International Students in Singapore

These courses produce much-needed manpower for key industries but are less popular with talented Singaporeans. International students provide important manpower support to key economic sectors after graduation, as well as hone local students’ cross-cultural competencies in the university. International students make it easier for Singaporean students to get exposure or learn something about a different culture.

Singapore wants to bring down the number of international students, so that the ones who are already studying there can take advantage of resources to the fullest. They will cap the international student undergraduate intake at the present levels. This will gradually bring the proportion of foreign students down even as university places for Singaporeans are expanded. This will also facilitate better integration between Singaporeans and International students.

Lastly a small proportion of international Students pay full university fees, i.e. they do not enjoy any subsidies. The rest are on the Tuition Grant scheme, which helps to defray their fees. International students who receive the Tuition Grant pay fees that are about 70% higher than the fees paid by Singaporeans. In addition they are required to work in Singapore for three years. Some International students are also on various scholarships which cover their tuition fees, but they have to serve a longer bond period of six years.

This policy again gives international students a chance to work in Singapore after they graduate and it makes it easier for them to find jobs and gain work experience in one of the world’s most flourishing economies.

Find out more about university and colleges in Singapore here!