NON-CONVENTIONAL seems to be a way forward for tertiary education here.
Those who chose degree courses in institutions other than the bigger universities - the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU) - have not looked back.
Flexibility and a fast track - key to their choices - have worked well for them.
The Straits Times spoke to 20 students currently enrolled at four private institutions here: the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), PSB Academy, and Kaplan Singapore, with between 7,000 to 14,000 students each.
They are reading degree courses in such areas as business, mass communications and pharmaceutical management.
Among them is Mr Kenneth Tham Ken-ru, who feels he made the right decision.
Even though his grades for his A-level exams could have secured him a place elsewhere, he chose SIM instead because 'my present degree course allows me to graduate and enter the job market earlier than my peers in local universities'.
The 21-year-old is completing his three-year Bachelor of Arts degree course in Psychology there, under the joint programme between SIM and the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York.
SIM Global Education, which was established in 1964, now has more than 14,000 students and partners foreign universities to offer more than 50 certificate, diploma, bachelor's and postgraduate programmes.
He pays $18,000 in tuition costs annually, but he feels the fees are worth it for its freedom and overseas university exposure. 'The degree is also awarded by a highly recognised university,' he said.
Generally, the cost of studying at such institutions can range from $10,000 to $20,000 a year, compared to about $6,000 for similar degree programmes at NTU or NUS.
Since UNSW Asia's abrupt closure however, some students have had misgivings about studying at such institutions. Not so for the ones already enrolled there.
Ms Durga Rajaindern, 20, who is taking the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications at MDIS, pointed out: 'MDIS has been around since 1956, and it's definitely a credible and trustworthy school.'
The diverse student mix at these private institutions also adds value to their study experience.
Mr Shawn Lee Cheng Hong, 19, from PSB Academy, said: 'It's a great place for networking. There are many international students here and I have made friends from many different cultures.'
He is in his last year of the three-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration course, and on completion will be awarded a degree from California State University, Long Beach.
For working adults who want to pursue studies part-time, these institutions are also a blessing.
At Kaplan Singapore, 23-year-old Mr Daniel Tan is completing the last term of his 16-month Bachelor of Science degree in Finance offered by the National University of Ireland, Dublin - without giving up his job.
Because the institution offers both full-time and part-time degree courses, the diploma-holder can juggle his studies and financial adviser job.
In fact, he said, 'this degree course helps me to perform better in my job. I have benefited much from the experienced lecturers here'.
