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Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Singapore offers high-quality education, and is considered one of the best education destinations in Asia. Two of the best Singaporean universities - the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University - are among the top 100 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. The modern academic infrastructure and variety of courses available in the world-renowned universities makes Singapore an ideal choice for prospective students.
Indians make up one of the largest international student groups in Singapore. Hence, Indian students easily adapt to the culture of the country in a home-away-from-home environment. To apply for admission to Singapore Universities, Indian applicants are required to fulfill a range of eligibility criteria from academic scores, to entrance test scores, and supporting documents. It is recommended for students to start the preparation for admission at least 1 year in advance.
Know More: Universities in Singapore
- How to Apply for Admission to Singapore Universities?
- 2025 Application Deadlines for Universities in Singapore
- Eligibility for Admission to Universities in Singapore
- University Application Fee Payment in Singapore
- Singapore Student Visa Requirements
- Application Rejection Reasons for Universities in Singapore
- FAQs
How to Apply for Admission to Singapore Universities?
Admission to universities in Singapore must be done through the individual universities’ websites; there is no centralized admission portal. Most public universities in Singapore have two intakes, that is one around August and the other in January. Private universities, on the other hand, have numerous intakes throughout the year.
Start your application process by searching which course you want to study in Singapore. With a variety of courses available at your discretion, it is very important to choose the right type. Your choice, of course, would depend upon the following factors:
- You want to do Diploma, UG, PG or Ph.D.
- Future employment opportunities for the course you want to choose
- University Ranking, etc
Zero-in on the course you want to study and start by filling the application form.
Step-wise Application Process for Universities in Singapore
Indian students first have to decide which course and university they want to apply to, then find out the specific requirements from the university’s page. Undergraduate applicants to Singapore universities are broadly divided into six categories based on their previous educational qualifications:
- Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level’
- Polytechnic Diploma from Singapore
- NUS High School Diploma
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Singapore Citizens
- International Qualifications
Since most students from India would come under the last category, the application process and requirements explained here would be pertaining to international students in Singapore.
After identifying which criteria are applicable to you, do the following:
- Step 1: Submit an online application (or a postal application, in some cases) to the particular university. You have to fill the form that is specific to international students, which is available on the university website.
- Step 2: Pay the application fee, the amount varying according to university.
- Step 3: Upload/send the required documents before deadline. Most universities provide an Application Checklist that you can refer and submit.
Students will be informed well in advance if they receive an admission offer, so they will have ample time to make other arrangements before the semester begins.
2025 Application Deadlines for Universities in Singapore
The application deadlines for the universities in Singapore generally ranges between February and March of the year of course start. The university-wise application deadlines and decision outcome months in Singapore for Indian students are as follows:
| University | Application Deadline | Decision Outcome Month |
|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | February 26, 2025 | July |
| Nanyang Technological University | March 19, 2025 | August |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | February 28, 2025 | Mid May |
| Singapore Management University | March 19, 2025 | July |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences | March 19, 2025 | July |
| James Cook University, Singapore | Mid February | March |
Please note that different courses, especially at the postgraduate level, may have different application deadlines.
Eligibility for Admission to Universities in Singapore
For admission to an undergraduate program in the universities in Singapore, you must have the following minimum entry requirements:
- You must hold an Indian Standard 12 certificate, which can be from CBSE, ISC or state boards. You must have good passes in 5 subjects, including English.
- The Class 12 subjects may have to match the minimum requirements set by individual university programs.
Students may be asked to take entrance tests to study in Singapore universities, to ensure that they are eligible for the particular course.
To get into a graduate program in an university in Singapore,
- You must have a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent from a recognized university.
- You must have proof of aptitude to certain courses, which may include exams like GMAT and GRE.
- You should clear University Entrance Examination (UEE) for eg. NTU conducts NTU Entrance Test or course-specific entrance tests
- You must appear in the interviews (in selective universities)
Some courses require that candidates have a few years of work experience before starting the academic year. This is especially important if you plan on doing an MBA in Singapore.
English Language Proficiency Requirements in Singapore
Since most university programs are conducted with English as the medium of instruction, students need to show that they have sufficient proficiency in the language at the time of application. If you have completed 12 years of school education in India in English-medium, you are exempted from taking any other English language tests. If not, you will need to sit one of the English exams required to study in Singapore.
The minimum score required for getting admissions with Singapore Universities are:
- IELTS- 6.5 average
- TOEFL- 85-100 overall.
- Malaysian University English Test (MUET)- Band 3, and the score is valid for up to five years.
- PTE - 56-66.
