Why Study Nursing in Singapore?

Slowly but steadily, the Asian market is becoming more attractive to international students. Singapore is one of the busiest study destinations for international students in Asia. Many students from India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and China study in this vibrant and thriving city.

Medicine is a highly sought-after profession in Singapore. The country’s high-end technology and spending on research and healthcare set the bar high for the rest of the world. There is a multitude of opportunities in Singapore, as well as a lavish lifestyle to enjoy.

Nursing is considered to be a noble profession. Especially as we battle a pandemic, we come to realize the true sacrifice of doctors and nurses. Singapore is home to many internationally acclaimed universities imparting credible medical degrees. The rigorous curriculum, along with employment opportunities, makes the nursing courses even more attractive.

Opportunities for nursing students

There are plenty of good nursing schools in Singapore to choose from. A nursing degree from Singapore is not as expensive as its counterpart in the USA or UK. Hence it is considered by many while comparing international courses.

Singapore is considered to be one of the best places to live in. The friendly work culture, work-life balance, quality education system, and last but not least good administration has made Singapore more attractive to foreigners each year.

The job market is also extremely high-paying. The medical facilities are the best in the world. Hence nurses and doctors can provide the best care. There is plenty of opportunities to also advance in your nursing career as well as job security.

Universities and courses offered

Considering the sheer number of institutes, finding the right nursing course in Singapore can be quite confusing. There are both diploma courses as well as full-time degree courses available for nursing.

Parkway College, Nanyang Polytechnic, and Ngee Ann polytechnic are the best colleges for diplomas in nursing. The diploma courses are for three years on a full-time basis. Students can expect to pay 10K to 20K for tuition fees just after graduation students get job offers that pay 3-5k per month in Singapore dollars.

Nursing schools in Singapore provide all-around comprehensive training. Alongside the academic curriculum, students are exposed to actual patients and treatments. It helps them learn better and be ready to serve well when they graduate.

The national university of Singapore offers a degree in nursing. You can opt for various specializations like dentistry, general medicine, etc. The cost is again about 20K for international students. Ngee Ann polytechnic, along with a diploma, also offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing for two years. The Singapore nursing board oversees it, and the course costs about 28K.

Singapore institute of management and Kaplan also are good options for a bachelor’s in nursing. The courses are popular among international students. Nursing courses from Singapore are highly valued all over the world and hence are worth the investment.

Visa requirements and documentation

For the Singaporean student visa, one must fill out Form 16 and Form V36 after getting their offer letters. Documents to be submitted include passport photo, application fee, financial statement, school transcripts, offer letter, support affidavit, and loan documents if applicable. The visa application is suggested to be made two months before starting the course.  

The process is relatively straightforward, and Singapore is exceptionally student-friendly. Students who have scored well in their school finals and are interested in nursing must look into Singapore’s opportunities in 2021. 

Cost of living and studying

Apart from tuition fees, one must consider living expenses while deciding on a study destination abroad. If you live on campus,500 – 800 Singapore dollars is saved, which is the minimum one spends on accommodation. On top of that,100 dollars on utilities. Another 400 local dollars on food for a month. Plus phone plan, transport, and expensive personal drive-up minimum sustenance level to 1000-2000 dollars depending on if you include rent or not.

The Singaporean dollar is at approximately 52 rupees. For Indian students, it is more affordable than the US dollar or pound. Hence affording an education is easier in Singapore for the aspiring middle class of Asian countries.

Financial aid and scholarships

There are quite a few scholarships for deserving international students in Singapore. Among them is the ASEAN undergraduate scholarship from Singapore national University. The benefits apply to all ASEAN countries and provide tuition fees and accommodation expenses for the student. The scholarship is also applicable to international students enrolling in nursing in the management institute.

Students from the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, and Singapore Management University are all eligible to apply for the Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship. On average, 3-4 people are awarded this scholarship each year. Students from particular countries, including Japan, Korea, and India, are eligible. It covers the majority of student expenses, including airfare, fees, and accommodation.

The year 2020 has been challenging for everyone around the world. A raging pandemic has engulfed millions of lives. During the time of such a health crisis, doctors and nurses have been frontline workers. They have readily given up their own lives to save others.

People who chose this noble profession indeed take upon a vast responsibility. Universities in Singapore are trying to provide the best education to their students, even in such challenging times. The world needs more and better doctors and nurses. Hence it is the country’s pursuit to train the best students globally in the noble field.

The year 2021 will welcome a new batch of nursing students. Interested students must look into relevant information and apply quickly. The chance to study in a premier nursing institute is a once-a-lifetime opportunity. The country also has a sound healthcare system to provide well-paying jobs for nursing graduates. So alongside getting an international degree, you can also save up on some extra dollars in Singapore.