Among many developed countries in Asia and Europe, studying for a master's degree in Singapore is becoming an outstanding choice thanks to the advantage of geographical location, international standard education quality and significantly shortened study time. Not only does it own the world's top universities, Singapore is also Asia's leading financial, technology and logistics center, creating a learning environment associated with global business practices.
With international qualifications, flexible study paths and open career development opportunities, studying a master's degree in Singapore is considered the perfect stepping stone for young people who want to accelerate their career in a short time but still ensure long-term academic value.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of the Singapore master's study abroad program
The graduate education system when you study for a master's degree in Singapore is designed to be extremely flexible and practical to meet the rapid development of the labor market. Unlike the undergraduate level, the master's program here is divided into two main structures depending on the student's career goals:
Academic master's program (Master by Coursework): This is the most popular program for Vietnamese students choosing to study for a master's degree in Singapore. Students will participate in classes, lectures, group discussions and homework similar to university level but at a more in-depth level. This program focuses strongly on practical application, solving business problems and actual management of enterprises.
Master by Research program: Dedicated to those who intend to go deeper into the academic path, work as a PhD student or continue their studies to a Doctorate (PhD). This type of student will spend most of their time in a laboratory or library under the guidance of a professor to complete an independent research thesis.
The international linkage model is a core feature that makes up the brand of the Singapore master's study abroad program at private schools. When choosing this route, students will experience studying right at the most modern and comfortable campuses of the lion island nation. However, the entire curriculum system here is kept original according to Western standards.
Not only that, all academic quality accreditation processes are also extremely strictly monitored. Your final diploma will be issued directly by reputable partner public universities in the UK, Australia or the US. This brings a huge advantage to students. You can both own a prestigious international standard degree and experience a safe, civilized and extremely convenient living environment right in the heart of Asia.
2. Why should you choose to study for a master's degree in Singapore?
It is no coincidence that the number of applications to study master's degrees in Singapore at the TuanSing system has continuously grown strongly over the years. This roadmap possesses outstanding advantages that are difficult for any country to compete with:
2.1 Maximum shortening training time (Only 12 - 15 months)
In Vietnam or other European and American countries, a master's program will normally last 2 to 3 years. However, when choosing to study for a master's degree in Singapore, you can complete the entire program and receive your degree in just 12 to 15 months (depending on the major and structure of each school).
The campus in Singapore applies a study system of 3 semesters/year and does not have a very long summer vacation. Increased study intensity helps you save 1 to 1.5 years of living expenses, and quickly return to the labor market to seize advancement opportunities while your peers are still struggling in the classroom. This is considered the biggest plus point to attract students to study for a master's degree in Singapore.
2.2 International degrees from world-famous universities
As mentioned, the leading private institutions in Singapore are all strategic partners of universities in the top 1% to 2% of the world. When you graduate from studying a master's degree in Singapore, the degree you hold in your hand is the original degree issued by schools such as University of London (UK), University of Birmingham (UK - a school belonging to the prestigious Russell Group), James Cook University (Australia) or Curtin University (Australia). There are absolutely no words on the diploma that say "Study at the Singapore campus", ensuring legal validity and absolute global reputation.
2.3 No work experience required for many industry groups
A big barrier for new university graduates who want to go straight to graduate school in European and American countries is the requirement of 2-3 years of work experience in a management position (especially in the MBA sector). On the contrary, master's study abroad programs in Singapore at many large private schools are open to welcome students who have just graduated. The courses are designed to integrate real-life case studies to compensate for the lack of experience, helping you seamlessly complete your master's degree through the optimal route to study a master's degree in Singapore.
2.4 Opportunity to connect and work at the global financial center
Singapore is home to the regional headquarters of more than 7,000 multinational corporations (MNCs). Participating in the Singapore master's study abroad environment will give you the opportunity to participate in economic seminars, job fairs and direct contact with high-level employers. The global alumni network of international universities here is also an invaluable treasure to help you expand your future career relationships. It can be said that investing in studying a master's degree in Singapore is the perfect stepping stone to becoming a global citizen.
