The National University of Singapore, commonly known as NUS, is Singapore’s flagship university and one of Asia’s most internationally recognised higher education institutions. For students considering Singapore in 2026, NUS offers programmes across computing, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, science, medicine, law, humanities and interdisciplinary fields.
NUS ranked 8th globally and 1st in Asia in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The newer QS 2027 ranking, released in June 2026, places NUS 10th globally.
Admission is highly selective, and requirements differ according to school qualification and programme. This guide covers the National University of Singapore ranking, courses, admission requirements for Indian and international students, 2026 tuition fees, scholarships, living costs, application process and student life.
What Is the National University of Singapore?
The National University of Singapore is a comprehensive research university based in Singapore. Its history dates back to 1905, when its predecessor began as a medical school.
Today, NUS offers education and research across areas such as computing, engineering, business, medicine, dentistry, law, science, humanities, social sciences, public policy, design and architecture.
Its undergraduate academic structure provides considerable flexibility. NUS currently lists 60 majors, 54 second majors and more than 80 minors, giving students opportunities to combine disciplines according to their academic and career interests.
The university also has a highly international campus. Its AY2026/27 international undergraduate prospectus reports more than 30,000 undergraduate students, over 2,700 faculty members and students representing more than 120 nationalities.
Why Consider NUS Singapore in 2026?
NUS can be particularly attractive to students who want access to a globally ranked university while studying in one of Asia’s major technology, finance, research and business centres.
Academic flexibility is one of its strengths. Students can pursue traditional single degrees as well as second majors, minors, double degrees, concurrent degrees and interdisciplinary programmes.
Technology-focused students have options such as:
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- Artificial Intelligence
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- Computer Science
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- Business Analytics
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- Information Security
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- Computer Engineering
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- Business Artificial Intelligence Systems
- Data Science and Economics
NUS Computing currently offers six main undergraduate computing pathways, while the College of Design and Engineering includes disciplines such as robotics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and environmental and sustainability engineering.
Students should still evaluate NUS based on their preferred programme rather than relying only on the university’s overall reputation.
National University of Singapore Ranking in 2026
NUS performs strongly across several major international university rankings.
| Ranking | NUS Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | 8th globally |
| QS Asia position based on QS 2026 | 1st in Asia |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 | 17th globally |
| QS World University Rankings 2027, released in 2026 | 10th globally |
NUS retained 8th position globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and was the highest-ranked Asian university in that edition.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 placed NUS 17th globally.
Its subject performance is also notable. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, NUS had 28 subjects among the global top 10, including seven subjects in the global top three.
However, rankings should form only one part of a university decision. Students should also compare programme curriculum, costs, scholarships, academic requirements, career opportunities and personal goals.
Key Takeaways
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- NUS ranked 8th worldwide and 1st in Asia in QS 2026.
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- The newer QS 2027 ranking places NUS 10th globally.
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- CBSE and ISC applicants need good passes in five subjects including English, but NUS does not publish one universal percentage cut-off for Indian applicants.
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- JEE Main and JEE Advanced are not required for NUS admission.
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- Applicants from Indian State and certain other boards generally need standardised test results such as SAT, ACT with Writing or AP in addition to their school qualification.
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- Undergraduate tuition for many non-ASEAN international students receiving the MOE Tuition Grant is approximately S$21,400 per year for popular Computing, Engineering and Humanities and Sciences programmes in AY2026/27.
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- International students can be considered for NUS scholarships, including the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship.
Courses at the National University of Singapore
NUS offers programmes across almost every major academic discipline.
Undergraduate Programmes at NUS
Popular academic areas include:
| Study Area | Examples of Programmes |
|---|---|
| Computing | Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Information Security, Business Artificial Intelligence Systems |
| Engineering | Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics and Machine Intelligence |
| Business | Business Administration and related business pathways |
| Humanities and Sciences | Economics, Data Science and Economics, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Humanities disciplines |
| Design | Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture |
| Healthcare | Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy |
| Law | Bachelor of Laws |
| Interdisciplinary | Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Data Science and Economics |
NUS states that students can choose from around 60 majors alongside dozens of second majors and more than 80 minors.
For computing students specifically, current offerings include Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Security and Business Artificial Intelligence Systems.
The College of Design and Engineering also offers newer areas such as Robotics and Machine Intelligence alongside traditional engineering disciplines.
Postgraduate and Research Programmes
NUS offers postgraduate coursework degrees, research master’s programmes and PhDs across its faculties and schools.
Examples include:
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- Master of Computing
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- Master of Computing in Artificial Intelligence
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- Master of Science in Business Analytics
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- Master of Science in Digital Financial Technology
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- Engineering master’s programmes
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- Business and management degrees
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- Science programmes
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- Humanities and social science programmes
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- Research master’s degrees
- PhD programmes
NUS Graduate School states that a master’s by coursework normally requires a good bachelor’s degree with honours from a reputable university. Requirements for research degrees consider academic performance, research interests, recommendations, CV, statement of purpose and, depending on the programme, English-language or standardised tests.
