Which is better for me as an Indian student among NTU, ETH Zurich and NUS on fees, ranking and post-study work?
None is better for everyone. ETH Zurich ranks in the top 10 and has the lowest fees, NUS ranks 10 and NTU 12. NTU and NUS both offer a one year Long-Term Visit Pass after graduating, while ETH Zurich offers non-EU graduates a six month job seeking visa.
There is no single winner, because the best pick depends on your budget, course and plans after graduation. On the figures compared here, ETH Zurich has a top 10 ranking and the lowest listed fees, while NTU and NUS have a longer post-study stay option.
NTU vs ETH Zurich vs NUS at a glance
| Parameter | NTU | ETH Zurich | NUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS ranking | 12 | Top 10 | 10 |
| UG tuition | 17,950 to 29,350 (approx INR 13.50 to 22.07 L) (SGD) | CHF 2,190 per semester for international students (approx INR 2.53 L) | 17,550 to 28,650 (approx INR 13.20 to 21.54 L) (SGD) |
| PG tuition | 21,000 to 87,715 (approx INR 15.79 to 65.95 L) (SGD) | CHF 2,190 per semester for international students (approx INR 2.53 L) | 25,000 to 50,000 (approx INR 18.80 to 37.60 L) (SGD) |
| Placement rate | 93% | 90% | 94% |
| Post-study work option | 1 year Long-Term Visit Pass | 6 month job seeking visa for non-EU graduates | 1 year Long-Term Visit Pass |
| Programmes | 50+ UG, 100+ PG | 23 UG, 38 PG | 60+ UG, 100+ PG |
How to decide between them
- Start with your total budget: compare tuition plus living costs, not tuition alone.
- Check that your exact course is offered and how it is ranked, since overall ranking does not tell the whole story.
- Weigh the length of the post-study stay against your plans to work in that country.
- Look at scholarships available at each university before you rule one out.
My Advice
Shortlist by course first, then compare cost and stay options for that course. Fees shown are averages for top courses, so verify the figures for your programme on each university's official page. Speak to a counsellor if you want help building a budget for each option.
This information is available on: ethz.ch, ntu.edu.sg
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