Quick Read
- Except for NUS or NTU, private schools mostly offer November intake in Singapore.
- Application window for November 2026 is from June to September 2026.
- The cost of living for students each month is between SGD 1,500 and SGD 2,000 (Rs. 1.11 Lakh and Rs. 1.48 Lakh).
- In Singapore, you can start in November for business, IT, hospitality, and some postgraduate programs.
What Do You Need to Know About the November Intake in Singapore?
Most students who land on this page have one question: is November intake in Singapore actually worth it? Short answer, yes, but only for certain situations. Here is the reality:
- NUS and NTU do not have a November intake: August is when they run admissions. NUS takes a handful of postgraduate students in January too, but November? Not at either place.
- November intake is at CPE-registered private institutions: SIM, PSB Academy, MDIS, Kaplan Singapore. EduTrust-certified, regulated by SkillsFuture Singapore, degrees awarded by overseas partner universities.
- Three kinds of students do well with this route: Those who missed the August 2026 deadline, professionals who want a part-time postgraduate program, and students who want to finish faster on an accelerated track.
For deadlines across all Singapore intakes, including August and January, check out our complete guide to intakes in Singapore.
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Universities Offering November Intake in Singapore 2026
All institutions below are CPE-registered and EduTrust-certified, regulated by SkillsFuture Singapore. Seat availability shifts every cycle, always check the nstitution's official admissions page and check before you apply.
| Institution | Programs Available | Awarding University | Approx. Annual Tuition (SGD) | November 2026 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIM | Business, Computing, Psychology, Accounting | University of London, RMIT University, University of Birmingham, University at Buffalo | SGD 13,666 to SGD 38,259 (Rs. 10.13 Lakh to Rs. 28.35 Lakh) | Rolling; apply by September 2026 |
| PSB Academy | Engineering, Business, IT, Life Sciences | Coventry University, Edinburgh Napier University, Murdoch University | SGD 10,000 to SGD 16,000 per year (Rs. 7.41 Lakh to Rs. 11.86 Lakh) | Rolling; apply by September 2026 |
| MDIS | Business, Hospitality, Fashion, Psychology | University of Sunderland, Northumbria University, Southern Cross University | SGD 10,000 to SGD 16,000 per year (Rs. 7.41 Lakh to Rs. 11.86 Lakh) | Rolling; confirm per program |
| Kaplan Singapore | Business, Finance, Law, IT | Murdoch University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Northumbria University | SGD 10,000 to SGD 16,000 per year (Rs. 7.41 Lakh to Rs. 11.86 Lakh) | Rolling; apply by September 2026 |
| JCU Singapore | Business, Psychology, IT, Education | James Cook University Australia (direct branch campus) | SGD 28,000 to SGD 32,000 (Rs. 20.75 Lakh to Rs. 23.71 Lakh) | Rolling; confirm via JCU portal |
A quick note on how degrees work here:
- SIM, PSB Academy, MDIS, and Kaplan do not give out their own degrees. The certificate comes from the overseas partner: University of London, RMIT, Coventry, and others depending on the program.
- JCU Singapore is different. It is a direct branch campus of James Cook University Australia. Same degree, same awarding body as the Australia campus.
- Both paths give internationally recognized qualifications. One thing you need to verify: Does the specific partner university carry weight in the country and field you are heading into after graduation?
For students considering MBA programs specifically, which tend to have more flexible intake windows, see our guide on MBA colleges in Singapore.
Counselor insight: Most Indian students expect NUS or NTU-style campuses when they arrive at private institutions. Smaller batches, industry-led teaching, faster graduation — some programs end in 16 to 28 months. For someone who wants to start working sooner, that is genuinely useful. The one question worth sitting with before you enroll: does the awarding university's name mean something in the place you want to build your career?
November Intake vs August vs January: Which One Should You Pick?
Choosing an intake is not just about timing. Each one comes with real differences:
| Factor | November Intake | August Intake | January Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available at NUS/NTU | No | Yes (primary intake) | Select PG programs only |
| Course variety | Limited (private institutions) | Widest selection | Moderate (select PG) |
| Scholarship access | Limited: Most scholarships tied to August | Highest availability | Some PG scholarships available |
| Competition level | Lower | Highest | Moderate |
| Student's Pass timeline | Apply by September 2026 | Apply by June 2026 | Apply by November 2026 |
| Employer recognition | Depends on awarding university | Strong across the board | Strong for PG programs |
| Best suited for | Working professionals, career changers, students needing a fast restart | First-time UG/PG applicants targeting top public universities | Research-focused PG applicants, missed August cycle |
November Intake in Singapore: A Decision Framework for Indian Students
Final-year BTech or BSc student, graduated May or June 2026, missed the August deadline?
