About Singapore

The Lion City

Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city of high-rise buildings, landscaped gardens and heritage-rich precincts. Home to a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is rich in contrast and colour. In fact, you would find that Singapore embodies aspects of both East and West in many interesting ways.

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometres, making her one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region. Although small in size, Singapore commands an enormous presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce. Also, her strategic location in the region has enabled her to become a central sea port along major shipping routes. (Source: yoursingapore.com)

Key Facts of Singapore


Estimated Cost of Living 

Item Details Cost (SGD)
Accommodation (rental) Public housing apartment
Room
1,500 – 3,000 a month
400 – 1,000 a month
Transportation Taxis
MRT/Buses
8 – 24 per trip
0.71 – 2.80 per trip
Utilities Varying based on usage 80 – 400 a month
Meals Low-end restaurants
Hawker centres/food courts/fast food
15 upwards per head, a meal
5 upwards per head, a meal
Groceries For 1 person 150 a month
Entertainment Clubbing and drinks
Cable TV
35 upwards
30 a month upwards
Communications Mobile phone plans
Broadband
19.95 – 200 a month
19.95 – 208 a month

 

International Visitor Arrivals 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment of Foreign Students

Students are not allowed to engage in any form of employment, or in any business, profession or occupation during the validity of your Student’s Pass in Singapore.

Students of foreign nationality are not allowed to work in Singapore during term time or vacation time unless they are granted Work Pass exemption under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification. (Source:http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/working-in-singapore/Pages/employment-of-foreign-students.aspx)

Smoking Prohibition

You are required to know the smoking restrictions in Singapore, including the minimum legal age and the places where smoking is banned.

Immigration Information for International Students

A foreigner is required to apply for a Student’s Pass if he/she wishes to pursue full-time studies in Singapore in an EduTrusted Private Education Institution that is registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE).

The student must abide by the following conditions for the issue of a Student’s Pass:

a) that he/she shall comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act and any regulations made there under or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof   for the time being in force in Singapore;
b) that the purpose of stay in Singapore is solely for study only, and no other pass, extension of stay or permanent stay will be sought for in Singapore;
c) that he/she shall not seek adoption by any Singapore citizen or permanent resident in Singapore;
d) that he/she shall not indulge in any activities which are inconsistent with the purpose for which the Student’s Pass has been issued;
e) he/she shall not engaged in any form of employment paid or unpaid, or in any business, profession or occupation, or in any activity which, in the opinion of the Controller of Immigration, is detrimental to the security, reputation and well-being of Singapore;
f) that he/she shall not smoke, administer to himself/herself or otherwise consume or be in anyway engaged in the trafficking of any controlled drug as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Act, (1985 Edition), or any written law for the time being in force relating to the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs;
g) that he/she shall not be involved in any criminal offences in Singapore;
h) that he/she shall not remain in Singapore after the expiry of the Student’s Pass;
i) that he/she shall surrender the Student’s Pass for cancellation within 7 days of the date of cessation or termination of studies;
j) that the student will inform ICA when he/she leaves the Singapore and his/her means and date of departure;
k) that the student shall be responsible for the cost of his/her repatriation and maintenance pending such repatriation, if necessary;
l) declare that a female student *is/is not pregnant. (To attach a medical certificate indicating the expected date of delivery if applicant is pregnant);

Student’s Pass holders studying in private institutions are strictly NOT allowed to work in Singapore (regardless part-time or full-time/ with or without monetary/ non-monetary rewards).

Please refer to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) for Student’s Pass information.

Driving in Singapore

To drive a vehicle in Singapore, you must possess a valid Singapore driving licence for the class of vehicle that you want to drive.

Drugs Abuse

Drugs abuse is a serious offence in Singapore. Offences involving controlled drugs and substances in relation to trafficking, manufacturing, importation or exportation, possession and consumption will lead to serious penalty including death penalty.

Alcohol Abuse

Students below age 18 are not allowed to buy, sell or consume alcohol as legal drinking age in Singapore is 18-year-old.

Littering

Littering is an offence.Keeping Singapore clean is everyone’s responsibility including foreigners who are working or studying in Singapore.  You will be fined if you litter in Singapore.

Jaywalking

Jaywalking is an offence. You are advised to be responsible and watch your own safety on the road. You will be fined for jaywalking.

General Healthcare Services

Singapore is famous for its efficiency of healthcare services.

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