▪ Primary and Secondary Information   

 ◎ Why choose Singapore

Here, you will find a diverse population of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, covering a wide spectrum of religions, cultures, and languages, living harmoniously together.  The synergistic mix of ethnic groups offer international students a wide spectrum of choices for living and playing in Singapore.

Singapore has a warm and humid climate all year-round, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 33 degrees centigrade.  Sunshine is the norm, with occasional rain, especially during the year-end periods. 
Singapore's safety, low crime rates, and high standards of living are well renowned, offering international students an ideal environment for study.  And when it's time to put away the books, a myriad of sports, entertainment, and other fascinating sights and sounds are available to relax your mind and fill your senses.  With surprises awaiting you at every corner of the island, you'll never want to leave!

The Ministry has even wanted to turn Singapore into an educational hub.  Singapore rise in the educational arena is the result of excellent infrastructure as well as the influx of talents from all over the world.  Bilingualism and innovative teaching methods has imparted to students the skills and knowledge that is always relevant in today’s fast changing world.

 ◎ Singapore Secondary Schools  

(1) Government/ Government-Aided School: (4 to 5 years) mainstream education.

(2) Autonomous School: (4 to 5 years) greater autonomy to plan activities

(3) Independent School: (4 years) Enjoys the right to determine the fees, school policy and administrative
     matters; students may have to pay higher fees.

(4) Specialised Schools: (4 to 6 years) Develops students with special talents like Sports School, NUS High
     School, NAFA.

 ◎ School Calendar 

Singapore Primary, Secondary and Junior College begins the school year in January.  The school year is divided into 4 terms.  After the first term (March) and third term (September), there is a one week break.  After the second (June) and fourth term (November), there will be approximately a 1 month vacation.  
Public Holiday：In Singapore, one year comprises of 11 public holidays and 3 school holiday.

 ◎ Accommodation

Primary and Secondary students are not mature enough to live independently.  They need a guardian who can look after their welfare.  Singapore government requires all students who are attending Primary and Secondary students to have a guardian to take care and assist them when they have problems.  They are several student hostels and homestay provides accommodation as well as guardianship for foreign students.

(1) Boarding Schools：Boarding schools are normally open to Secondary and Junior College students aged between 13 and 19 years. Selection is normally preceded by an interview of both the parents and the students. Boarding services include lodging, meals, laundry services, 24-hour security, pastoral guidance, tuition, supervision, sports & recreational facilities. A spirit of camaraderie often exists in boarding schools due to the bonding and friendships that are forged among boarders.  

(2)Private Accommodation：Private hostels are run by educational institutions or independent agencies. Options of single or sharing are normally available.
　

 ◎ What to wear

Singapore is the quintessential tropical island, with a warm and humid climate all year round. Save the woollies for back home - light and summer clothing rule! Casual dress is accepted for most situations but some establishments like restaurants and clubs may require a more formal dress code. It is advisable to check for dress regulations beforehand.

Some educational institutions have a minimum dress regulation, such as no shorts and slippers in lecture theatres. Students at primary and secondary schools as well as junior colleges have to wear uniforms which should be purchased before the commencement of classes.

 ◎ Telecommunications

Singapore is one of the most connected cities in the world.

More than 71% of Singapore's population subscribe to mobile services and dial-up Internet subscribers comprise almost 48% of the population. Singapore's fixed telephone lines exceed 1.9 million or a penetration rate of 48.5%.

There are three services operators, namely  SingTel, MobileOne, and StarHub, each offering a wide range of communication services at competitive rates, including :

Telephone services

Mobile communications services, including cellular and paging services
mobile phone operators in Singapore operate networks such as GSM900, GSM1800, W-CDMA (under development).

Internet access services

International telephone services, including IDD services, calling cards, facsimile services.
To make international calls, the access codes are 001, 013 or 019 for SingTel, 002 or 021 for MobileOne and 008 or 018 for StarHub.

