Instructions for admission

Instructions for admission

Training

As you know, one cannot be “too prepared” for entering a foreign university. Submission of documents for admission to the university should be preceded by a student's serious work on choosing an educational institution and a suitable program. It is worth starting the collection of necessary information a year before the expected start of training. The Singaporean academic sector is international, so it’s easy for international students to find detailed information about entering local universities and the application process.

Remember that many students are already studying at Singapore universities who have gone through the same admission procedure that you have to go through. Therefore, in addition to university brochures, it makes sense to study student reviews, thematic forums and videos. For example, online discussions on the choice of study programs and subjects can be very helpful.

Submission Period and Deadlines

In Singapore, the application process for admission is carried out and regulated directly by educational institutions. There are three main periods for accepting student documents: February / March, July / August, and October / November. The academic year in Singapore lasts from August to May.

At public universities in the country, students are usually enrolled in August, and in some universities also in February. In polytechnic institutes, the enrollment process takes place in April and September, while private universities carry out multiple sets depending on the specific curriculum. On average, the process of considering students' applications by the commission takes 2-4 weeks.

How to apply?

Foreign students entering Singapore universities can submit their documents directly to their chosen university through the institution’s website.

Documents required for admission

The standard package of documents for submission to a higher education institution in Singapore looks like this:

1) A copy of the passport and other documents proving the identity of the student

2) IELTS, TOEFL or PTE language test certificate

3) Diplomas confirming an existing education

4) Letters of recommendation from school or university teachers

5) Motivational essay

Remember that IELTS test results are only valid for 3 years from the date of the exam. Therefore, if your certificate is about to expire, you will need to retake the exam.

In some educational institutions, for example, at the National University of Singapore, candidates for applicants who are students of other universities at the time of application are not considered. A number of educational institutions also impose specific requirements for applicants, depending on their citizenship.

Students applying for a master's program should have a bachelor's degree in the relevant field, and those who are going to study on a research program should offer an idea for future research. Applicants entering programs in the field of medicine and law, in turn, must pass additional entrance exams.

Immediately after official confirmation of admission to the course, a student can apply for a student visa.

Advice for applicants

The secondary education system in Singapore is different from the system adopted in Russia and the CIS countries. Because of this, those wishing to enter the University of Singapore are required to undergo preliminary training in the country. A student can study for 1-2 years at a local high school, take an annual university program (Foundation) or study at a college or polytechnic in a chosen specialty. After completing preliminary studies in Singapore, a foreign student can choose a suitable university and submit documents to it.

Students are enrolled in universities in Singapore on a competitive basis, so you need to be well prepared for admission. Singaporean academic culture is based on a holistic approach to education, and grades here are not considered the main indicator of student progress. On the contrary, students should focus on a holistic understanding of the subject being studied and answer for themselves the questions: “What practical skills do I want to get during the training period?” and “How will studying at this university help me achieve my goal?” The host committee reviews hundreds of student applications every semester, so it is important that your documents fully reflect all your academic and work experience, as well as the availability of additional skills and achievements.

Academic achievements play a crucial role in deciding on enrollment. Therefore, if you need to pass additional exams for admission, strive to get the highest scores. In addition, all the documents that you submit to the university should fully reflect your enthusiasm for upcoming studies.