Many schools offer help with university applications for students and career guidance in Singapore. This includes everything from organising university fairs and work experience opportunities and internships, choosing university courses and submitting applications. Here, we learn how high school students can benefit from the offerings at six Singapore international schools – plus, we get some tips from university and career guidance experts.
Tanglin Trust School
Tanglin offers A levels and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form – students can choose the pathway that suits their learning style and subject preferences. Sixth Form students have dedicated Careers and University Counsellors to guide them as they decide on the best fit higher education establishment and course. Tanglin’s team of counsellors work with a worldwide network of university admission officers to guide families through admissions processes across different countries and institutions. Year 10 students undertake one week of work experience and can also take psychometric and aptitude tests to identify skill sets and interests.
Tips for parents
Careers and University Guidance Team at Tanglin Trust School
- “Ensure that your child thinks carefully about their university start date, especially if they intend to request a deferral due to the pandemic. While most universities are willing to defer for a year, not all courses allow it.”
- “If your child can’t decide between two countries, they could look for a course that incorporates overseas study or work placements as part of the degree. It’s a great way to experience a different education system and can be a cost-effective way of budgeting for a fourth year.”
Hear from a student
“The university counselling department has undoubtedly been an integral and invaluable part of my application process. My counsellor has been extremely approachable, knowledgeable and supportive in checking application essays and preparing me for entrance tests and interviews. With my counsellor’s guidance, I’ve been able to find the best university for me and I feel confident about the future.” – Suzanne G, Head Girl 2022/23, Year 13
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Dulwich offers a personalised pathways approach to university and careers counselling. From Year 8 to 10, students engage with the Morrisby Careers platform, offering a range of career assessments to help them explore their strengths, interests and career clusters. Students in Years 11 to 13 engage through the MAIA Learning platform, focusing on research for their best-fit institutions, career matching and applications to universities globally.
The school’s programme also includes careers workshops, exploring the world of work, personality profiling, subject option choice and regular exposure to university admissions tutors, taster lectures and events. Students are encouraged to research their best fit in terms of values, curriculum and environment. By building a philosophy of self-confidence and self-awareness that starts early, the school’s programme ensures that students are in a position to realise well-informed dreams and leave Dulwich university-ready and “Graduating Worldwise”.
Tips for parents
Rachel Duce, Head of University and Careers Counselling at Dulwich College (Singapore)
- “Engage in conversations about your child’s next steps with an open mind, discussing their ideas with them.”
- “Explore university events with your child as it offers a way to develop informed conversations.”
- “Don’t worry if your child doesn’t know what they want to do; there’s a pathway for every student who feels empowered by focussing on their strengths, interests and curiosity.”
Hear from a student
“The guidance offered by DCSG’s University Counselling & Careers team was immensely helpful in finding the ideal institution that met my academic, sport and personal needs. I have found a university, city and degree course where I feel safe and engaged with the community, making for a successful transition to my new home!” – Anna Mafaud, Class of 2021 and Sportswoman of the Year 2020
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1000 | singapore.dulwich.org
Dover Court International School
Dover Court’s guidance team supports the school’s students before they even reach Sixth Form and their final two years of school. As they want students to feel comfortable with their course options in Years 12 and 13, the school says the best counselling should start ahead of time.
Students begin with a basic idea of what courses can help them with their end goals, if they have those defined. Then, once in Sixth Form, the school provides students with sharing sessions from university visits as well as opportunities to virtually meet with universities and one-on-one meetings with the school’s guidance counsellor. This continues all through submitting applications and as they receive decisions from universities.
Tips for parents
Hani Rahman, Careers and Higher Education Guidance Counsellor at Dover Court International School
- “Encourage your child to run with any wild ideas they may have, in a judgement-free zone. This is the part of the process to expand on ideas, not limit them. They’ll learn something about themselves from every career or university option they research, even those options that don’t make the final list.”
- “Develop positive and open communication with teachers early, listening to how your child best learns in the classroom. Take their guidance and create a safe learning environment at home so that your child can develop that same environment for themselves when they go onto their next steps.”
- “Sign up for newsletters of local and international universities and job boards to find out about upcoming events. University and job fairs have moved towards online spaces, making them much more accessible. It’s not uncommon to see virtual campus tours now, too!”
Hear from a student
“Ms Rahman has already been of great assistance from Year 11. She helped me determine the best IB subject choices and later guided me through the university application process for multiple countries. She’s extremely supportive and knowledgeable and throughout the entire process has dedicated time to review my essays and supporting my admission interviews.” – Emilia, Year 13
301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | dovercourt.edu.sg
GESS International School
GESS starts preparing and future-proofing graduating students from as early as Grade 9. In addition to the school’s BeyondClassrooms programme, internships and other class- and grade-level activities that provide early exposure for GESS students, a dedicated team of Career Counsellors help guide graduating students on their desired path. The team meets students one-on-one at regular counselling sessions for periodic reviews and equips students with tools to conduct informed research into both university programmes and career opportunities.
Through the GESS Alumni Programme, current students have several ways to optimise experiences, insights and connections of former students and staff. The school’s University Mentorship Programme is a new initiative where GESS students can benefit from the expertise offered by former students who have relevant university-related knowledge and experience. Other pathways-related activities include university visits and fairs with over 75 leading universities from around the world, Careers Information Exchange and mock interviews jointly conducted with the school’s industry and education partners.
