Students seek eastern shores

Nineteen-year old Akash Modi is a student of Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). Ask him about how he decided to look eastward for international education, and he says, "I scored over 86% and applied to well-known commerce colleges in Mumbai, but I could not secure a seat there. Not willing to settle for a college which were considered second tier I applied to universities in US and UK, but I had to wait until October to know if they accepted my application. I had already missed a few months of the Indian academic year and I didn't want to risk the entire year. Fortunately for me, I got accepted at SIM even before I got a reply from western universities." 

A similar story is told by Saumit Chaudhary studying in Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS).  Saumit had to undergo a stressful wait until he finally decided to look at Singapore's MDIS to pursue his educational ambition.

Like Akash and Saumit an increasing number of Indian youth is planning to shift focus to Singapore. For the last couple of years, the region has become a fast growing nucleus for international universities to set base. Institutions like University of Birmingham, University of Nevada and Las Vegas and  various  others, the stage is set to attract other universities as well.

Indian students have always aimed at getting international education. The reasons might have varied from better quality to global exposure to even independence. "I wanted to pursue post graduation in the US but as I am only seventeen my parents were comfortable in sending me to Singapore. Also, this is my training ground. I get to enjoy the independence and also understand the responsibilities," says Shruti, a hotel administration student at University of Nevada and Las Vegas. 

Another reason for an increase in Indian students leaving home shores is the opportunity to explore new disciplines and a value addition from personal development, internationally acceptable qualifications and an opportunity to use the world class infrastructure. As Saumit puts it, "Singapore is at the heart of international corporate world. There are many companies setting up their Asia headquarters here, there is a good chance of finding employment."

Marisa Low, assistant director, Contact Singapore says, "We're not just extending ourselves as a destination for education and employment, but we welcome those who want to make Singapore their home as well. For Kaushik, who is studying at PSB Academy, "It gives me the best of both worlds, the opportunities of the western and the cultural ties of the eastern. Moreover, getting a permanent residence card is easier, I got mine in just 25 days."

Since 2003 when Singapore stepped up in line with the biggies of education hotspots, the number of international students has increased from 61,000 in 2003 to 97,000 in 2008 and that too from 120 nationalities. "Today we host students not only from India, but other Asian countries like China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam," says Susanah Toh of Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Apart from this, Singapore is viewed as the safest and most politically stable country around the world. Worried parents have voiced concerns about sending students to Australia post the unfortunate incidents against Indians living there.

With the UK introducing stricter visa rules, refusing over 49.1% student visa applications and USA asking local students to pull up their socks and face Asian scholars, Indians are looking for reasonable options.

Pursuing UG or PG
Indian students who have completed class X may apply to a junior college for the two year 'pre-university' course. This brings them at par with the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'Advanced' (GCE-A) examination.

Singapore's undergraduate study programmes are actually Bachelor's degree programmes. These are offered in a variety of subjects ranging from science, economics to engineering architecture and business management. Admissions in the Singapore's Public Universities (i.e government institutions) are competitive with primary importance of academic profile.

Students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in public universities must have completed at least 12 years of formal education. The duration of a bachelor's degree course is three or sometimes four years. Some of these programmes require SAT scores, but this differs in each university. All applications to undergraduate programmes are done online.

For those pursuing post graduate studies, there are three types of challenging programmes; PhD, masters and graduate diploma. All doctoral programmes are of three to five years duration. Those taking admission to a PhD course, need to have completed their masters degree and also need to appear for GRE/GMAT and Toefl/IELTS exams.

Apart from these, applicants must have good scores in the bachelors' degree and two years work experience. The masters degree programmes are designed to prepare students for the profession. These courses may range from one year to two years depending on the university the student is studying at. The various degrees offered through the masters course are MA, MS, MBA and MFA.

Working in Singapore
During school term, students who are enrolled in public universities and polytechnics as well as foreign institutes of higher learning are allowed to work part-time for 16 hours per week. They can work full-time during vacations.

For those enrolled in private education organisations, the Singaporean government doesn't permit part-time employment or internships. However, the government has allowed Singapore Institute of Management (the global education arm) the only private university to permit students to work part-time for 16 hours on campus.

However all students after finishing their courses have equal and wide range of career opportunities both in and outside of Singapore.