3. Latest conditions for studying master's degree in Singapore
To prepare a perfect application and achieve the highest Student Pass (Study Visa) issuance rate, you need to clearly understand the entry criteria and conditions before deciding to apply for a master's degree in Singapore:
3.1 Educational conditions and university degrees
University graduate: Candidates need to have a recognized university diploma. Graduation grade point average (GPA) is usually required to be 6.5/10 or higher (equivalent to a Good degree).
Application review: For Singapore's public universities (e.g. NUS, NTU), requirements are often more stringent when prioritizing students graduating from large public universities in Vietnam with a GPA of 8.0 or higher. For private schools, the approval policy is much more flexible, helping the opportunity to participate in studying a master's degree in Singapore expand to both distance or transfer degree graduates if the degree-granting school is reputable.
3.2 Is an IELTS certificate required to study for a master's degree in Singapore?
This is the question that the team of experts at TuanSing receives the most from students who are learning about studying for a master's degree in Singapore. The answer is: You are not required to have an IELTS certificate at the time of application.
English standard requirements for master's degrees are usually IELTS from 6.0 to 6.5 (no skill below 5.5 or 6.0 depending on the industry). In case you have not yet taken the exam or have not achieved this score, schools in Singapore provide alternative solutions for you to fulfill your dream of studying for a master's degree in Singapore:
Take a Placement Test: A direct test set by the school to accurately assess your current level.
Study English Foundation course: You will go to Singapore to study 2 to 6 months of intensive academic English at school before officially entering the specialized master's program. Therefore, the foreign language barrier is no longer a big problem for the Singapore master's study abroad route.
3.3 Regulations on work experience and supporting certificates (GMAT/GRE)
Work experience: Specialized Master's programs (such as Master of Finance, Master of Logistics, Master of IT) require almost no experience. Particularly for some intensive Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs of UK partner schools, the school may require 2 years of experience. However, Australian schools in Singapore (such as JCU or Curtin) often have MBA pathways specifically for students without work experience, creating the most favorable conditions for students studying for a master's degree in Singapore.
GMAT/GRE: This is a huge plus if you apply to a public school. For private schools and international campuses, GMAT/GRE is completely exempted, helping to reduce exam pressure for students participating in the Singapore master's study abroad system.
3.4 Requirements for a list of documents to apply for a Student Pass at graduate level
The preparation documents for the Singapore master's study abroad program are quite streamlined, you only need to prepare scanned copies of the original documents:
Passport (valid for more than 6 months).
Birth certificate and Citizen ID card.
University diploma and full university transcript (notarized English translation).
English certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) if any.
Curriculum vitae (CV) updates details of study and work history.
Personal essay (Statement of Purpose - SOP) presenting the reason for choosing the major and career goals (TuanSing will assist you in writing this essay to optimize your application to study a master's degree in Singapore).
Photo of card with international standard white background number.
4. How much does it cost to study a master's degree in Singapore?
To create a solid financial plan for your master's degree study abroad trip to Singapore, you need to clearly analyze two major expenses: Specialized tuition fees and actual living costs in Singapore.
4.1 Latest update table of master's tuition fees
Tuition for graduate school in Singapore is calculated as a full package for the entire program (lasting 12 - 15 months) and not calculated per year like in other countries. Fees vary depending on the school's reputation and the field you choose when studying for a master's degree in Singapore:
School system block
Specialized trainingTotal program tuition (SGD)Price range in VND (Estimated)
Private academy sector (SIM, Kaplan, PSB)Business, Marketing, Human Resources22,000 – 28,000
400 – 520 million
Private academy sector (SIM, Kaplan, PSB)IT, Cyber Security, Data Science26,000 – 32,000
480 – 600 million
Australian University Branch (JCU, Curtin)MBA, International Trade, Logistics35,000 – 42,000
650 – 780 million
Public universities (NUS, NTU)All sectors (Self-sufficient system)45,000 – 65,000
830 million – 1.2 billion
Note: The above fees are for reference at the present time and do not exclude scholarships or financial support from the school for the Singapore master's study abroad program.
