In contemporary times, the small island nation of Singapore has distinguished itself in the international community for a host of reasons. From its economic prosperity to its multicultural population to its now-legendary reputation as one of the cleanest, safest, and most secure cities in the world, there’s a lot to love about Singapore. It’s unsurprising that, over the years, it has risen to become a highly favored destination for leisure travel, work and study alike.

Education has always been a key component of Singapore’s success throughout its history, and to this day, it remains one of the Singaporean government’s foremost priorities. A generous allocation of state resources and finely targeted government policy have strengthened the educational sector in Singapore considerably over time. As a result of these significant investments, Singaporean schools and universities consistently number among the highest-performing and most well-regarded academic institutions in the world according to international rankings. 

This sterling reputation is just one of many significant arguments for considering Singapore the premier destination country for education in Asia, particularly for international students. Below are five compelling reasons a Singaporean education might be worth pursuing.

World-Recognized Academic Excellence

As previously mentioned, the quality of Singaporean education is well-renowned not only in Asia but all over the world. Furthermore, this reputation for academic excellence has been consistently well-supported over the years by no end of internationally recognized distinctions. The QS World University Rankings 2021, for example, rank the National University of Singapore (NUS) highest in Asia and eleventh internationally. More locally, the Singaporean Ministry of Education offers numerous awards and scholarships yearly to incentivize continual high performance among educational institutions and individual students alike.

Educational research and innovation are conducted in Singapore to the highest possible standard, attracting a wealth of both local and international talent at every level. Under Singaporean education, students from all over the world can expect to be subject to highly advanced curricula designed to maximize their strengths and skills. Over the course of their education, they’re guaranteed to receive the knowledge and expertise necessary for global competitiveness in whatever fields they subsequently choose to pursue.

Private education in Singapore is held to equally high standards. As such, whether parents opt for a local school or an international school Singapore residents trust, they can be certain that their child will receive world-class education. For more guidance, it might be worth looking into the results of the Singapore Education Awards 2021.

Affordable

Though listed as one of the more expensive options for students in Asia, Singaporean education remains much more cost-efficient than other internationally popular student destinations such as Australia, the USA, or the UK. Numerous options for covering tuition costs, such as grants and scholarships from specific institutions, are also available to make Singaporean education more accessible to international students. One of the most prominent of these is the government-sponsored Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS). Under the TGS, university-level or post-graduate students may receive a subsidy on their tuition fees if they commit to living and working in Singapore for an additional three years after completing their degrees. 

Multicultural Environment

Singapore is known the world over as a melting pot of people of different races and ethnicities, faiths, and cultures. The four official languages of Singapore by themselves can attest to this inherent diversity. English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese all enjoy distinction as state languages, with English being the predominant medium of communication in workplaces, schools, and everyday life. 

This multicultural society, in turn, gives rise to a hospitable and inclusive environment in which expatriates and international students can thrive. International students will benefit, for instance, from the convenience of being able to communicate in English in the vast majority of their interactions both at school and outside. On the other hand, they will also receive copious constructive opportunities to interact with, learn from, and form relationships with peers of vastly varying cultural backgrounds. 

High Quality of Life

As of 2019, Singapore boasts the best quality of life in the Asian region according to human resource management agency Mercer’s annual Urban Life Quality Survey. Superior living conditions in the country can be credited to high development in numerous key areas—city planning, the legal system, transportation and the economy, to name a few. An advantageous geographical location, a warm and comfortable climate, and a generally personable population likewise contribute to the high standard of living Singapore residents from all walks of life enjoy. Students in Singapore can thus be assured of a wealth of learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and afford them opportunities to connect meaningfully with the world at large.

Secure, Peaceful Surroundings

In terms of public security, Singapore has been recognized worldwide for many years as one of the safest cities in the world, distinguished for its strictly enforced laws and notably low crime rates. The social and political environment in Singapore is generally stable and relatively free of conflict, and many public institutions including schools and universities make use of dedicated round-the-clock security services.

Singapore is an ideal destination for students not only for the quality of the education it offers but also for the greater environment in which these students can expect to learn, work, and grow. Students who choose to pursue a Singapore education can thus expect to be nurtured and challenged in equal measure. Whether their stays are short-term or long-term, they will surely come away with valuable experience and perspective that will stand them in good stead for years to come.