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Is it possible to get the application fee refunded or considered for the next intake if my application is rejected in Singapore?

25 Aug 2026 · Answered by Thaiba Nazreen · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

No, application fees in Singapore never get refunded and never carry forward if your application is rejected. Universities like NUS, NTU and SMU charge a standard processing fee, generally SGD 20 to SGD 100, so your only option is submitting a completely fresh application with a new fee later.

Thaiba Nazreen
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No, if your Singapore application is rejected, you cannot get your application fee refunded or carried over to the next intake. Your fee simply covers the administrative cost of reviewing your documents, and that cost is incurred no matter what the final decision is. Your only path forward is to strengthen your profile and submit a fresh application with a new fee.

How Application Fees Work Across Singapore Institutions

Institution TypeTypical FeeRefund Policy
NUS, NTU, SMU and similar universitiesSGD 20 to SGD 100 depending on programNon refundable, new fee required to reapply
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (Student's Pass)Processing fee onlyNon refundable if visa stage is rejected
Tuition or course fees already paidVaries by institutionRefundable if your Student's Pass is rejected by ICA

What To Do After A Rejection

  • Request feedback from the university's admissions office on why your application was unsuccessful.
  • Spend the waiting period raising your test scores, adding relevant work experience or strengthening your portfolio.
  • Prepare to pay a new application fee and submit fully updated documents once the next intake window opens.

My Advice

Do not reapply with the same documents just because your budget is tight, spend the time between intakes fixing the specific weakness that likely caused your rejection, whether that is test scores, your SOP or work experience. Tell me which university and program you targeted, and I will share specific pointers on that course's competitive requirements for the next intake.

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