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Study in Singapore

Asia's education hub — NUS and NTU rank in the global top 15, gateway to the Asian economy.

Top 15

NUS & NTU Global Rank

80K+

Int'l Students

25%

Subsidised Places

Asian Gateway

Why Singapore?

6 Reasons to Study in Singapore

🌏

Gateway to Asia

Singapore sits at the centre of Southeast Asia — an ideal base for students targeting careers in the fastest-growing economic region on earth.

🏆

Two Top-15 Universities

NUS and NTU consistently rank in the global top 15 — higher than any other Asian universities. World-class faculty and facilities.

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Safest City in Asia

Singapore is consistently ranked the safest city in Asia and one of the safest globally. Zero tolerance for crime makes it exceptionally safe for students.

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Finance & Tech Hub

Singapore is the financial capital of Southeast Asia and a major tech hub for companies including Google, Grab, Sea Limited, and DBS Bank.

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Multilingual Society

English is the official language of instruction. Singapore's multicultural society also speaks Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil — ideal for multilingual students.

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Exceptional Cuisine & Culture

Singapore's hawker culture, cultural diversity, and vibrant food scene make it one of the most exciting cities in the world to live in as a student.

Budget Planning

Cost of Studying in Singapore

Expense	Estimated Range
NUS / NTU tuition (subsidised)	SGD$8,000 – $17,500/yr
NUS / NTU tuition (non-subsidised)	SGD$17,000 – $45,000/yr
Private university tuition	SGD$10,000 – $25,000/yr
Living expenses	SGD$12,000 – $20,000/yr
Student Pass fee	SGD$30 per issuance
Medical insurance	Compulsory — included in fees at NUS/NTU

💡 Singaporean government subsidies reduce tuition significantly at NUS, NTU, and SMU. In exchange, subsidised students must work in Singapore for 3 years post-graduation.

What to Study

Popular Courses

Computer Science & AIEngineeringBusiness & FinanceBiomedical SciencesData ScienceArchitectureLawCommunications

Where to Study

Top Universities

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Singapore Management University (SMU)

Singapore University of Technology & Design

Singapore Institute of Technology

James Cook University Singapore

Curtin Singapore

PSB Academy

When to Apply

Intake Dates

Recommended

August (Main)

August

Apply: Feb – Apr

Main NUS / NTU intake

January

Apply: Aug – Sep

Some programmes and private institutions

English Proficiency

Language Requirements

IELTS

6.0 – 7.0 overall

Standard at NUS, NTU, SMU

Full guide →

TOEFL

85 – 100 (IBT)

Accepted by all Singapore universities

Full guide →

PTE

54 – 65

Accepted at most institutions

Full guide →

Duolingo

110+

Limited acceptance — check first

Full guide →

Funding Your Studies

Scholarships in Singapore

ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (NUS/NTU)

Eligible: ASEAN country nationals

Full tuition + living allowance + airfare

Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)

Eligible: International PhD students

Full tuition + SGD$2,000/month stipend

NUS Scholarship

Eligible: High-achieving international students

Varies — up to full tuition

Commonwealth Scholarships

Eligible: Commonwealth citizens

Varies

Verified Reviews

Consultancies for Singapore

Real student ratings — not paid placements.

Find a Consultancy for Singapore

78 verified consultancies help students study in Singapore

Afterschool.my Education Consultants

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

KC Overseas Education

Jamboree Education Jaipur

Jaipur, India

★4.0(1)

Canam Consultants Chennai

Canam Consultants Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India

Edwise International Mumbai

Mumbai, India

AECC Global Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

IDP Education Bandung

Bandung, Indonesia

GIEC Global Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia

View all 78 consultancies for Singapore →

Step by Step

Singapore Student Pass

Fee: SGD$30Processing: 4–8 weeks

Receive offer letter from a Singapore institution registered with MOE

Institution submits Student Pass application to ICA via SOLAR system on your behalf

Complete and submit eForm16 when notified

Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter

Arrive in Singapore and collect Student Pass from ICA Building within 2 weeks

Complete medical check if required

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore affordable for international students?

Singapore's cost of living is high compared to Southeast Asian neighbours, but competitive with Australia and UK. Government-subsidised tuition at NUS/NTU dramatically reduces costs. Hawker centres provide excellent, affordable food (SGD$3–6 per meal).

What is the NTU/NUS tuition grant and what are the obligations?

The Singapore government provides tuition grants to international students, which reduces fees by 50–90%. In exchange, recipients must sign a Service Obligation to work for a Singapore-based company for 3 years after graduation.

Can I work while studying in Singapore?

Yes. Full-time international students at approved institutions can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during vacation periods, without needing a separate work pass.

Is a Singapore degree recognised globally?

Yes. NUS and NTU degrees are recognised by employers and governments worldwide. A Singapore degree is particularly valuable for careers in Asia-Pacific, finance, technology, and engineering.

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Plan your studies in Singapore

💰 Study cost calculatorEstimate tuition, living, visa fees and the funds your visa requires.🌍 Compare destinationsSee Singapore next to other study destinations side by side.📖 Study abroad glossarySOP, CAS, OSHC, PGWP and other terms, explained.❓ Study abroad FAQCommon questions on visas, English tests and costs.

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