Cost of Studying in Singapore: Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Imagine yourself in a vibrant, international city surrounded by students from all over the world – that’s Singapore for you. Singapore, a hub for innovation and education, welcomes thousands of international students each year. In 2023 alone, more than 34,000 international students came to Singapore for higher studies. 

It’s not just about prestigious universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which are in the list of top 10 by THE (Times Higher Education) Asia University Rankings 2024, but also about the unique blend of cultures that enrich your learning experience.

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Careful planning is essential before you start this exciting journey. This guide will help you understand the cost of studying in Singapore.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

• Cost of studying in Singapore (the tuition fees) alone can vary depending on your university and program. It typically ranges from 10L to 73L (SGD16K to SGD120K) per year.
• Living expenses are another critical factor for international students to consider in addition to the tuition fees in Singapore. This country offers a variety of accommodation options, from on-campus dorms to apartments. You can expect to spend around INR 1.25L to INR 4L (SGD2K to SGD6.7K) monthly on rent, food, transportation, and other essentials.

While the cost of studying in Singapore might seem significant, scholarships are available to help you ease the burden. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships specifically for international students, with some covering a substantial portion of your tuition fees.

Remember, studying abroad is an investment in your future. Graduates from top universities in Singapore are highly sought after by employers worldwide and often earn higher-than-average salaries. 

So, get ready to explore the exciting world of education in Singapore!

Key Highlights

This table contains a roundabout of everything you will learn in great detail in this comprehensive blog post.

Why Study in Singapore?

Did you know? According to the Bureau of Immigration, Singapore is among the top 10 countries Indians have chosen for their higher studies in the last five years. 

Read on to know why Singapore might be a perfect fit for you, too

• Super Safe: As per the Global Peace Index, Singapore is ranked #5 worldwide for safety! Strict laws and low crime rates mean you can focus on your studies without worry.
• Top-Ranked Schools: Although Studying in Singapore is a bit expensive, it offers world-class education. The National University of Singapore (NUS) is 8th in the world and 3rd in Asia! That’s impressive.
• Get Hired Easily: Did you know companies like Facebook and Twitter have offices in Singapore? With NUS and Nanyang Technological University ranked 9th and 35th for graduate jobs, landing a dream role after graduation could be more accessible than ever.
• English is Everywhere: No need to stress about language barriers! English is the primary language for classes, so you can focus on mastering your subjects.
• High Quality of Life: Ranked #6 in the World for quality of life, you’ll also have a fantastic experience outside class.

Sounds interesting? Keep reading to learn about the best universities in Singapore, what they offer, their tuition fees, and how to get in!

Top 4 Universities in Singapore

Imagine living in a beautiful country known for its safety, cleanliness, and multicultural society. Plus, ECA International’s Location Ratings ranks Singapore number one for livability worldwide, so you know it’s a great place to live. 

On top of that, there’s even a UNESCO World Heritage site to explore!

Intrigued? Now, while the cost of studying in Singapore is a bit higher, the country makes up for it with its top-notch education and has four top universities perfect for international students like you. 

Keep reading to find out which might be the right fit for you!

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1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS), founded in 1980, offers a global education with an Asian twist. It has over 38,000 students from 100 countries around the world. They even have 17 schools so that you can find the perfect fit for your interests, from Business to Music! NUS is also a leader in research, focusing on essential issues like sustainable cities and healthcare.

Top Courses Offered by NUS

Here’s a list of top courses and their average tuition fees.

Notable Alumni

Here are a few notable people who earned their degrees from this prestigious university and are now known personalities in their respective fields. You could be them!

• Lee Kuan Yew, a Singaporean statesman and lawyer who served as Singapore’s first Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990, is an NUS alumni.

• Mahathir Mohamad, a Malaysian politician, author, and physician who served as Malaysia’s fourth and seventh prime minister, is also an NUS alumnus.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s a list of eligibility criteria you must meet to get admission to this university.

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU), founded in 1991 in Singapore, could be your perfect fit if you consider studying abroad. 

This world university has over 35,000 students across various subjects, from engineering and business to science and medicine. But NTU isn’t just about academics—it’s also a leader in research, with institutes tackling critical global challenges like creating sustainable solutions and improving healthcare. On top of that, its campus is known for being beautiful and eco-friendly, with all its buildings achieving the highest green rating!

Top Courses Offered by NTU

Here’s a list of top courses and their average tuition fees.

Notable Alumni

Imagine graduating from the same place as these big names! – Who knows? You could be next.

• Stefanie Sun, a Singaporean singer and songwriter, is an NTU alumni.

• Dato Sri Tahir, an NTU alumni, is an Indonesian billionaire and a banking and property magnate.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s a list of eligibility criteria you must meet to get admission to this university.

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3. Singapore University of Technology and Design

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)! This innovative young university (founded in 2009) is all about design thinking and tech; they even integrate those concepts throughout their classes. With programs in Architecture, Engineering, and more, SUTD can help you turn your ideas into reality. Plus, their campus is modern and close to Singapore’s business district. 

Top Courses Offered by STUD

Here’s a list of top courses and their average tuition fees.

Notable Alumni

Below are some notable students who started their careers at this prestigious university.  This place could be your stepping stone to amazing things, too.