4.2 Estimate monthly living expenses for graduate students
Master's degree students often tend to choose quieter and more comfortable living spaces than undergraduate students. When participating in a master's degree study abroad in Singapore, the average spending will range from 1,300 to 1,900 SGD/month depending on each individual's lifestyle:
Accommodation:
– Renting a common room (Common Room) in an HDB apartment or Condo: 700 – 1,000 SGD/month.
– Rent a self-contained room with private toilet (Master Room): 1,200 – 1,600 SGD/month.
Food & Dining expenses: 450 - 600 SGD/month. You can easily save money when studying for a master's degree in Singapore by eating at the Food Court system with prices ranging from 5 - 8 SGD/meal.
Transportation costs: 100 - 150 SGD/month using the MRT subway system and public buses with EZ-Link card.
Internet, phone and other miscellaneous expenses: 100 - 150 SGD/month.
4.3 Absolute advantage: No financial proof required
One of the biggest barriers that causes many students to miss student visas in the UK, Australia or the US is not being able to explain the source of their family's income or savings book balance. When applying for a master's degree in Singapore at TuanSing, you will be completely exempted from the financial proof process with the Singapore Immigration Department (ICA). This helps make the process of processing applications to study master's in Singapore quick, neat, and keep personal financial information as secure as possible.
5. The hottest fields of study when studying for a master's degree in Singapore
Choosing a graduate school major should be based on two factors: Global economic trends and the core strengths of the country where you study. In Singapore, the following majors always have outstanding human resource growth rates and attract a large number of applications to study master's degrees in Singapore:
5.1 Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Strategic Management
MBA is a classic program and has the largest number of students. The MBA master's course in Singapore not only provides management theory but also takes students into real-life corporate crisis resolution projects. Choosing this major when studying for a master's degree in Singapore is extremely suitable for those who want to move from a technical specialist position to a management, executive or startup-oriented position.
5.2 Master of Finance – Banking and Financial Data Analysis
Known as the financial heart of Asia, Singapore possesses a financial lifeline system with the presence of major global institutions. Studying a master's degree in this field here, you will have access to the latest financial technology (Fintech), cash flow risk management and investment portfolio analysis according to international standards. This is always the top field of study for students studying for a master's degree in Singapore.
5.3 Master of Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security
As part of the roadmap to realizing the Smart Nation strategy, Singapore is investing billions of dollars in technology infrastructure. Therefore, personnel possessing an information technology degree from a Singapore master's study abroad program are always eagerly sought after by corporations with top remuneration in the labor market.
5.4 Master in Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management
If there is a country worthy of learning about supply chains, it must definitely be Singapore - the busiest transit seaport in the world. The Singapore master's study abroad program in Logistics provides a comprehensive overview of multimodal transportation, smart warehouse management and optimization of operating costs for cross-border distribution networks.
6. Attractive types of scholarships to study master's in Singapore
To reduce the cost burden for students, partner universities and private institutes in Singapore always implement diverse scholarship policies:
Merit Scholarship (Talent Scholarship): Directly considered based on the candidate's university GPA and English certificate. Scholarship levels usually range from 2,000 SGD to 50% of specialized tuition fees. Institutions like SIM or Kaplan often have periodic scholarship review committees before each major admission period.
JCU Singapore Branch Scholarship: James Cook University is famous for its scholarship program for master's degrees with levels of 25% - 50% of tuition fees. Students will take a thinking ability test combined with reviewing excellent academic records to compete for these scholarships.
Early Bird Grant: The private school sector always offers financial support ranging from 1,000 - 2,000 SGD to students who complete the registration procedure and pay tuition to reserve their seats 3 to 4 months before the start of school.
7. Which school is good for studying a master's degree in Singapore? List of outstanding schools
To ensure the value of your degree and the best learning experience when studying for a master's degree in Singapore, you should prioritize choosing the schools with longstanding reputations below:
7.1 James Cook University (JCU) Singapore
Is an official independent branch of James Cook University Australia - a school in the Top 2% in the world. JCU Singapore is the first and only school to date to receive EduTrust Star certification two times in a row from the Singapore Government. The Master's program at JCU offers in-depth training in MBA, Information Technology and has an extremely easy transfer program to Australia.
