SINGAPORE: In a recent discussion on the Reddit forum r/SGExams, two students, one from New Zealand and the other from Australia, opened up about their shocking experiences with Singapore's notoriously tough education system.

Both students relocated to Singapore with their families a few years back and have found the academic environment here to be incredibly demanding compared to the more relaxed schooling systems in their home countries.

Kia's Journey: Surviving the Competitive Landscape

The New Zealand student, who moved to Singapore at the young age of 10, expressed his disbelief at how drastically his educational journey changed. “I never imagined my life would become more of a living hell,” he remarked, shedding light on the competitive nature of Singaporean schools, which operates under a strict "survival of the fittest" mindset.

He relayed his struggles, including a disappointing score of 206 in his Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), which pushed him to adopt a grueling study schedule. “The more I got straight As, the more I felt I had to excel. It became a relentless cycle," he said.

However, the constant pressure started taking a toll on his mental health, leading to frequent breakdowns and bouts of anxiety. “The months leading up to my A-levels were probably the hardest I’ve ever studied in my life,” he added, revealing insights into the emotional strain that accompanies such intense academic competition.

Despite these challenges, Kia plans to return to Australia next year to pursue higher education, hoping to leave behind the stress of Singapore's educational rigors.

Jake's Perspective: Embracing the Challenge

On the other hand, the Australian student, Jake, who transitioned to Singapore five years ago, had a different experience. His parents initially wanted to enroll him in an international school but decided to try the local system after he did well on a mock examination.

“The moment I entered the local secondary school, I was hit by the biggest culture shock of my life,” Jake admitted. “It’s incredible how hardworking and academically-focused students here are. I have so much respect for everyone in local schools.

Unlike Kia, Jake views his time in Singapore positively. “I would never describe my experience as hellish; instead, it’s been rewarding and eye-opening,” he shared. He appreciates the stark differences between Eastern and Western education systems, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to understand both sides.

Global Context: Singapore’s Education Rankings

Singapore's education system doesn’t just hold a reputation among its students—it has also been ranked as one of the toughest in the world. According to the Asia Education Review, Singapore ranks third in global education systems, trailing only behind education juggernauts like China and South Korea.

Interestingly, Singapore boasts the highest average IQ in Southeast Asia, with an impressive score of 106.18, underscoring the academic aptitude often required in its rigorous school environment. A comprehensive index that evaluates education systems worldwide considers factors like examination difficulty and college acceptance rates when making these rankings.

As both students prepare to navigate their futures, it's clear that Singapore's education system leaves a lasting impression, shaping their academic journeys in ways they never anticipated. While the experience can be overwhelming, it also provides unique lessons about resilience, determination, and the value of education worldwide.