Choosing Between US and Singapore Universities: Key Factors to Consider

With the landscape of higher education constantly evolving and presenting new opportunities, it can feel incredibly difficult to make a choice for the next chapter of your life. This is especially so when it comes to choosing between US and Singapore universities, as these institutions offer fairly distinct experiences and benefits.

Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog, we’ll summarise some of the key differences between US and Singapore universities, including their academic structures and campus life, while highlighting the importance of considering your cultural fit. With this information in hand, we hope to make your decision-making process easier!

Singapore VS US Universities: What are the key differences?

If you’re choosing between studying in the US and Singapore, the table below summarises some key differences that we will delve into in the following paragraphs.

Application Process

From the outset, US and Singapore universities have very different approaches when it comes to student admissions. The US adopts a holistic admissions process, where your grades are considered alongside your extracurriculars, personal statement, and recommendations from your teachers. Furthermore, as a student in Singapore, you may have to sit for and submit your test scores from the SAT or ACT. These standardised tests provide a uniform metric for the admissions officer to assess your academic readiness, and will help you stand out as a competitive candidate!

In contrast, the admissions process for universities in Singapore often hinges entirely on your academic scores in exams such as the International Baccalaureate, or the A-Level. Typically, the admissions process for institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS) is as straightforward as filling up a form, and providing the relevant transcripts! Occasionally, depending on your choice of course and institution, you may also be called for a short interview, or asked to submit a personal statement. Nanyang Technological University (NTU), for example, interviews all of its shortlisted applicants to fully assess their suitability.

Cost and Financial Aid

Another important factor to consider when comparing US and Singapore universities is the cost of education. US universities are considerably more expensive, with full costs for attending prestigious institutions such as Columbia and Yale coming close to US$100,000 per year! As an international student, these calculations account for the major aspects of your student life, from tuition fees to healthcare and housing. Nevertheless, US universities understand that these costs are high, and do offer scholarships and financial aid programs to ease some of the burden on international students. Broadly, there are two kinds of scholarships available:

• Need-based: In cases where a student’s family cannot provide the full fee contribution, the student can submit their supporting documents (e.g bank statements) to the financial aid office at their university of choice.
• Merit-based: An alternative to need-based scholarships, students who are high-achieving scholars, athletes, or community leaders may consider applying for merit-based scholarships instead. However, the process for this will vary depending on your school of choice, so it’s important to check the eligibility criteria and availability on the financial aid website!

We understand that cost should never be a barrier to knowledge and education. If navigating these financial challenges still seems daunting, we offer the Crimson 10 Overseas Education Scholarship, with applications ending on 31st October 2024. This program provides Singaporean students in need of financial support with free access to our expert admissions consultants, who can offer personalised guidance to help them succeed academically while managing the challenges of the application process.

While Singapore is commonly known as the most expensive city in the world, attending university here—especially as a Singaporean citizen—grants you access to subsidised fees courtesy of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant! A complete 4-year education in Singapore as a citizen will put you back between $33,000 to $54,000 SGD, depending on your institution and course.

However, these fee breakdowns do not accommodate the cost of housing or healthcare, which may figure into your own considerations if you don’t currently live with family. You can also seek further financial assistance through schemes like the Higher Education Bursary offered by Singapore’s institutions in partnership with organisations such as Mendaki, or the Central Provident Fund (CPF). You could consider leaning on these schemes to help your own long-term financial planning as well, especially if you plan to pursue postgraduate studies locally or abroad!

If you’re a Permanent Resident or hold a Foreigner status in Singapore, you’re still eligible to apply for the MOE Tuition Grant, though your subsidy may not be as large as that granted to local students. It’s also important to note that if granted, you’ll be expected to work for at least 3 years for a Singapore entity after graduation. Alternatively, you might consider entry through a merit-based scholarship, such as the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, or the Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship!

Academic Structure

There are also significant differences between the academic structures presented by US vs SG universities. US university curriculums are built to accommodate curiosity and exploration, and typically encourage students to declare their major from their second year onwards. As a result, you can spend your first year exploring different fields which gives you the opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary education!

Additionally, if you’re keen on pursuing a liberal arts education, the US curriculums tend to offer a wide variety of programs that can be quite specific. For instance, institutions like Harvard and University of California Berkeley are reputed for their classical studies programs. While NUS does offer a history major, its regional location means that most of its courses focus on Asian history, leaving only 2 modules on Ancient Greece and Rome.

On the other hand, Singapore universities like NUS and NTU require that you declare your major upon admission. If you’ve already got your heart set on a field of study, you’ll be able to pursue your studies through a structured curriculum from the get-go! With their range of increasingly specialised modules offered throughout your time as an undergraduate, you’ll also have the opportunity to narrow your focus. This might be a particularly valuable opportunity, especially if you’d like to pursue a career in academia!

