Thinking about studying in Singapore but unsure of the cost? You’re not alone. As a premier global destination, Singapore is home to elite institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). While it offers world-class career opportunities, the cost of studying in Singapore is a critical factor for Indian students.
Managing this investment is key. Tuition is competitive compared to the US or UK, but high living standards mean accommodation and transport costs add up.
For the 2026 cycle, annual tuition fee in Singapore for international students t of studying in Singapore for International students ranges from SGD 25,000 to SGD 55,000 (approx. INR 17.0 Lakhs to INR 37.5 Lakhs), depending on your program.
This comprehensive blog breaks down the cost of study in Singapore for Indian students from tuition fees, cost of living, admission fees and other post arrival costs.
A Quick Overview: Cost of Studying in Singapore
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The cost of studying in Singapore varies significantly based on your university choice and whether you qualify for the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant.
The total investment for an Indian student in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 40,800 to SGD 83,200 (approx. INR 28.6Lakh – INR 58.4Lakh) annually.
The following table provides a consolidated snapshot of major academic and living expenses for a single student.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Postgrad/MBA) | SGD 25,000 – SGD 99,953 (INR 17.5Lakh - INR70Lakh) | Annual |
| Accommodation | SGD 600 – SGD 1,500 (INR 42,000 – INR 1.05Lakh) | Monthly |
| Food & Meals | SGD 450 – SGD 700 (INR 31,500 – INR 49,100) | Monthly |
| Public Transport | SGD 100 – SGD 150 (INR 7,000 – INR 10,500) | Monthly |
| Student Pass (Visa) | SGD 150 (INR 10,520) | One-time |
| Medical Screening | SGD 50 – SGD 150 (INR 3,500 – INR 10,500) | One-time |
Singapore University Fees for Indian students
Planning higher studies in Singapore for Indian students means budgeting for tuition fees in Singapore for international students that typically range between SGD 20,000 – 55,000 (INR 14L – INR 38.6L) annually, depending on whether you choose a public or private institution.
Whether you're eyeing MS in Singapore for Indian students or looking at undergraduate options, keep in mind that the cost of study in Singapore for Indian students can be significantly lowered through the MOE Tuition Grant, making higher studies in Singapore for Indian students a high-ROI choice.
Cost of Studying in Singapore at Public Universities
While you are planning your study in Singapore, choosing a public university in Singapore is a smart move for your future and your wallet.
This grant is a government subsidy that can reduce your tuition fees by 40% to 60%. A few of the top ranking universities in Singapore are:
| University and QS Rank 2026 | Location | Annual Tuition (Bachelor & Master's) | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore (NUS) (#8) | Kent Ridge | Bachelor: SGD 18,900 – SGD 76,450 (INR 13.25Lakh – INR 53.62Lakh) Master's: SGD 18,118 – SGD 103,307 (INR 12.7Lakh – INR 72.4Lakh) | Business, Medicine, Computer Science |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) (#12) | Jurong West | Bachelor: SGD 14,640 – SGD 33,674 (INR 10.26Lakh – INR 23.61Lakh) Master's: SGD 19,033 – 54,171 (INR 13.34Lakh – INR 38.00Lakh) | Engineering, Communication, Science |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) (#511) | Central | Bachelor: SGD 25,100 – SGD 29,300 (INR 17.6Lakh – INR 20.5Lakh) Master's: SGD 35,000 – SGD 47,000 (INR 24.5Lakh – INR 32.9Lakh) | Law, Accounting, Social Sciences |
| SUTD (Design & Tech) (# 519) | Changi | Bachelor: SGD 29,694 – SGD 30,200 (INR 20.8Lakh – INR 21.1Lakh) Master's: SGD 54,500 (INR 38.2Lakh) | AI, Architecture, Data Science |
| SIT (Technology) | Multi-Campus | Bachelor: SGD 17,165 – SGD 39,698 (INR 12.0L – INR 27.8L) Master's: SGD 31,285 (INR 21.9L) | Infocomm Tech, Health Sciences |
Cost of Studying at Private Universities in Singapore
Singapore’s private education sector is a major hub for global degrees, offering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs through partnerships with prestigious universities in the UK, Australia, and the US.
