The UK is a very popular choice for Singaporean students, and for good reason. It is a mix of many different cultures, with students from all over the world. This is a wonderful chance to meet new people, learn about different ways of life, and grow as a person. Plus, being in the UK makes traveling and exploring other parts of Europe easy.
Contents
- 1 Why Study in the UK from Singapore?
- 2 Best UK Universities to Study at for Singaporeans
- 3 Cost of Study in the UK for Singaporeans
- 4 Can You Study in the UK for Free as a Singaporean?
- 5 How to Apply to Study in the UK from Singapore
- 6 Entry Requirements to Study in the UK for Singaporeans
- 7 Visa Requirements to Study in the UK for Singaporeans
- 8 FAQs About Study in UK from Singapore
Why Study in the UK from Singapore?
For students from Singapore, studying in the UK presents numerous significant advantages. UK universities are known all over the world for their excellent teaching and high-quality degrees. This means a degree from the UK can open many doors for your future career, wherever you choose to work.
Get Your Degree Faster
One big plus is that courses in the UK are often shorter. You can usually get a Bachelor’s degree in three years and a Master’s degree in just one year. This means you can start your career sooner and might even save some money on tuition and living costs.
Work While You Study
International students in the UK are generally permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week while studying. This is a good way to earn some extra money and get work experience.
Best UK Universities to Study at for Singaporeans
Many UK universities are highly welcoming to students from Singapore and have a strong international community. Some of the universities that are popular choices for Singaporean students include:
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- University of Manchester
- King’s College London
- University of Birmingham
Cost of Study in the UK for Singaporeans
The main costs of studying in the UK will be your tuition fees and your living costs.
UK Tuition Fees for Singaporean Students
For international undergraduate students, fees can range from about £11,000 to £38,000 per year (roughly SGD 18,700 to SGD 65,000). Postgraduate courses can cost between £12,000 and £45,000 per year (around SGD 20,400 to SGD 76,500). Courses like medicine or engineering are often more expensive. Some sources mention slightly different ranges, for example, foundation courses from £10,000-£15,000 (SGD 17,000-25,600), undergraduate from £11,000-£15,000 (SGD 18,700-25,600), and postgraduate from £11,000-£16,000 (SGD 18,700-27,300).
Living Expenses in the UK for Singaporeans
Studying in London typically requires higher living expenses compared to other UK cities, potentially around £1,265 per month. Outside London, it might be closer to £1,015 per month. University accommodation (halls of residence) can be an affordable option. Overall, plan for roughly £12,000 to £15,000 (about SGD 20,400 to SGD 25,500) per year for living expenses. Some estimates suggest annual student accommodation costs between £5,000 and £8,000.
Can You Study in the UK for Free as a Singaporean?
Generally, it’s not possible for international students, including those from Singapore, to study in the UK for free. Universities charge tuition fees to cover the cost of courses.
Focus on Reducing Costs
While “free” might not be an option, there are ways to make studying in the UK more affordable. Scholarships and bursaries are a great way to reduce the financial burden.
How to Apply to Study in the UK from Singapore
Applying to UK universities involves a few key steps. The process is a bit different for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Applying for UK Undergraduate Courses (UCAS)
If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll usually apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Create a UCAS account
You’ll do this online at the UCAS website.
Choose your courses
You can pick up to five courses.
Fill in your details
This includes your personal information, education history, and a reference from a teacher.
Write a personal statement
This is a very important essay where you explain why you want to study your chosen subject and why you’d be a good student. Atlas Apply can offer guidance on writing a great personal statement.
Pay the application fee and submit
There’s a small fee for the UCAS application. The deadline is usually in January for courses starting in September, but earlier for medicine, veterinary science, and Oxford or Cambridge.
Applying for Postgraduate Courses
For Master’s degrees or PhDs, you usually apply directly to the universities. Check their websites for specific application procedures and deadlines.
Entry Requirements to Study in the UK for Singaporeans
UK universities have specific entry requirements that students from Singapore need to meet. These usually include academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
Academic Qualifications for Singaporean Students
UK universities recognise a range of Singaporean qualifications:
Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels
Most universities will specify the grades they require, often something like ABB to AAA for top schools.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Also widely accepted, with specific point requirements.
Polytechnic Diplomas
Many universities accept Polytechnic Diplomas for entry, sometimes even into the second year of a degree, depending on your GPA and the course. A GPA of 3.0 or 3.2 and above is often looked for.
NUS High School Diploma
This is also considered for entry by universities like UCL.
Singapore Integrated Programme (IP)
Satisfies English and Maths O-level requirements for some universities.
O-Levels/GCSEs
If you don’t have A-Levels, you might need to take a foundation programme first. O-Level English at grade C or above is often accepted as proof of English language ability.
English Language Proficiency
Since courses are taught in English, you’ll need to show you have good English skills.
IELTS or TOEFL
Many universities accept these tests and will specify the minimum scores needed. A minimum overall IELTS score of 6 to 6.5 is often required for admission to UK universities.
Singapore O-Level English
A grade C or above in O-Level English is often accepted by universities like the University of Surrey and the University of Greenwich as meeting the English language requirement, meaning it is possible that you are exempt from taking the IELTS test.
Degree Taught in English
For postgraduate study, if your undergraduate degree was taught in English (common for Singaporean graduates), this might be sufficient proof.
Visa Requirements to Study in the UK for Singaporeans
If you’re a Singaporean citizen and plan to study in the UK for a course longer than six months, you will need to apply for a UK Student visa (this used to be called the Tier 4 visa).
Key Requirements for a UK Student Visa
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
To apply for your UK student visa, you will need a CAS reference number, which the university will provide after you receive and accept an unconditional offer. This CAS number is a mandatory requirement for your visa application.
Proof of Funds
You need to show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs. However, Singapore is often on a list of countries whose nationals may not need to provide this evidence when they apply, but you should always check the latest UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Singapore is NOT currently listed by the UK government as a country where you need a TB test certificate for a visa application. However, rules can change, so always check the official UK government website before applying.
FAQs About Study in UK from Singapore
This varies. Tuition can be £11,000-£38,000 (SGD 18,700-SGD 65,000) for undergraduates and £12,000-£45,000 (SGD 20,400-SGD 76,500) for postgraduates annually. Living costs are around £12,000-£15,000 (SGD 20,400-SGD 25,500) per year. London is generally more expensive.
Not always. While IELTS is widely accepted, a good grade (e.g., C or above) in Singapore O-Level English can exempt you from some universities. Some universities may also accept that your previous degree (if applying for a postgraduate) was taught in English. Always check with your specific university.
Yes, usually up to 20 hours per week during term-time for degree-level students, and full-time during vacations.
The process requires careful preparation of documents like your CAS, proof of funds (though Singaporeans might be exempt from showing this upfront), and meeting English language requirements. With proper guidance, like that from Atlas Apply, the process can be straightforward.
The main intake is September. Some universities also have a January/February intake. For undergraduate applications via UCAS, deadlines are usually in January, but earlier (October) for Oxbridge, medicine, and dentistry.
