How to Study Nursing in Singapore for International Students

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Nursing is a popular and important profession across the world and in many countries, especially nowadays, there is a drastic shortage of those trained in the art of nursing. Singapore is an attractive choice for those that would like to study nursing in a different country as it offers a multitude of fantastic schools dedicated to the medical profession.

Singapore offers a wide range of study options for those interested in learning the art of nursing, and as it has several good schools, the chance of getting accepted into at least one is fairly good even for international students.

Additionally, Singapore is known for its absolute dedication to the education of youth and as such, it is amongst the most desirable locations for students worldwide. In this article, we will be looking at how to study nursing in Singapore as well as the best Singaporean nursing schools.

What Degrees are there for Nursing in Singapore?

In Singapore, there are several schools offering either diplomas or degrees in nursing. Students that opt for the diploma option have the prospect of either becoming Staff Nurses or working as trainees in a hospital.

The nursing schools in Singapore that offer diplomas in nursing are highly sought-after, and their graduates have an incredibly high employment rate post studying, as is the case with Parkway College where the employment rate of alumni is a staggering 95%.

Students that take diploma courses will also enjoy credit exemptions should they choose to further their studies with an undergraduate degree, as is the case with the Nanyang Polytechnic’s Diploma in Nursing.

For the most part, a diploma in nursing opens the door for a student to further their studies at an advanced level. With this as the end goal, there are many schools that offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in nursing, such as the National University of Singapore which offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as an MSc in Nursing.

How Much Does Studying Nursing in Singapore Cost?

The cost of studying nursing in Singapore varies between institutions and will largely depend on the course in question and whether it is a diploma, undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree.

For example, the yearly tuition fees for international students studying nursing at the National University of Singapore is 37,250 SGD which equates to 27,221 USD. On the other hand, a diploma in nursing from the Nanyang Polytechnic College will set you back 10,949 SDG, which is equal to approximately 8000 USD per year.

However, if the degree course fees sound a little steep, the National University of Singapore also offers a work-study fee assistance scheme where students can work on or off campus for maximum 16 hours a week to supplement their tuition fees.

The cost of living in Singapore is fairly high compared to other countries, and students should set aside at least 1000 SGD per month for food, books and other college-related expenses. This equates to approximately 12,000 SGD extra per year, or 8,769 USD.

See Also: How to Study in Singapore for Free (9 Steps)

What Are the Requirements to Study Nursing in Singapore?

In order to study either a diploma or degree in nursing in Singapore, you will need to have completed high school with a satisfactory school leaver’s certificate having sat and completed examinations in English, Mathematics and Science specifically.

If you would like to hone your skills with a diploma ahead of continuing your studies with a degree, the school may only ask for your diploma certificate as means of qualification, as is the case with the National University of Singapore.

Due to the fact that nursing is a physical profession in the health sector, you will also have to be declared fit for practise by a medical professional like a doctor.

In What Languages Do you Study Nursing in Singapore?

The language of instruction at most of the major nursing schools in Singapore offering nursing at either diploma or degree level is English. This is one of the reasons why it is such an attractive option for international students looking to study nursing in a different country to their own.

Not only is the teaching done in English, but at some schools such as the National University of Singapore, you will be required to sit a Qualifying English Test before you will be admitted to the course.

Best Nursing Schools in Singapore

There are several top-tier nursing schools in Singapore offering nursing as a study option. There are two options for prospective nursing students and that is to either complete a diploma or degree.

A diploma will grant you access and credit exemption should you choose to supplement your studies with a degree thereafter. For any MSc degree in Nursing, you will have had to complete a Bachelor of Nursing first.

1. Nanyang Polytechnic College

The celebrated Nanyang Polytechnic College offers a three-year diploma in Nursing that acts as a solid foundation for those that wish to further their studies at a graduate level, but even without further study, a diploma from the Nanyang Polytechnic will enable you to register as a professional nurse with the Singapore Nursing Board. Nanyang Polytechnic College is considered the best nursing school in Singapore.

The Nanyang Polytechnic College hosts 15,000 students and is situated in Ang Mo Kio in Singapore. For international students looking to study nursing in Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic is an attractive option as they have more than 80 student clubs and groups which will help any student grow their social circle.

2. Parkway College

Parkway College offers a three-year diploma in Nursing that is broken up into six semesters of teaching. This diploma is an exciting option for those that prefer a more interactive and hands-on teaching experience as their class modules include role playing, simulated lab practises, case study presentations, collaborative learning and student-led discussions.

This excellent nursing school in Singapore was established in 2008 and is governed by Parkway Pantai Limited, which is one of the biggest integrated private healthcare groups in Asia. The college is committed to the education and training of healthcare professionals and posit themselves as a great choice for students with a passion for providing quality healthcare and compassion to future patients.

3. National University of Singapore

The final school in our list of top nursing schools in Singapore is the National University of Singapore. The courses here are taught in the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the University.

The BSc degree is a three-year course and students who have maintained a minimum cumulative average point of 3.2 over this course will be eligible to extend their studies with the Honours year.

Students that successfully complete their nursing degree at the National University of Singapore can register with the Singapore Nursing Board after which they can choose to specialize in numerous exciting healthcare fields including aged care, paediatrics, accident and emergency, mental health, or oncology.

Discover more: National University of Singapore Scholarships for International Students

For international students interested in the profession of nursing, choosing to study nursing in Singapore is a good option as they offer tuition in English, a universal language, and a multitude of diplomas and degrees suited to a wide variety of candidates. The cost of living in Singapore is relatively high, but if you take into account that some of the nursing degrees are very affordable even for foreigners, it could be an exciting way to expand your horizons and kickstart your healthcare career. If you are an international student who plans on studying in Singapore, check out or guide on How to Study in Singapore for International Students.

 

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