These institutions are an excellent choice for higher studies in Singapore for Indian students, as they often provide faster course completion and flexible entry options for popular fields like business and IT.
Below is the updated overview of Singapore’s top private institutions for the 2026 academic cycle.
| Institution (Partner & QS 2026 Rank) | Annual Tuition (Bachelor & Master's) | Degree Awarded By | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM Global Education — UCL (#9) | Bachelor: SGD 13,670 - SGD 45,320 (INR 9.6Lakh - INR 31.8Lakh) Master's: SGD 14,000 - SGD 49,638 (INR 9.8Lakh - INR 34.8Lakh) | UCL, Univ. of London, or Birmingham | International Business, Data Science & Business Analytics, Economics & Finance |
| Kaplan Singapore — Univ. College Dublin (#118) | Bachelor: SGD 23,040 - SGD 69,120 (INR 16.2Lakh - INR 48.5Lakh) Master's: SGD 40,800 - SGD 58,920 (INR 28.6Lakh - INR 41.3Lakh) | University College Dublin (Ireland) | Business Administration, Accountancy, Psychology, Cyber Forensics |
| Curtin Singapore — Curtin Univ. (#174) | Bachelor: SGD 34,008 - SGD 68,016 (INR 23.9Lakh - INR 47.7Lakh) Master's: SGD 30,000 - SGD 35,000 (INR 21.0Lakh - INR 24.5Lakh) | Curtin University (Australia) | Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Cyber Security, International Business |
| PSB Academy — La Trobe Univ. (#217) | Bachelor: SDG 14,032 - SDG 53,927 (INR 9.8Lakh - INR 37.8Lakh) Master's: SGD 20,560 - SGD 48,000 (INR 14.4Lakh - INR 33.7Lakh) | La Trobe or Coventry University | Accounting & Finance, Cyber Security, Media & Communications |
| James Cook University (JCU) — Top 400 Global | Bachelor: SGD 32,960 - SGD 68,880 (INR 23.1Lakh - INR 48.3Lakh) Master's: SGD 42,840 - SGD 58,880 (INR 30.0Lakh - INR 41.3Lakh) | James Cook University (Australia) | MBA, Psychology, IT (AI/Cyber Security), Business Intelligence |
Disclaimer: Tuition fees and rankings are subject to change. Always verify the latest details on official university websites as currency exchange rates fluctuate.
Pre-Arrival Costs for Studying in Singapore 2026
Apart from tuition, you should budget for several mandatory pre-arrival and application expenses. For the 2026 intake, these include university application fees, standardized test fees, and official visa processing costs.
| Category | Expense Type | Amount in SGD |
|---|---|---|
| University Application | Public Universities (NUS, NTU, SMU) | SGD 15 – SGD 50 (INR 1,050 – INR 3,500) |
| Private Institutions (SIM, Kaplan, JCU) | SGD 480 – SGD 545 (INR 33,600 – INR 38,200) | |
| Standardized Exams | IELTS Academic | Paid in INR (INR 18,000) |
| TOEFL iBT | Paid in USD (INR 18,000) | |
| GMAT / GRE (for PG courses) | Paid in INR/USD (INR 22,500 – INR 25,400) | |
| Student Visa (STP) | SOLAR Application Fee | SGD 30 (INR 2,100) |
| STP Issuance Fee | SGD 60 – 90 (INR 4,200 – 6,300) | |
| Medical & Admin | Mandatory Medical Screening | SGD 50 – 150 (3,500 – SGD 10,500) |
| Authorized Visa Agent Fee (India) | INR 1,000 |
Note: Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate based on current 2026 rates and should be checked against the latest rates when planning your finances.