A CPE-registered private institution makes sense here, especially for business, IT, or hospitality. November 2026 start, 16 to 28 months to finish, workforce by mid-2028. The degree comes from an overseas partner, not NUS or NTU. If that works for where you are headed professionally, it is a solid call. If a public university name on the degree is non-negotiable, wait for August 2027 and start preparing in January 2027.
Working professional in India, 2 or more years of experience, looking for a part-time MBA or postgraduate diploma?
November fits this profile well. Evening and weekend MBA formats with November starts exist at several CPE-registered institutions. No need to quit your job before applying. Get the offer letter, sort the Student's Pass, make the move.
Had a conditional offer for August 2026 that got deferred or cancelled due to a document problem or visa delay?
Call your institution and ask whether a November re-enrollment is possible within the same cycle. Some private institutions do allow this. If the original offer was from NUS or NTU, November is not available there, contact their international admissions team about deferring to January 2027 or August 2027.
Application Deadlines and Timeline for November Intake in Singapore 2026
NUS and NTU run on fixed yearly deadlines. Private institutions do not, rolling admissions means your seat goes to whoever applies first, no batch cutoff, no single closing date. Earlier is always better.
| Timeline | What to do? |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | Start by shortlisting institutions and programs with a November start date. Visit each institution's official portal and check if seats are still open for your chosen program. |
| July 2026 | Get your documents in order. Call or email the admissions team to confirm November 2026 availability before you go any further. |
| August 2026 | Submit your application, pay the application fee, and send in all your supporting documents. Seats move on a first-come basis. |
| September 2026 | Once your offer letter arrives, accept it and start your Student's Pass application on ICA SOLAR right away. Do not wait. |
| October 2026 | Your IPA letter should come through from ICA around this time. Book your ICA appointment and sort out your flights. |
| November 2026 | You are in Singapore. Finish your ICA paperwork, get your Student's Pass, and attend your first class. |
PSB Academy and MDIS work on trimester cycles, seat availability each trimester is partly shaped by how the one before it went.Start reaching out to institutions now. Waiting until August is a genuine risk as programs fill up.
November Intake in Singapore: Documents Required for Indian Students
Prepare these before you approach any institution. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays or rejections.
| Document | India-Specific Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Indian passport | Must be valid for at least 18 months beyond your intended course start date |
| Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets | Issued by CBSE, ICSE, or your State Board, notarized copies required |
| Undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts | If you are applying for a postgraduate program, include your provisional certificate if final degree is pending |
| English proficiency score | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (varies by institution and program); PTE Academic is also accepted at most institutions |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Program-specific: highlight your reasons for choosing Singapore and this institution |
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | Usually 2 academic or professional references, depending on the program level |
| Resume or CV | Updated to reflect recent academic or work experience |
| Proof of financial support | Bank statements showing sufficient funds, at least SGD 20,000 to SGD 30,000 (Rs. 1.48 Lakh to Rs. 2.22 Lakh) in the account |
| Passport-sized photographs | Digital, color, white background, taken within the last 3 months |
| Registration Acknowledgement Letter | Issued by the institution after you are accepted and required to initiate your Student's Pass application via ICA SOLAR |
Student’s Pass Process for a November Start
Every full-time international student in Singapore needs a Student's Pass from ICA. Applied through their portal, SOLAR. Institution kicks off the process after you accept the offer.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Get your offer letter. Confirm enrollment, pay any deposit required.
- Your institution enters your details into ICA SOLAR and hands you a SOLAR Reference Number.
- Log into SOLAR with that number. Fill out eForm 16. Upload your documents.
- Pay SGD 45 (Rs. 3,334) on the portal. Non-refundable.
- Wait for ICA. Around 2 weeks standard. Apply no earlier than 2 months before your start date, no later than 1 month before.
- IPA letter arrives. For Indian students, this is also your entry visa, no separate visa needed.
- Land in Singapore. Show IPA at immigration. Get a 30-day Visit Pass to wrap up Student's Pass formalities.
- Book an e-appointment at ICA Services Centre, 2 Crawford Street, Level 3, Singapore 207218.
- Student's Pass comes digitally via FileSG or Singpass app. ICA stopped issuing physical passes in February 2023.
Timing for November starters: Course starts early November 2026? Submit SOLAR by September 2026. October is too late, slots fill fast and processing slows down in the October-November rush.
Counselor insight: ICA does not tell you why they rejected an application. What we see most with Indian students: bank statements under SGD 30,000 (Rs. 2.22 Lakh), a mismatch between what you gave the institution and what you put in SOLAR, or an incomplete eForm 16. Go through your offer letter and your SOLAR form side by side. Submit only when everything matches exactly.
For a complete breakdown of the Student's Pass process, visit our guide on Singapore student visa for Indian students.
