How Indian Students Can Upgrade Their Diploma into a Recognized Degree in Singapore
17 July 2025
Most Indian students start their overseas study journey with a diploma program, usually because it’s cheaper, shorter, and provides a fast entry into the international job market. But suppose you would like to take a step further and obtain a full-fledged degree? Good news—Singapore has clear and student-friendly pathways for Indian students to transfer their diploma to a degree acceptable and recognized in many parts of the globe. The country’s education system is planned and tailored to ensure seamless academic continuity, especially in fields like Business, IT, Hospitality, Engineering, and Design.Â
Being an Indian student with a completed or ongoing diploma in Singapore, you can bypass the beginning from the scratch for the degree. Many of the Singaporean private colleges and universities provide degree top-up courses that allow you to join the second or last year of a bachelor’s course, depending on the material you have in your diploma and achievement. This BCES Abroad Admissions article will walk you through these fascinating study possibilities and let you know how to easily transition from a diploma to a degree in Singapore.
Why Singapore is such a Great Place for Diploma-to-Degree Transition
Singapore isn’t only proximate to India geographically—it’s proximate in attitude as well. The education system here is adaptable and innovative. A number of Singapore institutions have joined hands with UK, Australian, and US universities to provide world-reputed degrees in the midst of Asia.
In addition, Indian students have the advantage of multicultural society, high standards of safety, and part-time work while studying (up to 16 hours a week in term time and full-time in holiday time for some students in certain institutions).
Principal Areas of Progress Where Progress is Common
Business and Management
Diploma in Business Administration, International Trade, or Marketing graduates can be admitted into the second or third year of a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Information Technology (IT)
Since computer proficiency is such a sought-after skill, diploma holders in Computer Science or Information Systems can continue to study for a BSc in IT or specializations in related fields such as Data Analytics or Cybersecurity.
Hospitality and Tourism
This industry is thriving in Singapore. Diploma holders of Hospitality, Hotel Management, or Tourism can usually be exempted and enter the last year of a degree in the same subject directly.
Engineering
Engineering Diploma graduates can move to degree courses run in collaboration with foreign universities, though entry levels are slightly higher.
How Does Credit Transfer Work in Singapore?
Credit transfer hinges on many variables:
- The institution that you graduated with
- Relevance of your diploma to the target degree
- Your performance in your studies
Private schools like PSB Academy, Kaplan, MDIS, and SIM Global Education tend to be transparent with progression routes with direct level transfer into degree courses. These degrees, though, are often awarded via partner universities from Europe, Australia, or the UK. A Management diploma from PSB Academy, for instance, might progress to a degree at the University of Newcastle (Australia).
What You Have to Use in Pursuing Admission for a Degree after Diploma
- Diploma transcripts
- Issued student pass or reapplication eligibility
- IELTS or TOEFL result (if necessary, depending on the partner university)
- New resume and Statement of Purpose (in certain situations)
BCES Admissions Abroad can assist you in choosing the most appropriate advancement route that suits your career aspiration, budget, and academic qualification.
Tuition Fees and Duration
Singapore degree top-up courses are completed in 12 to 18 months and range from SGD 15,000 to SGD 28,000 depending on the institution and awarding university. The benefit in this case is that it saves money as well as time when compared to pursuing a degree from the beginning.
Student Support and Career Benefits
Singaporean institutions boast excellent student support in the form of career guidance, internships, and soft skills development. Once you graduate, your prospects of getting a better job and higher salary increase quite significantly—not only within Singapore, but also internationally.
Need assistance in selecting the proper diploma-to-degree route in Singapore? Our knowledgeable counsellors at BCES Admissions Abroad are here to support you each step of the way, from shortlisting schools to application and visa services. Get in touch with us today at +91 9319996328.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are hardly any seats for foreign students in Singapore public institutions. It is generally more prevalent to transfer from a diploma to a private institution with collaborations with international universities.
If you hold a diploma in English from a recognized Singaporean university, your IELTS will most likely be waived by most universities. But do verify your destination university’s requirements specifically.
It really just depends on the level and how highly your Indian diploma is regarded. The majority of students who want to transfer from an Indian diploma will, in the first place, have to do a bridging or foundation course in Singapore.
Yes, if you apply for the degree course prior to your existing student pass expiring. You’ll have to renew your visa on being accepted onto the degree course.
Yes. Degrees received from well-established foreign universities, albeit pursued in Singapore, are accepted in India for employment purposes and further post-graduation study.