Average Fees of Top Courses in Singapore
Singapore offers a diverse range of top-tier courses across public and private universities. For the 2026 intake, popular fields like Business, Computer Science, and Engineering remain the most sought-after by international students due to high ROI and employability.
| Course Category | Average Annual Fee (SGD / INR) |
|---|---|
| MBA (Business Administration) | SGD 60,000 – SGD 120,000 (INR 42.1Lakh – INR 84.2Lakh) |
| Computer Science / IT | SGD 25,000 – SGD 55,000 (INR 7.5Lakh – INR 38.6Lakh) |
| Engineering | SGD 22,000 – SGD 45,000 (INR 5.4Lakh – INR 31.6Lakh) |
| Data Science / AI | SGD 38,000 – SGD 60,000 (INR 26.6Lakh – INR 42.1Lakh) |
| Business Analytics | SGD 32,000 – SGD 42,000 (INR 22.4Lakh – INR 29.4Lakh) |
| Law / LLM | SGD 38,000 – SG60,000 (INR 26.6Lakh - INR 42Lakh) |
| Medicine / MBBS | SGD 75,000 – SGD 175,500 (INR 52.6Lakh – INR 1.23Crore) |
Cost of Living in Singapore 2026
Singapore is widely regarded as one of the world's most expensive cities, but for international students, the cost of living in 2026 is manageable with strategic planning.
A comfortable monthly budget for a student typically ranges from SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,500 (approx. INR 1.05Lakh – INR 1.75Lakh), depending heavily on housing and lifestyle choices.
1. Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown (2026)
Housing and food constitute the bulk of a student's budget in Singapore.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (SGD & INR) | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | SGD 500 – SGD 1,500 (INR 35,070 – INR 1,05,210) | Hostels are most affordable; HDB rooms are popular mid-range options |
| Food & Groceries | SGD 350 – SGD 700 (INR 24,549 – INR 49,098) | Hawker Centres USD 5 – USD 8/meal (INR 451 – INR 722) offer the best value |
| Public Transport | SGD 81 – SGD 150 (INR 5,681 – INR 10,521) | Apply for a Monthly Concession Pass for unlimited travel |
| Utilities & Internet | SGD 80 – SGD 210 (INR 5,611 – INR 14,729) | Often included in hostel fees; extra for private rentals |
| Personal & Social | SGD 100 – SGD 400 (INR 7,014 – INR 28,056) | Includes leisure and gym; costs rise with dining out |
| Total (Estimated) | SGD 1,111 – 2,960 (INR 77,925 – INR 2Lakh) | Final budget depends on housing type and spending habits. |
2. Housing Options: Locations & Rent Breakdown
Accommodation is your largest monthly variable. Rent is typically lower in Northern and Western suburban areas compared to the Central Business District.
| Accommodation Type | Preferred Student Areas | Monthly Cost (SGD & INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University Hostel | Kent Ridge (NUS), Jurong West (NTU) | SGD 400 – SGD 900 (INR 28,056 – INR 63,126) |
| Shared HDB Room | Woodlands, Yishun, Clementi | SGD 600 – SGD 1,200 (INR 42,084 – ₹84,168) |
| Co-Living / Hostel | Aljunied, Little India, Novena | SGD 1,200 – SGD 2,200 (INR 84,168 – INR 1.54Lakh) |
| Private Condo/Studio | Central Area, Orchard, Marina Bay | SGD 1,800 – SGD 3,500+ (INR 1.26Lakh – INR 2.42Lakh+) |
Key Tips for Indian Students to Reduce Cost of Living in Singapore
Aside from rent, your monthly lifestyle costs in Singapore for the 2026 intake are estimated to range between SGD 811 – SGD 1,378 (INR 56,883 – INR 96,653). Here is a student-friendly guide to mastering your budget and saving like a local.
Choosing budget friendly spots to eat
- The Strategy: Skip expensive cafes and head to local Hawker Centres or university canteens. You can find hearty, delicious meals like Chicken Rice or Laksa for just SGD 5 – 8 (₹350 – ₹560).
- Saving Hack: Choosing these spots instead of mid-range restaurants can save you over 40% on your monthly food bill.
Use Public Transport
- The Strategy: Don't pay as you go with a standard EZ-Link card. Apply for the Undergraduate Hybrid Concession Pass as soon as you get your student ID.
- Saving Hack: For just SGD 81 (₹5,681) a month, you get unlimited rides on all basic buses and MRT trains. It’s the ultimate "long-tail keyword" for savings in your daily commute!
Be Smart in Handling the Utilities
- The Strategy: If you’re living in a shared HDB flat, utilities (water, electricity, gas) are rarely fixed. Coordinate with roommates to limit air-conditioning use, which is the biggest cause of high bills.
