Singapore is a launchpad for innovation, known for its world-class infrastructure, safety and connectivity. Its creative landscape is expanding too, attracting companies from around the world to base here. For students, it’s an inspiring place to live, learn, create and grow.

Why study in Singapore?

A dynamic city where cultures, ideas and opportunities intersect



  • Cosmopolitan and multicultural, Singapore blends Eastern traditions with Western outlooks.

  • Safe, clean and well-connected, with a high quality of life.

  • English is widely spoken, making day-to-day living and learning effortless.

  • A rich mix of Malay, Indian, Chinese and European influences makes the food scene incredibly diverse, affordable and full of character.

  • A gateway to Asia and beyond—just a short flight from major cities across the region.


Asia's leading education system


Singapore topped the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) global school rankings in 2016, reflecting its strong investment in quality education and lifelong learning.


Aerial view of Singapore’s Marina Bay skyline at dusk, with skyscrapers lit against a deep blue sky and the Esplanade domes visible in the foreground.

Culture and food


Singapore is a vibrant destination for food lovers, arts enthusiasts and night owls. From world-class galleries to buzzing nightlife, the city offers endless experiences; while Singapore's convenient location offers students easy access to regional getaways like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.


LASALLE's McNally Campus is nestled in the centre of Singapore’s arts and heritage district, the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, dotted with museums, eclectic cafés, bars and eateries—a vibrant milieu for both the arts and culinary discovery.


Bras Basah.Bugis precinct


Bras Basah.Bugis is the beating heart of Singapore’s creative scene, where heritage, arts and contemporary culture intersect. Home to museums, historical monuments and iconic architecture—among them the National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum, the National Library, National Design Centre and National Archives of Singapore—the precinct blends the energy of today’s creative communities with the rich cultural layers of one of Singapore’s oldest districts.


Neighbourhood pulse


Singapore's vibrant culture comes alive in Bras Basah.Bugis, where each corner reflects the city's rich diversity. Year-round, students can immerse themselves in events like Singapore Art Week, Singapore Design Week, Singapore International Film Festival, Singapore International Festival of Arts and Singapore Writers Festival.


Campus life spills into the neighbourhood, which transforms each August for the Singapore Night Festival, when streets pulse with light installations, street performances and after-dark festivities that turn the civic district into a living, breathing canvas.


For the taste explorers, the neighbourhood is no less exciting. From trendy malls to lifestyle enclaves like Bugis+ and Bugis Junction, Fortune Centre, Bras Basah Complex and Funan Mall, LASALLE students have endless culinary options—local hawker favourites and global bites, hidden gems, hole-in-wall joints and late-night haunts live side by side in and around the neighbourhood.


Follow the trail of LASALLE’s foodie community through the student-led LASALLE Food Map that’s constantly updated and featured in the annual Orientation guide. The list spotlights well-loved F&B spots within the vicinity of the McNally Campus, with plenty of wallet-friendly picks.


Café on campus


Working Title is a cosy café at the McNally Campus that’s part study spot, part social hub. Designed as a second living room, it’s a place to recharge, catch up with friends or take a breather between classes.



Image of "Between Threads by Clare Chong, Jennifer O’Connor, Taufiq Hidayat", credited to the National Heritage Board Singapore.

Useful information

Singapore has an efficient, safe and affordable public transport system. You may take a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train, bus or taxi to the College which is located in the city centre. You can also use your student EZ-Link card issued by the College to pay for the MRT and bus rides. Check out this link for more information on how to get around Singapore.

LASALLE does not provide any hostel accommodation facilities. Do note that LASALLE does not have any special arrangements with these accommodation providers. Any liaison pertaining to your accommodation must be made directly with the provider. 

Residential accommodation in Singapore can be broadly classified either as private or public. Public accommodation refers to flats developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Private accommodation refers to privately-developed apartments or landed property, which may come with facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and tennis courts. Rental for public accommodation tend to be more affordable compared with private accommodation. 

To formalise your accommodation arrangement, you may be asked to sign a Tenancy Agreement. This is a legal agreement designed to safeguard the interests of both the tenant and landlord by setting out all the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. Do check your rights and responsibilities before signing any tenancy agreement or related documents. Should there be any existing damage, make sure it is properly documented in writing or photographs and have written agreements for any repairs and improvements before you agree to the lease and place a deposit. Keep all rental payment and other receipts, along with descriptions for your record.

Before deciding on a bank and type of account, do compare the interest rates, bank fees and services that the various banks provide. Most students will open an account that provides them with an automated teller machine (ATM) card where cash can be withdrawn 24/7. To open a bank account, you will need your valid passport, Student’s Pass and a letter from the College stating your Singapore address. 

