Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) (新加坡莱佛士高等教育学院) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
Direct Answer
If you are researching Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) as an international student, this guide brings together the key information you need to evaluate programmes, entry requirements, fees, and the application process. Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE), known in Chinese as 新加坡莱佛士高等教育学院, is a private college in Singapore focused on design and business education. The institution offers a personalised, boutique-style learning experience with a practical emphasis, drawing on a global network of colleges across the Asia-Pacific and Europe. For prospective students seeking clear, structured application information, UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background. This Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) international student guide covers the essential details available from official public sources, including master’s and diploma programmes, admission policies, and the fast-tracked study options that allow for flexible entry throughout the year.
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Institution Overview
Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) positions itself as a specialist provider of design and business education with a hands-on, practice-driven approach. The college describes its learning model as personalised, boutique, and exclusive, designed to give students direct engagement with creative practice. According to official information, the institution has accumulated experience in design education over a period spanning decades, with creative practitioners drawn from multiple countries contributing to the teaching environment.
The college forms part of a wider network that includes a number of colleges located across the Asia-Pacific and European regions. This network structure may offer students exposure to an international perspective, though the specific nature of cross-campus collaboration or mobility should be confirmed directly with the institution. The college also maintains relationships with industry partners for internship placements and has participated in design competitions, which can provide students with opportunities to build practical portfolios during their studies.
Programmes and Study Pathways
Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) offers programmes at different qualification levels, including diploma and master’s degree options. The college also provides fast-tracked programmes across design, business, psychology, and information and communication security disciplines, with multiple intake dates each year.
Master’s Level: International Business Management
The Master of Science International Business Management is a full-time programme delivered over a period of 12 months. The degree is awarded by the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom, meaning that students who successfully complete the programme receive a qualification from that awarding body rather than from Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) itself. This is an important distinction for applicants to understand when evaluating the qualification’s recognition and potential use for further study or employment.
The programme requires the completion of 180 credits for graduation. The curriculum includes modules covering international logistics and supply chain, accounting and finance for decision-makers, strategic marketing management, strategic dynamics, business strategy simulation, cross-cultural management, and international business professional practice. Intakes are available in January and July each year.
Entry to this master’s programme requires a bachelor’s degree with first-class or second-class honours, or an equivalent qualification. The minimum English language requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the other components. Applicants who do not meet this language requirement may satisfy it by completing the Raffles Singapore advanced English language course. The minimum age for admission is 19 years old.
Diploma Level: Animation Design
The Animation Design diploma is a full-time programme lasting six months. This qualification is awarded by Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) itself. The programme requires the completion of 80 credits for graduation, and intakes are available four times per year: in January, April, July, and October.
The curriculum includes modules in core 3D techniques, anatomy, animation principles, design fundamentals, digital illustration, digital image processing, digital photography, and drawing foundations. This structure suggests a broad introduction to both traditional artistic skills and digital production techniques relevant to animation practice.
Entry to the diploma programme requires completion of a national certificate after Grade 10 or an equivalent qualification. The minimum English language requirement is an IELTS score of 5.5 or an equivalent level. The minimum age for admission is 16 years old.
Fast-Tracked Programmes
Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) offers fast-tracked study options across design, business, psychology, and information and communication security. These programmes allow students to begin their studies at multiple points during the year, with intakes in January, April, July, and October. This flexibility can be particularly useful for international students who may need to align their start date with visa processing timelines or the completion of prior studies.
Entry Requirements and Admissions Policies
The admissions policies at Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) state that enrolment is open to individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, or nationality. This non-discriminatory policy is standard practice among internationally focused private institutions in Singapore.
International applicants should be aware of several procedural requirements. The application fee for international students is SGD 1,090, inclusive of GST. For Singapore citizens or permanent residents, the application fee is SGD 218, inclusive of GST. These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so applicants should ensure they meet the entry criteria before submitting their application.
International students are required to submit their application at least three months before the start of the semester. The student pass application process typically takes a minimum of four weeks. It is important to note that student pass holders are not permitted to work in Singapore or to apply for part-time study. This restriction means that international students should plan their finances carefully, as they cannot rely on part-time employment income during their studies.
Course fees do not include the cost of materials and textbooks required for study. Applicants should budget separately for these additional expenses. For detailed guidance on preparing your application documents, you can refer to our document service page.
