At a glance
Singapore, by the numbers
#1 in Asia
NUS — Asia's top-ranked university
QS Asia University Rankings 2026
#8
National University of Singapore (NUS)
QS World University Rankings 2026
#15
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
QS World University Rankings 2026
100%
of university courses are taught in English
Singapore Ministry of Education
Field notes
- Singapore's hawker centers are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — and a Michelin-starred hawker stall sells chicken rice for under US$2
- Changi Airport has been voted the world's best airport 12 times — and its indoor waterfall is a tourist attraction in itself
Highlights
Why Singapore
Singapore packs one of the world's best education systems into one of its smallest countries. English is the language of instruction at every university — including NUS and NTU, both ranked in the world's top 15 — and the city-state is famous for safety, efficiency, and an unrivalled mix of cultures. Add hawker food, weekend flights to the rest of Southeast Asia, and a job market you can graduate straight into, and it's easy to see why students choose Singapore.
Top-ranked universities, taught in English
NUS and NTU sit in the world's top 15 — and classes run in English.
A truly global city
Students from over 100 countries call Singapore home.
A career launchpad
Graduate into one of Asia's strongest job markets.
Safe, green, futuristic
Immaculate streets, world-class food, and Gardens by the Bay.
Budget planning
Cost of living in Singapore
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa type
Visa-free entry (Short-Term Visit Pass) for courses ≤30 days; Student's Pass for longer
- Processing time
- None for ≤30-day courses · ~2 weeks for STP
- Work rights
- Not permitted on a Short-Term Visit Pass
- Funds needed
- Per program — show proof of funds for the course + stay
- Courses within the visit-pass period do not trigger the S$20,000 STP fund requirement.
Key requirements
- Application form — Short-program form (host university or language school)
- Academic records — Per program
- Proof of language — Often none
- Financial proof — Per program
- Passport copy — Biodata page; valid ≥6 months
- STP exemption — Courses completed within the Short-Term Visit Pass validity (≤30 days) as a standalone module may not need an STP
Verified 2026-08-06 · Sources: ICA — Becoming a Student's Pass Holder (apply) · ICA — Immigration & Checkpoints Authority · ICA — Completion of Formalities and Issuance of STP · ICA — STP for Institutes of Higher Learning · ICA — STP for Approved Private Education Institutions · ICA — Check if You Need an Entry Visa · ICA — Seeking Extension of Visit Pass · MFA — Check if you need a Singapore visa · MOM — Work Pass Exemption for Foreign Students · MOM — Work Holiday Programme (eligibility)
Guides & Articles
Guides & articles for Singapore
Complete GuideStudy Abroad in Singapore
A complete guide to universities, visas, costs, and student life in Singapore — the English-speaking gateway to Asia.
Read the guide
