Singapore is a world-class destination for international education. It boasts historic universities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and scholarly pursuits. Singapore captures the ambition of countless international students, all while English language proficiency should be a cause of worry.
Most varsities from the nation do not require submissions for IELTS thereby becoming an entrance channel for students accompanying alternate criteria. At the same time, a wide range of scholarships may help international students to nurture thoughts on winning a seat on an educational ground.
Studying in Singapore With No IELTS
There are many universities in Singapore that allow enrolling without students’ submitting IELTS scores. Instead of IELTS, the universities may accept proof of English proficiency through the availability of alternative such as past academic qualifications in English, language assessment of the university, or through any of the standardized examinations.
All candidates for whom prior studies have been conducted in English should be in possession of certification from their former institution that will exempt them from the test. Some universities may also have interviews or may have students undertake some sort of English course within the university campus post-admission.
Top Universities in Singapore where You Can Apply without IELTS
The leading universities in Singapore allow international students to apply for admission without the IELTS, provided they meet certain criteria related to English proficiency. A few of them are listed below:
- National University of Singapore (NUS): Allow students to apply without requiring IELTS if they have completed their prior education in English.
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU): English language waivers are issued to students from certain countries with very good academic backgrounds.
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD): Provides an alternative way of testing English proficiency, for instance, through interviews. Success in English-taught programs can also be one of the requirements.
- Singapore Management University (SMU): Admission is granted to students who have proof of attendance in an English-speaking environment.
- James Cook University Singapore (JCU Singapore): Allows students to submit other recognized English Test scores or have proof of prior attendance in English.
All universities have different specific requirements, and candidates must be made to verify before a formal application.
Scholarships for International Students in Singapore
To lure brilliant students from across the globe, Singapore dangles a bouquet of government-given scholarships, university scholarships, and some from private institutions. They offer an opportunity to finance part of the tuition, housing, and other operational expenses comprising room and board.
Government Scholarships
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is full funding for PhD students, covering tuition expenses, a monthly stipend, and travel expenses.
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship is a funding award designed to support outstanding undergraduate students from the ASEAN member states who are pursuing their degrees in Singapore.
MOE Tuition Grant Scheme gives financial aid for the students admitted to universities affiliated with the government, and brings down the students’ tuition commitments to typically lower amounts.
Others, University-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships have been created by quite a number of Singaporean universities to support international students through their academic journey. NUS Global Merit Scholarship gives financial aid with full tuition to the best of the best who apply to National University of Singapore.
The NTU Presidential Scholarship gives full tuition and cost of accommodation as a prestigious award for top academics in Nanyang Technological University. The SMU Merit Scholarships are designed to offer financial assistance to academically strong students enrolled within SMU.
Private and External Scholarships
On top of government and university scholarships, several other private bodies and foundations tender financial support to international students in Singapore. The Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarship provides funding for research-based postgraduate students.
DBS Foundation Scholarships links with students whose academic merit is supported by their leadership potential. The Singapore-India Partnership Foundation Scholarship is for Indian students studying in Singapore.
Conclusion
Singapore is a paradise for international students wishing to receive quality education without an obligation to clear the single IELTS bar. The students may stand a chance to be considered by some of the top universities there by tapping into alternative methods to prove their English proficiency.
Numerous awards such as scholarships are here to help save for the future. Candidates willing to study in Singapore should research the universities’ admission criteria and what scholarships are available to make them match for the program of their interest.