Student information

Singapore students coming to study in Germany

Co-operation between Singapore and Germany in the field of education is one of the pillars of the relationship between our two countries. This is clearly demonstrated by the strong educational ties between Singapore and Germany, both at the federal and state levels, as well as between educational institutions – particularly those at the tertiary level.

Germany is home to many world-class universities. A great deal of cutting-edge research is done in German research institutions. A large number of tertiary institutions have also cultivated close links with industry to provide current and industry-relevant training to their students. The German Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Singapore is an affiliation of the Technical University of Munich.

A number of educational agreements have been signed at various levels in recent years to further promote educational linkages between Singapore and Germany. They include a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Education Cooperation which was made jointly by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder on 15 June 2000. Both leaders welcomed more student exchange and pledged to enhance education cooperation between the 2 countries. Minister for Education Teo Chee Hean visited Germany in May 2001 and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Singapore Ministry of Education and the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD) on exchanges of German and Singapore students and professors.

Probably the first, and very valid, concern many Singapore students will have about coming to Germany would be language. While several institutions of higher learning are beginning to offer programmes in English, it is nevertheless still important to have some knowledge of German if one intends to study in Germany. One good place to start might be the Goethe-Institut, which provides language courses both in Singapore and in Germany. Naturally, you should feel free to consider other German language course providers to see which school offers you the language course most suited to your needs. More details are available from the website of the German Embassy in Singapore.

For information on visa requirements, travelling to, and living in Germany, you may also wish to contact the German Embassy in Singapore.

Students coming to study in Singapore

Advisory for Singaporean Students Studying Overseas

1. Given the evolving COVID-19 situation and rapid increase of COVID-19 cases around the globe, we encourage Singaporean students studying overseas to consider returning home soon. Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore have begun recalling their students currently on overseas internship or exchange. 

2. Many countries are imposing travel restrictions or closing their borders, transport operators and airlines are cutting services, and many services and facilities, including educational institutions, have also been closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

3. The Government will liaise with airlines to facilitate flights to key cities when necessary during this period, to cater to demand for return flights to Singapore. 

4. In the meantime, to all overseas Singaporean students yet to return home, please observe the following:

   1. Take all necessary precautions, observe good personal hygiene, monitor local developments, and heed the advice of local authorities.

   2. eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) at the earliest opportunity to enable MFA to contact you should the need arise. Students should also check the Ministry of Health (MOH) website and MFA website for the latest measures implemented by Singapore.

   3. Ensure that you will have continued access to medical facilities near you, and that you have appropriate health insurance coverage.

   4. Be prepared that these medical facilities may become overwhelmed, and may not be able to provide the same level of care and support as in Singapore.

   5. Be prepared to source for alternative accommodation in the event of hostel closures.

   6. Factor in the risks of severe disruption to travel routes and further travel advisories / restrictions at short notice, which may affect your travel plans to return home.

   7. Discuss with your educational institution on arrangements for you to continue your learning in Singapore.

5. Should you require any assistance while overseas, please contact your educational institutions, student associations, the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or the Singapore Global Network (hello@singaporeglobalnetwork.sg) for guidance. The Ministry of Education may also be contacted at contact@moe.gov.sg.

6. In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800 / +65 6379 8855.