Master’s coursework programmes can normally range from approximately 12 to 36 months, although duration varies by programme and study mode.
NUS Admission Requirements for International Students
NUS does not use one admission rule for every international applicant.
Instead, requirements depend on:
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- nationality;
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- school qualification;
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- examination board;
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- chosen degree;
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- programme prerequisites;
- whether final school results are available at the time of application.
Applicants should therefore check the specific qualification category that applies to them.
Requirements for Indian CBSE and ISC Students
NUS recognises Indian Standard 12 qualifications from the CBSE and ISC boards.
For applicants who have completed Class 12, NUS requires a good pass in five subjects including English. CBSE and ISC applicants do not need SAT, ACT with Writing or AP results under the published qualification requirements. An additional English proficiency test is also not generally required for this qualification category.
An important point is that NUS does not publish a single universal Class 12 percentage that guarantees admission.
Admission is assessed holistically using academic and non-academic achievements. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria therefore does not mean an applicant will receive an offer.
For applicants sitting CBSE or ISC examinations in 2026, NUS also published specific deadlines for uploading final results after their release.
Students awaiting their final Class 12 results were not eligible to apply for certain programmes, including Dentistry, Law, Medicine and Nursing, under the AY2026/27 qualification rules.
Is JEE Required for NUS?
No.
NUS explicitly states that JEE Main and JEE Advanced examinations are not required for applicants applying with Indian Standard 12 qualifications.
Students should therefore concentrate on NUS’s actual qualification-specific requirements instead of assuming that an Indian engineering entrance examination is mandatory.
Requirements for Indian State and Other Boards
The rules are different for applicants from Indian State Boards and certain other boards.
NUS requires good passes in five subjects, including English. In addition, these applicants are generally required to provide an accepted standardised test, such as AP, ACT with Writing or SAT, according to the university’s published requirements.
This distinction is important:
| Indian Qualification | Standardised Test |
|---|---|
| CBSE | Not required |
| ISC | Not required |
| State and Other Boards | Required under current published rules |
Students should always check their precise examination board before preparing an application.
English Language and Standardised Test Requirements
For Indian Standard 12 CBSE and ISC applicants, NUS currently lists no separate English-language test requirement.
Indian State and Other Board applicants also have no separate English requirement listed, but standardised testing is required under their qualification route.
Requirements can differ substantially for applicants presenting qualifications from other countries.
Therefore, an IELTS or TOEFL score should not automatically be assumed to be compulsory for every NUS undergraduate applicant.
NUS Master’s and Research Admission Requirements
Graduate requirements vary considerably by programme.
NUS Graduate School states that applicants generally need at least a good bachelor’s degree appropriate to their chosen discipline. Some programmes may also consider:
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- relevant professional experience;
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- statement of purpose;
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- academic transcripts;
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- recommendation letters;
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- CV;
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- GRE or GMAT;
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- portfolio or research experience;
- TOEFL or IELTS where applicable.
Applicants whose native language or previous medium of university instruction is not English may need an accepted English-language test, depending on the programme.
Because requirements differ between faculties, postgraduate applicants should check the exact programme rather than relying on a university-wide minimum.
NUS Application Dates and Deadlines for 2026
For the Academic Year 2026/2027 undergraduate admissions exercise, applications from students presenting international qualifications opened on 3 December 2025 and closed on 23 February 2026.
Applicants should remember that this was the timeline for the 2026/27 intake.
Those targeting the next intake should not assume that the same dates will automatically apply. NUS updates application periods each admission cycle.
Indian applicants waiting for their final board results may also have separate deadlines for uploading actual results after they are released.
Postgraduate deadlines vary significantly between programmes and faculties. Some programmes offer August intake only, while selected programmes may also provide January admission.
How to Apply to the National University of Singapore
The undergraduate application process can generally be approached in the following order:
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- Select your programme. Review the curriculum, prerequisites and career relevance before applying.
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- Identify your qualification category. Indian applicants must distinguish between CBSE/ISC and State or Other Boards because requirements differ.
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- Check subject prerequisites. Courses such as Computing, Engineering, Medicine and other specialised programmes may have specific subject requirements.
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- Prepare academic documents. These may include Class 10 and Class 12 results, predicted or available school results and examination certificates.
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- Prepare additional documents where applicable. Certain programmes may require interviews, tests, portfolios or other assessments.
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- Submit the online NUS admission application.
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- Pay the applicable application fee if required. Any monetary amount should be checked on the current NUS application portal because fees can change.
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- Upload supporting documents through the Applicant Portal.
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- Submit final board results when released. This is especially important for Indian students applying before completing Class 12.
- Track the admission outcome through the NUS Applicant Portal.
Admission to NUS and permission to study in Singapore are separate processes. International students must still meet Singapore immigration requirements after receiving an admission offer.
National University of Singapore Fees for International Students
Tuition depends on the student’s programme, nationality and whether the student receives the Singapore Ministry of Education Tuition Grant.