A majority of the students going to study in Singapore prefer IELTS, and so do universities. The IELTS requirements at different academic institutions are as follows:
| THE World Rankings 2025 | University | IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| #17 | National University of Singapore | 6.5 |
| #30 | Nanyang Technological University | 6.0 - 6.5 |
| - | Singapore Management University | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| - | Singapore Institute of Management | 6.0 |
| - | Singapore University of Social Sciences | 6.5 |
Study in Singapore Without IELTS
It is understandable if students do not want to take IELTS or other similar exams, as they can be expensive, costing INR 13,000 - 14,000. An alternative to this would be doing an English proficiency course in Singapore prior to your actual degree course. This can come in the form of:
- Foundation / Preparatory programs
- English certificate programs
In most cases, this means an additional 6 months or 1 year of study in Singapore, and the programs are usually offered by the university you are enrolling in.
There is also yet another option to study without IELTS, which is opting for a course/university that does not require IELTS. Fortunately, most popular universities do not make IELTS a mandatory qualification, so you can find plenty of opportunities.
Entrance Tests for Admission to Singapore Universities
Different programs require students to submit aptitude test scores, along with their academic transcripts, to show their ability in the particular field of study.
The tests and score requirements based on the course you pursue are:
- SAT is optional in Singapore universities, the minimum requirements vary.
- Scores of ACT are also optional to get into universities. You can submit the same if the admissions committee asks for one.
- GMAT: 650 for top business schools in Singapore
- Universities ask for GRE scores of around 300 in the verbal and quantitative sections.
Supporting Documents Required for Admission to Singapore Universities
After the candidate has filled the online application form, he/she has to also submit the following related documents:
- Scanned copy of application fees
- Scanned copy of Passport details
- Scanned copy of Student Pass (for non – Singapore citizens)
- Scanned copy of past academic documents
- Scanned copy of University details
- Scanned copy of SAT and SAT Subject test scores/ ACT/ IELTS/ TOEFL / AP/ GMAT score
- Scanned copy of Choice of courses (preferences)
- Scanned copy of tuition grant
- Scanned copy of financial aid
- Awards/ Recognitions/ co-curricular activities/ extracurricular activities/ competitions
- Criminal Offence records, if any
- Medical report stating any disability or illness.
University Application Fee Payment in Singapore
Once you fill the application form for the universities in Singapore, you need to make the payment of the registration fees. Below are the available modes of fee payment for prospective students:
- Credit Card only (through VISA or MasterCard): The amount of credit card differs from university to university. Debit card payments won’t be accepted. Cash payment is not allowed.
- Bank Draft: It has to be made payable to the University with name and application number of the applicant at the back of the bank draft. The original bank draft has to be sent to the university by post.
Singapore Student Visa Requirements
Once you have received an offer to a university, you can apply for a student visa to Singapore. You will need the following documents for this purpose:
- Passport
- Student visa application form, filled
- Financial statements
- English language test scores
- Transcripts from your previous institutions
- Offer letter from the Singapore university
You will also need to present passport-size photographs and a medical certificate.
Application Rejection Reasons for Universities in Singapore
Students’ applications may be rejected if the following documents, which are required to study in Singapore, are not up to mark:
- Relevant academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Standardized test scores
- Passport validity
- Medical insurance
- Letter of recommendation
- Detailed proof of finance availability
At some universities, the interview plays a huge role in the selection process. Your conduct and social behaviour in the past is also examined. Prospective students who have poor certificates of conduct, or have been subject to criminal conviction, are less likely to be accepted in case of both academic institutions and immigration services.
Thoroughly reviewing the admission timelines is essential to ensure you do not miss any critical steps. Each university has specific document requirements, so if you are applying to institutions like NUS or NTU, carefully examine their guidelines before beginning your application process.
FAQs
Ques. What are the application deadlines for Singapore universities in 2025?
Ans. Application deadlines for major universities range between February and March 2025. For instance, the National University of Singapore’s deadline is February 26, while Nanyang Technological University’s is March 19. Applications are submitted directly through the individual university’s website. Students need to fill out the application form, pay the application fee, and upload all required documents before the specified deadline.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for undergraduate programs at the universities in Singapore?
Ans. To apply for undergraduate programs in Singapore, Indian students need a Class 12 certificate from CBSE, ISC, or state boards, with good passes in at least five subjects, including English. Additional requirements may include entrance tests for specific programs.
Ques. Can I apply for the universities in Singapore without IELTS?
Ans. Yes, students can study in Singapore without IELTS by completing an English proficiency course or applying to universities that do not mandate IELTS. However, some universities may still require proof of English proficiency through other means.
Ques. What are the common application rejection reasons at the universities in Singapore?
Ans. Applications may be rejected due to incomplete documentation, low test scores, inadequate SOP or LORs, invalid passports, insufficient financial proof, or poor performance in interviews.
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