To help ensure that you are taking the right steps for your application, we have detailed a guide on the application to the different types of institutions in Singapore, listing the specific procedures.
Government, Government-Aided and Independent Schools Admission of international students into government, government-aided or independent schools is strictly based on availability of vacancies.
Submit your application at the school of your choice with the required documents.
If there is a vacancy, you will need to pass a placement test conducted by the school.
Upon passing the test, the school will issue you with a Letter of Acceptance.
The Letter of Acceptance is valid for two weeks, during which time, you must apply for a Student's Pass with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and revert to the school with your Student's Pass confirmation.
If you have parents working in Singapore but are not eligible for the Dependent Pass, you will be referred to ICA before sitting for the placement test.
International students can take the Certification Test to apply for admission to more than 80 public schools. Organised by the Principals Academy Inc (PAI), the Certification Test aims to provide students with the ease and convenience of applying into local schools, while saving them the trouble of having to take multiple entry tests at different schools. PAI does not, however, place students into schools. Students will need to apply to the schools directly.
International Students who wish to apply to study at the 30 popular primary schools, top 30 secondary schools and top five junior colleges will no longer need to take the CQT administered by MOE with effect from January 2005. All international students are advised to approach the school of choice directly to seek admission.
For more information, including list of participating schools and test dates, please refer to the PAI website on Certification Testing.
Local Universities/Polytechnics/Institute of Technical Education
Check the course brochures or website of the university of your choice to see if you meet the course requirements.
Apply directly to the educational institutions accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation. Please note that local universities accept online applications.
Some institutions or courses will require you to undergo an interview or placement test.
Upon acceptance, you will be sent a Letter of Offer. Applicants who apply online to local universities can check their application status online.
Sign the acceptance form and return it by the closing date.
You will receive a package and should plan to be in Singapore at least two weeks before the semester commences.
Private Schools Private schools conduct their own admissions exercises which are usually publicised in the media or course brochures.
Check that the school is registered with MOE and that the course has been approved.
Check the course brochures or website of the school to see if you meet the course requirements.
Verify that the courses offered, certification, school facilities and international student services meet your expectations.
Apply directly to the school accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation.
You will be kept informed of your application status and sent a Letter of Offer upon acceptance.
Foreign System Schools/International Schools Foreign System Schools, or International Schools, conduct their own admissions exercises which are usually publicised in the media or course brochures.
Apply directly to the school accompanied by the relevant certification and documentation.
You will be kept informed of your application status and sent a Letter of Offer upon acceptance.
Check that the course offered, certification, school facilities and international student services meet your expectation.
Before you register with a school, check that you have all the necessary information about the school or the programme of your choice. Click here for a Guide to Applying to Schools in Singapore.
