Singapore, a glowing city-state in the middle of Southeast Asia, is the center of not only business, technology, and entertainment but also higher education. Studying in Singapore has much to offer for international students: it is a multicultural country that has four official languages, a strong economy that offers comfortable living standards, many world-class universities with global recognition, and many more.
If you’re considering that Singapore is the right place for you to study a degree program but don’t know where in the country is the best place to study, this article will provide you with the help you need. Read more to find out the best locations in Singapore that are best for studying for international students.
Which City in Singapore Has the Highest Number of International Students?
Queenstown is one of the central towns in Singapore and hosts the National University of Singapore, the top university in the country. Hence, the international student population is higher than in other regions. Of more than 50,000 students at the National University of Singapore, 25% are international students, which makes about 12,500 students residing on the campus or near the university.
Being located in the central region of Singapore, Queenstown is also an ideal town because it is one of the most urbanized towns and has connections with the majority of other locations in Singapore. International students residing in Queenstown can easily have access to the significant locations, amenities, and academic institutions.
Top Cities to Study in Singapore for International Students
When considering the best locations in Singapore, it’s important to know that Singapore is a city-state, and its regions are often referred to as towns or districts. Read our list of the top towns or districts in Singapore suitable for international students.
1. Queenstown
Queenstown is located in the southern-western region of Singapore and is included in one of the five main regions of the country. Queenstown is also one of the best locations to experience the urban life of Singapore, as it encompasses the most vivid streets, well-known business centers, and many universities. Queenstown was also the first satellite residential town to be built in the 1960s.
Student life in Queenstown is a unique experience for international students in many ways; for one, it’s home to higher education institutions such as Anglo-Chinese Junior College, National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Technology, and Singapore Polytechnic. Also, being one of the largest regions for residence, Queenstown provides several options for housing for international students planning to accommodate outside campus. The cost of living in Queenstown is average by Singaporean standards; approximately SGD 1,500 ($1,125), including accommodation, can be the monthly cost of living in Queenstown if the student stays in a university hostel or dormitory.
2. Orchard
The second best region in Singapore for international students is, without a doubt, Orchard. With shopping malls, restaurants, and department stores, Orchard is mainly known as a significant town for entertainment and shopping. However, Orchard is more than just a tourist attraction; it has a critical location for visiting the Central Business District, which can be a great advantage for international students looking for part-time jobs or internships.
Living in Orchard means international students can easily access many universities, such as the London School of Business and Finance and Aventis Graduate School; moreover, there is a wide range of opportunities available in Orchard for students to enjoy their time by visiting cafes, restaurants, parks, or shopping malls after school as well as doing some self-study in Orchard Library. One thing to keep in mind is that living in Orchard can be more expensive than in other regions due to the popularity and significance of the region. Since Orchard is a popular town for tourism and entertainment, expenses can be more costly. The average monthly cost is around SGD 2,000 – 2,500 ($1,500-1,700), and if the student prefers a rental apartment instead of on-campus housing, the cost can be even higher.
3. Bukit Timah
Bukit Timah is another ideal location for international students in various terms. Living in Bukit Timah is a comfortable and chilling experience for international students as it is not only a tourist spot for its beautiful nature and natural parks but also a convenient town to transport to other towns or districts.
Bukit Timah is a suitable residence area for international students enrolled in the National University of Singapore’s Bukit Timah campus. Students who prefer quiet and calm student life can also enjoy their time at Bukit Timah as it reflects the country’s nature while having easy access to the many crowded districts. Living in Bukit Timah can be financially easier for international students than in other regions of Singapore. The rental apartments in the region are about SGD 1,200 – 1,500 ($900-1,000), and monthly expenses can be around SGD 2,000 ($1,500).
4. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one of the Central Regions of Singapore. Constructed in the 1920s, Tiong Bahru is referred to as the oldest housing estate in the country. The housing in the region consists of apartment blocks, referred to as “walk-ups,” and there is a colorful lifestyle dominant in its neighborhoods with comfortable living standards.
Tiong Bahru is also known as “Singapore’s Brooklyn” by its residents due to the number of hippie cafes and indie boutiques located in the area, which is a great opportunity for international students to socialize. What’s more, transportation from Tiong Bahru to other central areas is only about 15 minutes with public transport, making it convenient to travel within Singapore. Lastly, Tiong Bahru is home to Duke-NUS Medical School, one of the most prestigious medical schools in Singapore, and Singapore General Hospital, which is ideal for medical students residing in the area. The monthly cost of living in Tiong Bahru is neither cheap nor expensive; students can expect to spend SGD 1,500 ($1,125) to SGD 2,500 ($1,700), depending on their housing preference.
5. Dover
Lastly, Dover is a suitable choice for international students to reside in Singapore. Despite its small size, Dover is home to many amenities, social facilities, neighborhoods, and, most importantly, higher education institutions.
Many universities and colleges, such as the Singapore University of Technology and Design and the National University of Singapore, are easily accessible from the neighborhoods of Dover. Since living is fairly more affordable than in other central towns or districts, it’s a wise choice for international students to accommodate in Dover.
Despite being a small city-state, Singapore has much to offer for international students to experience an exciting and fruitful study period. In this article, we covered the most ideal locations in Singapore, each of which is proven with reasons and examples. The decision, however, is up to you; compare your options and choose the best location in Singapore for your studies today.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities to study in Singapore informative. You can find more helpful resources on the Singapore Page and this list of Open Courses to learn more about studying abroad.
