Study Options in Singapore After Class 12th

The world-class education system, multiple top-ranked universities and job opportunities available in Singapore are the major reasons to attract students from across the world. These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees, from engineering and computer science to business and humanities.

Want to study abroad after 12th and explore a study destination in Asia? Consider Singapore for your higher education. It holds 15th rank in the list of best student cities 2025 which is far ahead of cities like New York, Boston, Vancouver and other popular cities. From top-ranked universities to ample job opportunities after study, Singapore has everything to check as one of the best countries to study abroad.

"Is Singapore good to study after 12th?" Yes, it is! The universities of Singapore offer multiple courses related to different streams. Also, the affordable education (tuition fees) in comparison to other top study destinations. This article is students who just passed 12th standard and now want to study in Singapore.

Why Study in Singapore After Class XII?

For those students who have just graduated high school and need options for a good undergraduate degree in the international domain, Singapore tops the list with a vibrant culture, quality education, and the opportunity to gain practical experience after studies. Known as the ‘global schoolhouse’, Singapore’s two top universities have found a place in the world’s top-15 by Times Higher Education (THE). Here, we have mentioned few reasons why you should study in Singapore:

• World-Class education system
• Top-Tier Universities
•  Vibrant Culture and International Environment
•  Lower costs compared to other top study destinations
•  A secure and comfortable living environment

Undergraduate Education Structure in Singapore

For students considering Singapore as a study destination after class XII, here is a glimpse of the undergraduate education structure followed by the country:

• The duration of the course is either three or four years, depending upon the major you opt for, wherein the student has to take 20 credit hours each semester
• Since the universities have a flexible curriculum, students can undertake double-degree, double-major, or joint-degree programmes
• In such cases, the B.A or B.S cases will be awarded at the end of the course
• Singapore follows the grading system and thus, your academic performance will be graded on a 5-point scale
• Some Singapore universities accept credit transfer from recognised universities where the minimum grade received should be ‘B’ (i.e 75-80%)
• Unlike other Indian universities where 75% is the average attendance requirement, universities in Singapore follow a 90% attendance policy per semester
• Also, note that students cannot apply to Singapore universities without choosing a major
• For engineering courses, students can opt for a specialisation after the first semester

Related Reads:

• Understanding UG/PG Structure in Singapore
• Application Process for UG/PG courses in Singapore
• BTech in Singapore

Eligibility For Studying in Singapore

The following are the generic eligibility requirements to apply for undergraduate courses in Singapore universities:

• The candidate should have gained an aggregate of 90-95% in both their class X and XII
• Predictive scores of Class XII if the candidate is pursuing his secondary education during the application process
• Good SAT scores, as specified by the university (SAT is mandatory for students from state-board schools)
• Advance Placement examination scores which are generally asked by universities such as NUS, SIM, and Yale-NUS
• Singapore institutions do not generally require TOEFL or IELTS score if the candidate has had his schooling from an English-medium school and scored over 75% in the English subject

Here is a basic list of the documents you would require during the application process:

• Attested marksheet of class X and XII
• SAT scores and scores of IELTS and TOEFL, if applicable
• Statement of Purpose, resume, and letters of recommendation-LORs (if asked by the universities)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proofs or certificates of participation in extracurricular activities
• Portfolio for Arts, Design and Architecture students
• Financial documents along with bank statements and loan proofs
• Singapore Student Visa related documents

Undergraduate Programmes in Singapore

Bachelor Programmes’ duration is usually up to three years and admission is generally guaranteed based on previous academic performance. Business Finance, Sports Management, International Relations, Business Administration, Multimedia Management etc. are some of the distinct courses provided by the universities in Singapore that allow undergrad aspirants to choose from a wide range of programmes.

Here are a few undergraduate courses which one can opt for depending on their interests:

• Engineering: Focused on providing a hands-on practical understanding of the concepts, engineering programs in Singapore are famous among undergrad aspirants. The programme usually includes project work, research based on topic, and the opportunity to undergo an internship.
• Computer Science: In recent years, the need for IT professionals in Singapore and the rest of the world has led to this course’s popularity. Also, the Singapore Government’s Intelligent Nation Masterplan (iN2015) increased their requirement for IT manpower. As a result, there few schools collaborating with businesses to provide their students a real-time insight into the industry through events like seminars, workshops, internships, or guest lectures.
• Media Studies: Apart from technical courses, Singapore is also a popular destination for Arts students. Along with polishing skills-set and teaching about interactive media, the media studies programme enhances one’s critical thinking and creative ability. This course entails a gamut of fieldwork opportunities such as completing projects for local or international clients. There are also various areas open for internships with domestic and/or international business.