Fees and Financial Planning
The official information confirms that application fees are SGD 1,090 for international students and SGD 218 for Singapore citizens or permanent residents, both inclusive of GST. These amounts are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Beyond the application fee, prospective students should account for tuition fees, which are not itemised in the currently available public materials. Applicants should request the latest fee schedule directly from the college’s admissions office. As noted above, course fees do not cover learning materials and textbooks, so these represent an additional cost to factor into your budget.
International students should also consider living expenses in Singapore, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. Since student pass holders cannot work, the entire cost of study and living must be funded from personal or family resources, scholarships, or other external funding sources.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for international students at Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) requires careful planning around the intake dates and visa processing timeframes. With intakes available in January, April, July, and October for fast-tracked programmes, and in January and July for the master’s programme, applicants have several opportunities to begin their studies throughout the year.
International students must submit their application at least three months before the intended semester start date. This lead time allows for the student pass application process, which typically requires a minimum of four weeks. Given that processing times can vary, it is prudent to allow additional buffer time beyond the stated minimum.
The application requires payment of the relevant application fee, which is non-refundable. Applicants should prepare all required supporting documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and any other materials specified by the admissions office. For a step-by-step overview of the application journey, see our application guide.
What to Consider Before Applying
Before submitting an application to Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE), prospective students should carefully evaluate several factors. First, understand the distinction between programmes awarded by the college itself and those awarded by partner institutions such as the University of Northampton. This distinction may affect how the qualification is recognised for further study or professional purposes in your home country or elsewhere.
Second, confirm the total cost of study by requesting the current tuition fee schedule directly from the college. The publicly available information does not provide a full breakdown of programme fees, and additional costs for materials and living expenses must be factored into your budget.
Third, consider the restrictions that apply to student pass holders in Singapore. The prohibition on working means that your financial plan must cover the entire duration of your studies without relying on part-time income.
Finally, assess whether the programme structure and curriculum align with your academic and career goals. The practical, boutique-style approach at Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) may suit students who thrive in smaller, hands-on learning environments, but individual preferences vary. For a broader comparison of study pathways, you may find our pathway comparison resource useful.
FAQ
Q1: What is the minimum English language requirement for the master’s programme at Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE)?
The minimum English language requirement for the Master of Science International Business Management is an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the other components. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may satisfy it by completing the Raffles Singapore advanced English language course. Always confirm the latest requirements with the institution before applying.
Q2: Can international students work while studying at Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE)?
No. According to the college’s admissions policies, student pass holders are not permitted to work in Singapore or to apply for part-time study. International students must therefore ensure they have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs for the full duration of their programme without relying on employment income.
Q3: How long does the student pass application process take?
The student pass application process typically takes a minimum of four weeks. However, processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications being handled by the authorities. International students are required to submit their application at least three months before the semester start date to allow adequate time for this process.
Q4: Are application fees refundable if my application is unsuccessful?
No. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the outcome of the application. The fee is SGD 1,090 (inclusive of GST) for international students and SGD 218 (inclusive of GST) for Singapore citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should ensure they meet the entry requirements before submitting their application and paying the fee.
Q5: What is the difference between programmes awarded by Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) and those awarded by partner institutions?
Some programmes, such as the Animation Design diploma, are awarded directly by Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE). Others, such as the Master of Science International Business Management, are awarded by partner institutions like the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom. This means that graduates of the master’s programme receive a University of Northampton degree. Applicants should verify how each qualification is recognised in their intended country of employment or further study.
Q6: When can I start my studies at Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE)?
Intake dates vary by programme. The Master of Science International Business Management has intakes in January and July. The Animation Design diploma and the fast-tracked programmes across design, business, psychology, and information and communication security offer intakes in January, April, July, and October. International students should plan to submit their application at least three months before their intended start date.
信息来源
- Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) – “Success by Design!” page, verified 2026-07-22
- Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) – “Master of Science International Business Management” page, verified 2026-07-22
- Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) – “Admissions Policies” page, verified 2026-07-22
- Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) – “Raffles Fast-tracked Programmes” page, verified 2026-07-22
- Raffles College of Higher Education (RCHE) – “Animation Design” page, verified 2026-07-22
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.