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Young Indians are broadening their horizons when it comes to picking a destination to study abroad. Singapore welcomes hundreds of international students every year, and provides them with a high-quality education and a globally recognised degree. One of the reasons this Asian country has become a popular destination for students is its highly ranked education system. Singapore has a structured curriculum that places a strong focus on innovation, making it a popular destination for international students. The Singapore education system consistently ranks among the best in the world and creates a dynamic learning environment that benefits international students.
Key highlights:
- Singapore Education System – Overview
- Key Features of the Singapore Education System
- Understanding the Singapore Education Levels
- Singapore Education System Ranking
- Top Courses to Consider at the Postgraduate Singapore Education Level
Singapore Education System – Overview
The education system in Singapore follows a tiered approach, ensuring a strong academic foundation from an early age. Students undertake tests to graduate from one level to the next, starting from preschool and going on until their university graduation. The tests help prepare students for the next education level and life after university.
Education Structure in Singapore
Let’s better understand the stages of the Singapore education system structure.
| Age Group | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Nursery and Kindergarten | 3 to 6 |
| Primary School | 7 to 12 |
| Secondary School | 13 to 16/17 |
| Post-Secondary (Junior College and Polytechnic) | 17 to 20/21 |
| University | 20+ |
Key Features of the Singapore Education System
Opportunity to Develop Language Skills
English is the primary language of instruction across Singapore. Students can choose to learn Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil as a second language.
Interest-Based Placements
English is the primary language of instruction across Singapore. Students can choose to learn Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil as a second language.
High Quality Education
Several Singapore universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technical University (NTU), rank among the best in the world.
Vocational Training Opportunities
Singapore offers vocational training opportunities through the country’s Institutes of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnics.
Also Read: Best Universities in Singapore
Understanding the Singapore Education Levels
We can better understand the Singapore education system structure by understanding what each Singapore education level covers.
Nursery and Kindergarten
Singapore’s Ministry Of Education (MOE) monitors the quality of early childhood education in the country. Preschools and childcare centres routinely undergo regular inspections by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). The ECDA also has the power to license these early learning institutes.
Primary Education
Primary education in Singapore is about more than core subjects like English and mathematics. The MOE has built a Singapore Curriculum Framework (SCF) that ensures young students also work on character development while learning crucial skills required to navigate life in the 21st century.
Secondary Education
The MOE works hard to ensure secondary schools across Singapore maintain global standards. They conduct regular inspections and frequently update the curriculum. At the end of secondary school, students must clear the General Certification of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O-Level) or GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations.
Post-Secondary and University Education
Singapore houses several well-ranked traditional universities as well as polytechnics. Depending on your career and future goals, you can identify a course that aligns with your requirements.
Also Read: Everything you Must know about INSEAD Singapore
Singapore Education System Ranking
Singapore uses international benchmarks to evaluate its education system. Here’s how the top universities in Singapore rank against others in the world based on the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS ) rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE ) rankings.
| Sr. No. | Universities | QS Ranking (Global) | QS Ranking (Singapore-specific) | THE Ranking (Global) | THE Ranking (Singapore-specific) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | 8 | 1 | 17 | 1 |
| 2 | Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | 15 | 2 | 30 | 2 |
| 3 | Singapore University of Technology and Design | =440 | 3 | - | - |
| 4 | Singapore Management University | =585 | 4 | - | - |
Top Courses to Consider at the Postgraduate Singapore Education Level
Some of the best courses to pursue in the Singapore education system at the postgraduate level include:
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Science in Engineering
If you would like to pursue a quality education in Asia, consider choosing a university governed by Singapore’s education system. Although small, this island-country holds itself and its education system to global standards. Pursuing your higher education in Singapore requires prudent financial planning. You can rely on Avanse Financial Services to provide loans for students to help you achieve your academic aspirations. We provide an education loan for studying abroad that covers the holistic cost of education, including your living and travel expenses. Our educational loan eligibility criteria prioritise your academic achievements, ensuring you get the financial support you require to build a better future for yourself and your loved ones.
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