Singapore is considered one of the gateways between the East and West. Bringing together the melting pot of cultures across Asia with cutting-edge teaching, research, and technologies of the West, this small island state truly takes the best of both worlds.
Education in Singapore is overseen by the Ministry of Education, and the country has long positioned itself as an international education hub. The local universities are world-class, with the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University ranked 8th and 12th, respectively, in the QS World University Rankings 2026. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, NUS ranked 17th and NTU ranked 31st. Singapore is also home to several offshore institutes with local campuses, such as INSEAD, ESSEC, SP Jain School of Global Management, DigiPen Institute of Technology, TUM Asia, and Assas International School. In addition, MIT operates a major research center in Singapore through the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology.
In line with its focus on internationalization, Singapore continues to attract students from across Asia and beyond. The country takes pride in its broad-based curriculum and strengths in areas such as science, technology, and business and management, which make for excellent academic foundations. With a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other cultures, the city is an inclusive society known for providing students with a safe and encouraging space to learn and grow. Its strong diplomatic partnerships with neighboring countries allow for wider practical applications for scholars, and it serves as a prime location to launch new startups and careers with a global perspective.
Despite being a small city-state, it is clear that Singapore has a lot to offer for any student looking for an international experience. Find out how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Singapore below:
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
To study for an undergraduate degree in Singapore, a key requirement is a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification that meets the university’s admissions criteria. For example, NUS states that international applicants must have completed, or be completing, high school and have at least 12 years of general education by July in the year of application. Accepted qualifications may include A-Level qualifications, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, national high school examinations, and other recognized secondary qualifications, depending on the university and applicant category.
Standardized test requirements vary by university and qualification. Some applicants may need to submit SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, or other approved test scores. These requirements are not the same for every international applicant, so students should check the admissions page of each university and the rules for the qualification they are presenting.
Lastly, once students have received their acceptance from a university, they must secure a student visa, also known locally as a Student’s Pass, unless they already hold a valid immigration pass that exempts them. ICA states that a Student’s Pass is required for foreigners accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore, and part-time courses or courses conducted in the evening or on weekends are not eligible.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Because Singapore is home to a melting pot of cultures, English remains the standard medium of instruction in many educational institutions. Depending on their previous education and the qualification they are presenting, some international students who wish to study for a bachelor’s degree in Singapore may be required to furnish proof of English proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, SAT, ACT, or other approved tests.
Minimum scores vary by institution and program. NUS lists IELTS 6.5 for overall, reading, and writing; TOEFL iBT 92–93; and PTE Academic 62 for overall, reading, and writing as minimum acceptable scores for admission in its AY2026/2027 international undergraduate prospectus, with different requirements for Law. Nanyang Technological University lists IELTS overall 6.0, with writing 6.0 and speaking 6.0; TOEFL iBT 90 with speaking 25 for tests taken before 2026; PTE Academic overall 55 with speaking 55; SAT 1250; ACT with Writing composite 30; or C1 Advanced overall 170, with writing 170 and speaking 170, for applicants who are required to submit English or standardized test evidence. Singapore Management University requires international and other-qualification applicants to submit one approved standardized test unless they fall under an exempt category, and its non-law minimums include IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 93 for tests taken before January 21, 2026, and PTE Academic 66. Applicants should always check the latest admissions pages because requirements can change by program, test date, and qualification type.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
The specific application process will vary by school, but the general steps consist of:
Step 1. Apply Online and Present Supporting Documents
Most, if not all, Singaporean universities accept undergraduate applications online. Students may visit the admissions page of these universities and create a profile if they are eligible for admission:
The most common requirements include proof of high school qualification or an internationally accepted equivalent, applicable standardized or English proficiency test scores, and supporting documents listed in the applicant portal. While scanned copies of these documents are usually submitted during the online application, universities may require official results, original documents, or verification directly from the awarding body later in the process.
Step 2. Pay the Application Fee
Some universities charge a non-refundable application fee. For AY2026/2027 undergraduate applications, NUS charges S$20 for international students with international qualifications, NTU charges S$25 for international applicants, and Singapore Management University charges S$15.
Step 3. Wait for Results
For some programs, students may be shortlisted for admissions assessments, interviews, writing tests, or other program-specific evaluations. Otherwise, results will be released through the university’s applicant portal or official communications. Note that the letter of acceptance is a prerequisite for the Student’s Pass application.
Step 4. Apply for Student Pass
Students wishing to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Singapore must submit the required personal data and travel documents through the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority e-Service. ICA states that applicants for Institutes of Higher Learning should apply online at least two months and not more than three months before the course begins. A non-refundable processing fee of S$45 is payable. Processing time for Institutes of Higher Learning is generally within one week, or within two weeks if a visa is required, excluding the date of submission, although some applications may take longer.
If the application is approved, ICA will issue an In-Principle Approval letter. Before the Student’s Pass is issued, students must complete the required formalities in Singapore. ICA currently charges a S$60 issuance fee for the Student’s Pass and a S$30 Multiple Journey Visa fee, if applicable. The Student’s Pass is issued in digital form only.
The application process depends on the type of institution. For applicants to Institutes of Higher Learning, ICA lists Singapore’s local universities and several offshore institutes with local campuses. For students enrolling in private education institutions, ICA states that only EduTrust-certified Private Education Institutions can offer placements to foreign students who need a Student’s Pass. Students should check ICA and their institution for the most current requirements before applying.
We hope this article on how to study for a bachelor’s degree in Singapore was helpful to you. Have a closer look at the opportunities Singapore has to offer international students by checking these available courses for international students! Plus, get more insights on how to elevate your study abroad journey on our Study in Singapore Page!
