Study in Singapore

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Stay in Singapore

Living Cost

The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.

When planning your budget, you will need to cater for these items:

Accommodation Utilities Food Transport Clothing Telecommunications Books & Stationery  Medical/Hospitalisation Insurance Personal Expenses

An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$750 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount of course, varies depending on your individual lifestyle and course of study.

Accommodation is an important service for students living away from home. There is a wide variety of accommodation types in Singapore to suit different budgets and needs.

Students should make prior arrangements for accommodation before arrival in Singapore. Temporary accommodation can be arranged before you leave home, giving you time to plan your living arrangements when you arrive.

IBISO has International Student Office specializing in the needs of international students. The staff at our centre offer advice on accommodation procedures, contacts for private rental offers, room-mate matching services, handy tips about renting student homes, as well as help in selecting an accommodation type which best suit students' needs.

Below are some types of accommodation available to international students.

Halls of Residence and Hostels
First-year international students are normally given priority when they apply for on-campus accommodation. Rooms can be single or shared. Meal packages are available at extra charges. Halls of Residence provide amenities such as television rooms, reading rooms, laundry rooms, computer rooms, kitchenettes and so on. Welfare services and bonding activities are also organised for its residents.

Room rates range from S$140 - S$440 a month depending on the number of students sharing the room.

Boarding Schools
Boarding schools are normally open to Secondary and Junior College students aged between 13 and 19 years. Selection is normally preceded by an interview of both the parents and the students. Boarding services include lodging, meals, laundry services, 24-hour security, pastoral guidance, tuition, supervision, sports & recreational facilities. A spirit of camaraderie often exists in boarding schools due to the bonding and friendships that are forged among boarders. Rates range from S$8,000 to S$15,000 per academic year.

Private Hostels
Private hostels are run by educational institutions or independent agencies. Options of single or sharing are normally available.

Homestays
Some households in Singapore open up their homes and offer full boarding for international students. The cost for homestay ranges from S$500 to S$1,000 per month.

Private Apartments/Houses
Students may want to consider renting a room or apartment or house directly from the owners of public or private housing. Students are expected to pay at least one month advance rent and one month security deposit.

Normally, the International Student Service Centre of the educational institution provides housing agents' contacts and matching services to help students find quality accommodation.

The classified advertisements in the local newspapers are a good source for a listing of apartments and rooms for rent. Alternatively, you may also contact the JTC Corporation.

Hotels
Those pursuing a short-term course like an executive training programme, will have a wide range of hotels to choose from. Hotel rates depend on location and class of hotels.

Serviced Apartments
For those who are staying for a slightly longer period or accompanied by family members, serviced apartments are the next best option. Serviced apartments offer all the comforts of home with the housekeeping convenience of a hotel.

Accommodation is available at the hostels provided. Transport arrangement will be make.*

For additional information, click,

Singapore Education Guide (6MB)

Accommodation Guide (1MB)

Orientation (9MB)