Beyond IGCSEs: Exploring Education Options in Singapore
Unveiling Your Future After IGCSE: Singapore’s Education Options
Have you completed the IGCSE qualification and now wondering what to do next?
Well, do not worry, we are here to help you navigate through this journey of
exciting opportunities.
Treading the pathway post the completion of IGCSE
presents one with a whole myriad of possibilities, which could be both exciting and exhilarating at the same
time, as it is one of the most important decisions in a student’s career progression. Many students find
themselves confused over whether to take a gap year, continue their higher education or start working right
away.
In this blog, we shall be talking about higher education & career ventures
post IGCSE completion for students in Singapore, or planning to study in Singapore.
Must Read: IGCSE vs O-Level: Key Differences & Choose the
Right Path
Career Options in Singapore
Singapore is known for its cultural diversity, food, beautiful landscapes and most
importantly, as an important and ever-emerging educational destination.
With its strong economy and futuristic approach towards life, Singapore stands to
be an attractive option to continue one’s academic journey and/or kickstart one’s professional
journey.
The ideal career to be chosen depends on the subjects with which the students have
passed their IGCSE qualification. For instance, Science majors students can pursue Medicine,
Engineering, Environmental sciences, etc.
Other career fields include Finances, Data science, Journalism,
Hospitality, Education, Tourism, etc. Singapore is committed to
innovation and it highly values the digital economy which offers a path to certain new age fields such as
sustainable energy, data analytics, cybersecurity, etc.
Many students choose to pursue AS and A levels after
IGCSE completion. A levels (Advanced) is a two part program, the first part is AS (Advanced Subsidiary),
which is a 1 year course and is a qualification on its own.
The second part is the A2 level, which provides a higher level of specialization.
These are highly specialized courses and students are required to take up only 3 subjects for an in-depth
study. These qualifications arm the students with exceptional research and problem solving skills.
Another road for students is pursuing IB Diploma, which is also a student-centric and research-based education and backs students
with high order thinking skills and an all round independent development.
The landscape of professions is quite widespread in Singapore and students can
definitely leverage the dynamic and evolving environment to gain unique exposure and valuable experience in
their chosen fields.
Perks of studying in Singapore
Firstly, Singapore is filled with high ranking international universities, making
it the perfect destination for pursuing higher education. Moreover, it provides a futuristic and innovative
environment for nurturing students in all fields of life.
Secondly, Singapore with vast cultural diversity provides a rich experience beyond
the classroom and accepts students from every culture with open arms.
Finally, Singapore’s safe and stable environment, alongwith its high standard of
education and living standards makes it the perfect place for students to develop both personally and
professionally. Location wise, the students have the rest of Asia at their disposal, making it convenient to
explore the landscape.
8 Notable Universities and Colleges in Singapore
- National University of Singapore
(NUS) - Nanyang Technological University
(NTU) - Singapore Management University
(SMU) - Singapore University of Technology
and Design (SUTD) - INSEAD
- PSB Academy
- James Cook University – Singapore
(JCU) - North London Collegiate School
Moreover, there are some amazing Singapore-based companies which help students
ease their educational journeys through online tuitions, study resources, past paper practices and more
exciting features like these. One such platform is Tutopiya. With experienced teachers,
high-standard study resources & personalized study plans and an in-depth revision & past paper
practice, Tutopiya helps students prepare for their A levels and
IB exams.
Aids for International Students- Scholarship & Admission Process
Government Scholarships provided by the Singapore Ministry of Education
Private scholarships sponsored by corporations and foundations like Lee Kong Chian
Graduate Scholarships, ASEAN Scholarships, GIIS Singapore Global Citizen Scholarship, etc.
The admission process in Singapore is quite simple, but requires careful planning
and preparation. It generally involves the following steps:
Application form and educational certificates
Submission of test scores such as SAT, ACT, etc.
Submission of letters of recommendation, and/or a personal statement
Additionally, few courses also include interviews and portfolios. The students
must ensure that all academic transcripts and other documents are in English or officially translated.
Moreover, international students must obtain a student visa well in advance.
Conclusion
The pathway after IGCSE is filled with a lot of questions, and to be able to sail
through these rough waters, the students must identify their interests, future career goals combined with a
thorough research on various programs and institutions.
Students should also take into consideration the university rankings and
connections with industries to ensure internships and job placements post program completion. Speaking to
alumni, attending open houses, discussions with counselors, etc. may help students through this
process.
Apart from professional considerations, the international students must also keep
in mind the visa requirements, followed by finding accommodation, understanding the culture of
Singapore
and managing finances in a new currency effectively. There are a number of support
groups and resource centers specially available to international students. Therefore, one must leverage such
groups and take the onus of growing in Singapore.
All in all, one must embrace the opportunity to study in Singapore, as it sets the
stage for a bright and fulfilling future, gifting the students with invaluable assets like dynamic
experiences and unmatched knowledge.
All the best!