Why study in Singapore? Here are five legitimate reasons

A communications and technology powerhouse, Singapore is a global, multicultural city whose dynamism leaves nothing to be desired.

A keen choice for expats, workers and international students, life in Singapore is at once cosmopolitan, fast-paced and diverse, with virtually endless opportunities for students to build strong international networks and grow professionally.

Singapore's outstanding higher education scene contributes significantly to the success of the island nation.

The city-state boasts some of the world's highest-ranked universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The two institutions have been consistently ranked among the top five universities in Asia.

Read on for our detailed analysis of why you should study in Singapore, and find out how the Little Red Dot can enrich your experience as an international student.

Outstanding academic quality

Singapore is globally acclaimed for its high standard of education. The city is home to top-tier universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). 

The NUS, for instance, ranks first in Asia and eighth in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, while the NTU is ranked 26th globally and fifth in Asia.

Thanks to its world-class education system and desirable academic scene, Singapore has a record of attracting prominent scholars and academics to work and study there. Studying in Singapore will undeniably enhance your strengths and broaden your horizons.

Excellent graduate prospects  

Dubbed one of the 'Four Asian Tigers,' Singapore stands out from the crowd because of its strong economy. One of the busiest ports in the world, the Port of Singapore is an embodiment of the country's economic power.

A variety of fast-growing industries have flourished in Singapore in recent years, such as precision engineering, information technology, aerospace and biotechnology. The city is also where professional services and the creative industry thrive.

Singapore's supreme location in the heart of Asia, its multiculturalism, use of English and friendly approach to foreign investments have made it incredibly attractive to international businesses. 

LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Apple, Google, BMW and Dyson are a few of the many multinational corporations that have set up their Asian headquarters in Singapore.

Singapore is also a leading international financial centre. According to the latest Global Financial Centre Index (GFCI) published in March 2023, Singapore is the world's third most competitive financial centre, trailing only behind New York and London. 

With its steadily growing economy and status as one of Asia's most important business hubs, Singapore offers excellent career prospects for international students.

There is a strong demand for international talent and skilled graduates across a number of sectors, with many companies beginning the recruitment process even before you graduate.

Despite global economic uncertainties, Singapore's unemployment rate was confirmed at only 1.9% in the second quarter of 2023. This makes Singapore a reliable choice for kickstarting your career.

An exciting food scene

Often called a ‘nation of foodies’, Singapore is famed for its rich and dynamic food culture. Singaporeans often greet each other with ‘Have you eaten?’ (‘sudah makan?’) on top of ‘hello’ and ‘how are you,’ reflecting the importance of food in Singaporean culture. 

The best and snappiest way to enjoy a meal is by visiting one of the city’s many hawker centres, a kind of enclosed marketplace hosting rows and rows of different food stalls.

These stalls are nothing like what you’d find in a food court in the UK or the US: they are each equipped with a tiny kitchen, where your food will be made to order right in front of you. And, above all, the food you will find there is generally quite cheap.

Influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures, food in Singapore is ever-inventive and often originates from different fusions of tastes, flavours and ingredients. Try char kway teow - flat rice noodles stir-fried with lard, soy sauce, chilli, Chinese sausage, cockles, prawns and egg - or munch on a chilli crab, a national favourite and popular dish among visitors.

A cultural melting pot

It’s not just in the kitchen where Singapore’s international influences shine. As of December 2021, Singapore has a total of 1.2 million foreign workers, making it second only to Dubai in the proportion of expat workers. 

Thanks to the many different ethnic groups settled in the city, living, studying and working in Singapore is truly an internationalised experience.

Singapore has four official languages, namely English, Tamil, Malay and Chinese. English is predominantly used in academic and professional settings.

For a real cross-section of Singapore’s cultural diversity, head through the city’s distinctive ethnic neighbourhoods such as ‘Little India,’ ‘Chinatown’ or ‘Kampong Glam’ to get a first-hand experience of the different traditions that underpin the city’s modern façade.

Research and innovation

A beacon of modernity, Singapore is also a hotbed of technological innovation. The country is a significant player in the electronics and data storage sector, with a notable presence in the global hard disk drive (HDD) manufacturing industry.

The birthplace of the USB stick, mini DNA sequencing machine, sustainable synthetic seafood and infrared fever screening system, Singapore is one of the most innovative cities throughout the Asia Pacific region. In 2022, Singapore ranked 7^th in the INSEAD Global Innovation Index, and 4^th in the 2023 IMD World Competitiveness Rankings.

The research status of the nation’s universities is also on the rise, with Nanyang Technological University ranking 1^st in the 2023 Times Higher Education’s top 100 universities under 50 years old.

The nation’s highest-ranking institution, the National University of Singapore (25^th) hosts four of Singapore’s Research Centres of Excellence, specialising in quantum technologies, cancer, functional, intelligent materials and mechanobiology.

With all these resources at your fingertips, your potential to grow, create and realise your ideas as a student in Singapore is virtually endless.

Ready to discover Singapore for yourself? Check out our articles on the three fields you can study in Singapore and find a graduate career in the island nation to help you brainstorm your study path.