Choosing where to pursue your higher education is a significant decision. When it comes to universities in Singapore, there are two main types to consider: public and private. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between these two types of institutions and shed some light on what each type has to offer.

Public Universities

Singapore has 6 public universities, of which the world-renowned 3 universities are the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU).

NUS, ranked 8th in the world, and NTU, at 26th, stands as comparable to Ivy League schools. Admission to these institutions is highly competitive. High academic grades are a given, but candidates are also expected to have a well-rounded portfolio that includes co-curricular activities, leadership positions, awards, or volunteer work. Every year, about 40% of Singaporean students gain a place in these public universities.

The campus of Singapore Management University in Singapore. 

Private Universities

Private universities in Singapore are often a branch of campuses from foreign universities, such as James Cook University and INSEAD. Others are local universities like Kaplan, PSB Academy, MDIS, and Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) that partner with overseas universities to offer their curriculum and degrees. Some partner institutions include Royal Holloway University and Birmingham University in the UK, Wollongong University and La Trobe University in Australia, and Buffalo University in the US. These partner universities typically rank between 100 to 500 globally.

Admission to private universities is generally more accessible than to public universities. The tuition fees for international students are also typically lower at private universities compared to public universities when excluding any grants or scholarships.

In conclusion, both public and private universities in Singapore offer unique advantages, and your choice would depend on your academic profile, career aspirations, and financial considerations.

The campus of Singapore Institute of Management in Singapore. 

Still on the fence about studying in Singapore? Here is Flying Chalk's "Top 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Singapore".

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