Singapore – 3WGE

Schooling Structure:

Primary Education: 6 years (Common curriculum for first 4 years; Foundation/Standard levels for years 5–6).
Secondary Education: 4–6 years, divided into streams:
- Express (accelerated),
- Normal (Academic),
- Normal (Technical) (applied learning).
Placement is based on the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

Subject-Based Banding (SBB):

Replaces overall streaming with subject-level streaming (e.g., Technical Math, Express English).
Fully implemented in all secondary schools by 2024.

Specialised Schools:

For students needing more support (vocational focus).
Independent specialised schools (arts, sports, science) with MOE curriculum and flexible programs.

Post-Secondary Options:

Junior Colleges (A-levels) – 2–3 years pre-university path.
Polytechnics – 3-year diploma; direct entry to university possible.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE) – Technical training leading to Nitec, Higher Nitec, or Work-Study Diplomas.
Poly Foundation Programme and specialised arts institutions also available

International students are generally not allowed to work while studying in Singapore.
Work is only permitted under specific conditions for university-level students (e.g., internships approved by the university).
After graduation, students must return to their home country unless they obtain a relevant work visa or employment pass.

Average monthly cost for a single person: SGD 3,000 to 4,000, excluding tuition fees.

Major expenses include accommodation, food, transport, and personal items.

Housing is the biggest cost, especially in central areas.

Budget varies depending on lifestyle and housing choices (on-campus vs. private).

One of the safest countries globally with very low crime rates.

Strict laws and efficient law enforcement ensure public safety.

Safe for international students, including at night and in public areas.

High trust in the legal and public safety system.

High standard of living with excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Ranked among the best in Asia for quality of life.

Clean, green, and well-organized urban environment.

Multicultural society with strong emphasis on safety and public services.

International students are not granted permanent residency (PR) while studying.

Upon graduation, they are expected to return to their home country, unless offered employment.

Pathway to PR is possible if the graduate secures a job and resides in Singapore for a few years under a valid work visa.

PR applications are subject to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) approval and are competitive.

Singapore Profile

Population: ~5.9 Million (2025 est.)

Capital: Singapore (city-state)

Largest City: Singapore (city-state)

Area: 728.6sq km

Major Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil

Major Religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, Irreligious

Life Expectancy: 81 years (men), 86 years (women) (UN est.)

Monetary Unit: 1 Singapore Dollar (SGD) = LKR 270.00 (approx., 2025)

Main Exports: Electronics, refined petroleum, machinery, pharmaceuticals, financial services, ICT products

GNI Per Capital :~US $68,000 (World Bank est., 2024)

International Dialing Code: +65