Tips for parents
Mariola Meyer, University Guidance and Careers Counsellor at GESS International School
- “Encourage children to take risks and not be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of the learning process, and it can often lead to growth and success.”
- “Encourage graduating students to be open to new opportunities and be willing to try new things, even if these are outside their comfort zone.”
- “Instil in children the importance of networking to build relationships and make connections in the industry or field they want to pursue. Students can optimise opportunities created by GESS to meet and learn from experienced professionals in their desired field.”
Hear from a student
“The school works as one team across departments to provide aid for my application using their respective expertise. The Career and University Guidance Programme provides a weekly session embedded in our curriculum for all high school students. Through this programme, students could meet various university representatives during presentations and school fairs. Additionally, we took part in a mock job application to familiarise ourselves with the industry process. From always being available even in the evenings, to assisting with my research, I feel this creates a reliable support system, which has helped me feel more prepared and assured as I start a new chapter of my life.” – MinYu Soh, Grade 12
2 Dairy Farm Lane
6461 0801 | gess.sg
XCL World Academy
The university and career guidance programme at XCL World Academy is personalised as the school recognises that students have different inclinations, aspirations and strengths. The team develops strong relationships with students and their families early on to guide them through the university and careers journey until graduation.
Starting in Grade 8, students are exposed to various career and work options through Career Dialogues that take place four times a year. Speakers come from all walks of life – the senior legal counsel at Lego, an independent screen and play writer, a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees officer, a former Singapore national football player.
In Grade 10, the University & Careers Guidance team have individual meetings with students and their parents to explore subject options and how they relate to future university and career choices.
In Grades 11 and 12, there are scheduled weekly University Guidance classes where students have access to personality and career psychometric tests, sessions with university representatives from around the world, and prepare for their university applications.
Tips for parents
Leslie Tam, Director of University & Careers Guidance at XCL World Academy
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When in Grade 9, start having conversations about future interests. Get your child to start thinking about what their strengths are. Are they good communicators? Are they good at planning? Do they enjoy working with people or alone? What potential work or field might be interesting, for example in science, arts or technology? What subjects might they enjoy studying – economics, mathematics, political science?
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Tell them it’s okay not to know and it’s okay to change your mind; it’s a life-long process! It’s not so much a destination but a journey when it comes to deciding what your child wants to do with their life and their future. Challenge kids to think of this as a discovery process rather than a decision they need to make right away. Flipping this around changes their mindset from one of dread to one of opportunity.
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Make sure you do your research. Depending on the university or country, there may be particular subject requirements that students need to be aware of as they select their subjects. It’s very important that they do proper research and consult their university guidance counsellor. This helps cover their bases so that in Grade 12, they’re not in a position where they‘re ineligible for a course because they do not meet the prerequisites.
Hear from a parent
“The school has actively assisted our daughter in pursuing a career in the field of medicine by guiding her towards getting accepted into her top-choice universities. The counsellors have developed personal relationships with the students; they continually try to understand the student’s perspectives and goals to support them in the most appropriate manner. With their guidance, our daughter has been selected in several universities of her choice and is extremely happy with this school’s university guidance team.” – Mr and Mrs Bhatia, parents of Anushka Bhatia, Class of 2022
2 Yishun Street 42
6230 4230 | xwa.edu.sg
Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus’ Careers and University Programme for Years 9 to 13 are delivered by the Careers and University Counsellor, IB Coordinator, Phase Leaders and Tutor Teachers. In Year 9, the programme involves getting learners to focus on themselves as an individual. This foundation is built on in Year 10, where learners discuss their aspirations for the future and are supported with recommendations on subjects to do. Year 12 learners explore university destinations and prepare for college by learning skills for college essays, interviews and how to write a strong CV. In their final term, they start weekly one-on-one sessions with the guidance counsellor, which continue to Year 13. During their last year at Nexus, learners are supported in their final decision making and with their applications.
Once a year, the school runs the NexSteps Future Readiness Career Fair, which features big companies like Apple and CIMB. This enables learners to find out about the careers available. They also receive feedback and learn interview tips for professionals through practicing a formal interview with representatives from these companies.
Tips for parents
Aine Massey, Careers and University Counsellor at Nexus International School (Singapore)
- “Engage in casual conversations about your child’s favourite subjects, strengths and weaknesses, aspirations and so on from a young age. Think dinner table chats or weekend walks to get the ball rolling.”
- “While it’s natural for parents to worry, allow your child autonomy to make their own decisions about their future. Encourage them to take every opportunity available to them to reflect on their academic strengths and support independent decision making and planning for their future.”
- “Seize any opportunity available to visit university campuses during school breaks – it’s an exciting experience to share with your child but also most useful when it comes to shortlisting universities and making final decisions.”
Hear from a student
“Ms Aine offered great guidance in exploring university options and was always supportive and encouraging of my aspirations. You can see her passion in wanting to help build a pathway to your future. The IB curriculum offered me foundation to feel prepared for university through developing essay skills, self-directed study and enhancing subject specific knowledge. I’m grateful for the support from Mr Massey and Ms Aine throughout the process, which began my journey studying Sport Science: Exercise Prescription in New Zealand.” – Chiara, Class of 2022
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Read more about international schools and things to do in Singapore in our living in Singapore section.
