University Education Overseas

There is a wide range of academic programs offered by universities in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It is important that you spend enough time researching the institutions that you are interested in, as turning back on an overseas university education can be difficult and costly.

Make effective use of the information resources available at the various High Commissions or Embassies and their affiliated student counseling centres.You can visit the student counseling centre (or its equivalent) at the respective High Commissions/Embassies, which provide guidance and detailed information to prospective students.

When choosing an institution of study, it is desirable to opt for a more established institution. Do not choose a university simply because it has attracted a lot of Singapore students with aggressive advertising. Look at the newspapers regularly to get a feel of the demand for the various disciplines of study.

That said, it is not a must for the university of your choice to sit anywhere near the top of league tables. The position of a university or college in a newspaper league table can vary enormously depending on the criteria used to work it out and the different weightings used. The criteria a newspaper uses to select the best places to study a subject may not necessarily be the same criteria that you use.

However, very few people will resist casting an eye over league tables and some universities actually encourage it by drawing attention to their position if it’s particularly good. Just remember league tables can be useful as long as you read them with an intelligent and critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Check the entry profiles of courses that sound interesting to see what they say about work experience. If there is no information, call or email the university or college to find out what’s on offer. Ask how work experience is arranged, and have a look at the programme specification for the course and any feedback from current or former students about their work experience.

Being so far from home, you might also want to consider the type of support the university is able to give you in assimilating into academic life. This will vary widely depending on the type of institution you attend and the type of help and support you need. Many universities and colleges will have study skill centres to help students adjust to academic life.

Gaining an overseas education can be very fulfilling and enriching. Not only will you return more independent and with a better understanding of yourself, you also expose yourself to a broader cultural and academic experience. This is appealing to employers as they are often seen to be looking for someone who is not moulded the same way local students are. Additionally, you get to observe first hand problems and accomplishments by mixing with people of different cultures, creeds and colours other than their own. Not to forget, there’s also the chance you might pick up a foreign language or two.

The start of the academic year of universities overseas differs from country to country. You are advised to check on the universities of your choice and give yourself at least twelve months, before you enroll at university, to complete the necessary procedures for application, registration, travel, etc. Check the admission requirements, and if necessary, apply to sit for qualifying tests or examinations.

Confirm your decision in writing when you receive a letter of acceptance by the university concerned. Make sure you comply with whatever instructions or conditions as stipulated by the university and complete the necessary documentation mandatory for your studies overseas, e.g. valid passport, student visa, medical clearance, statement of financial standing, travel documents, exit permit, etc.

Before your departure, you can research on your city in order to adapt their lifestyles easier. Find out how bad are the social problems, such as crime rate and racial discrimination. This will ease any culture shock and/or safety issues that you may find hard to reconcile at the start.

Talk to students who have studied there before or currently studying there. Most of the time, these are the people who can provide you with the best information and tips.

If you are unsure, you can always consult RP staff and we will all be more than willing to assist you in your decision.

The following are some websites that may be useful to refer to:

Studying in Australia

1. Study in Australia
Link: http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/Home.htm
This website helps you to explore the limitless opportunities you have for study in Australia. It provides impartial and reliable information about courses, institutions, study and living costs, the application process, visa requirements and more. On this site you can Search accredited institutions and courses for international students. The Study Wizard guides you through all the steps of selecting courses and enrolling to study in Australia. Use the Student Response Facility to get detailed information.

2. IDP Education Australia
Link: http://www.idp.com/students/
IDP Education Australia Limited (IDP) is a world leader in international education and development services. IDP Education Australia Limited (IDP) is a global organization offering student recruiting and testing services in over 40 countries. Through our network we provide worldwide access to Australia’s education and development services, expertise and intellectual capabilities.

3. Visas and Immigration
Link: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/
This website is from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and it gives useful links for studies studying in Australia. Some links include student visa options, education agents, more information for students, etc.

4. International Students’ Guide-- Australia
Link: http://australia.internationalstudent.com/
This International Student Australian Portal is designed to give students the information, help and advice they need to realize their dream of Study in Australia.

5. Application for Student Visa in Australia
Link: http://www.acacia-au.com/student.php
Student Visas allow international students to travel to and from Australia and live in Australia while they undertake a full-time course of study. There are many different courses an international student may enroll in, and it is possible to apply for permission to work part-time while studying. Forms are provided in the website to apply for a student visa.

6. Study Abroad Directory (Australia)
Link: http://www.studyabroaddirectory.com/Australia.cfm
A comprehensive website to explore education opportunities in Australia.

Studying in United Kingdom

1. Education UK
Link: - http://www.educationuk.org.sg
A comprehensive website to aid prospective students who wish to further their studies in the United Kingdom. It is a search engine that enables students to find useful information regarding UK courses.

2. Visas and Immigration
Link: - http://www.vfs-uk-sg.com/
This guidance explains what you will need to do if you want to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to study, and what the Immigration Rules say. It is only a guide but it aims to answer some common questions.

3. British Council
Link: - http://www.britishcouncil.org.sg
Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and to increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements.

4. Department for education and skills
Link: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/international-students/
This website is a link to enable prospective students who wish to further their studies in UK to check their likely fee status and the UK policy on International Students.