Welcome to SMa Institute of Higher Learning, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Manufacturers' Federation (SMa), Singapore’s Leading Business Association with over 2,800 corporate members from 11 different industry groups.
As one of the best-known educational providers in Singapore, our expertise from over 40 years of training and education ensures that your learning experience with us will be both an enriching and rewarding one. At SMa Institute, we believe in providing a conducive learning environment to give students a holistic learning experience. SMa Institute's two campuses - CITY and SPRING Campuses - are centrally located and easily accessible by public transport from all round Singapore.
At SMa Institute, you can look forward to a rich and vibrant education experience with a wide range of learning activities outside the classroom. With industry connectivity and linkages to over 2,800 companies in Singapore, you will enjoy tremendous networking and career opportunities that no other education providers in Singapore can offer you.
As a student of SMa Institute, you enjoy the opportunity to interact and connect with an established network of professionals and business leaders. Academic Quality is one of the cornerstones of our success. In May 2010, SMa Institute was amongst the early batch of private educational institutions to be registered with the CPE. In addition, we are awarded the EduTrust certification in September 2010.
Our experienced pool of industry professionals and international faculty and our continuous commitment towards a broad-based education make SMa Institute the right choice in your journey towards a successful career and fulfilling life. At SMa Institute, your Success is our priority.
We cordially invite you to embark on this rich and exciting learning journey with us.
With best wishes for your success!
SMa Institute of Higher Learning
Singapore Education System
Education has always been the key in the growth and development of Singapore society, particularly in the years following 1965 when it became an independent republic.
Now in the 21st century, where the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping our country's future. At the same time, through education, every individual can realise his/her full potential to benefit the community, nation, and lead a personally fulfilling life.
By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.
Hub for Educational Excellence
- Singapore, a Global Schoolhouse
Singapore's public schools have a distinctive record of high standards in teaching and learning. Singapore currently attracts over 60,000 international students from around the world.
The presence of such an international mix of students provides a rich exchange of culture while maintaining a high quality and rigorous education system. As a nation that believes in investing in education, will together offer students here and all over the world, an enriching and fulfilling learning journey.
Established Infrastructure and Accessibility
Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. In addition, accessibility to all parts of the country is seamless with our efficient public transport system. The introduction of an EZ-link card - a contactless stored value card where consumers need only flash the card in front of a card reader that automatically deducts the required travel fare, is an example of the continuous commitment by the government to make travel faster and easier.
A Multicultural Nation with a High Quality of Life
The nation's rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) living together harmoniously who have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans whilst still maintaining each race's traditional practices, customs and festivals. In addition, with more than 90,000 professional expatriates living and working in Singapore, they too bring their unique cultures and perspectives, adding colour and vibrancy to cosmopolitan Singapore.
Singapore's high standard of living is also something that students can be assured of. In a survey reported in The Economist in March 2002, Singapore's quality of life surpassed that of London or New York. Thirty-nine factors were considered, including political stability, personal freedom, air pollution and the quality of healthcare, schools, restaurants and theatres.
A Vibrant City Lifestyle
Singapore may seem like a small dot on the world map, but the island state bustles all over with attractions and activities. Dining and shopping are two of the top-rated activities of locals. Needless to say, this is reflected in the staggering range of foods and cuisine, as well as the proliferation of shops in the city and suburban centre.
Add on to this a thriving arts and cultural scene, especially with the opening of Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, featuring top artistes from all over the world. Ethnic districts such as Little India, Chinatown and Malay Village give a flavour of the culture and history of Singapore. Lots of fun and funky events such as the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Arts Festival, festive light-ups and many others make Singapore a most "happening" place to be in. Singapore is also strategically located at the heart of Asia and can be a hub to explore the Southeast Asian region.
Benefits of Studying in Singapore
Many students choose to study in Singapore because of the following benefits:
- Students can obtain a recognised foreign university degree without having to travel to a western country.
- Singapore is a safe city with a low crime rate and a stable political environment.
- Strategically located at the heart of Asia, Singapore is only a few hours apart from other Asia countries by air.
- Singapore is a multilingual county and provides a conducive environment for students to improve their English proficiency.
- Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) living together harmoniously over the past few decades
- Singapore’s high standards of living including personal freedom, high quality of healthcare, schools, is something that students can look forward to.
