What monthly living costs should I plan for as a PhD student in Singapore?
02 Nov 2026 · Answered by Hardika Gautam · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Living costs for a PhD student in Singapore typically run around SGD 1,200 to 1,500 a month, covering rent, food and transport. If you hold SINGA or a comparable scholarship, the monthly stipend usually clears this with room to spare. Check the official scholarship page for the latest stipend.
Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, but what matters is whether your stipend keeps pace. Living costs typically run SGD 1,200 to 1,500 (approx INR 88,992 to 1.11 L) a month, covering rent, food and transport.
Monthly Costs Versus Stipend
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical living costs | SGD 1,200 to 1,500 (approx INR 88,992 to 1.11 L) a month for rent, food and transport |
| Stipend on SINGA or a comparable scholarship | Typically clears these costs with room to spare |
| Stipend after the Qualifying Exam | A higher rate of SGD 3,200 (approx INR 2.37 L) a month is mentioned |
How to Plan
- Treat the living cost as a typical range for rent, food and transport, not a fixed amount.
- Your real spend depends on your housing choice and habits.
- Compare the stipend of your scholarship with your expected monthly spend before you accept an offer.
My Advice
Ask your department for the exact stipend and any housing support in writing, then build your monthly budget from that. Confirm figures on the official scholarship page.
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