Singapore expresses the essence of today; a vibrant, multi-cultural, sophisticated city-state where tradition and modernity, East and West, meet in comfortable companionship and intermingle harmoniously…and with imagination. Singapore provides you with unforgettable insights into her combined with exciting new world visions. Singapore. A home away from home, with multicultural and cosmopolitan people and modern amenities, she is friendly and easy to live in.
Singapore has a good education system that helps students to establish foundations for their future. Singapore is a regional center for educational excellence and known for it top quality schools, universities, academic and research institutes which serve as hotbeds of new ideas innovations and inventions.

Population
Singapore has a population of 4 million people with 78% Chinese, 14% Malays, 7% Indians and 1% others. Each racial group has maintained its own cultural identity and are proud to be Singaporean’s.
The student population comprised of 10000 students in Universities, 7718 students in engineering and 13391 students in polytechnics (figures only for 1st year intakes).
The foreign student population mainly comprises of students from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, China and Mauritius. There are several exchange programs in which local Universities are affiliated to universities in the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, France, Britain, Germany, Norway.

Languages :
There are four official languages in Singapore : Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language.

Religions :
Singapore is also a mixture of religions. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism.


Daily life
Singapore is an enchanting potpourri of religions, cultures and traditions. The religious celebrations of the 4 main ethnic communities (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian) are national holidays that are enlivened by elaborate street decoration and boisterous merry-making.

There is something to do for everyone in Singapore. The young enjoy going to cinemas which is cheap, shopping, clubbing and dancing.

Singapore is not just one island but a main island with over 60 surrounding islets. The main island has a total area of about 640 square km. Singapore’s compact size belies its economic growth. Singapore is a thriving center of commerce and industry. She is also the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines. Singapore is one of the worlds major oil refining and distribution centers; a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. She has become one of the most important financial centers in Asia.

Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of Government based on the Westminster model. President S R Nathan and the Cabinet: led by he Prime Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong.

Climate :
Singapore’s climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31° C and a minimum of 23°C. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January.
Telephone : Country code : 65
Currency :
currency is in Singapore dollars and cents. Most commonly used notes are $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins come in the following denominations: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 coins.
1 Singapore dollar = US $0.5866
Singapore has an extensive network of automated teller machines (ATMs) and a cashless payment system called NETS for payment convenience. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Singapore has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Daily necessities and luxuries are easily available. She has one of the lowest inflation rates in the world, at 2% in 1997.

A 500 sq.ft. studio apartment : US $800/month.
Bread : US $0.70 per 400 gm loaf
A coca-cola : US $0.32 per can
McDonald’s Hamburger: US $0.76
A meal at a mid range restaurant : approx. US $12.00 /person
Bus : US $0.32 — US $0.88
Train : US $0.35 — US$1.00
Car rental : US $99 — US $110/day

Cost of living as a student :
Student’s Budget in Singapore/ per month
Hostel (standard room)US $810.00-US $ 940.00 (Boarding Schools)
US $95.00 — US $205 (universities)
Home stayUS $586.00 — US $705.00
FoodUS $117.00-US $175.00
Books & StationaryUS $60.00- US $90.00
Public transport (student concession)US $15.00-US $35.00
Personal ExpensesUS $35.00 — US $65.00

The strength of the Singapore education system lies in its bilingual policy, broad based curriculum. There are tow pre-university centers, 14 junior colleges, 4 polytechnics, 12 vocational institutes and 2 universities. The literacy rate in Singapore is 92.8%.

Education System :
The primary school system is a flexible one and there is provision for at least 10 years of general education : six years in primary school and four years in secondary school. After secondary schooling there is an option given to the students — junior college, if academically inclined ; If good at skills, technical or commercial institutes or polytechnics. The GCE ‘A’ levels which all junior college students sit at the end of their two years acts as an University entrance exam and is recognized by foreign universities.

Academic Calendar :
In Singapore the school term starts in January and ends in November. Certain universities following the two semester calendar have academic years progressing from July to November and January to may. Examinations are held at the end of each semester and a 10 week vacation period follows at the end of the examinations.