Singapore enjoys a strong brand name in education, built upon its success in the public education system. Its reputation for offering high-quality education has attracted many leading educational institutions from all over the world to set up operations in the country. Today, Singapore is home to distinguished foreign tertiary institutions including INSEAD, DigiPen Institute of Technology and the German Institute of Science and Technology. The tremendous diversity and choices available have made Singapore a centre of global educational excellence, attracting some 86,000 international students to develop their skills in Singapore. Students have a wide selection of quality education options that range from business, engineering and life sciences to digital animation, fashion, culinary arts, luxury brand management and hospitality.

The education system

Singapore invests heavily in education because people are its primary resource. The education system is designed to groom a bright and literate population armed with skills and talents that are relevant to growing Singapore’s economy and ensuring its survival.

The Singapore Education brand spans the full-range of formal education; education is compulsory for children between 6 and 15 years of age, or up to Grade 6 level. Most children in Singapore attend national schools that abide by a broad-based public education system. Private education exists to offer alternative routes and courses, especially at tertiary level.

There are four universities in Singapore: the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Technology and Design. Working adults can enrol in the Open University Degree Programme run by the Singapore Institute of Management.

Singapore’s polytechnics offer tertiary education through a wide-range of diploma courses; these are practical-oriented, with plenty of group work. Disciplines included are tourism, biotechnology, digital media, engineering, business studies, mass communications, accountancy and hospitality management. The five polytechnics are Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic.

Expatriates who wish to enrol their children in schools with a curriculum similar to that of their home country can enquire with the various international schools around.

Singapore’s vibrant and diverse community of world-class pre-tertiary, tertiary and corporate training institutions have been of great appeal to foreign students, faculties, professionals and researchers.

Visit the Ministry of Education website.

Studying in Singapore

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for lifelong learning, complemented with world-class educational institutions. Students can embark on a pedagogical journey that combines the best of global knowledge with the wisdom of Asian insights; immerse themselves in a wide range of educational offerings; and embrace a learning and living environment that is both inspiring and conducive.

Visit the Singapore Education website.