Top 5 Universities in Singapore for International Students

Studying abroad is a right of passage for many students, and a semester in another country can be a great way to expand one’s horizons and gain a new perspective on the world. Because of Singapore’s historical importance and its economic power at the crossroads of the world, it is a popular destination for international students. If you are thinking about studying abroad in Singapore, you might be considering which university is right for you. In this article, we’ll look at five universities in Singapore and why they might be the right choice for your semester abroad, or a full four-year international program.

Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in Asia and also known for its high population density and its domination of business and trade. The city-state is a popular destination for first-time international travelers. It is home to several tourist attractions, including the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the Sentosa.

Of course, Singapore hasn’t always had a reputation as a top destination for international students. Its strict laws and draconian enforcement garnered international headlines during several high-profile incidents when foreign nationals were subjected to extreme and humiliating punishments. However, in recent years, Singapore’s reputation has bounced back, and it is once again a major tourism hub and a center for international students to congregate in Asia.

According to surveys, students looking to study abroad in Asia choose Singapore universities more often than comparable schools in other Asian countries. Students report being more satisfied with the cultural and educational opportunities available in Singapore than in other Asian countries. All told, about 65,000 international students study in Singapore each year. According to the Singapore government, no domestic students were displaced to make room for international students.

So, which of Singapore’s world-class institutions are most popular with international students?

National University of Singapore (NUS)

• Number of International Students: 8,045
• Percentage of International Students: 26%

The National University of Singapore is a public research university founded in 1905. Considered to be Singapore’s most prestigious school and one of Asia’s best universities, the university deploys a transformative instructional model that emphasizes multidisciplinary research. The university regularly graduates leading professionals across a range of disciplines, and the National University of Singapore welcomes international students from across the globe. Its 17 faculties cover three campuses, allowing prospective students a range of academic opportunities. With its exceptional research facilities and centers of excellence, the National University of Singapore is Singapore’s leading university for international students.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

• Number of International Students: 23,902
• Percentage of International Students: 25%

Nanyang Technological University emerged from the 1991 union of the National Technological Institute and the National Institute of Education. NTU is the second oldest university in the country, and NTU also is the second-ranked among Singapore’s universities. However, NTU isn’t second-best in every respect. NTU is ranked among the top 15 most beautiful campuses in the world. International students have a lot to choose from among NTU’s vast selection of programs in Arts, Business, Humanities, Science, and Engineering. Additionally, the university is famous for incorporating technology into every facet of student life complementing students’ digital lifestyles.

Singapore Management University (SMU)

• Number of International Students: 731 Undergraduate and 1,436 Postgraduate
• Percentage of International Students: 8% of Undergraduate and 58% of Postgraduate

Singapore Management University is one of the newer schools, established only in 2000, but it is already a top destination for international students. Its central location in Singapore provides international students easy access to both the historic and commercial districts. Singapore Management University specializing in innovative teaching approaches, which in turn lead to innovative research. Its six schools and wide variety of programs, combined with top-quality facilities, make it a top choice for international students in Singapore.

Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)

• Number of International Students: approx. 5000
• Percentage of International Students: 38%

The Management Development Institute of Singapore, founded in 1956, began its life as a nonprofit professional academic institute. Like other schools on this list, it provides a plethora of programs in Business and Management, Engineering, Fashion and Design, and Safety and Environmental Management. MDIS has cooperative agreements with top universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, making the Management Development Institute a competitive choice for international students.

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

• Number of International Students: not available
• Percentage of International Students: not available

The newest school on our list, founded in 2009, the Singapore University of Technology and Design operates in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Unlike most universities in Singapore, which follow traditional programs, SUTD prides itself on innovative curriculum design. SUTD combines hands-on learning with a fast-paced learning environment, making it a competitive choice.

Students at any of Singapore’s schools understand the competitive demands of education, and when they need extra help, they find an expert writing service like Write My Paper Hub to provide cheap online essay help. When you pay someone to produce an essay for you, you can benefit from an expert’s eye on your paper. International students understand that the stresses and strains of attending school overseas can often mean that students need that extra helping hand to ensure that they have the time and energy to adjust to life in another country and to take in all of the opportunities available there.

08 Jun 2021
SG Expats