Asia has the fastest growing economy in the world, making it a major destination for any type of academic or professional advancement. Between the dozens of top-ranked universities, vast cultural diversity, and unique travel opportunities, it’s no wonder that students from all over the world flock to Asian metropolitan areas to study abroad.
If you’re considering studying abroad in a vibrant Asian hub with internationally recognized universities, chances are high that Hong Kong and Singapore are on your list. Whether you study abroad in Singapore or Hong Kong, you’re destined to have an amazing study abroad experience.
Both regions are home to thriving business, technology, and arts industries, as well as awe-inspiring adventure destinations and melting pots of culture. It can be super challenging to pick between the two areas, so if you’re wondering if it’s better to study abroad in Singapore or Hong Kong, you’ve come to the right place!
Hong Kong vs. Singapore study abroad
While Hong Kong and Singapore have many similarities—like being major world hubs for business, technology, and tourism—they can offer very different academic experiences.
Hong Kong is an independent territory of China with the strength of the Chinese government and educational system influencing it. Singapore, on the other hand, is a small but mighty country with a booming economy and educational system, and is commonly referred to as the IT Center of Asia.
Depending on the type of academic setting you’re looking for, both regions can provide different educational and cultural benefits. One thing is certain: Your Singapore vs. Hong Kong study abroad list of pros and cons will have advantages no matter where you look.
1. Study abroad programs
Hong Kong: As one of the most popular places to study abroad, Hong Kong has it all when it comes to academics. It’s a major attraction for international students because of the prevalent use of English at all reputable universities and in everyday life.
There are eight government-funded universities and dozens of private options that are all highly regarded among international students. Some of the highest quality programs in Hong Kong include finance, engineering, design, and the arts. Check out GoAbroad’s recommended study abroad programs in Hong Kong to learn more!
Singapore: Even though it’s a small country, Singapore has a thriving academic scene and regularly outranks other Asian countries in education. Singapore’s two leading universities, the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University, place within the world’s top 20 on QS World University Rankings.
Few other countries can compete with the quality of business, IT, and engineering programs offered in Singapore, but other subjects such as tourism, architecture, and healthcare are also excellent choices. Check out GoAbroad’s recommended study abroad programs in Singapore to learn more!
2. Student life
You can look forward to a foodie’s paradise whether you study abroad in Singapore or Hong Kong.
Hong Kong: As a crossroads of all hemispheres, Hong Kong is home to a huge combination of Eastern and Western cultures with a big influence from specifically Britain. It’s also a great gateway to China and the massive amount of diversity just within different Chinese dialects and cultures.
This thriving cosmopolitan region offers literally everything to students, so there’s never a boring moment of student life here. You should choose Hong Kong vs. Singapore study abroad if you’re looking for a distinctly Chinese-British experience within a global hub of international business.
Singapore: Student life in Singapore isn’t too different from Hong Kong—both are cultural melting pots in vibrant urban areas and offer students a taste of anything you want. But if you’re looking for more of an Indian influence than Chinese, head to Singapore.
This area is particularly popular among Indian students because of its close proximity to India and thriving technology industries. You’ll experience rich pieces of Indian culture everywhere, from food and nightlife to music and the arts.
3. Average program cost
Hong Kong: Despite Hong Kong’s academic prioritization, this is not generally an expensive place to study abroad. Since the Hong Kong government’s education policy reform in 2007, Hong Kong’s international student numbers have skyrocketed and the area has turned into an academic hub.
Both the government and local universities have heavily invested in internationalization efforts to attract students from all over the world. Both parties are generous with scholarships based on merit and other professional accomplishments.
Singapore: The cost of studying abroad in Singapore is generally similar to Hong Kong, and there is also plenty of opportunity to decrease this cost by applying for international student scholarships. Hong Kong has more government involvement than Singapore in subsidizing the cost of education, but neither location is considered an expensive place to study abroad.
4. Cultural norms
Both Singapore AND Hong Kong promise a thriving academic environment alongside international students like you!
Hong Kong: While Hong Kong truly feels more independent than mainland China, it’s important to remember that it’s part of China and definitely has Chinese-influenced cultural norms rather than a fusion of influences like Singapore. But as such a vastly international city, Hong Kong also has true diversity and you’ll meet people from all over the world.
Students in Hong Kong are very focused on their studies and take their academics seriously. Most also have hobbies within the arts, sports, cooking, or other interesting areas, so don’t hesitate to pick up a new skill!
Singapore: Even though Singapore is a small island, it has become a massive melting pot of languages and cultures. Singapore has several official languages, including English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin, and you’ll encounter all types of people everywhere you go.
Similar to many Asian countries, the people of Singapore are very disciplined academically and prioritize not just passing their classes, but truly excelling in their studies. Being so close to so many other countries and islands, you’ll find that most people love traveling and learning about new cultures, so make some friends and explore!
5. Accommodation options
Hong Kong: Every study abroad program in Hong Kong is a little different, but the majority of programs offer either a homestay with a local family or shared student housing in a dorm or apartment. Like most cities in Asia, Hong Kong is a very clean region. Whether you live with a host family or in student housing, the people around you will expect equal cleanliness, respect for shared spaces, and quiet hours for studying.
Singapore: The accommodation options for studying abroad in Singapore are almost identical to the choices for Hong Kong. Every program is different, but the most popular options are a local homestay or shared student housing. Singapore is an equally disciplined and clean country with a focus on academics, so your host family or roommates will expect tidiness and a peaceful environment for studying.
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Will you study abroad in Hong Kong or Singapore?
…so where will you end up?
Hong Kong and Singapore offer uniquely amazing study abroad experiences, and no matter what you’re hoping to pursue, they are both excellent choices for top-notch academics and thriving cultural scenes. Whether you want to experience one of China’s biggest international hubs or enjoy more of an Indian-Chinese fusion, Hong Kong and Singapore are among the most popular places in the world to study abroad.
You can’t go wrong if you study abroad in Hong Kong or Singapore, so what are you waiting for? Check out the different options for studying abroad in Hong Kong or Singapore today!
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