Public payphones are located at most shopping malls and public places, and operate by credit card or stored-value phonecards.   Local calls from public payphones cost 10 cents per three-minute block.  Besides local calls, all cardphones provide International Direct Calling services and subscriber Trunk Dialling for Malaysian calls.  Stored-value phonecards are found in denominations of S$2, S$5 S$10, S$20 and S$50 and can be purchased from post offices and phonecard agents.  International Calling Cards are also available at all post offices, 7-Eleven (24-hours) stores and other retail outlets.

 ◎ Money Matters  

The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Other than the Singapore dollar, the US and Australian dollar, Yen and British pound are also widely accepted, at major shopping centres and restaurants.

A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is imposed on all purchases. Tipping is not practised in Singapore as most hotels and restaurants already levy a 10% service charge on bills.

Major credit cards are generally accepted by establishments, including American Express, Diners Card, JCB, MasterCard and Visa.

Another widely-used method of payment is NETS, which allows you to make payment with your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged. Apart from banks and hotels, you may change money at outlets which display the sign "Licensed Money Changer".

Most banking hours are usually from Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am - 3pm and Saturdays, 9.30am - 11am/1pm. Some banks offer late night banking and have extended hours on Saturdays. Some banks in Orchard Road even open on Sundays. It is best to check with individual banks on their operating hours.

You may need to open a savings or checking account while in Singapore. You will need to bring a minimum initial deposit (usually $100) if you are below 21 years of age, as well as your passport and Student's Pass/ letter of admission to your educational institution. Upon opening your account, you will be given an ATM card which gives you the added convenience of being able to withdraw money from any ATM machine operated by your bank. The ATM card also entitles you to make payment via NETS (Singapore's cashless payment system).

You may receive additional funds using bank drafts made out in Singapore dollars and drawn from a Singapore bank. These may be credited to your account and withdrawn in one to two days. Cheques drawn on banks with no branches in Singapore may take up to three weeks to clear.

 ◎ Transportation

Singapore has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation systems in the world.  Travelling in the city and suburbs is typically a quick and affordable affair. 

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates a network of trains serving 51 stations.  Trains operate from 5.30am -12.30am daily, every three to eight minutes.  A ride on the MRT from Singapore Changi Airport to the city takes less than half an hour.  A copy of A Quick Guide to MRT Travel can be obtained from the Station Control Rooms at all MRT stations.

Public buses run daily from 5.30am - midnight.  Extended night services cost slightly more. 

Rides on the MRT cost from 80 cents to S$1.80.  For travel on the MRT, you need to purchase a one-trip farecard.  Public buses accept cash.  The recommended mode of payment for both the MRT and public buses is using the EZ-link card which is a stored-value card giving discounted fare for multiple rides.  The EZ-link card may be purchased and topped up at most MRT stations and bus interchanges.  Each adult card is sold with a minimum value of S$10 plus a deposit of S$5.  The Transitlink Guide gives detailed information on both the MRT and bus services and is available at $1.50 from most MRT stations, bus interchanges and major bookstores.

 ◎ Food and Drinks

Singapore is a gastronomic paradise!  From a sumptuous spread of local fare to Japanese sushi, from five star French restaurants to Starbucks, food awaits you at every corner of the island. 

Local Favourite

Food is cheaply available virtually everywhere and around the clock.  You can choose from a mouth-watering array of meals at an open air hawker centre or food court for as low as S$3.  Hawker centres are ideal sites if you want to taste authentic local food.  Here, you will be introduced to perennial local favourites like laksa, fried kuay teow, satay and chicken rice, and to cool down at the end of your meal, try a delightful "mountain" of sugared ice - ice kachang! 

Most Singaporeans have their personal favourite hawker centres and stalls - some popular picks are Bugis Street, Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown Food Street and Maxwell Road Market.  However, you will find many hidden gems within the heartland housing estates which are worth exploring.

