For students seeking a globally recognised degree without leaving Southeast Asia, Kaplan Higher Education Academy (Kaplan HEA) offers a uniquely compelling pathway. Unlike Singapore's autonomous public universities, Kaplan HEA operates through a distinctive transnational education model: it partners with some of the world's most prestigious universities—from the UK, Australia, Ireland, and beyond—to deliver their degree programmes entirely in Singapore. The result is a world-class qualification, earned close to home, at a fraction of the cost of studying at an overseas campus.
Kaplan in Singapore traces its roots to 1989, originally established as the Asia Pacific Management Institute (APMI), and was subsequently acquired by Kaplan Inc., a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and one of the world's largest education providers, in 2005. Today, the institution has served over 100,000 graduates and hosts a vibrant, internationally diverse student body from over 55 countries and regions, with more than 450 academic and professional certification programmes on offer.
Central to Kaplan HEA's appeal is its portfolio of esteemed university partners. Students can earn undergraduate and postgraduate degrees—identical to those awarded at the partner's home campus—from institutions such as University College Dublin (Ireland's largest university, whose Smurfit Business School holds the coveted "Triple Crown" accreditation of AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS), Australia's Murdoch University, the University of Portsmouth, Northumbria University, and the University of London (with academic direction from the London School of Economics and Political Science), among others. This partnership model ensures graduates possess qualifications that are internationally recognised and highly valued by employers worldwide. Disciplines span business and management, accounting and finance, information technology, law and criminology, communication and media, psychology, and hospitality and tourism management, among others.
Kaplan's city campuses are strategically located in the heart of Singapore's commercial district, placing students within walking distance of six MRT stations and the pulse of the city's business activity. The three campuses—Wilkie Edge, GR.ID, and the newly established Odeon 331 and 333—collectively offer 100,000 square feet of modern learning spaces. Wilkie Edge alone spans three floors with over 45 classrooms and nine computer labs. The Odeon campus features purpose-built High-Capacity Computer Labs equipped with NVIDIA graphics and Intel Core i9 processors, collaborative spaces such as The Nexus and The Connexion, Private Online Discussion Support Stations (PODss) for personalised coaching, and a Wellness Room. This urban integration is intentional, providing students with instant access to internships, mentorship opportunities, and networking events with major corporations.
Quality assurance is a cornerstone of the Kaplan experience. Kaplan HEA is a registered institution with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and holds the prestigious 4-year EduTrust certification—awarded by the Committee for Private Education (CPE)—which recognises exceptional institutional management, academic quality, financial robustness, and student support services. The institution has also been honoured with the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Award (Gold) for four consecutive years.
Graduate employability sits at the heart of Kaplan's mission. A dedicated Employability and Student Affairs team provides comprehensive career services, including CV crafting, interview coaching, industry networking events, and personalised career advisory sessions. According to the Kaplan Graduate Employment Survey, 9 in 10 graduates were employed within six months of completing their studies, with graduates placed at leading organisations such as DBS, Deloitte, Amazon, Singapore Airlines, and OCBC, among many others. For the ambitious student seeking an internationally recognised degree, a culturally diverse learning environment, and a springboard to a global career—all anchored in one of Asia's safest and most dynamic cities—Kaplan Higher Education Academy represents a strategic and rewarding choice.
