🇸🇬 Studying in Singapore for international applicants

Higher education in Singapore at a glance

Singapore combines universities, international campuses and a major business environment. Check the actual teaching language and awarding institution. Recognition for further study or a regulated profession is determined by the receiving institution or competent body.

Here you'll find both strong local universities and campuses of international universities and business schools offering British and Australian degrees.

Advantages of studying in Singapore

• English-taught programmes; check the language of each degree.
• Campuses of international universities awarding their own degrees.
• Asia's finance and business hub, with industry links.
• Top-tier safety and quality of life.
• A strategic location at the heart of Asia.

Singapore: compare the same subsidy status

NUS fees depend on the faculty and receipt of a Tuition Grant. For a clear comparison, the figures below use the new 2026/27 cohort without that grant.

Scenario	USD
NUS 2026/27: Business without MOE Tuition Grant, two semesters	$26,200
NUS 2026/27: Computing without MOE Tuition Grant, two semesters	$31,200
NUS: academic-year living with on-campus housing, excluding vacations	$7,900–$12,800

NUS combines ordinary expenses with a range for campus housing. Vacations are excluded; private accommodation is at market rates, and a campus place must be confirmed. This guide therefore does not cover all 12 months.

Without a grant, Business plus the stated living period totals $34,100–$39,000; Computing totals $39,100–$44,000. Add vacation housing, special study periods, moving costs and separate charges. This is an incomplete annual NUS budget, not a SIM, Curtin or LSBF tariff.

The fee is for NUS’s new 2026/27 cohort, includes applicable GST and covers two semesters. Special Term is charged separately. International applicants compete for the MOE Tuition Grant; accepting it brings a three-year obligation to work for a Singapore entity. It does not promise a job.

If your budget is limited

Compare the complete Singapore degree cost with a suitable programme in Malaysia. For private institutions, check the awarding body, duration of each stage and progression conditions. Do not rely on a MOE Grant or student earnings before confirming eligibility and terms.

What to prepare next

Include the programme, grades and funding plan. If relying on a grant, prepare its official terms and your applicant category.

Rounded amounts are shown in US dollars for comparison, using ECB reference rates from 2026. The programme and its provider’s terms determine the final fee. Do not add housing or proof of funds a second time to expenses already covered. Check deposits, insurance, immigration charges and other missing categories. StudyU services are paid under an agreement.

NUS: tuition fees · NUS: living costs · NUS: international prospectus

Official requirements: NUS: international qualifications · ICA: Student’s Pass · MOM: student work

How to apply

The free initial consultation clarifies your goal, profile, timing and budget and identifies the next step. Selection of agreed options, requirement checks, document preparation and application support are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The university decides admission, the funding provider decides scholarships, the competent authority decides immigration permission, and the accommodation provider confirms housing.

Step by step:

1. Assess the level. Check whether your school qualification meets the 12-year requirement or needs a Foundation or diploma route; the section on 11-year certificates below explains the options.
2. MOE Tuition Grant. The MOE Tuition Grant subsidises eligible programmes and student categories. International applicants compete for it; accepting it entails a three-year obligation to work for a Singapore entity after graduation. Check the agreement, sureties and bond conditions. The grant does not guarantee a job.
3. Apply. Dates and intakes differ between NUS, private institutions and partner programmes. Check the course calendar and allow time for the Student’s Pass.
4. Visa. After an offer, check immigration requirements for your nationality, status and institution category. The university supplies study documents, but the competent authority issues permission. Allow time for assessment and additional requests; admission does not guarantee permission.

Admission with an 11-year school certificate

NUS requires at least 12 years of general education; documents, tests and subjects depend on the qualification category. Direct entry after an 11-year school cannot be assumed. For SIM, Curtin or LSBF, check the available Foundation, diploma or other route and its degree-progression conditions separately. More: study-abroad guide.

Master's degrees in Singapore

For master’s admission, the university separately assesses the degree, relevant subjects, grades and language. Duration and fees depend on the programme; an annual undergraduate tariff cannot be applied to a master’s degree. Holding a diploma does not automatically establish admission or a graduate job.

What studying in Singapore costs

Compare matching periods of tuition and living. Account for preparation, vacations and additional semesters separately; do not add housing or proof of funds again to costs already covered. StudyU services are paid under an agreement.

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