Food Court

If the Singapore heat deters you from an outdoor dining experience, a food court is the next best alternative. It is basically an air-conditioned hawker centre, usually within a shopping mall, offering the same variety of food but in a modern indoor setting. As with hawker centres, it is best to find a seat before you order your food.  Popular food courts in the city include Bugis Junction, Clarke Quay, Scotts Picnic Food Court, Takashimaya Food Village, China Square Food Centre and Kopitiam.

Variety of Cuisine

  ◎ Shopping 

Singaporeans live to shop and you will see the evidence of this at the myriad of malls, department stores, and shops in practically every pocket of community.  Most shops are open till 9pm or 10pm at night, seven days a week, allowing you convenient and hassle-free shopping.

Central Shopping Belt
For designer shopping and specialty stores, Singapore's Central Shopping Belt at Orchard Road is a haven for shopaholics! A fashionable hangout for the in-crowd, department stores and boutiques, outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants line the street enticing you to drop by.

Suburban Shopping Belt
Besides the well-known shopping district of Orchard Road, you will be surprised at the variety of goods and bargains you can find at suburban shopping centres and local shops  located at housing estates across the island. Singaporeans live, eat, and shop in the heartlands - here is where you will discover some of the best bargains. Competitive prices and promotions reign all year-round at some of these shops, a bonus for those with modest budgets.

 ◎ Attractions

There's never a dull moment in Singapore! No matter what your interests are, we have something to captivate you.

Animal Instincts
If your interest is in the animal kingdom, then you're in luck!  The Singapore Zoological Gardens and Night Safari have won numerous tourism awards for their open concepts here, animals are viewed in their natural habitat.  The Jurong Bird Park is another natural wonder with over 8,000 feathered friends in one of the world's largest aviaries.

Themed Attractions
At Sentosa, you can grasp a piece of Singapore's history through various landmarks, galleries and exhibits. Be dazzled by the musical fountain, or come face to face with a shark at the underwater world!  Or pay a visit to Escape Theme Park and send your adrenaline through the roof by going on the hair-raising rides and roller coasters!

 ◎ Useful Telephone Numbers  

You should always keep a list of useful telephone numbers handy.  Here are some crucial ones:

  ▪ Admission Guide    

 ◎ How to apply

To help ensure that you are taking the right steps for your application, we have detailed a guide on the application to the different types of institutions in Singapore, listing the specific procedures.

Government, Government-Aided and Independent Schools Admission of international students into government, government-aided or independent schools is strictly based on availability of vacancies.

Submit your application at the school of your choice with the required documents.

If there is a vacancy, you will need to pass a placement test conducted by the school. Upon passing the test, the school will issue you with a Letter of Acceptance.

The Letter of Acceptance is valid for two weeks, during which time, you must apply for a Student's Pass with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and revert to the school with your Student's Pass confirmation.

If you have parents working in Singapore but are not eligible for the Dependent Pass, you will be referred to ICA before sitting for the placement test.

International students can take the Certification Test to apply for admission to more than 80 public schools. Organised by the Principals Academy Inc (PAI), the Certification Test aims to provide students with the ease and convenience of applying into local schools, while saving them the trouble of having to take multiple entry tests at different schools. PAI does not place students into schools. Students will need to apply to the schools directly. In addition, there is pre-requisite for the Certification Test. It is the Qualifying Test (QT) conducted by Singapore Examination Academy Board (SEAB).

1. Valid passport.
2. Letter of offer from school of choice.
3. Receipts of payments (tuition fees, health coverage, travel insurance, etc).
4. Letter of scholarship award (if applicable).
5. Original/certified copy of your academic transcripts, education certificates, birth certificates, and all other supporting documents required for application/collection of Student's Pass.
6. Other personal identification documents eg. Driver's license, I.D. card, etc.
7. Some cash in Singapore dollars - Make sure you bring enough money to cover the first few days/week of stay in Singapore. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash (S$1,000), together with larger amounts in bank draft or travellers cheque for the initial period. Take note that bank drafts drawn on overseas banks take about 3 weeks to clear before being deposited into one's account.
8. Request for temporary accommodation.
9. Request for airport reception.

