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Studying in France vs Singapore

How the two compare on the things that matter most to international students — cost, student visas, work rights and the path to staying on after you graduate.

France
France
Singapore
Singapore
Tuition (per year)
Public: low differential rate (~€2,770–3,770/yr); private higher
SGD 20,000–45,000 / year (higher for medicine/MBA)
Living costs
~€10,500 / year (€878/mo from Aug 2026)
SGD 12,000–18,000 / year
Student visa
VLS-TS student visa
Student's Pass
Work while studying
Up to 964 hours per year (~20 hrs/week)
Up to 16 hours/week during term at the public universities; unlimited in vacation
Post-study work
APS permit — up to 12 months for master’s graduates to find work or start a business
No dedicated post-study work visa — graduates move to an Employment Pass or S Pass
Proof of funds
Show ~€615/mo (rising to €878/mo from Aug 2026)
Show ~SGD 25,000–35,000/yr (tuition + living)
Path to residency
Multi-year residence permit, then long-term residence
Via employment (Employment Pass → PR); an MOE tuition grant carries a 3-year work bond
Health cover
French student health insurance (low cost)
Medical insurance required (usually arranged by the university)
Main intakes
September (main) and January
August (main) and January

France — often chosen for

  • Low public-university tuition
  • Business & engineering grandes écoles
  • APS stay-back for master’s+
Study in France

Singapore — often chosen for

  • Top-ranked Asian universities (NUS, NTU)
  • Safe finance & tech hub
  • Gateway to Asia
Study in Singapore

Figures are typical estimates; visa fees and minimum-funds thresholds change regularly. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before deciding. Use the study cost calculator to estimate your own budget.

France vs Singapore — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in France or Singapore?+

Tuition in France is typically Public: low differential rate (~€2,770–3,770/yr); private higher and living costs ~€10,500 / year (€878/mo from Aug 2026), while Singapore is around SGD 20,000–45,000 / year (higher for medicine/MBA) for tuition and SGD 12,000–18,000 / year for living. The cheaper option depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the study cost calculator to compare your own situation, and remember each country sets a minimum you must prove for the visa.

Which is better for working after graduation, France or Singapore?+

France offers APS permit — up to 12 months for master’s graduates to find work or start a business. Singapore offers No dedicated post-study work visa — graduates move to an Employment Pass or S Pass. If staying on to work is a priority, weigh the length of the post-study visa against how it leads into longer-term residency in each country.

Which has an easier path to permanent residency, France or Singapore?+

France: Multi-year residence permit, then long-term residence. Singapore: Via employment (Employment Pass → PR); an MOE tuition grant carries a 3-year work bond. Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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