Studying in Singapore for Malaysian students involves harnessing cutting-edge infrastructures and a state-of-the-art education system, Singapore is one of the top 10 most chosen countries for international students. Singapore holds the status of leading finance, business, and education hub with a colorful multicultural heritage that allows international students to have a fruitful learning experience!
Education in Singapore VS Malaysia
When comparing whether one should study in Singapore or Malaysia, there are a few interesting pointers that distinguish between these two countries. The difference in rankings for adult literacy rate does not differ by much with Singapore ranking at 41 and Malaysia at 49.
So, what makes Singapore a more “superior and ideal” country to study at?
- 28.7% of Singapore’s male labour force possesses tertiary education qualifications while only 20% of Malaysian counterparts do so
- Results from Programme for International Student Assessments (PISA) differentiate both country’s educational systems. Singapore is ranked second in the world in Math, Science and Reading while Malaysia is ranked 48th, 48th, and 57th respectively.
Singapore is also famous for its diverse and vibrant living environment, as well as its high standards of safety. As one of the world’s safest cities, it provides a secure foundation upon which students are welcome to explore and pursue a higher education.
Unique Features of Singapore’s Education System
There are some unique features in the education system in Singapore:
1. Transmission of conventional knowledge
Worksheets, textbooks, mastery, and understanding of processes and procedures are well emphasised on in all Singapore schools.
2. Emotional and social support
In every Singapore school, there will be at least a school counsellor that works closely with the management of the school to ensure the wellbeing of students. Counsellors are able to identify students who are at high risk in emotional and social areas and provide the necessary support.
3. Well-trained and best-in-class teachers
Every teacher in Singapore has to be trained in the National Institute of Education (NIE) before being qualified as a teacher. Trainings in the NIE are specially provided for the specific subjects that the individual wishes to go for and it emphasises on the mastery of that subject’s content.
What Malaysian Students Need to Do Before Studying in Singapore
There are certain procedures for any foreign students who wish to study locally to be completed. Below are important procedures; for details, visit the Ministry of Education website.
1. Malaysian Primary (excluding primary 1)/ Secondary school students:
Complete and achieve acceptable results in either AEIS or S-AEIS for international student admission.
Find out more about the AEIS test format here.
2. Malaysian Primary 1 students / Junior college students:
Parents of students entering Primary 1 should take note of the relevant dates stated on the Ministry of Education website. International students can participate in the Primary 1 Registration Exercise during this period of time, and the Ministry will notify them in October if their child can be offered a place in the chosen Primary school.
For students looking to enroll into a Junior College, you are to directly apply to the chosen school in question during the application period.
3. Malaysian tertiary education students:
Foreign students must complete 12 years of schooling, hold a secondary qualification, and have basic English proficiency for tertiary education.
Students will also have to complete certain entry requirement tests based on the specific courses of study they have chosen to pursue in.
4. All general foreigners:
All lucky students in a government, government-aided, or independent school are to possess a Student’s Pass which can be made online. Further clarification on this matter may be provided by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Vaccinations against Measles and Diphtheria are to be taken for every student aged 12 and below before receiving the Student’s Pass.
Applying to study in Singapore
There are tons of valid reasons why Malaysian students are willing and should consider studying in Singapore. It is undeniable that many successful people have emerged through Malaysia’s education system, but Singapore offers a great alternative for students who wish to study abroad because of its lifestyle and strong education system.
To study in Singapore, you will require a Student’s Pass. Some students will need a visa in addition to this. After being accepted into a university, the visa will be applied for by the university.
The student, however, must apply for a Student Pass to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration System (SOLAR), between 1 to 2 months before the start of the course.
The following documents are required:
- eForm 16
- Passport details
- The University’s address
- The applicant’s email address
- A passport sized photo
Upon arrival in Singapore, the applicant will need to visit the ICA for the collection of the Student Pass. The students have to pay the fee of SGD 60 upfront.
Even though the initial adjustments maybe be tough, and some students will not be able to ‘fit into society’ the rewards that are reaped in the future will last a lifetime!