7.2 SIM Global Education Academy (SIM GE)
SIM GE is a symbol of high quality private education in Singapore. With a large campus according to international university standards, SIM cooperates in master's training with prestigious British universities such as University of Birmingham, University of Warwick, University of Stirling. Degrees awarded directly by these British universities have extremely high academic value globally.
7.3 Kaplan Academy Singapore
Kaplan is world-famous for its training programs in Economics, Management and Finance. In Singapore, Kaplan is affiliated with Dublin University (part of the National University of Ireland, Dublin) - a school that has achieved "Triple Crown" certification (a prestigious certification that only 1% of business schools in the world have achieved). Kaplan's master's program is designed to be flexible, very suitable for those who want to optimize their study time.
7.4 Curtin University Singapore
Is a branch campus of Curtin University, Australia (Top 1% of universities in the world). Curtin Singapore possesses absolute strength in training master's degrees in Logistics, Supply Chain and International Communications. The learning environment at Curtin is imbued with the dynamic, practical style of Australian education.
8. Process and procedures for applying for a master's degree in Singapore at TuanSing.vn
The process of accompanying TuanSing to complete procedures for studying a master's degree in Singapore is optimized according to professional steps:
Step 1: Orientation and school selection consultation (Days 1 - 5): TuanSing experts will evaluate your academic records, university degree and English ability to advise on the most suitable school, major and tuition and scholarship route.
Step 2: Prepare and translate documents (Day 5 - 10): You provide personal documents. TuanSing's application processing team will conduct notarized translations and guide you in completing your personal statement (SOP).
Step 3: Submit application for admission letter (Day 10 - 20): TuanSing submits application directly to the school's admission system in Singapore. An official letter of offer will be issued after 1-2 weeks if the application meets the standards.
Step 4: Submit your Student Pass application through the SOLAR system (Days 20 - 40): After you accept the invitation, TuanSing will represent you to submit your visa application to the SOLAR system of the Singapore Immigration Department (ICA). Approval results (IPA letter) are usually available after 3 - 4 weeks.
Step 5: Complete flight and admission procedures (Days 40 - 50): TuanSing supports you with instructions on safely paying school fees, finding suitable housing (HDB/Condo), arranging pick-up and drop-off at Changi airport and guiding check-in procedures and health checks in Singapore before the first day of school.
9. Frequently asked questions about studying for a master's degree in Singapore (FAQ)
9.1 Can I study for a master's degree in Singapore after graduating from a university in the wrong field?
Absolutely. Many schools in Singapore offer conversion courses (Pre-Master) lasting from 4 to 6 months specifically for students who graduate from university in the wrong field (for example: You graduated in Engineering/English Language but want to study for a Master of Business Administration or Master of Marketing). After completing this Pre-Master course, you will enter the main master's semester as usual.
9.2 Are you allowed to work part-time after studying for a master's degree in Singapore?
According to current Singapore law, international students studying at private schools are not allowed to work outside in any form. The Singapore government wants students to focus 100% of their time and energy on the study program, which is very intense. However, for some specific industries, you can participate in paid internship programs that are approved and legally licensed by the school.
9.3 Is a master's degree from a Singapore private school recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam?
Yes. All master's degrees awarded by British, Australian and American partner universities in Singapore comply with the international accreditation standards of the country of origin. Therefore, these diplomas are completely eligible for diploma recognition procedures at the Department of Quality Management under the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, helping you to legally use them for promotion in agencies, organizations or to continue studying at a higher level in Vietnam.
Studying for a master's degree in Singapore is a strategic investment decision, bringing high rates of return in terms of both time and cost. An international master's degree and the experience of living and working in one of the most developed countries in the world will be a solid launching pad to help you confidently step out into the ocean, affirming your position on the global human resources map.
If you are looking for a master's study abroad path in Singapore that is "tailored" to your ability and financial budget, please contact our leading consultants immediately:
Hotline (Mr Tuan): 0931 246 366 - Official admission representative of Singapore schools in Vietnam.
Email: Contact@tuansing.vn
Website: tuansing.vn