Handy contact list containing telephone numbers of friends/relatives, International Student Office within school, accommodation provider, airport reception, etc.

　

 

 ◎ Arrival checklist  

 ◎ Student Pass Application

International students are required to apply for a Student's Pass to pursue a course of study in Singapore unless they are holding a Dependent Pass (DP) or an Immigration Exemption Order (IEO). Upon receiving the Letter of Acceptance from the school, the applicant must proceed to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to apply for a Student's Pass. Applicants who are holding a DP or an IEO can be admitted by the School immediately upon passing the  school's Placement Test.

Click the link below on how to apply for Student's Pass for admission to the following educational institutions :

Approved Private Schools/Kindergartens/Foreign System Schools/Institutes of Technical Education

Government/Government-aided/Independent Schools

  ▪ Singapore Primary Education    

  ▪ Singapore Secondary Education    

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 After completing primary education, students will be allocated a secondary school based on their PSLE results.  Depending on their academic abilities, students can be streamed to Express (4 years), Normal Academic (5 years) or Normal Technical (4 years).

Secondary schools in Singapore can be government funded, government aided or independent. Students attend four or five years of secondary education under the Special, Express or Normal Course.  The Special and Express Courses prepare students for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Ordinary' (GCE 'O') Level examination in four years.  Students in the Normal Course can opt for the Academic or Technical stream, both of which prepare students for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Normal' (GCE 'N') Level examination after four years of study and upon satisfactory completion, the GCE 'O' Level examination in the fifth year.

Secondary education curriculum includes English, the Mother Tongue, Mathematics, Science and the Humanities.  At Secondary 3, students can opt for electives of their choice, depending on whether they are in the Arts, Science, Commerce or Technical stream.

Singapore's secondary school curriculum is recognised worldwide for its ability to develop students with critical thinking and intellectual skills. Foreign students are accepted at secondary schools subject to availability of vacancies.

●Junior Colleges / Pre-Universities
Upon completion of the GCE 'O' Level examination, students may apply for entry to a junior college for a two-year pre-university course or a centralised institute for a three-year pre-university course. Junior colleges and centralised institues prepare students for their entry to the university and lay the foundation for tertiary education. The curriculum comprises two compulsory subjects, namely General Paper and the Mother Tongue, and a maximum of four Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Advanced' GCE 'A' Level subjects from the Arts, Science or Commerce Courses.  At the end of the pre-university course, students sit for the GCE 'A' Level examination.

●Singapore Polytechnics 
Polytechnics were established in Singapore to offer students practice-oriented studies at the diploma level.  There are currently five polytechnics in Singapore : 

• Nanyang Polytechnic
• Ngee Ann Polytechnic
• Republic Polytechnic
• Singapore Polytechnic
• Temasek Polytechnic

They offer a wide range of courses such as Engineering, Business Studies, Mass Communication, Design and Info-Communications.  Specialised courses such as Optometry, Marine Engineering, Nautical Studies, Nursing, Early Childhood Education and Film are also available for those who wish to forge a specific career path.

Polytechnic graduates have proven to be popular with employers as they emerge into the working world fully equipped with hands-on skills and experience relevant to the New Economy. 

●Singapore Institute of Technical Education

ITE is an alternative post-secondary institution for those opting to develop their technical skills and knowledge in various industry sectors.  Besides providing full-time institutional training and traineeship programmes for secondary school leavers, ITE also provides continuing education programmes for working adults.

　

　

　

　

  ▪ Admission to Government Schools    

Admission to Singapore Secondary and Primary Schools for foreigners usually takes place around September till December every year.

Every school will admit foreign students on a case by case basis and vacancies in every school are different. Foreign students interested in enrolling into government schools must look out for the entry test schedule.

INNOVA Education School provides Government schools' application services like entry test registration, filling of application forms and submission and applying for student pass.
We welcome you to liaise with Innova Education School directly so that you can obtain the latest information and recommendations from our experts