This is part of the Ultimate Guide to Higher Education series. If you'd like to know more about other types of higher education you can pursue, we strongly recommend that you read the guide.
If you are a student planning to pursue higher education in a local university in Singapore but can’t get into the “Big Three” of NUS, NTU and SMU, you might be considering the “Other Three” - SIT, SUSS, and SUTD.
The Other Three are the newer and more specialised universities in Singapore that are often seen as less superior than NUS, NTU, and SMU.
To help you gain better insights about the "Other Three", let us explore the pros and cons of going to SIT, SUSS, and SUTD.
We will look at factors, such as tuition fees, courses offered, admission requirements, graduate employment rates, and starting salaries.
So, let’s get started. What are SIT, SUSS, and SUTD?
And more importantly, are they any good?
What are SIT, SUSS and SUTD?
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) are the most recent addition to the local universities in Singapore, established between 2009 and 2017.
Particularly, SIT focuses on applied learning, industry exposure, and overseas opportunities.
On the other hand, SUSS focuses on social sciences, lifelong learning, and social impact. And SUTD focuses on technology, design, and innovation.
As autonomous universities (or as we called it, local universities), SIT, SUSS, and SUTD have the freedom to design their own curriculum, set their own admission criteria, and award their own degrees.
Pros of Going to SIT, SUSS, and SUTD
Let us first explore the pros of going to these universities - what are the benefits and advantages of choosing them over other options, specifically over private universities?
1. High Rates of Employability and Starting Salaries as compared to private universities
One of the most important factors that students like you must consider when choosing a university is employability - how likely are you to get a job after graduation, and how much will you earn?
According to the 2022 Graduate Employment Survey (GES), the Other Three have significantly higher overall employment rates than the private universities.
They also have decent median gross monthly salaries, especially for SUTD graduates who have the highest salary among all surveyed universities at SGD 5,102.
Here is a table that shows the employment rates and salaries of the Other Three compared to private universities:
As you can see, the Other Three have significantly higher employment rates and salaries than private universities, which means that SIT, SUSS, and SUTD students are more likely to secure a job and earn a decent income after graduation.
This also reflects the demand and recognition for their graduates in the job market.
2. Application-Focused Learning Experience
Another factor that you must be considering is the academic experience - how does the university foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving?
The Other Three emphasise innovation as a key element of their curriculum and culture.
Here are some examples of the innovation initiatives by the Other Three:
- SIT has Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) that allows students to work on industry projects for up to 12 months as part of their curriculum. This gives them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, apply their skills and knowledge, and contribute to innovation in their chosen sectors.
- SUSS has a Service-Learning & Community Engagement Programme (SLCE), the Social Enterprise Incubation Programme (SEIP), and the Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL) that encourages students to engage in community service, social innovation, and volunteerism through various initiatives, such as the Social Enterprise Incubation Programme (SEIP), the Social Innovation Project (SIP), and the Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL).
- SUTD has a project-based learning approach that requires students to work on various projects throughout their studies. Students also have access to various facilities and resources, such as the Fabrication Lab, the International Design Centre, and the SUTD-MIT International Design Centre.
By choosing the Other Three, you can develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You can also showcase your talents and ideas through various platforms and competitions.
And of course, you can benefit from the expertise and experience of the faculty and industry partners who are leaders in their respective fields.
3. Cheaper Tuition Fees
A third, but rather equally important factor must be tuition fees - how much does it cost to study at SIT, SUSS, SUTD?
It is first important to note that local universities in Singapore receive government funding, making them more affordable compared to private institutions.
In fact, the highest estimated cost of full course fees in private universities in Singapore is more than double than the estimated cost for local universities.
What’s more, if you are a Singaporean student, you are automatically awarded a Tuition Grant by the government with no bond obligation.
However, if you are a non-Singaporean student (or even a permanent resident), you are required to apply for the grant and commit on a Grant Agreement to work in a Singapore entity for three years upon graduation.
4. Improving Global Rankings
Another compelling advantage of choosing SIT, SUSS, and SUTD is their improving global rankings.
These universities have made significant strides in establishing themselves as reputable institutions not only in Singapore but also on the international stage, as evidenced by their rankings through QS World University Ranking.
Cons of Going to SIT, SUSS, and SUTD
Well, no university is perfect, and the Other Three are no exception.
Here are some of the possible issues that you might face:
1. Less Flexible Learning Arrangement
Unlike most private universities in Singapore, SIT, SUSS, and SUTD do not offer part-time undergraduate degree programmes.
They only offer full-time degree programmes that require students to attend classes and complete assignments on campus. However, they do offer some part-time work schemes or continuing education courses for their students or working adults.
Because of this, undergraduate students who are planning to work on the side of studying may find the Other Three as a less desirable choice than private universities.
2. Lower Recognition
One of the most common concerns about these three universities is how well they are regarded by employers, peers, and society.
To be honest, the Other Three face lower recognition or prestige than the Big Three and even some private universities in Singapore or overseas.
As such, while the employability rates are high for SIT, SUSS, and SUTD, the lower recognition might still affect your chances of getting hired and promoted to better job positions or accepted for further studies.
3. Limited Facilities
To be perfectly honest with you, SIT, SUSS, and SUTD still have limited campus facilities compared to the Big Three and other private universities. They also have less space and variety for their students.
For example, SIT has six distributed campuses across Singapore, which means that you might have to travel between different locations for your classes and activities. What’s more, some of the campuses are shared with the polytechnics, which might affect your sense of identity and belonging.
Moreover, SUTD has a new campus at Changi that is still under development. It also has fewer facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, theatres, or museums than other universities.
If you are the type of student who likes to engage in extra-curricular activities, SIT, SUSS, and SUTD, may not the best options for your non-academic activities.
4. Limited Alumni Networks
Due to their shorter histories, SIT, SUSS, and SUTD may have smaller alumni networks compared to older and more established universities. This could potentially impact the extent of professional networking opportunities and alumni support that students can access, especially during internships and after graduation.
Entry Requirements of SIT, SUSS, and SUTD
After going through the pros and cons of going to SIT, SUSS, and SUTD, it is now important to know how to get in or at least the minimum qualifications you must have to be considered a student.
SIT takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications. While grades play a crucial role, SIT also considers factors such as work experience, co-curricular activities, and your passion for your chosen field. If you're shortlisted, you may be called in for an interview.
Meanwhile, SUSS has a range of admission requirements that include academic qualifications, the Indicative Grade Profile (IGP), and program-specific requirements.
On the other hand, SUTD conducts a comprehensive review of all applications. In addition to assessing academic preparedness, SUTD values certain qualities in their students, such as evidence of competency in Mathematics and the Sciences.
It is important to note that admission requirements may vary depending on the program and the university you are applying to. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly research and familiarise yourself with the specific criteria outlined by each institution to ensure a successful application process.
Final Words
After exploring the Other Three, it has become clear that while the Other Three—SIT, SUSS, and SUTD-- may not always be the first choice for everyone, it's crucial to look beyond traditional notions of prestige and consider the distinctive strengths and advantages that these institutions offer.
Remember, the journey to higher education is personal and unique to each individual. What matters most is finding the right fit for your goals, interests, and aspirations.
It’s about finding an environment where you can thrive, develop your skills, and make a positive impact in your chosen field.
Whether it's SIT, SUSS, SUTD, or any other institution, make sure to research, visit campuses, attend open houses, and seek advice to make an informed decision.
We hope this blog helped you in doing just that!