Transferring funds from home 
Funds may be transferred to/from Singapore via various means including but not limited to bank drafts, cheques, telegraphic transfers or credit cards. Bank drafts and cheques from overseas take time to arrive and may take up to seven working days to clear. Telegraphic transfers take two to three working days but incur a higher service charge. 

Here is a list of local banks for consideration: 
Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) 
Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) 
United Overseas Bank (UOB) 
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC
Standard Chartered Bank 
Citibank 

Please refer to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for more information on banks and their scope of operations in Singapore.

The Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is the most important document during the duration of your studies and stay in Singapore. It serves to legalise your stay in Singapore and allows you to attend classes at the College. Should you lose your Student’s Pass, please make a police report immediately and contact the Division of Student Administration to assist you in the replacement of your Pass.

Your Student’s Pass may be cancelled under the following circumstances:

  • Non-compliance of attendance (international students are required to maintain a monthly attendance of 90%)
  • Voluntary or involuntary withdrawal
  • Voluntary or involuntary deferment/intermission
  • Upon graduation from the College


Important: It is an offence to attend classes at the College without a valid Student’s Pass.

International students studying in LASALLE are strongly reminded to abide by all laws as stipulated by the Singapore government. 

Overstaying 
Overstaying is a punishable offence under the Immigration Act. Please take note of the expiry dates of your Social Visit Pass, Dependent’s Pass and/or your Student’s Pass and apply for any necessary extensions at least one month before its expiry. 

Employment 
As part of the regulations governing the Student’s Pass, international students who hold a valid Student’s Pass are allowed to work part-time during the semester for up to a maximum of 16 hours a week. You may work full-time during your semester breaks. It is recommended that you work only from your second semester of studies onwards, so that you will have a better understanding of a semester’s workload and be better able to maintain a healthy balance between studies, work and recreation. If your employer requests a letter from College confirming that you are allowed to work, please obtain a copy from the Division of Student Administration. 

Possession and/or consumption of drugs and other controlled substances 
Singapore maintains a very strict stance against the consumption and trafficking of drugs. You may find more information on controlled substances at the Central Narcotics Bureau. You are advised to pay attention to this as there is a mandatory death penalty for offences related to the trafficking of banned drugs. 

Smoking 
Smoking is prohibited on the College’s campus grounds. There are also areas in Singapore where smoking is prohibited. More information may be found at the National Environment Agency

Vaping 
In Singapore, it is an offence to possess, sell, import or distribute e-vaporisers and related components. The penalty for those caught using vapes include prosecution, subject to a maximum fine of $2,000. More information is available here

Controlled and prohibited goods 
A non-exhaustive list of controlled and prohibited goods can be found below. For more information, please check with Singapore Customs

  • Chewing gum (except oral dental and medicated gum) 
  • Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (e.g. electronic cigarettes) 
  • Cigarette lighters shaped as a pistol or revolver 
  • Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances 
  • Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products 
  • Firecrackers 
  • Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/ discs and software 
  • Reproduction of copyright publications video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes 
  • Seditious and treasonable material 


Vandalism
 
Vandalism is a serious offence punishable with caning under Singapore law. Students are advised to avoid defacing or any form of creative expression on public or private property unless express permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities. 

Driving 
An international student above 18 years of age and holding a Student’s Pass may drive in Singapore with a valid Class 3, 3A or 2B foreign license for a period of not more than 12 months. This means that you may drive for the first 12 months of your study here. If you wish to drive beyond this period, you will have to apply for a conversion of your driving license. You are not allowed to drive a foreign-registered vehicle while holding a Student’s Pass. More information may be found at the Singapore Police Force

Mobile network operators 
There are three main mobile network operators in Singapore (SingTel, Starhub and M1). They provide a variety of subscription and pre-paid plans to cater for various needs. You may pick up a pre-paid SIM card and mobile line number from the nearest mall or convenience store (7-Eleven or Cheers) before switching to a post-paid line. More information on plans and rates may be found at SingTel, Starhub or M1

Internet access 
The three main mobile network operators also provide mobile Internet access plans (via SIM card or USB dongle). If you are planning to install a fixed-point connection, please check with your landlord. 

All international students should register with their country’s embassy, consulate or high commission in Singapore. This will provide your family back home with peace of mind and assist them in contacting you in the event of any emergency.

Our College campuses are patrolled round-the-clock by a team of security officers complemented by CCTV and card access control systems. However, please be reminded to guard your personal safety and belongings at all times. From time to time, fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures are conducted to ensure campus security and safety.