Study in Singapore | GoAbroadly

Why Singapore

Why Singapore is the smartest choice for Indian students going to Asia

Singapore is the only country in the world where two universities — NUS and NTU — both rank in the global top 20, and both deliver education entirely in English. For Indian students who want the prestige of a world-class degree without a language barrier, Singapore is the clearest option in Asia.

The Employment Pass after graduation lets you work in one of the world's most competitive financial and technology markets. Graduates from NUS and NTU regularly join Goldman Sachs, Google, DBS, and McKinsey directly from campus. The Indian community is well established, the food is familiar, and flights back to India cost under Rs 25,000.

Typical Singapore Costs 2025

Student's Pass fee	SGD 30
Tuition, NUS/NTU per year	SGD 17,000 to 38,000
Tuition, private universities	SGD 25,000 to 55,000
Accommodation per month	SGD 600 to 1,500
Living costs per month	SGD 1,200 to 2,000

Get a Free Estimate

01

NUS and NTU Global Top 20

Two universities in one small city-state, both ranked in the world's top 20. No other country in Asia comes close to this concentration of academic excellence.

02

English Is the Language

All university education in Singapore is delivered entirely in English. No language test anxiety, no adjustment period, just your degree from day one.

03

Asia's Career Capital

Singapore is the regional headquarters for Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, Grab, and hundreds of other global firms. A Singapore degree is your entry point to Asia's best jobs.

04

Safe, Familiar, Connected

Singapore is consistently the world's safest city. A large Indian community, Indian food everywhere, and direct flights to India from SGD 300 return.

05

Post-Study Work Options

Graduates from recognised Singapore universities can apply for an Employment Pass with a job offer. The pass is employer-sponsored and can lead to Permanent Residency.

06

Zero Consultancy Fee

GoAbroadly charges nothing for consultancy. Every rupee you save goes toward your Singapore education, not our fee.

Visa Routes

Visa routes for
Singapore

Most Common

Student's Pass (STP)

The Student's Pass is issued by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and is required for any full-time student at a recognised Singapore institution. Your university manages the SOLAR application on your behalf.

Valid for the full duration of your course
Apply online via SOLAR before arriving in Singapore
Institution-sponsored — university handles the submission
In-Principle Approval received within 4 to 6 weeks
Work rights limited — max 16 hours per week part time

Get Guidance

Post Study

Employment Pass (EP)

The Employment Pass is Singapore's main work visa for graduates with a professional job offer. Employer-sponsored, it opens the door to working in Asia's most competitive financial and tech market.

Minimum salary SGD 4,500 per month (varies by sector)
Job offer required from a Singapore-registered employer
Valid for up to 2 years, renewable
Pathway to Permanent Residency after 2 years
Bring family on Dependant's Pass once eligible

Get Guidance

Immigration Route

Permanent Residency (PR)

Singapore PR is one of the most valuable residency permits in Asia. After two years on an Employment Pass, Indian graduates can apply directly. PR holders access most benefits equivalent to citizens.

Apply after 2 years of stable employment in Singapore
Strong degree from NUS, NTU, or equivalent helps significantly
PR valid for 5 years and renewable
Access CPF contributions, subsidised housing eligibility
Path to citizenship after 2 years as PR

Get Guidance

Family Visit

Social Visit Pass

For parents and family members who want to visit during your studies, the Social Visit Pass allows stays of up to 30 or 90 days depending on nationality. Indians typically receive 30 days on arrival.

Indian passport holders receive 30 days visa-free on arrival
Extensions possible through ICA once in Singapore
No formal application required for most visits
Cannot work or study during a Social Visit
Strong financial proof recommended for longer stays

Get Guidance

Step by Step

How the process
actually works

01

Profile Evaluation and University Shortlist

We assess your academic profile, English test scores, and career goals to shortlist the right Singapore institution — NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, or accredited private universities.

02

Admission Offer and STP Application

Once you receive your admission offer, the university submits your Student's Pass application through the SOLAR system. You receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) within 4 to 6 weeks.

03

Financial Evidence and Travel

Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs. Typical requirement is SGD 25,000 to 50,000 in accessible savings. Book your flight and prepare documentation.

04

Arrive and Collect Student's Pass

Travel to Singapore with your IPA letter. Attend the Student's Pass collection appointment at ICA within 2 weeks of arrival. Your Student's Pass is ready within 4 working days.

FAQs

Singapore
questions answered

Still have questions? Book a free call and speak to Saurabh directly. No sales pitch, just honest answers.

Ask Us Anything

Do I need IELTS to study in Singapore?+

NUS and NTU typically accept Indian students without IELTS if your schooling was in English medium and your JEE or board percentages are strong. Some programmes require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Private universities vary — we will confirm requirements for your specific shortlist.

Can I work while studying in Singapore?+

Yes, with restrictions. Student's Pass holders enrolled at autonomous universities like NUS and NTU can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and full time during semester breaks. Students at private institutions may have different rules depending on their pass conditions.

How long does the Student's Pass application take?+

The ICA typically issues an In-Principle Approval within 4 to 6 weeks of your university submitting the SOLAR application. The actual Student's Pass is collected within 4 working days of arriving in Singapore. We recommend applying at least 3 months before your course starts.

Can I stay in Singapore after graduation?+

Yes, through the Employment Pass. Once you secure a job offer paying at least SGD 4,500 per month, your employer applies for your Employment Pass. After 2 years of employment you can apply for Permanent Residency. There is no automatic post-study work visa like the UK Graduate Route, so a job offer is essential.

What is the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students?+

Expect SGD 1,200 to 2,000 per month including accommodation, food, and transport. On-campus hostels cost SGD 500 to 900 per month. Off-campus shared apartments run SGD 700 to 1,400. Singapore is more expensive than India but significantly cheaper than London or Sydney.

Can my parents visit me in Singapore while I study?+

Yes. Indian passport holders can visit Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. For longer stays your parents can apply for a Social Visit Pass extension from inside Singapore through ICA. No advance visa is required for the initial visit.

Other Destinations