Apart from these, there are other diverse areas of study which Singapore institutions provide:

• Tourism and Hotel Management
• Business and Management
• Creative Arts, Communication, and Design
• Agriculture and Environment
• Arts, Social Science and Humanities

Top Universities in Singapore for UG

Choosing the right university is as crucial as choosing the right course, thus, here is an overview of the top schools in Singapore:

• Singapore Management University (SMU)

According to a 2014 Graduate Employment Survey, within six months of graduation, 92% of SMU graduates were employed with their dream companies or were pursuing their aspirations. It is due to the fact that SMU has mandated internships for all students that allows them hands-on experience along with studying. Thus, the SMU graduates have an upper hand at bagging good job roles once they get out in the real world. Business Management in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources programme is the most popular course among Indian undergrad aspirants.

• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

The programme in Architecture and Sustainable Design is quite famous among Indian undergrad aspirants. The university has designed its curriculum in collaboration with MIT. Students, here, get an advantage of learning from both the faculty of SUTD and MIT depending on the subjects and courses opted for. This collaboration also offers student exchange programmes that enable interested students to visit MIT, study there, and explore its surroundings.

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Ranked 8th by the Times Higher Education in the Asia Pacific for scientific research, NTU is one of the world’s fastest-rising university even though it is quite new as compared to other international universities. Majority of Indian students are seen opting for the Aerospace Engineering for an undergraduate degree here.

Cost of Studying in Singapore

Although Singapore is relatively cheaper than European countries and the USA/ Canada, studying here would still require a set-budget for Asian or Indian students. Living standards and personal preferences play a crucial role in determining one’s budget while staying in Singapore. The average monthly expense could range from 2,000–12,000 S$ (SGD) for both undergraduate and post-graduate students. According to the accommodation chosen, rent expenses per month can fall anywhere between 150–1000 S$ (SGD).

Subject to the chosen university, programme, and course major, tuition fees can range from 12 to 20 lakhs (INR) per annum for Indian students. For a few universities like the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), a popular choice among Indian business studies aspirants, the tuition fee amounts to 15 lakhs (INR) per year. The university provides the option to get this fee subsidised by the Singapore Government, in exchange for services upto three years, post the completion of their course. In such cases, the final fees would amount to 7-8 lakh (INR) per annum.

Apart from this, the Singapore Government and many private institutions offer various scholarships for international students. Two main competitive scholarship programmes offered by the federal government are Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships and David L. Boren Scholarships. To be eligible for these, the students need to have an excellent academic record, good skills-set, and excellence in other activities, sports, etc.

While the tuition fees differ from university to university, here is an estimate of the programme fee according to courses:

Popular Courses	Tuition Fees/ Year (approx.)
Law	SGD 37,000
Arts and Social Sciences	SGD 29,000
Architecture and Design	SGD 38,000
Media Studies	SGD 37,000
Medicine	SGD 135,000
Engineering/Computer Science	SGD 37,000

*As per recent currency rates, 1 Singapore Dollar (SGD) = 50.35 INR approx

Post-Study Work Options in Singapore

Another major reason to opt for Singapore as a study destination is that Indian students do not have to go through any trouble for Visa or post-study work permit. Students do not need to apply for permits separately as their visa application is attached to the university’s application with their in-principle approval (IPA) letter. This letter acts as their visa and can be presented at entry checkpoints.

Apart from this, students need just one more document to pursue studies in Singapore, i.e, a student pass. One can apply for a student pass well in advance, at least two months before and no later than a month since the commencement of the course. Students need to sign up with the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration system (SOLAR). This pass will grant you the freedom to work while studying. Students are allowed to work only during holidays and that too upto 16 hours per week per semester. However, not all universities allow working while pursuing a course from their institution. Each of the universities has their own set of rules and conditions regarding this. Hence, it is advised to check with the university regarding this before applying for any job.

That's all about the topic. If you have any query related to this topic or study abroad feel free to connect with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.