About Singapore

Education has always been key in the growth and development of Singapore society, particularly in the years following 1965 when it became an independent republic. Now in the 21st century, where the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping our country's future. At the same time, through education, every individual can realise his/her full potential to benefit the community, nation, and lead a personally fulfilling life. By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.

• Hub for Educational Excellence
• Stable Economy
• Infrastructure and Accessibility
• A Multicultural Nation with a High Quality of Life
• A Vibrant City Lifestyle

The Republic of Singapore consists of the main island of Singapore and some 63 offshore islands. It is situated between latitudes 1°09'N and 1°29'N and longitudes 103°36'E and 104°25'E, approximately 137 kilometres north of the Equator. The main island is about 42 kilometres from east to west and 23 kilometres from north to south. Singapore's total land area, including that of the smaller islands, is 710.2 square kilometres. Singapore's immediate neighbours are Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia to the North, Sarawak and Sabah to the East), Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. Being very close to the Equator, Singapore's climate is characterised by abundant rainfall, relatively uniform temperature and high humidity throughout the year. The mean daily temperature is 26.8°C. The population of Singapore was estimated at 4,839,400 in June 2008. Singapore is a multiracial society - the Chinese constitute 76.8% of the population, and the Malays and Indians 13.9% and 7.9% respectively. Other races make up 1.4%. The official languages in Singapore are Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil and English. Malay is the national language and English is the language of administration. The Constitution allows every person the right to profess and practise his religion and to propagate it. The main religions in Singapore are Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of government. A written constitution provides for the organs of state, namely the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. President S R Nathan is the current Head of State. The current Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, leads the Cabinet in the administration of the Government. The Prime Minister and other Cabinet members are appointed from among the Members of Parliament, of which there are currently 84. The flag of Singapore consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. In the upper left canton is a white crescent moon beside five white stars within a circle. Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man, while white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, illuminated by the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality as signified by the five stars.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR ADMISSION

Admission is subject to the availability of vacancies, provided there are no SC/SPR children on the schools' waiting lists, and the schools' admission criteria.

1. International students without DP, IEO and whose parents are not SC/SPR and who are seeking admission to Primary 2-5 or Secondary 1-3 are required to sit for and pass a Qualifying Test (QT) before making a direct application to schools. International students seeking admission to Primary 1 or JCs are not required to sit for the QT; please see Step 2.
2. Submit your application at the school of your choice with the required documents.
3. If there is a vacancy, you will need to pass a placement test conducted by the school. Applicants will be tested on subjects such as English, Mathematics and Mother Tongue Language (where applicable).
4. Upon passing the test, the school will issue you with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
5. The Letter of Acceptance is valid for two weeks, during which time, you must apply for a Student's Pass with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
6. The applicant must return to the school with a valid student's pass within 2 weeks of the LOA's date of issue. Otherwise, the applicant will forfeit his/her admission to the school.

For other private, foreign system, international schools and universities, polytechnics or institute of technical education:

1. Apply directly to the educational institutions accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation.
2. Some institutions or courses may require you to undergo an interview or placement test. Some schools may also require work experience.

COST OF LIVING

The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.

The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.

• Accommodation
• Utilities
• Food
• Transport
• Clothing
• Telecommunications
• Books & Stationery
• Medical/Hospitalisation Insurance
• Personal Expenses

An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$750 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount of course, varies depending on your individual lifestyle and course of study. These estimated cost ranges in the Table below gives a rough guide of the basic expenditure an international student may incur per month.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA

All travellers are required to go through immigration clearance upon arrival into Singapore. The granting of social visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they are allowed to enter Singapore:

1. A passport with at least 6 months validity
2. Valid Singapore visa, if applicable
3. Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore
4. Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable)
5. Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.
6. Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
7. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

The period of stay granted is shown on the social visit pass endorsement given on the visitor's passport. Visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint. All visitors on social visit passes are not permitted to engage in any form of business, profession, occupation or paid employment while in Singapore. Visitors are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Singapore beyond the number of days given. If there is a need to stay beyond the period granted, visitors may apply for an extension of stay online via e-XTEND or at the Visitors Services Centre, 4th storey, ICA Building, before the social visit pass expires. Application for extension of stay is subject to approval.

Home Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore
www.ica.gov.sg Ministry of Education, Singapore
www.moe.gov.sg