Singapore is among the most sought-after destinations for studying in Asia. With world-class universities, a bustling employment economy, and a multicultural lifestyle, it’s no surprise that students from all over the world are flocking to Singapore. However, before making the move, knowing the costs of earning a degree in Singapore is vital. This guide explains the Cost of studying in Singapore and tuition, living expenses, and hidden costs, giving you the full picture of what to expect.
Why Study in Singapore?
Asia’s Education Powerhouse
Singapore is home to several of the most prestigious universities in the world, including the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It is known for:
- High academic standards
- Research-driven programs
- Strong global industry connections
A Safe and Strategic Location
Singapore offers a clean, safe, and efficient environment. Its central location also makes traveling across Asia simple and affordable.
Tuition Fees in Singapore
Public Universities
Tuition varies by institution and course, but typically:
- Undergraduate (Subsidized for International Students): SGD 10,000 – 20,000/year
- Postgraduate (Master’s): SGD 18,000 – 35,000/program
Tip: Singapore citizens receive government subsidies. International students pay more, but many qualify for tuition grants.
Private Institutions
Private college fees are generally higher:
- Undergraduate: SGD 18,000 – 25,000/year
- Postgraduate: SGD 25,000 – 40,000/program
Living Expenses in Singapore
Accommodation Costs
Where you live makes a big difference. Here’s a rough monthly breakdown:
- University Dorms: SGD 400 – 800
- Shared Apartment: SGD 700 – 1,500
- Private Studio: SGD 1,500 – 2,500
Food and Groceries
Singapore has very affordable dining options:
- Dining Out (Hawker centers): SGD 3 – 6/meal
- Monthly Grocery Bill: SGD 200 – 400
Transportation
Public transport is widely used and affordable:
- MRT/Bus Pass: SGD 50 – 120/month
- Taxi Rides: SGD 10 – 20 (short trips)
Additional Student Expenses
Books and Study Materials
- Annual Cost: SGD 300 – 600
Many students save by using second-hand books or digital resources.
Health Insurance
- Annual Premium: SGD 200 – 500
Some universities include this in tuition fees.
Visa and Student Pass
- Application Fee: SGD 30 – 90
- Issuance Fee: SGD 60
Leisure and Miscellaneous
- Monthly Entertainment: SGD 100 – 300
Covers outings, movies, gym memberships, and weekend trips.
Average Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 – 1,500 |
| Food & Groceries | 300 – 500 |
| Transportation | 50 – 120 |
| Miscellaneous/Leisure | 100 – 300 |
| Total | 1,250 – 2,420 |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
University-Specific Scholarships
Most institutions offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, such as:
- NUS Global Merit Scholarship
- NTU ASEAN Graduate Scholarship
Government Grants and Subsidies
- Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS): Covers part of tuition for international students in return for a 3-year work commitment in Singapore after graduation.
External Scholarships
Includes:
- ASEAN Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Various private funding bodies
Tip: Apply early! Many scholarships close 6–12 months before the admission cycle.
Cost Comparison: Singapore vs. Other Study Destinations
| Country | Average Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| USA | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| UK | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Australia | $18,000 – $35,000 |
Even with a higher cost of living, shorter course durations in Singapore (3 years for many undergraduate degrees) often make it more affordable overall.
Money-Saving Tips for Students
- Take advantage of student discounts
- Eat at hawker centers
- Choose shared housing
- Work part-time (up to 16 hrs/week during term)
What Is the Average Cost of Studying in Singapore?
In 2025, studying in Singapore typically costs between SGD 20,000 and SGD 50,000 annually. This includes tuition, housing, living, and miscellaneous expenses.
6 Common Causes of High Study Costs in Singapore
- University Selection: Private institutions cost more.
- Course Type: Engineering and medicine are pricier.
- Location: Living in central Singapore raises expenses.
- Lifestyle: Frequent outings and travel increase costs.
- Exchange Rates: Currency fluctuations matter.
- Poor Budgeting: Lack of planning leads to overspending.
13 Smart Tips for Managing Study Costs
- Apply for MOE scholarships
- Check for university scholarships
- Stay in shared or campus housing
- Use an E-Link card for transport savings
- Cook meals at home
- Shop with student discounts
- Buy used books
- Get part-time work (within visa rules)
- Use budgeting apps
- Open a student savings account
- Stick to a weekly meal plan
- Avoid high-interest loans
- Join student clubs for subsidized activities
Expert Opinions & Influencers on Study Costs
“Singapore is a world-class education destination, but hidden costs like transport and food can pile up. Budget smart from day one.”
— Ananya Sharma, Education Blogger
“Using apps like Splitwise and Revolut helped me control spending daily.”
— Yifan Lee, NUS Graduate
Follow: @studyinsingapore2025 for real student hacks.
Understanding Others’ Perspectives
- Public university subsidies help, but some say living costs are high.
- Scholarships are very competitive—financial planning is key.
Stats That Matter in 2025
- Avg. tuition for a public Bachelor’s: SGD 18,000/year
- Avg. living cost: SGD 1,200/month
- Students receiving aid: 62%
- Students with part-time jobs: ~35%
- YOY Accommodation inflation: 6.5%
Source: Ministry of Education Singapore (2025), World Student Cost Index
Case Study: Priya’s Study Abroad Journey
Introduction: Priya, 20, from India, was accepted to NTU.
Planned Budget: SGD 40,000/year
Actual Spend: SGD 32,500
How She Managed:
- Chose shared campus housing
- Received NTU tuition grant
- Used student transport card
- Cooked meals 4x a week
- Bought used textbooks
Result: Saved SGD 7,500 without sacrificing quality of life.
Expert Article Titles
- “The True Cost of a Singapore Education: What International Students Should Know” – QS Top Universities
- “Singapore Study Costs Explained: A Financial Breakdown for Global Learners” – Dr. Rahul Choudaha
- “Studying in Singapore: How Much Should You Really Budget?” – Soumya Jain, Times Higher Education
Expert Quotes
“Singapore offers top-quality education for a lower cost than US or UK, but students often underestimate living expenses.”
— Dr. Rahul Choudaha
“Tuition in Singapore ranges SGD 10,000 to 50,000/year, but scholarships and part-time jobs help manage costs.”
— Dr. Jeanette Tan, NUS Institute of Policy Studies
How LetzStudy Helped Three Students to Know about the Cost of Studying in Singapore
Pooja from Hubli – Managing Cost with Smart Planning
Pooja Patil, a B.Com student from Hubli, dreamt of studying in Singapore. She discovered LetzStudy and scheduled a session. They broke down tuition, rent, food, and other costs. They helped her apply for scholarships and a part-time work permit. Now studying Finance at SIM Global, Pooja handles her expenses stress-free.
Arun from Mangalore – From Confused to Confident
Engineer Arun Shetty was confused by scattered online info. LetzStudy gave him personalized estimates, comparing NUS and NTU costs. With their help, he confidently chose NTU and received housing subsidies.
Sandhya from Mysuru – Making Informed Family Decisions
Sandhya Ramesh from Mysuru had top scores, but her parents were unsure about costs. LetzStudy organized a video call, explaining application fees, semester-wise costs, and ROI. Impressed by the clarity, her parents supported her. Sandhya is now pursuing Computer Science at James Cook University Singapore.
Curious about the real cost of studying in Singapore?
Book a free consultation with LetzStudy for tailored advice.
📞 Call: +91-9380486921
For more information, connect us on LinkedIn, and for daily updates, follow us on Instagram.
