Languages: English, Malay, Chinese & Tamil
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 8
Climate: Tropical rainforest climate; Temperature ranges from 22 - 33 degrees Celsius.
Calling Code: +65

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At 710.2 km2 (274.2 sq mi),[8] Singapore is a microstate and the smallest nation in Southeast Asia. It is substantially larger than Monaco and Vatican City, the only other surviving sovereign city-states.

Before European settlement, the island now known as Singapore was the site of a Malay fishing village at the mouth of the Singapore River. Several hundred indigenous Orang Laut people also lived along the nearby coast, rivers and on smaller islands. In 1819, the British East India Company, led by Sir Stamford Raffles, established a trading post on the island, which was used as a port along the spice route. Singapore became one of the most important commercial and military centres of the British Empire, and the hub of British power in Southeast Asia.

During the Second World War, the British colony was occupied by the Japanese after the Battle of Singapore, which Winston Churchill called "Britain's greatest defeat". Singapore reverted to British rule in 1945, immediately after the war. Eighteen years later, in 1963, the city, having achieved independence from Britain, merged with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to form Malaysia. However, Singapore's merger proved unsuccessful, and, less than two years later, it seceded from the federation and became an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations on 9 August 1965. Singapore was admitted to the United Nations on 21 September of that year.

Since independence, Singapore's standard of living has risen dramatically. Foreign direct investment and a state-led drive to industrialization based on plans drawn up by the Dutch economist Albert Winsemius have created a modern economy focused on industry, education and urban planning. Singapore is the 5th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita. As of January 2009, Singapore's official reserves stand at US$170.3 billion.

In 2009, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Singapore the tenth most expensive city in the world in which to live—the third in Asia, after Tokyo and Osaka. The 2009 Cost of Living survey, by consultancy firm Mercer, has ranked Singapore similarly as the tenth most expensive city for expatriates to live in.

The population of Singapore including non-residents is approximately 4.99 million. Singapore is highly cosmopolitan and diverse with Chinese people forming an ethnic majority with large populations of Malay, Indian and other people. English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese are the official languages

Singapore is a parliamentary republic, and the Constitution of Singapore establishes representative democracy as the nation's political system. The People's Action Party (PAP) dominates the political process and has won control of Parliament in every election since self-government in 1959.

Overview
Education has always been key in the growth and development of Singapore, particularly in the years following 1965 when it became an independent republic. Now in the 21st century, where the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping our country's future. At the same time, through education, every individual can realise his/her full potential to benefit the community, nation, and lead a personally fulfilling life.
By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.

Hub for Educational Excellence - Singapore, a Global Schoolhouse
Over the years, Singapore has evolved from its traditional British-based education system to one that endeavours to meet the needs of individuals and seeks to nurture talents.
The strength of Singapore's Education system lies in its bilingual policy (English with Malay/Mandarin/Tamil) and a broad-based curriculum where innovation and entrepreneurship command a premium. Individuals acquire the relevant skills and abilities to survive in competitive environments, equipped for a brighter future.
At the tertiary level, in addition to boasting 3 locally grown universities, Singapore has attracted 10 world-class institutions with strong industry links to set up centres of excellence in education and research. Among them are respected names such as the leading French university - INSEAD, the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and leading US business schools such as University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Even after graduating into the workforce, there are numerous opportunities for further training. Professional and skills-based training are offered and popularly subscribed to. It is not uncommon to see the likes of seminars by management gurus like Michael Porter or lectures by visiting dignitaries. The presence of such an international mix of institutions, a high quality and rigorous education system, and a nation that believes in investing in education, will together offer students here and all over the world, an enriching and fulfilling learning journey.

Stable Economy
With a GDP of S$257 billion in 2008, the island state though small in size and population (4.8 million people) has become a reputable financial centre, a key regional trading centre, the world's busiest port, and a top location for investment. Often cited as a model for transparency, efficiency and political stability, Singapore has earned recognition from around the world.
Singapore has been rated first among 181 countries in terms of ease of doing business, in World Bank's Doing Business 2009 report. The Swiss-based World Economic Forum (WEF) also rated Singapore as the most competitive economy possessing great innovative ability and a solid macro economy in the world. Even in the recent global battle against SARS, Singapore's diligent and hands-on approach has won recognition from the World Health Organisation.

Infrastructure and Accessibility
Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. Singapore Changi Airport serves more than 80 airlines which fly to over 190 cities and has for many consecutive years been nominated as the best airport in the world. Singapore is also probably the most wired country in Asia, with an Internet penetration rate of 76%. Housing ownership is encouraged by the government to give citizens an asset in the country. About 85% of Singaporeans are living in government-built housing.
Seamless accessibility to all parts of the island is available in this country, often recognised for its quality and efficient land transport system. The introduction of an EZ-link card - a contactless stored value card where consumers need only flash the card in front of a card reader that automatically deducts the required travel fare, is an example of the continuous commitment by the government to make travel faster and easier.