Campus Life and Student Experience 

Similarly, the experiences of campus life presented by universities in Singapore and the US are quite different! This can be attributed to the differences in the culture of each country, where Singapore is more academically-focused while the US prioritises diversity of experience. 

When it comes to this element, your decision will likely depend on your own priorities and disposition. For instance, if you’re someone who’s quite extroverted, the vibrant university environment of the US campuses may have more to offer you! Of course, this range will differ from school to school, but institutions like the University of Southern California or Yale boast a range of more than 1,000 student organisations and clubs. Furthermore, Greek life is a staple in many US universities, and presents a unique experience which you might not be able to find in Singapore. With numbers like that, there’s certainly something for everyone! 

However, if you’re more interested in honing your academic pursuits, Singapore’s universities are likely to be a better fit for you. Though universities like NUS, NTU, and even SUSS offer a range of extracurricular activities and competitive opportunities, they’re likely to be more of a footnote than the centre of your life at university. 

Cultural Fit

As mentioned above, the differences between campus life in Singapore and the US can largely be attributed to the wider cultural differences between the two countries. Here are some other differences you might like to consider when weighing your options:

• Sociability: While most people in Singapore tend to keep to themselves, small talk is quite common in the US! Depending on the region you’re in, you’ll likely be expected to be able to hold conversations with a range of people in your day-to-day life, from baristas to fellow passengers on public transport. You’ll likely feel this to be especially true as you interact with your peers in the realm of student life.
• Urban connectivity: Given Singapore’s small size, it’s a fairly well-connected city with an efficient public transport system and a high degree of walkability. In contrast, even university towns in the US can be a fair bit larger than Singapore, and you may have to consider obtaining your driving licence in order to be able to get around! 
• Tipping culture: Due to the existing nature of the service charge and Goods and Service Tax (GST) in Singapore, tipping is seen as an extra, voluntary act. In the US, however, tipping is a standard practice, and it can be considered quite bad manners if you don’t tip your server at least 15% of the bill! This may also figure into your cost considerations, especially if you’re on an allowance. 

Global Exposure and Networking

A long-term factor that you might like to consider is the suitability of each location for your career aspirations! No two places are exactly the same, and this is certainly true when it comes to comparing the professional landscapes of Singapore and the US.

While both countries are well-connected, the US offers broader global networking opportunities, which can be accessed through elements of student life such as business clubs or career fairs. On the other hand, Singapore is more focused on its status as a regional hub, and may therefore be better suited for you if you’re keen on exploring opportunities and networking with professionals from Southeast Asia! Similarly, opportunities for networking can be accessed through elements of student life such as the student unions on campus, or through career fairs and industry seminars.

Another node of difference has to do with industry, as the US is a powerhouse when it comes to industries such as technology and finance. On the flip side, Singapore’s position as a regional hub for business and innovation tends to prize careers in financial services, or research & development (R&D).

Post-graduate Career Opportunities

With all this in mind, you may also want to project yourself forward and realistically assess the viability of these job markets, for your chosen field and citizenship status.

The US job market is expansive, with opportunities in multinational companies, tech giants, and research institutions. As an international student, you can take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the US for one year after graduation, or up to three years if you are in a STEM field. However, finding a job requires careful planning. You will need to seek positions with companies willing to sponsor your work visa, especially since your stay in the US will be limited once your OPT period ends.

To enhance your job prospects, it's essential to start early and actively network with industry professionals. Building a strong resume through internships during your undergraduate years can significantly boost your chances of being hired. Gaining experience through summer or winter internships will equip you with a diverse and competitive skill set, making you a more attractive candidate after graduation.

On the other hand, working in Singapore can be more straightforward if you are a citizen or hold PR status. Without the same constraints related to citizenship, you can take your time with your job search and explore various opportunities.

However, as mentioned above, Singapore’s job market is quite focused on certain fields, and may not be particularly easy to navigate if you find yourself keen to join industries like the arts or social work. Once again, though, this doesn’t mean that the doors are definitely closed! Through networking and or attending career fairs to learn more about industry trends and the nature of work in Singapore, you’re still likely to be able to land a job!

We hope you found this blog helpful in comparing universities in Singapore and the US! Ultimately, the choice is yours, and it's important to select the university that best aligns with your ambitions, as this decision is just the first step in your journey.

If you’d like more insights tailored to your specific situation, book a free consultation with our Academic Advisor. They will work with you to explore your goals, strengths, and preferences, helping you navigate your options and make an informed decision about your future.

Key Resources & Further Reading

• The Ultimate Showdown: SG vs US vs UK University Graduate Salaries
• The Ultimate Extracurricular Guide for US University Admissions eBook
• Upcoming Webinars on Applying to US Universities