- Saving Hack: Look for SIM-only mobile plans (like GOMO or giga!) which offer huge data bundles (50GB+) for as low as SGD 15–20, helping you save on extra WiFi costs.
Use Your Student ID Everywhere (Social & Personal):
- The Strategy: Your student card is a "golden ticket." Use it for 10% – 20% discounts at major outlets like the Apple Store, Microsoft, and even local cinemas.
- Saving Hack: Check for "Student Specials" during weekday lunch hours at popular food chains; many offer a full meal + drink for a fraction of the usual price.
Major Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying In Singapore for Indian Students
Scholarships in Singapore for international students makes it possible for students to cover their tuition fees and make it affordable. These awards often cover more than just tuition, providing significant monthly stipends for living expenses.
LKY School of Public Policy PhD Scholarship (NUS)
- The Award: Monthly stipend of SGD 2,200 (INR 1.54 Lakh), rising to SGD 2,700 (INR 1.89 Lakh) after qualifying exams.
- The Perk: Full tuition fee waiver for up to 4 years.
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- The Award: SGD 2,700 (INR 1.89 Lakh) monthly stipend, increasing to SGD 3,200 (INR 2.24 Lakh) after the first year.
- The Perk: A "full-ride" PhD scholarship including airfare, tuition, and a settling-in allowance.
Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (NUS)
- The Award: SGD 6,000 (INR 4.20 Lakh) annual living allowance plus full tuition coverage.
- The Perk: Includes a one-time SGD 1,750 (INR 1.22 Lakh) computer grant and housing allowance.
INSEAD Syngenta Endowed Scholarship
- The Award: A lump sum of up to EUR 22,500 (INR 23.71 Lakh) for MBA students.
- The Perk: Specifically targets leadership potential in applicants from emerging countries like India.
George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship
- The Award: A massive SGD 5,000 (INR 3.50 Lakh) monthly stipend for a 6-month research period.
- The Perk: Best for experts focusing on Southeast Asian collections at the National Library.
Conclusion
Choosing Singapore for your 2026 studies is a bold, high-reward move for your career. While the city-state is a premium destination, the combination of MOE Tuition Grants, "full-ride" scholarships like SINGA, and smart local living can make it surprisingly affordable.
To succeed, your immediate action plan should be to finalize your university shortlist by February 2026 and clear your IELTS or GMAT exams early. The journey to a global degree starts with a single application, so gather your documents and start your Singapore adventure today!
Before applying, connect with a LeapScholar counsellor to understand university-specific costs, scholarships, and application guidance tailored for your profile. Book your free counselling session with LeapScholar today and start your journey toward studying in Singapore with expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I work part-time while studying in Singapore?
Yes! If you are a full-time student at an ICA-approved institution (like NUS, NTU, or SIM), you can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled school vacations. No separate work permit is required if you meet these criteria.
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What is the MOE Tuition Grant, and should I apply?
The MOE Tuition Grant is a government subsidy that significantly reduces tuition fees for international students. In exchange, you must sign a bond to work for a Singapore-registered company for 3 years after graduation. It’s a great way to lower costs and jumpstart your global career.
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How long does the Student Pass (Visa) process take?
Typically, Student Pass applications through the SOLAR system are processed within 15 to 30 days. However, it is best to apply at least 2 months before your course starts. You’ll need an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter to enter Singapore before receiving your actual card.
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Do I need to take a medical exam for my visa?
Yes. All international students staying for more than 6 months must undergo a medical screening for HIV and Tuberculosis. You can do this in your home country (following the ICA form) or at an approved clinic in Singapore upon arrival for about SGD 50–120.
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Is it possible to stay and work in Singapore after graduation?
Absolutely. After finishing your degree, you can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which allows you to stay for up to one year to search for a job. Once you secure a role, your employer will sponsor your Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass.
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Are Indian Class 12th marks accepted for 2026 admission?
Yes, most Singaporean universities highly value CBSE, ISC, and State Board results. For top public universities like NUS or NTU, a score of 90% or above is typically required, along with competitive SAT/ACT or IELTS/TOEFL scores depending on the program.
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