Singapore is just as big as Hamburg. Nevertheless, you can get to know the whole diversity of Asia in the tropical city and island state – for example during a semester abroad in Singapore.
Singapore in portrait
In the glittering metropolis, the traditions of Asia mix with the legacy of British colonization. Banks, office and residential towers stand side by side with colonial buildings and temples, gigantic shopping palaces meet small traders, busy streets meet exotic gardens.
According to top-medical-schools, Singapore is also a melting pot of Asian cultures. A semester abroad in Singapore is therefore a guarantee for a very special intercultural experience. A total of 5.3 million Chinese, Malays, Indians and other immigrants live tolerant to one another here. In districts like Little India or Chinatown, everyday life is determined by the tradition you bring with you. Hindu temples and colorful saris, Chinese pharmacies and the scent of incense sticks shape the picture.
“Asian Fusion” can also be experienced in the culinary offer: in the countless Hawker Centers and Food Courts in Sinagpur, delicacies from Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine are offered.
The 59 offshore islands of Singapore offer a change from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Fantastic tropical paradises with turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches and colorful coral reefs can be easily reached by ferry. In the evening, countless clubs and bars invite you to party in the sultry, tropical night.
It is not a problem to come into contact with the locals: the language of communication, trade and the official language is still English. Chinese, Malay and Tamil are also spoken. Since the small city-state is also considered to be incredibly safe, a semester abroad in Singapore is often viewed as a “gentle introduction” to the Asian world.
Reasons for a semester abroad in Singapore
A semester in Singapore is not only an ideal destination for world travelers, but also for students who want to get to know Asia. The education system in Singapore is based on the Anglo-Saxon model and the universities are characterized by English-language courses, a tight study organization and intensive student support.
In addition to local universities, a number of Australian universities – such as James Cook University from Queensland – have opened locations in Singapore and offer some of their courses there. This can be particularly attractive for international students, as they can combine an Australian study experience with immersion in Asian culture.
A semester abroad in Singapore is always associated with a wide range of leisure activities and events at the universities. These ensure a strong sense of togetherness. In such a relaxed atmosphere, it is easy to make friends from all over the world, improve your English skills and, if desired, learn an Asian language.
Traveling during a semester abroad in Singapore
During the semester break, Singapore is an ideal starting point for exploring other parts of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar and China can be reached easily and cheaply thanks to numerous low-cost airlines.
Study abroad programs
Study Abroad programs are probably the easiest way to study in Singapore for one or two semesters abroad. The students are not placed in a specific semester or a specific course of study, but can largely freely choose their courses from the courses offered by the host universities. Provided that you have agreed with your local examination office in advance, the coursework completed during the semester in Singapore can often be credited to your studies in Germany afterwards.
Another advantage of the Study Abroad programs in Singapore is the relatively uncomplicated application process: Many universities only require a high school diploma or technical college entrance qualification and sufficient knowledge of English. These can be proven in the form of the IELTS or TOEFL. Alternatively, the DAAD language certificate, which many German universities can issue, is also accepted at some universities.
In some cases, applicants must have studied at their home university for a year before they can take part in a Study Abroad program in Singapore.
Costs and funding channels for a semester abroad in Singapore
The universities in Singapore are largely financed by tuition fees. If you want to study a semester abroad in Singapore as a free mover, you have to reckon with EUR 4,500 – 8,000, depending on the university and degree segment.
Cost of Living in Singapore
Due to the small size of Singapore, living space is also limited, which is reflected in comparatively high rents. Owning your own apartment in Singapore can easily cost EUR 1,500 or more per month. Rooms in shared apartments or student dormitories, on the other hand, are a bit cheaper at EUR 400-850 per month.
Compared to rents, the rest of the cost of living in Singapore is quite moderate. This applies in particular to the excellently developed local public transport in Singapore and the catering in the food courts and hawker centers.
Financing options for a semester in Singapore
The costs incurred for a semester abroad in Singapore can at least partially be covered by various financing options. Students with particularly good performance can, for example, be supported by partial scholarships from the DAAD or various gifted support organizations.
Above all, the BAföG Abroad is also interesting: Students can count on subsidies for tuition fees of up to EUR 4,600 and additional subsidies for flight and living costs for a semester in Singapore. The assessment limits for the foreign BAföG are higher than for the domestic BAföG. Therefore, students who are not eligible for BAföG for their studies in Germany can also be funded.
Student loans can also be a way to finance a semester abroad in Singapore.
Visa and entry requirements for a semester abroad in Singapore
Students who want to spend one or more semesters abroad in Singapore need a multiple journey visa. This entitles you to enter and leave the country several times. Upon arrival in Singapore, students receive a Social Visit Pass that is valid for two to four weeks. During this time a student’s passport must be applied for; For this purpose, a certificate of enrollment must be submitted, among other things.
For a semester stay in Singapore that lasts longer than six months, a health certificate must also be presented. This can be issued at certified hospitals in Singapore.
Foreign health insurance and vaccination protection
Already before departing international students should have a comprehensive international health insurance to complete the semester abroad in Singapore. In particular, students who would like to explore the surrounding Asian countries should also ensure that they are adequately vaccinated at an early stage.