A Multicultural Nation with a High Quality of Life
The nation's rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) living together harmoniously who have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans whilst still maintaining each race's traditional practices, customs and festivals. In addition, with more than 100,000 professional expatriates living and working in Singapore, they too bring their unique cultures and perspectives, adding colour and vibrancy to cosmopolitan Singapore.
Singapore's high standards of living is also something that students can be assured of. In a survey reported in The Economist in March 2002, Singapore's quality of life surpassed that of London or New York. Thirty-nine factors were considered, including political stability, personal freedom, air pollution and the quality of healthcare, schools, restaurants and theatres.
Singapore is also ranked first in Asia for its quality of life in the Mercer Quality of Living global city ranking 2009, as well as world’s first for city infrastructure in the same survey.

A Vibrant City Lifestyle
Singapore may seem like a small dot on the world map, but the island state bustles all over with attractions and activities. Dining and shopping are two of the top-rated activities of locals. Needless to say, this is reflected in the staggering range of foods and cuisine, as well as the proliferation of shops in the city and suburban centres.
Add on to this a thriving arts and cultural scene, especially with the opening of Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, featuring top artistes from all over the world. Ethnic districts such as Little India, Chinatown, Malay Village give a flavour of the culture and history of Singapore. Lots of fun and funky events such as the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Arts Festival, F1 night race, festive light-ups and many others make Singapore a most "happening" place to be in. Singapore is also strategically located at the heart of Asia and can be a hub to explore the Southeast Asian region.
Universities
The three local universities in Singapore :
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)

They mould outstanding graduates with internationally recognised degrees. Research and scholarship opportunities are also available to post-graduate students.

Since its founding in 1905, NUS has since evolved into a comprehensive university offering courses in major disciplines such as the Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Law, Arts & Social Sciences and Medicine.

NTU was set up in 1981 to provide facilities for tertiary education and research in engineering and technology. It has since incorporated the National Institute of Education (NIE) "the teachers' college" and expanded to include Accountancy, Business and Communication Studies.

SMU was established in 2000 as the first publicly-funded private university with a focus on business and management programmes. International Universities in Singapore In addition to local universities, many of the world's leading foreign universities have also established their presence in Singapore. These leading foreign universities have either set up a physical campus (institutes of higher learning) or have joint collaborations/programmes with local universities (local tie-ups).

Leading International Institutions with Asian Campus located in Singapore
• INSEAD
• University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business
• Duke
• SP Jain Centre of Management
• ESSEC
• Digipen Institute of Technology
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
• New York University Tisch School of the Arts Asia

Leading International Universities in Collaboration with Singapore Universities
• John Hopkins
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
• Design Technology Institute
• German Institute of Science & Technology
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Stanford University
• Waseda University
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
• New York University School of Law
• Cornell University

In addition, our local universities, the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University also have joint programmes with more than 16 other institutions around the world. These include: University of St. Gallen (Switzerland), Beijing University for Chinese Medicine, ESIEE (France), Australian National University, University of Melbourne (Australia), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA), UCLA Anderson School of Management (USA), Ecole Supérieure d'Electricité (Supelec) (France), Peking University (China), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), University of Basel (Switzerland), Technical University of Denmark, King's College London, Tsinghua University (China), Université Pierre Et Marie Curie, Université Paris Sud and the French Grandes Écoles.
There are also foreign specialised institutes in Singapore, who have either set up campuses here or have tie ups with the local polytechnics; these enable polytechnic students to pursue a degree in related courses after they have completed their diplomas at the polytechnics.

Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
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.

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.
For more information on studying in Singapore, you can log onto the Singapore Education website at
www.singaporeedu.gov.sg
Universities & Colleges

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• James Cook University(JCU)
• East Asia Institute of Management(EASB)
• Management Development Institute of Singapore
• ERC Institute
• Yale NUS College
• Navitas / Curtin, Singapore
• Singapore Institute of Management

International Universities in Singapore
Leading International Institutions with Asian Campus located in Singapore
• INSEAD
• University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business
• Duke
• Amity Global Business School
• SP Jain Centre of Management
• ESSEC
• Digipen Institute of Technology
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
• New York University Tisch School of the Arts Asia

Leading International Universities in Collaboration with Singapore Universities
• John Hopkins
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
• Design Technology Institute
• German Institute of Science & Technology
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Stanford University
• Waseda University
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
• New York University School of Law
• Cornell University

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

Undergraduate Tuition Fee (Approx. in INR per year)

Course
Science Course
Arts Course
Business Course
Annual Tuition Fee
6-8 lacs
5-7 lacs
6-8 lacs
Duration
3-4yrs
3-4yrs
3-4yrs

Undergraduate Admission Requirements
• Class-XII :+75%
• TOEFL/IELTS : +79/+6.0
• SAT:+1800

Postgraduate Tuition Fee (Approx. in INR per year)

Course
MBA Course
Science Course
Arts Course
Business Course
Annual Tuition Fee
10-15 lacs
6-8 lacs
5-7 lacs
6-8 lacs
Duration
1-2yrs
1-2yrs
1-2yrs
1-2yrs

Postgraduate Admission Requirements
• Bachelor Degree: +70%
• TOEFL/IELTS +90/+6.5
• Work Exp.- 2-4 yrs(Only in Case of MBA).

Cost of Living (Approx. in INR per year)
• Living cost- 3-7 lacs