and international schools, they accept applications throughout the year, although keep in mind that some more popular or prestigious schools have waiting lists of up to three or four years for some grades. It is best to apply for admission as soon as possible. Many schools, especially top-tier schools, will have their own tests for English or maths proficiency to determine which grade your child should be placed.
Singapore has a clear pathway for each learners to achieve their goal in life. Below is the diagram of Singapore Education System. Click to enlarge.
Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with state-of-the-art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. Singapore has one of the highest living standards in the South East Asia. Daily necessities and luxuries are readily available. Below are estimations of how much is required during your stay in Singapore. They do not include tuition fees and travel expenses from your home country to Singapore. An international student in Singapore spends, on average, about S$1000 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount will, of course, vary depending on your lifestyle and course of study.
Expenses
|
Monthly Cost (S$)
|
Details
|
Accommodation
|
$200 - $700
|
Rental varies based on geographical locations, number of
people sharing and also type of residential. All-in-One accommodation normally
at the range of $1500-$200. This will include rent, 2 meals (breakfast and
dinner), utilities and laundry.
|
Utilities
(including water and electricity) |
$40 - $100
|
Not applicable for hostel stay
|
Food
|
$300 - $500
|
Based on rate of a 3 meals/day at a foodcourt.
|
Transportation
|
$50 - $75
|
Based normal charge on the MRT and public buses
|
Telecommunications
|
$60
|
Varies with mobile and internet access service providers.
|
Books & Stationery
|
From $100/term
|
Varies individually based on the course of study.
|
Personal Expenses
|
$100 - $300
|
Varies individually based on the lifestyle.
|
Personal Accident Insurance
|
$20 - $25
|
Most of the local schools will include the medical insurance
in the school fee. Apart from this, for greater coverage, students will be have an option to
purchase personal accident plan from many insurance companies to suit your
own needs.
|
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