- Singapore offers a thriving arts and cultural scene, especially with the opening of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, featuring top artistes from all over the world. Ethnic districts such as Little India, Chinatown, Malay Village also adds flavour to the culture and history of Singapore.
- With many multinational companies in Singapore, there are good job opportunities for executives and professionals who are bilingual and familiar with the Chinese culture.
Cost of Living
The cost of living and studying in Singapore is quite reasonable. The amount to be set aside will depend on the kind of accommodation a student chooses. The following is a breakdown of the accommodation costs and daily necessities:
Accommodation
There is a wide range of hostels and accommodation available for foreign students in Singapore. Students can approach SMa Institute for assistance in locating a suitable place to stay in Singapore. SMa Institute will recommend a professional service provider to handle the students' accommodation in accordance to their budget and requirements. Depending on the locality and room type, rental rates range from S$250 to S$500 per month.
Food
S$250 - S$500 per month
Transportation and others
S$100 - S$200 per month
Student’s Passes for International Students
All international students are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore in order to pursue full-time study in Singapore. Students who have never studied in any institution in Singapore prior to joining SMa Institute are categorised as New Applicant for Student’s Pass. New applications must be submitted at least two (2) months and not more than six (6) months from the course commencement date.
The international student is not required to be present in Singapore while their application is being processed. If the international student is in Singapore, the student must ensure that he/she has a valid visa to stay in Singapore while the application is being processed.
Student’s Passes are issued under the following strict conditions set by the ICA. International students must abide by these rules and regulations at all times:
- The Student’s Pass is issued to foreign students for the purpose of studying in a particular course with SMa Institute.
- The student must carry his/her Student’s Pass at all times.
- It is SMa Institute responsibility to inform ICA if any student failed to attend classes for a continuous period of 7 days or more without valid reason; where his/her attendance falls below 90% in any month of the course without valid reason; and if a student completed the course or wishes to terminate his/her studies with SMa Institute. The ICA will withdraw the Student’s Pass under any of the above mentioned circumstances.
- International students are strictly prohibited from working in Singapore, even if it does not involve any payment to him/her. The Police and ICA frequently check for international students working in nightclubs, bars, KTV lounges, etc. The penalty for such offence can be very harsh and may result in him/her being extradited out of Singapore.
- Students must strictly observe all laws, rules and regulations of Singapore.
- International students cannot be adopted by any Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident while being a Student‘s Pass holder.
- He/she cannot be married to a Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident while being a Student’s Pass holder.
- The student must surrender his/her Student’s Pass and Disembarkation/Embarkation Card to SMa Institute within seven (7) days from the date of his/her discontinuance/termination of study with SMa Institute. Failing which the student might be blacklisted from future entry into the country.
- International students are not allowed to overstay in Singapore after the Student’s Pass expired, unless with written approval from the ICA. The penalty for overstaying in Singapore can be very harsh.
Application for Student’s Pass
Applicant must complete the ICA eForms -IMM16 & V36 (downloadable from ICA’s website) and submit it to the School along with the following of supporting documents for the application:
Click here to download SOLAR+ eForms
Applicant’s signature on the ICA forms MUST match that of the Passport, if any.
- Applicant’s Birth Certificate
- Applicant’s Passport
- Change of Name Certificate (if applicant’s name in Birth Cert. differs from Passport’s)
- 2 Recent Passport-sized Photographs of Applicant (Taken within the last 3 months)
- Applicant’s Highest Educational Certificates
- Applicant’s Academic Transcripts
- Valid Bank Statement of Applicant (or Parents/Spouse)
- Parents' & Spouse’s Passports or Identity Cards
- Applicant’s and/or Parent’s/Spouse’s Residence Permit (SPR/EP/SP/WP/STP/PVP, etc.) with Singapore
- Parents' working statement (if applicant is from visa required country)
- Legal Guardian’s NRIC (as applicant’s sponsor)
Note:
Additional supporting documents may be required on a case-to-case basis, which our staff will advise the applicant accordingly.
Only duplicate copies of these documents (except photographs) should be submitted to the School. Original copies of the documents may be required by the ICA upon approval of the Student’s Pass application. Applicant MUST bring along original copies of these supporting documents when entering Singapore to complete formalities for Student’s Pass application at the ICA.
Documents in foreign languages MUST be translated into English language and legally certified.
More Information on Student’s Pass application is available on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website at www.ica.gov.sg.
Welcome
