One World International School (OWIS) Nanyang recently hosted its Only in SG Mini University Fair – a special event designed to highlight the breadth, quality, and accessibility of further study pathways available right here in Singapore.
With more students and families heavily considering all the different tertiary education options available to be pursued, the fair gave students the opportunity to ask real questions and gather first-hand information about prospective programmes from local universities, private institutions and niche colleges.
Bringing Singapore’s higher education ecosystem to OWIS Nanyang
OWIS Nanyang welcomed representatives from 15 leading Singapore-based institutions and local branch campuses.
The institutions present covered a broad spectrum of study areas, including business, engineering, computing, technology, the arts, design, aviation, hospitality,social sciences, management, and medicine.
Participating Institutions:
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- James Cook University, Singapore
- LASALLE College of the Arts
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) / University of the Arts Singapore
- DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore
- TUM Asia
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia
- EHL
- ESSEC Business School
- Curtin Singapore
- SIM Global Education
- Kaplan Higher Education Institute
- SP Jain School of Global Management
Alongside the main university fair, select universities also led focused workshops for the IBDP students, providing them deeper insight into study options, course information, and specific prerequisites for applying.
Direct Admissions Advice: Key Takeaways from Representative Spotlights
Beyond collecting brochures, students had the invaluable chance to engage in candid conversations with admissions officials. Representatives shared practical insights on what institutions look for during the selection process:
James Cook University (JCU) representative Khai highlights that the institution looks at academic excellence for admission into the majority of their courses. While the IB Diploma is highly regarded at JCU, certain tracks like Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry require applicants to clearly lay out well-thought-out reasons for choosing one of these “Big 3” courses.
National University of Singapore (NUS) representative Genia shared some practical advice for aspiring applicants – mainly recommending that students try out the sample application forms, do their due diligence, attend Open Houses in person, rank course choices carefully, and make choices based on real interests and passions. She also mentioned that entering NUS-run competitions were a great way for prospective students to build a foundation with the university and establish their presence as an individual, especially while still in school.
Strengthening University & Careers Counselling at OWIS
The ‘Only in SG’ Mini University Fair directly supports OWIS Nanyang’s wider university counselling provision. We want students to find the best further study pathway for them and their interests. Our goal is to ensure that each student receives an offer from their 1st University of choice. What that looks like is different for each student.
With so much information about future university pathways now on their mind, our wonderful guidance counsellor, Ms Vivian Rodrigues, shares advice on how students can process this information and handle any indecisiveness regarding their future. This is how we help students through the decision making process.
“I encourage students to come back to a few fundamentals – what they genuinely enjoy studying, what they like learning, and what exactly matters to them in their university experience.” Ms Rodrigues said.
She emphasises how when students start applying to university, they don’t need to have everything figured out – good university research is as much about ruling things out as it is about finding possibilities.
“The goal isn’t to find the perfect university, but about making a well-informed choice that feels right for you.”
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For more details on the OWIS journey and experience, book a campus tour with us or register for our upcoming Open Houses.
We hope to see you there!