Cost of Studying in Singapore for November Intake
1. Tuition Fees
| Institution Type | Annual Tuition Fee | In INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Private institution diploma programs | SGD 8,000 to SGD 15,000 | Rs. 5.93 Lakh to Rs. 11.12 Lakh |
| Private institution bachelor's programs | SGD 12,000 to SGD 25,000 | Rs. 8.89 Lakh to Rs. 18.53 Lakh |
| Private institution postgraduate/MBA | SGD 20,000 to SGD 40,000 | Rs. 14.82 Lakh to Rs. 29.64 Lakh |
Disclaimer: NUS and NTU fees are different and do not apply here. Confirm your program fee on the institution's official website before applying.
2. Monthly Living Costs
| Expense | Approx. Monthly Cost (SGD) | Approx. Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared accommodation (HDB room, non-central) | SGD 700 to SGD 1,000 | Rs. 51,870 to Rs. 74,100 |
| Food (mix of hawker centres and cooking) | SGD 250 to SGD 400 | Rs. 18,525 to Rs. 29,640 |
| Public transport (MRT and buses) | SGD 80 to SGD 120 | Rs. 5,928 to Rs. 8,892 |
| Phone and utilities | SGD 60 to SGD 100 | Rs. 4,446 to Rs. 7,410 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | SGD 150 to SGD 250 | Rs. 11,115 to Rs. 18,525 |
| Total estimate | SGD 1,240 to SGD 1,870 | Rs. 91,884 to Rs. 1.39 Lakh |
Monthly Budget Snapshot
- All in with rent: SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,000 (Rs. 1.11 Lakh to Rs. 1.48 Lakh) per month
- Orchard or Bugis? A shared room alone hits SGD 1,200 to SGD 1,500. Not much left for anything else.
- Jurong and Woodlands are cheaper and still on the MRT line.
Can You Work While Studying? Yes, up to 16 hours a week during term, full-time during semester breaks, per MOM rules. Covers food and transport. Rent is another matter.
Full tuition breakdown: cost of studying in Singapore. Monthly planning: cost of living in Singapore.
Scholarships Available for November Intake in Singapore
Top government scholarships like SINGA for PhD students, ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship are tied to August intake at NUS, NTU, or SMU. They do not apply to November intake at private institutions.
Options that do exist for November starters:
| Scholarship | Who can apply? | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Global Education Scholarship | International students with strong academics, leadership, community involvement | 100% tuition for bachelor's programs at SIM |
| PSB Academy Merit Scholarship | International students with diploma GPA 3.0 or above | Partial tuition |
| PSB Academy ASEAN Scholarship | ASEAN-origin students including Indians, strong academic and extracurricular record | Partial tuition |
| MDIS Financial Assistance | Merit or financial need | Partial fee waiver |
| Kaplan Singapore Financial Assistance | Merit or financial need | Partial fee waiver |
For a full overview of scholarships, check: scholarships in Singapore for Indian students
3 Takeaways
- November intake is not for everyone. It works for students going to CPE-registered private institutions, professionals after a part-time MBA, and anyone who missed August and cannot hold on for January. NUS or NTU is the goal? August 2027 is the answer.
- Apply between July and September 2026. No fixed deadline, but programs fill up on rolling admissions. Have the application in and the offer letter confirmed before September ends.
- Start your Student's Pass the day the offer letter arrives. ICA takes 2 weeks, but October and November are peak months. Early submission means room to fix problems before class starts.
Frequently Asked Questions About November Intake in Singapore
-
Which universities in Singapore offer a November intake?
SIM, PSB Academy, MDIS, Kaplan Singapore, and JCU Singapore. NUS, NTU, and SMU do not. Call or check the portal before applying, availability changes every cycle.
-
Is November intake available at NUS or NTU?
No. August is their main cycle, and NUS takes some postgraduate students in January. November is not available at either. Working toward NUS or NTU? August 2027 is where to aim.
-
What courses can I study in the November intake?
Business, IT, hospitality, psychology, some MBA programs. Changes every cycle, check with the institution directly before assuming anything is open.
-
When should I apply for November intake?
July to September 2026. No single closing date. Seats fill as they come in. Apply in October and the chance of getting in drops significantly.
-
Can Indian students apply for November intake?
Yes. Meet the academic and English requirements, complete admissions, sort the Student's Pass through ICA SOLAR after the offer letter comes through.
-
How does November intake compare to August?
August opens NUS, NTU, more programs, better funding. November is narrower with private institutions, fewer options, less scholarship money. Makes sense if starting sooner matters or a public university degree is not the priority.
-
What is the Student's Pass process for November intake?
Institution registers you on SOLAR after you accept. Fill eForm 16, upload documents, pay SGD 45 (Rs. 3,334). Two weeks for ICA to process. November start means submitting by September 2026.
-
Will employers care that I joined in November?
Not at all. Employers look at the university on the degree, not the month you started. Know which university that is and whether it means something in your field before signing anything.
-
What if I miss the November 2026 deadline?
January 2027 is next, select NUS and NTU postgraduate programs, or most private institutions. Contact the admissions team of your target institution and ask about the next available cycle.
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