Intakes in Singapore: August & January Admissions
Are you thinking about studying in Singapore? Get ready for a fantastic adventure in the Lion City! Singapore has excellent educational institutes and diverse cultures that make learning there world-class. You can start getting prepared for your studies in August and January. In this blog, we'll talk about the different intakes for the universities, why you need to be aware of them, and how they matter in your experience as a student in Singapore.
Understanding Intakes in Singapore
In Singapore, universities usually have two main intake periods: a larger one in August/September and a smaller one in January/February.
The August intake follows the country's academic calendar, starting at the beginning of the academic year. On the other hand, the January intake is perfect for students who couldn't join then and want to begin their studies later.
Intake | Duration | Deadlines | Nature |
| August | November to May | June | Main Intake |
| January | June to September | November | Limited Intake |
August Intake in Singapore
The August intake in Singapore is highly favored among students. It fits conveniently with the end of school years in many countries, making it a smooth transition into higher education. Application deadlines for this main intake typically fall around May or June.
The intake provides various program choices, and students have better chances of receiving financial aid like scholarships to support their studies during this intake.
Essential Information - August Intake
Here is a summarized chart of all the information you need for the August intake:
Category | Information |
| Universities | All Singapore universities offering August intakes |
| Programs Offered | Varies by the university but typically includes undergraduate and postgraduate programs across all disciplines |
| Application Deadline | Between May and June |
| Classes Start | Last week of August (Depending on the university) |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS (Overall 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0) or TOEFL test (Overall 79 with 21 in written) |
| Cost of Living | Approx. between SGD 600-700 per month |
Benefits of August Intake
- Financial Assistance: Many colleges offer scholarships to students starting their studies in August, including need-based and merit-based options.
- Networking and Orientation: The first semester in Singapore is packed with networking events and orientation sessions, providing students with opportunities to build connections with their peers.
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Universities admit more students during the August intake, increasing your chances of securing a spot in your desired program.
Famous Universities for Singapore August Intake
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
- James Cook University Singapore (JCUS)
January Intake in Singapore
The January intake in Singapore is another great option for students who need extra time to prepare after finishing their previous education. It is also ideal for those who prefer to start their studies at the beginning of the calendar year.
However, universities offer fewer programs during this intake than in August.
Essential Information - January Intake
Here is a summarized chart of all the information you need for the January intake:
Category | Information |
| Universities | Almost all Singapore universities offer January intakes |
| Programs Offered | Fewer programs are offered, which typically include undergraduate and postgraduate programs across all disciplines |
| Application Deadline | November |
| Classes Start | Last week of January (Depending on the university) |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS (Overall 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0) or TOEFL test (Overall 79 with 21 in written) |
| Cost of Living | Approx. between SGD 400-500 per month |
Benefits of Singapore January Intake
- Flexibility: This intake is perfect for students who need more time to plan their studies or have missed the August intake deadline.
- Lower Competition: Fewer students apply for the January intake, so there's less competition, increasing your chances of getting into your desired program.
- Smaller Class Sizes: You'll enjoy a better teacher-to-student ratio with fewer students, leading to more personalized attention and an overall better learning experience.
Famous Universities for Singapore January Intake
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Kaplan Singapore
- Curtin Singapore
- PSB Academy
- East Asia Institute of Management (EASB)
- Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
How to Choose the Suitable Singapore Intake
- Choose the Right Program: Focus on the intakes that offer the programs and specializations you're interested in. Also, the expertise of the faculty should be considered.
- Plan Your Finances: Plan your budget carefully, considering tuition fees, living expenses, and possible scholarships for your chosen intake.
- Check the Academic Calendar: Review the academic calendars of the schools you're interested in to see when the intakes are available and how they fit into your schedule.
- Strategic Timing: Select an intake that aligns best with your academic and career goals.
- Flexibility: Consider alternative intakes to keep your options open in case of unexpected changes or limited program availability.
Availability of Programs in Singapore Intakes
When planning to study in Singapore, it's essential to consider the availability of programs across different intake periods.
1. August Intake: The most extensive intake period offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in different fields. Popular areas during this intake include finance, business, engineering, health sciences, arts, and social sciences.
2. January Intake: The January intake is another significant period, though typically smaller than the August intake. It still offers plenty of opportunities for students, especially in fields like information technology, management, nursing, specialized postgraduate programs, short-term courses, and some research opportunities.
Intake | % of programs available | Nature |
August | 100% | Biggest Intake |
January | 80% | Second Biggest Intake |
Conclusion
We hope this blog has answered all your questions about the different intakes in Singapore and the opportunities they offer.
If you want to study in Singapore but need help starting your application process, we can help you with that. With our complete application help, we ensure that every part of your application is consistent, coherent, and perfectly crafted to meet the admission committee's expectations. At the end of the day, no matter how impressive your profile looks, it’ll still need a unique angle. Let us help you find that angle and create an outstanding application tailored to your profile.
