Is Singapore or the UK on your mind for higher education? Are you struggling to decide which is the better choice for your studies? Both Singapore and the UK are popular destinations for international students seeking to pursue higher studies. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the differences in the cost of living, quality education, job opportunities, and financial aid. In this guide, we will explore all these factors in detail to help you decide which destination suits you best.
Singapore Vs UK: Key Differences
Below are some of the key differences between Singapore and the UK:
1. Education System
Both Singapore and the UK are renowned for their world-class education system but have several differences in academic structure, curriculum, and rankings.
| Country | Academic Structure | Rankings | Curriculum Structure |
| Singapore | Undergraduate – 4 years Postgraduate – 2 years | Singapore has two universities ranked in the Top 10 QS World University Rankings. | Singapore focuses on technical expertise and meeting industry needs. |
| UK | Undergraduate – 3 years Postgraduate – 1 year | The UK has four universities ranked in the Top 10 QS World University Rankings. | The UK offers flexibility, encouraging students to carry out academic exploration. |
2. Singapore Vs UK Cost of Living
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in both Singapore and the UK, covering housing, food, transportation, and tuition fees.
Accommodation Cost
| Country | Off- Campus | On- Campus | Summary |
| Singapore | S$ 500 per month | S$ 560 per month | Singapore accommodation is generally more costly than the UK. |
| UK | 400 pounds (S$ 700) per month | 470 pounds (S$ 800) per month |
Food And Groceries
| Country | Food | Grocery | Summary |
| Singapore | S$ 550 per month | S$ 130 per month | According to these figures, both food and grocery costs in the UK are more costly than in Singapore. |
| UK | 350 pounds (S$ 600) per month | Between 150 pounds and 250 pounds (S$ 255 and S$ 426) per month |
Transportation Costs
| Country | Public Transportation Cost | Private Transportation Cost |
| Singapore | The cost of public transportation in Singapore typically ranges from S$ 50 to S$ 100 per month. | Private transportation via taxis or apps can typically range from S$ 3 to S$ 5 for the first kilometer. |
| UK | The cost of public transportation in the UK typically ranges from 50 pounds (S$ 85) to 80 pounds (S$ 136) per month. | Private transportation, via taxis, can start from 10 pounds and up. |
Tuition Fees
| Country | Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Summary |
| Singapore | The cost of undergraduate studies in Singapore universities can be from S$ 25,000 to S$ 45,000 per year. | The cost of postgraduate studies in Singapore can be from S$ 22,000 to S$ 46,000 per year. | The cost of studying in Singapore is generally cheaper than in the UK. |
| UK | The cost of undergraduate studies in the UK can be from 11,000 pounds (S$ 18000) to 38,000 pounds (S$ 64,800) per year. | The cost of postgraduate studies in the UK can be from 9,000 pounds (S$ 15,000) to 30,000 pounds (S$ 51,000) per year. |
3. Job Opportunities And Compensation
Both Singapore and the UK have thriving and robust job markets. However, there are several differences between these countries regarding employability rates, salaries, and unemployment rates. Let’s have an overview of these:
| Country | Unemployment Rate | Salary | Employability Rate |
| Singapore | The unemployment rate in Singapore is 1.90% as of 2024. | The average salary of a university graduate in Singapore is around S$ 4,000 per month. | The number of graduates securing jobs after graduation is reported to be 89% in 2023. |
| UK | The unemployment rate in the UK is 4.3% as of 2024. | The average salary of a university graduate in the UK is around 2,600 pounds (S$ 4,435) per month. | The number of graduates securing jobs after graduation is reported to be 87% in 2023. |
4. Visas
Both Singapore and the UK offer student visas with unique advantages. Below is a comparison of the student visas between the two countries:
| Country | Student Visas | Eligibility Criteria | Duration | Application Fees | Visa Processing Time |
| Singapore | The main student visa for studying in Singapore is Student Pass. | Student Pass visa is applicable for students who are under 16 and above. Furthermore, they must have been offered a full-time course from a registered institution in Singapore. | 3 months – 4 years. | Around S$ 90 | 1- 3 weeks |
| UK | The main student visa for studying in the UK is a Student Route Visa. | Student Route visa is applicable for students who are 16 and above. Additionally, they must have been offered a full-time course from a registered institution in the UK. | Maximum of 5 years. | Around 490 pounds (S$ 835) | 8 weeks |
Post Graduate Work Visas
| Country | Type of Visa | Description | Visa Fees |
| Singapore | Employment Pass | The Employment Pass is issued to recently graduated students after their student visa expires. The graduates can work up to 1 to 2 years on this visa. | Around S$ 300 |
| UK | Graduate Route Visa | The cost of postgraduate studies in the UK can be from The Graduate Route Visa is issued to recent graduates after their Student Route Visa expires, allowing them to look for work. The graduates can work up to 2 years on this visa. | Around 800 pounds ($S 1,365) |
5. Scholarships
Both Singapore and the UK offer a wide range of scholarships to international students. However, there are key differences between the two countries in this regard:
| Aspect | Singapore Scholarships | UK Scholarships |
| Government-funded scholarships | Singapore has a smaller pool of government-funded scholarships. It spends S$ 130 million every year on this. | The UK tends to offer more government-funded scholarships than Singapore. |
| Field of study | Scholarships are primarily awarded for STEM studies. | The scholarships are awarded to students in a wide range of disciplines, including STEM, arts, and humanities. |
| Focus area | Most of the scholarships are directed towards ASEAN countries. | The scholarships are not limited to a particular region. The UK offers scholarships to students from all over the world. |
| Courses | Scholarships are mostly awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate STEM courses. | Scholarships are awarded to a variety of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, degree, and diploma. |
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Conclusion
Choosing between Singapore and the UK can be challenging, especially as both countries are renowned for their world-class education, high standard of living, and prestigious institutions. Understanding the key differences between them provides valuable insights, helping you to select the destination that best suits your preferences. This guide is here to do just exactly that.
FAQs
Yes, both countries are culturally diverse. Singapore attracts more ASEAN students, so it is primarily a multicultural hub of Asia. While the UK attracts students from all over the world.
Yes, there are differences. Singapore has a tropical climate throughout the year. On the other hand, the UK has four seasons, mainly spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Yes, international students can work part-time in both Singapore and the UK. International students in Singapore, enrolled only in public institutions can work up to 16 hours per week. On the other hand, international students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and vacations.
In Singapore, international students are required to purchase healthcare services through their university. While, in the UK, international students are required to purchase healthcare insurance during the visa application.