Singapore has always made education its main priority. It has some prestigious universities which attract global students to its universities, like National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) ranked among the top universities in the world).
The university and academic ecosystem
The university ecosystem desired by the government in its development projects is only possible thanks to powerful local universities. And the investments have made the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University among the 100 best universities in the world and according to the Time Higher Education 2020. Obtaining a certificate in these renowned institutions is more and more popular with international students.
Welcoming students
If the cost of living may seem high (it should be compared with Paris, Boston, New York, San Francisco or even Sydney), the Student-Pass gives students permission to have a part-time job which can completely cover the cost of accommodation. If roommates are legion, there are other alternatives such as accommodation with a resident, student residences and other youth hostels. In addition, for the student who really wants to experience an Asian experience (and not throw himself on the Nutella jar (ethically and ecologically irresponsible), food is very affordable, whether in the food courts where we have lunch for a few dollars or in local supermarkets.
Its geographical position
Singapore has always made its geographic location a competitive advantage. In the heart of Southeast Asia and served by the airport considered to be the most efficient in the world, Singapore is less than an hour from Malaysia, Indonesia, less than three hours from Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines, less than five hours from Australia, India and China. Whether it is for a study trip or to discover the peculiarities of this continent, Singapore offers by far the best location to radiate across Asia.
Diversity of Culture
The city-state is the ideal place to understand what is globalization, international markets, intercultural relations. Multiculturalism is the essence of Singapore, with its mixed population (Malaysian, Indian and Chinese), but also given the large presence of expatriates there. Coming to study in Singapore is to come and study in Asia with the whole world, in English. In addition, the small size of the country forces meetings, exchanges, opportunities to meet citizens who have come to study for a few months, sometimes several years. The cultural and ethnic mix offers a mix and a glimpse of the whole of Asian culture in a space the size of a city.
Its economic dynamism for all
Without natural resources, without industry and on a very limited territory, Singapore knows that its future depends on its economic development. Innovation and competitiveness are therefore the pillars of all strategies as well as the dynamism and energy required. This translates into a job market that students can enjoy: numerous opportunities in all sectors, encouragement of entrepreneurship, confidence in young people, no gender-related segregation, in short, meritocracy in action, this fundamental value of Singapore.
An exceptional quality of life
Safety, quality of infrastructure, cleanliness, medical devices, personal services make Singapore a city that offers an ideal living environment for all of its inhabitants and for students who often spend only a few months, this allows rapid adaptation. The nightlife is not without interest on the island and has nothing to envy to the other capitals of the region. Every night of the week the bars and clubs in the city are full, especially the famous roof tops which allow you to benefit from breathtaking views.
A cultural presence
The cultural richness is at the height of the history of the city and its size. So even if it is de facto reduced in comparison with Western world capitals it remains nevertheless intense and diversified. The theater companies are numerous, the historical and scientific exhibitions are regular. Contemporary art is very present there and several events give pride of place to it, whether at festivals (Gilliam Barrack After Dark, Night Festival are examples) or in galleries. Not to mention the presence of art in a large number of places available to everyone, whether around Haji Lane with street art as in the Business District where one wanders between sculptures by Rodin and Botéro among other. Finally, the exceptional museums should not be minimized, whether these are devoted to the history of Asian civilizations (ACM), contemporary art (SAM) or, more regionally, the Peranakan museum.
Exceptional outdoor activities
Singapore is more than Orchard Road, the Marina Bay Sand, Clark Quay and its Business District… for those who have never bothered to discover Singapore and remain in the clichés of a sanitized city of concrete. In addition to exceptional quality infrastructure with free access, Singapore is blessed with rare biodiversity. Indeed, with a biodiversity, animal and plant species combined, superior to the whole of the United States, Singapore presents a large number of assets which earns it the nickname of green city. The places where snakes, monkeys, crocodiles and other monitor lizards coexist are far from rare that they are in Pulau Bin, Coney Island, the mangrove of Sungei Buloh or even Bukit Timah and Green corridor are all places which remind that Singapore is in the tropics.
All the reasons are good for coming to study in Singapore. And if the granting of student visas is not automatic it is to guarantee an increasing, regular but controlled flow of the number of new entrants. Controlling the presence of students in classrooms is an obligation to follow for institutions and checks are frequent. Singapore does not want ghost establishments, student tourists and the government has repeatedly closed establishments that did not respect the rules that any academic institution must respect (presence of students in progress, recruitment of a permanent faculty, development of new programs, etc.).
According to QS Best Student Cities, Singapore is the 20th city that are popular with international students. Its ambition is to go much further at the cost of huge investments to achieve excellence. Singapore has not finished attracting but retaining the meritocratic spirit that has characterized the country since its creation.