All About Universities

[HeinMin]

Hey guys, this is my first post on this awesome forum. I need some help.
First, I'd like to introduce myself so you guys can better judge if I have a good chance of being accepted into NTU or NUS. I've heard that both universities are incredibly hard to get accepted into, for an international student. I know it's long, but please bear with me till the end- it's very important for me.

I have just started studying as international student at MDIS(University of Bradford,UK, first year) in September, studying Mechanical Engineering. I have taken Edexcel GCE A level and received the following marks.
Mathematics : 555/600(Grade A)
Physics: 560/600 (Grade A*)
Chemistry: 552/600 (Grade A*)

I also have a report card with an overall percentage of 93% in 12th grade when I graduated. I have an IELTS score of 8.5, and have received a bronze medal in the International Junior Science Olympiad 2008(Busan, Korea). I have received distinctions in several International science and math competitions from Australia, and was ranked 8 in my country in a national Mathematics competition. In my GCE 'O' Level, I have received 5 A's and a B. I am from Myanmar and I wish to study Aerospace Engineering(or mechanical engineering with aerospace specialization for NUS, or just Mechanical Engineering as my second preference). I wish to transfer to either NUS or NTU after I finish my first year here, as I think that Bradford is not suitable for me. My family is not very financially privileged, so it is extremely important that I make the right choice. Please tell me about the chances I have of being accepted into NUS or NTU, and please advice me on which university to choose. Also, I wish to know if there is a chance of me receiving a scholarship of any kind. This is incredibly important to my life and my parents, so please try your best to educate me on this matter ASAP as NTU's and NUS's applications are open right now. I will apply to both universities. Thank you, and blessings.

[meinteel]

Placement:
Edexcel GCE A level is not common in Singapore. You will be required a good pass in 3 "Advanced" Level subject to make a competitive application. Even you are eligible, there is not guarantee of admissions. Generally, it is a good choice to transfer to NUS/NTU where possible. An external degree from the University of Bradford,UK under MDIS is not well-recieved here.

Scholarship:
Being an international student (who is neither a Singaporean or PR), you can expect little help from the government or the government-linked universities. If you get into NUS/NTU, you can apply for ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship offered by MOE. There is no bond but you will be required to work in Singapore (for any company of your choice) for a minimum period of 3 years. Scholarship placing is EVEN more competitive than admission to universities.

Another viable choices would be to seek corporate scholarships. Like the ASEAN undergraduate scholarship, your tuition fees (university fees) will be paid for, as well as given monthly/annual living allowances, computer allowances etc. However, you will be contractually bonded to work for the after graduation.

[la_formation]

My girl got a A for Geog, C for Economics and C for Maths under H2
and a A for GP and a C for Biology. Counted the grading and thought she stand a fair chance to entry to do mass comm at NTU. Got reject by SMU and NUS. So sad. This is her retake. The 1st round she didn't do too well but could have qualified her to SIM. But she is so keen to go to the 3 public U, feel the campus and live in a hostel and now looks like her chances are so slim. Now we are thinking of SIM biz studies. Don't know which is better RMIT or University of London. Her poly cousin is now taking admission/exemption exam to take to Level 2. She should finish her degree earlier than my girl. Should have asked my girl to go to the poly instead. So full of regret...going in a big circle. Desperate mum

[MdmLisaChew]

It is fine. I have many friends who went through JC path and it is totally worth it. A poly path may not be as rewarding as JC. Diploma does not guarantee university admission and in fact JC students have advantage in doing so.

Don't worry too much if your child has to go private university. In the end, it is still better for your child's future. Higher pay check than diplomas fresh graduates on average.

[Miss Raja]

NUS and NTU are over-hyped. She should consider going to a european university. Fees are free so you only have to think of rent and food. She also will get a much better education.

[SignorWinter]

NUS and NTU are over-hyped. She should consider going to a european university. Fees are free so you only have to think of rent and food. She also will get a much better education.

That's not true at all, and it depends on the course one wants to take. Don't over-generalize. For example, for practicing law here, NUS is ranked 10th-20th in the world, which is already stellar. Most law firms are staffed by NUS/SMU graduates, and those who finish their degrees overseas aren't viewed too kindly, unless said degree comes from Oxbridge/Ivy(Only two are recognised here though)/UCL(debatable)/LSE.

Furthermore, not all European universities are even reputable, with the more common ones located in the UK, France and Germany.

Imagine getting a degree in Bucharest for economics. Compare that to NUS. Which would you think is better?

[elkniwt]

NUS and NTU are over-hyped. She should consider going to a european university. Fees are free so you only have to think of rent and food. She also will get a much better education.

Which universities are free?? As international students also free??

[SignorWinter]

NUS and NTU are over-hyped. She should consider going to a european university. Fees are free so you only have to think of rent and food. She also will get a much better education.

Which universities are free?? As international students also free??

There are no institutes of tertiary education that are free I'm afraid. Online courses maybe, but not an actual degree.

[insider]

NUS and NTU are over-hyped. She should consider going to a european university. Fees are free so you only have to think of rent and food. She also will get a much better education.

Which universities are free?? As international students also free??

There are no institutes of tertiary education that are free I'm afraid. Online courses maybe, but not an actual degree.

I remember Germany is free but have to take a year of German and pass the language test before one can be officially enrolled in the university (something like this).

Russia is much cheaper but living conditions can be harsh (due to weather). Understand many Malaysian kids are taking their doctor titles there due to much lower cost...

[SignorWinter]

NUS and NTU are over-hyped. She should consider going to a european university. Fees are free so you only have to think of rent and food. She also will get a much better education.

Which universities are free?? As international students also free??

There are no institutes of tertiary education that are free I'm afraid. Online courses maybe, but not an actual degree.

I remember Germany is free but have to take a year of German and pass the language test before one can be officially enrolled in the university (something like this).

Russia is much cheaper but living conditions can be harsh (due to weather). Understand many Malaysian kids are taking their doctor titles there due to much lower cost...[/quote]

It used to be largely free, but they've been changing it recently. Also, rather hard to get visas easily, due to the growing unrest against foreigners there. And well, you need to be very good at the language to make much of it I'm afraid. One side effect too, is that the classes can get really packed.

And, you still need to get your own accommodation, food, clothes, airfare, and what not, which kind of defeats the whole venture really.