• Jonathan Chan, a STUD alumnus, is a Singaporean former diver who has been nominated for the Straits Times Athlete of the Year award 2020.

• Tushar Vaidya, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, is a STUD alumnus.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s a list of eligibility criteria to get admission to this university.

4. Singapore Management University

Singapore Management University (SMU) might be perfect if you are Looking for a world-class business education in Asia! Founded in 2000, SMU offers a unique approach to learning that’s interactive, collaborative, and project-based. 

With over 10,000 students, you’ll be surrounded by diverse classmates worldwide. Plus, they have six schools to choose from, including Business, Law, and Social Sciences. SMU is also a big research institution that focuses on essential issues like the Asian economy.

Top Courses Offered by SMU

Here’s a list of top courses and their average tuition fees.

Notable Alumni

Here are a few names of notable individuals who have earned their degrees from this university –  who knows, maybe you’ll be the next big name to graduate from here!

• Gurpal Singh Kalra, President of Asia Private Equity Club, Singapore, is an SMU alumni.

• Dexter Koh, Director of Singapore Emergency Lighting Solutions Pte Ltd (SELS), is an SMU alumni.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s a list of eligibility criteria you must meet to get admission to this university.

Here’s a quick rundown of Singapore university fees for international students.

Think of application fees, student development fees, and service charges. There might also be a student transport pass fee. 

All in all, expect to spend around INR 25K to INR 59K (SGD 400 to SGD 800) monthly on university fees, with more prominent universities potentially costing a bit more. This doesn’t include living costs, though!

Also Read: Top Universities in Singapore

Cost of Studying in Singapore: Pre-arrival Costs

You need to plan for some costs of studying in Singapore, even before you land! Think of entrance exams, application fees, visas, and plane tickets. Figuring this out ahead of time will make things smoother (and less expensive) in the long run. The average visa acceptance rate in Singapore is around 93%.

Here’s a list of some standard tests and their fees.

Here’s a further breakdown of money you might have to spend to complete the college application by paying the application fee, getting a student visa and booking your flight tickets.

Also Read: Singapore Study Visa

Cost of Living in Singapore

Even though tuition fees aren’t high, living in Singapore might cost more than expected. Ranked 15th for international students as per QS Best Student Cities, 2025, Singapore is a tad pricier! The strong economy keeps things expensive, but student discounts on transportation and other essentials exist. 

So, while the cost of studying in Singapore might be higher than back home, the quality of education you’ll get is top-notch. Just be prepared to budget for various expenses depending on your lifestyle.

Here’s a table detailing the cost of living in Singapore as an Indian student.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Singapore

Major Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying In Singapore for Indian Students

You must have understood that studying in Singapore is slightly expensive, and funding your studies there might seem daunting, but there are ways to make it work! While the country is known for its high quality of life, the cost of living can be higher for international students. 

The good news is that scholarships are available to help ease the burden. These scholarships can range from generous amounts up to SGD6000 (INR 3.7L) annually and can be used to cover tuition or living expenses. 

Some scholarships are offered directly by universities, while others come from private organisations or the Singapore government to help you reduce the cost of studying in Singapore. With some research and effort, you might find the perfect scholarship to realise your dream of studying in Singapore. 

This way, you can focus on your studies and have a stress-free experience abroad!

Here’s a list of major scholarships to counter the expensive cost of university in Singapore.

Top 5 High-Paying Jobs in Singapore

Studying in Singapore can be a wise investment in your future career! Singapore is a global hub for many top companies. While studying in Singapore is expensive, a degree from a Singaporean university can open doors to exciting, high-paying jobs. 

We’re talking about positions like engineers, data analysts, and investment bankers, all of which command competitive salaries. Singapore has an employment rate of 68.6%.

So, if you want to launch your career after graduation, Singapore might be the perfect place to start!

Here’s a table of top recruiters in Singapore and their popular job positions.

Here’s a list of top high-paying jobs to help you recover the cost of studying in Singapore.

Also Read: Average Salary in Singapore for Indian Students

Why Studying in Singapore Pays Off?

Studying in Singapore is an investment in your future. As the fourth wealthiest country in the world, the returns are incredible! Top universities like NUS and NTU offer a world-class education recognised globally. This prestigious degree sets you up for a successful career—think high-paying jobs, especially in booming fields like tech and finance. 

Singapore is a business hub with tons of internships and job opportunities from multinational companies, so the experience on your resume will be gold. But it’s not just about academics. Singapore encourages innovation with advanced facilities and programs, making it perfect for those with entrepreneurial dreams. 

You’ll also live in a safe, modern city with a vibrant multicultural scene. Sure, the initial cost of studying in Singapore might seem high, but consider it an investment. With a globally recognised degree, high-earning potential, and a launchpad for your career, you’ll recover those costs quickly and reap the benefits for years to come!

Summing Up

So, there you have it! Studying abroad can be a fantastic adventure, but a little planning goes a long way, just like any adventure. By budgeting for the cost of studying in Singapore, like tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free and enriching academic experience. 

Also, while studying in Singapore is slightly expensive, the returns are great. You can recover your fees in the first few years of employment there. Remember, scholarships and financial aid are available to help ease the burden, so don’t be discouraged by the initial numbers. 

With careful planning and little research, you can make your dream of studying in Singapore a reality!

Frequently Asked Questions