Singaporean Students' guide
Open the door to a world class education … study an Australian qualification and take on the world!
Australia has long been the number one destination for Singaporeans. With Australia’s reputation for offering exciting and progressive world-class education programs, it is no surprise that more Singaporean students choose to study in Australia than in any other country in the world.
Singaporean students choose to study in Australia because it offers:
- a high quality education system with a reputation for excellence
- internationally recognised courses and qualifications
- cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries
- permission to work part time while studying
- well-regarded skills and qualifications to support a career on your return to Singapore
- opportunities for permanent residency and migration to Australia after study
- vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
- a safe and enjoyable lifestyle with great weather<
Singaporean students: the figures
Entry requirements and study costs
Australian qualifications in Singapore
Student visas
Scholarships
How many Singaporean students are studying in Australia?
As of November 2008, there were a total of 8848 Singaporean students enrolled to study in Australia. In addition to these students, there are many more that choose to study an Australian qualification in Singapore – in 2005 over 15,000 Singaporean students were enrolled to study various Australian qualifications delivered by local institutions in Singapore
Which sectors are Singaporeans studying in?
The largest number of Singaporean students in Australia (over 85%) are studying in the higher education (university) sector. From bachelor degrees through to masters and doctorate programs, the quality of education offered by Australian higher education institutions is well-known amongst Singaporeans. In an increasingly competitive job market, Singaporean students know an international qualification gives them an edge over other graduates – one of the reasons Singaporeans study Australian qualifications more than any other overseas equivalent!
Find out more about Australian higher education
Which states are they studying in?
Singaporeans have shown a large preference for study in Victoria (Melbourne) and Western Australia (Perth). Victoria alone accounts for a third (33%) of all students; Western Australia has around 23%; New South Wales 18%; Queensland 14%; South Australia 6%; ACT 3%; Tasmania 1.6%; and the Northern Territory 0.1%.
If you are interested in studying in a climate similar to Singapore, the northern states of Australia, such as Queensland and the Northern Territory most match the warmth of Singapore. If you prefer somewhere a little cooler, try the southern states such as Tasmania and Victoria. But remember, all Australian states will be cooler in the winter months and warmer in the summer months – unlike Singapore, Australia has four distinct seasons with varying temperatures!
Find out more about Australia’s regions
Which broad fields of study are Singaporeans taking?
The top three fields of study favoured by Singaporeans in Australia are:
- Business and management
- Arts, humanities and social sciences
- Engineering
There are also increasing students studying in areas such as biomedical sciences, creative media, sports, education and health in line with new and emerging industries in Singapore.
Entry requirements and average study costs
| Level of study | Qualification requirement | English language requirement* | Average tuition costs per year ($AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary education | Varies — selection process involves review of academic record and extracurricular accomplishments | Contact relevant school | $6000–$13000 |
| English language study | Generally no set course entrance requirements | Generally no set English language requirements | $280–$380 per week |
| Vocational education | Over 16 years, completed Australian Year 10 equivalent | Min. IELTS 5.0 | $5500–$18,000 |
| Foundation studies | GCE 'O' level or Sec 4 Express with min. 5 passes | Min IELTS 5.0 | $9000–$14,000 |
| University (bachelor degree) | GCE 'A' levels | Min. IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require higher score) | $10,000–$16,500 |
| Graduate certificate/diploma | Bachelor degree or advanced diploma | Min. IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require higher score) | $9000–$16,000 |
| Masters degree | Bachelor degree, bachelor degree (honours) or graduate diploma. May require research or professional experience. | Min. IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require a higher score) | $11,000–$18,500 |
| Doctorate | Research or part-research masters degree or a bachelor degree (honours) | Min. IELTS 6.5 (some universities may require a higher score) | $11,000–$18,500 |
| Study abroad or student exchange | Completed min. 2 semesters full-time study at home institution | Min. IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require a higher score) | $18,000–$48,000 |
| MBA | Bachelor degree, relevant work experience | Min. IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require a higher score) | $18,000–$48,000 |
Please note that this table is to be used as a general guide and are estimated equivalancies only – specific entry requirements and tuition fees should always be researched and confirmed with the relevant college or institute.
*If your previous studies have been conducted and examined entirely in English, this may fulfill a university’s English language proficiency requirements. Please contact your chosen education provider for more information.
Find out more about applying to Australian institutions
Study for an Australian qualification in Singapore
If you would like to remain in Singapore and study an Australian qualification, you have two options available to you:
- study a course via distance education or online mode
- study for an Australian qualification delivered by a local institution in Singapore
The following Australian universities deliver courses in Singapore either through their international campus, or through a local Singaporean education provider:
CQUniversity
Curtin University of Technology
Edith Cowan University
Macquarie University
Murdoch University
RMIT University
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Newcastle
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Western Australia
Victoria University
To make an inquiry to these institutions, simply click on the links above to visit their profile page. From there, click the ‘Make an Inquiry’ button to send a direct inquiry.
Student visas
You do not need to apply for your student visa until you are accepted by your Australian education provider and have received formal proof of offer or enrolment. However, before you apply for a course, it is a good idea to contact the Australian embassy in Singapore to find out if you will be eligible for a student visa, how to make your application, and what your document requirements will be.
Australian High Commission
25 Napier Road
Singapore 258507
Telephone +65 6836 4100
Fax +65 6737 7465
Email: public-affairs-sing@dfat.gov.au
Web: www.singapore.embassy.gov.au
Student visas are divided into seven subclasses that depend on the type of study you have enrolled in. Singaporean students are currently classified at Assessment Level 1, which means you can apply for your student visa online. Visa assessment levels are determined by the Australian Department of Immigration . Read more about student visas
Scholarships
There are a range of scholarships available to Singaporean students wishing to study in Australia. A scholarship can provide great help with funds for your study, and although there is strong competition for each scholarship, they are definitely worth investigating.
The Endeavour Program is offered by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and aims to encourage high-achieving students, researchers and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region to take part in short and long-term study, research, and professional development in Australia.
There are five Endeavour Awards available to Singaporean students:
- Endeavour Postgraduate Awards
- Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships
- Endeavour Research Fellowships
- Endeavour Executive Awards
- Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards
Scholarships database
Search the scholarships database by categories such as type of course, field of study and study location, and find a detailed description of each scholarship.
It is also worth looking into other scholarships that may be available from Singapore, through your preferred Australian education provider, or through professional associations, prominent industry companies and other interest groups.
The Singapore Public Service Commission (PSC) offers many overseas scholarships that are eligible for study in Australia. Many PSC Scholarship recipients have used their scholarship to study in Australia. Read more about the Singapore PSC scholarships .
The Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is another major provider of scholarships to Singaporean students. Find out more about their scholarships
The information in this article is sourced from the Australian Government’s Australian Education International 2005-2008 international student enrolments data.
