Singaporean Students' guide
- Singaporean students in Australia
- Entry requirements and average study costs
- Australian qualifications in Singapore
- Student visas
- Scholarships
Open the door to a world class education… study an Australian qualification and take on the world!
Australia is a top destination for Singaporeans. With Australia’s reputation for offering exciting and progressive world-class education programs, it is no surprise that many Singaporean students choose to study in Australia.
Singaporean students choose to study in Australia because it offers:
- a high-quality education system with a reputation for excellence
- internationally recognised courses and qualifications
- cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries
- permission to work part time while studying
- well-regarded skills and qualifications to support a career on your return to Singapore
- opportunities for permanent residency and migration to Australia after study
- vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
- a safe and enjoyable lifestyle with great weather.
How many Singaporean students are studying in Australia?
In December 2014, there were a total of 8,455 Singaporean students enrolled to study in Australia. In addition to these students, there are many more that choose to study an Australian qualification in Singapore delivered by local institutions or Singaporean campuses of Australian universities.
Australia's proximity and familiarity to Singapore and its high quality of education make Australia a popular education destination for Singaporeans. The consistently high performance of Australian institutions in global rankings and the liveability of Australian cities also make Australia an attractive option.
Which sectors are Singaporeans studying in?
The largest number of Singaporean students in Australia (almost 90 per cent) are studying in the higher education sector. From bachelor degrees through to masters and doctorate programs, the quality of education offered by Australian higher education institutions is well known among Singaporeans. Around six per cent of Singaporean students were studying in the VET sector in 2014, while the remainder were studying non-award courses (such as foundation studies) and in the schools sector. You can find out more about the types of study on offer in Australia in the Types of education section.
Which states are they studying in?
Singaporeans have shown a large preference for study in Victoria and Western Australia. In December 2014, Victoria alone accounted for around a third (33 per cent) of all Singaporean students, while Western Australia has around 20 per cent. Queensland (18 per cent), New South Wales (17 per cent) and South Australia (seven per cent) follow in popularity. The ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have smaller numbers of Singaporean students and smaller numbers of international students in general. For more information, see Australia’s regions.
Entry requirements and average study costs
| Level of study | Qualification requirement | English language requirement* | Average tuition costs ($AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary education | Varies — selection process involves review of academic record and extracurricular accomplishments | Contact relevant school | $7800–$30,000 per year |
| English language study | Generally no set course entrance requirements | Generally no set English language requirements | $300 per week |
| Vocational education | Students must be over 16 years of age and have completed Australian Year 10 (or equivalent) | Minimum of IELTS 5.0 | $4000–$22,000 per year |
| Foundation studies | GCE 'O' level or Sec 4 Express with a minimum of five passes | Minimum of IELTS 5.0 | $15,000–$32,000 in total |
| University (bachelor degree) | GCE 'A' levels | Minimum of IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require higher score) | $15,000–$35,000 per year |
| Graduate certificate/diploma | Bachelor degree or advanced diploma | Minimum of IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require higher score) | Contact relevant institutions |
| Masters degree | Bachelor degree, bachelor degree (honours) or graduate diploma — may require research or professional experience | Minimum of IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require a higher score) | $20,000–$37,000 per year |
| Doctorate | Research or part-research masters degree or a bachelor degree (honours) | Minimum of IELTS 6.5 (some universities may require a higher score) | $14,000–$37,000 per year |
| Study abroad or student exchange | Completed a minimum of two semesters of full-time study at home institution | Minimum of IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require a higher score) | Contact relevant institutions |
| MBA | Bachelor degree, relevant work experience | Minimum of IELTS 6.0 (some universities may require a higher score) | $19,000–$100,000 in total |
Figures have been sourced from the Australian Government's Study in Australia website. For foundation courses and MBA, figures have been sourced from institution websites. Please note that this table is to be used as a general guide and are estimated equivalancies only — specific entry requirements and tuition fees should always be researched and confirmed with the relevant college or institute.
If your previous studies have been conducted and examined entirely in English, you may already fulfil a university’s English language proficiency requirements, in which case you will not be required to complete English language testing. Please contact your chosen education provider for more information.
Further information about application requirements and processes can be found in the Applying for admission section.
Study an Australian qualification in Singapore
If you would like to remain in Singapore and study an Australian qualification, you can:
- study a course via distance education or online mode
- study for an Australian qualification delivered by a local institution in Singapore
The following Australian universities deliver courses in Singapore either through their international campus or through a local Singaporean education provider:
- CQUniversity
- Curtin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Flinders University
- James Cook University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Monash University
- Murdoch University
- RMIT University
- Southern Cross University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- University of Canberra
- University of Newcastle
- University of South Australia
- University of Technology, Sydney
- University of Wollongong
- University of Western Australia
- Victoria University
You can make an enquiry to any of the institutions linked above by clicking on the link to visit their profile page. From there, you can click the ‘Enquire Now!’ button to send a direct enquiry to the institution.
Student visas
You do not need to apply for your student visa until you are accepted by your Australian education provider and have received formal proof of offer or enrolment, although it is a good idea to contact the Australian embassy in Singapore before you apply for a course to find out whether you are eligible for a student visa, how to make your application and what documents you will require.
Australian High Commission
25 Napier Road
Singapore 258507
Telephone: + 65 6836 4100
Fax: + 65 6737 5481
Web: www.singapore.embassy.gov.au
Student visas are divided into seven subclasses that depend on the type of study in which you are enrolled. Singaporean students are currently classified at Assessment Level 1, which means you can apply for your student visa online. Visa assessment levels are determined by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. See Student Visas for more information.
Scholarships
There are a range of scholarships available to Singaporean students wishing to study in Australia. A scholarship can provide great help with funds for your study.
The Endeavour Awards offered by the Australian Government aim to encourage high-achieving students, researchers and professionals from overseas to study, research and complete professional development in Australia.
There are six Endeavour Awards available to Singaporean students:
- Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship
- Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship
- Prime Minister's Australia Asia Incoming Postgraduate Scholarship
- Endeavour Research Fellowship
- Endeavour Executive Fellowship
- Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Scholarship
It is also worth looking into other scholarships that may be available from the Singaporean Government; through your preferred Australian education provider; or through professional associations, prominent industry companies and other interest groups. For example, the Singapore Public Service Commission (PSC) offers a number of PSC Scholarships that are eligible for study in Australia, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is another major provider of scholarships to Singaporean students. For more information, see our Scholarships information.
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