NUS operates a cohort-based tuition system and publishes annual rates for each entering cohort. For planning purposes, students should still treat the following figures as approximate costs.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2026/27
For an Indian student, who falls under the all other international students category rather than the ASEAN international student category, approximate AY2026/27 annual tuition is:
| Programme | With MOE Tuition Grant | Without MOE Tuition Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Approximately S$22,200 | Approximately S$33,400 |
| Computing | Approximately S$21,400 | Approximately S$39,700 |
| Design and Engineering | Approximately S$21,400 | Approximately S$39,700 |
| Humanities and Sciences | Approximately S$21,400 | Approximately S$36,650 |
| Architecture / Landscape Architecture | Approximately S$22,750 | Approximately S$40,450 |
| Law | Approximately S$30,450 | Approximately S$44,450 |
| Nursing | Approximately S$22,500 | Approximately S$38,750 |
| Pharmacy | Approximately S$23,650 | Approximately S$43,050 |
| Medicine | Approximately S$87,800 | Approximately S$190,150 |
These figures are based on NUS’s published AY2026/27 tuition schedule for new students.
Students should verify the applicable fee for their specific programme before accepting an offer.
Cost of Living at NUS
Tuition is only one part of the total study budget.
NUS currently estimates the following undergraduate living expenses per academic year:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| On-campus accommodation | Approximately S$4,000–S$10,290 |
| Meals | Approximately S$2,600 |
| Personal expenses | Approximately S$2,200 |
| Transportation | Approximately S$800 |
| Books and supplies | Approximately S$400 |
| Living costs excluding accommodation | Approximately S$6,000 |
Based on these university estimates, an undergraduate using on-campus accommodation could budget roughly S$10,000–S$16,290 per academic year for accommodation and the main living expenses listed above. Actual costs can be higher or lower depending on residence type and lifestyle.
Graduate students may face different accommodation circumstances. NUS Graduate School provides an approximate monthly guide of around S$1,200–S$2,100 for students living on campus and approximately S$1,550–S$3,400 for those living off campus.
NUS Scholarships for International Students
International students can be considered for several undergraduate scholarships.
Current options include:
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- NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship
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- Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
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- ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship for eligible ASEAN nationals
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- Association of Banks in Singapore – Goh Keng Swee Scholarship
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- selected faculty, donated and external scholarships
Indian students are among the nationalities that may be considered for the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship under current NUS information.
Scholarships are competitive and normally consider more than academic marks. Leadership, co-curricular achievements and overall applicant quality can also matter.
NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship
The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship is available to exceptional international freshmen from countries other than Singapore.
Current published benefits include:
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- 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees after the MOE Tuition Grant;
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- approximately S$5,800 annual living allowance;
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- approximately S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance;
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- approximately S$1,750 one-time computer allowance.
Applicants are considered through their undergraduate admission application.
The scholarship itself does not impose a separate scholarship bond. However, recipients must accept the MOE Tuition Grant, which carries its own service obligation for international students.
Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
The Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship can be particularly relevant to Indian students because it is open to outstanding students from Asian countries and regions outside Singapore.
It applies to eligible programmes in areas such as:
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- Artificial Intelligence
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- Computer Science
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- Business Analytics
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- Information Security
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- Engineering
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- Data Science
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- Mathematics
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- Physics
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- Life Sciences
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- Chemistry
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- Statistics
Published benefits include:
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- 100% of subsidised tuition after the MOE Tuition Grant;
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- approximately S$6,000 annual living allowance;
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- approximately S$1,750 one-time computer allowance;
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- approximately S$200 settling-in allowance;
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- accommodation support based on the lowest double-room rate;
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- eligible travel support.
A major consideration is the service obligation. Recipients of this scholarship are required to serve a six-year bond with a Singapore-registered company after graduation under the current scholarship conditions.
Students should therefore examine scholarship obligations as carefully as the financial benefits.
MOE Tuition Grant and Service Obligation
The Singapore Ministry of Education Tuition Grant subsidises part of the cost of undergraduate education.
For international students, accepting the Tuition Grant can reduce annual tuition substantially.
For example, an Indian student entering NUS Computing in AY2026/27 may pay approximately S$21,400 per year with the Tuition Grant, compared with approximately S$39,700 per year without it, based on the university’s published fee table.
However, the grant comes with an important condition.
International students receiving the MOE Tuition Grant are generally required to work for a Singapore-registered company for three years immediately after graduation. NUS explicitly notes this obligation in its international scholarship terms.
Students should understand this condition before deciding whether subsidised tuition fits their longer-term plans.
A scholarship may also have additional or different obligations. The Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, for example, carries a six-year bond under its current conditions.
Singapore Student’s Pass and Part-Time Work at NUS
International students admitted to a full-time programme at NUS normally need a Singapore Student’s Pass, unless they already hold another qualifying immigration status.
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority lists the National University of Singapore among the Institutes of Higher Learning whose accepted foreign students can apply for a Student’s Pass.
Receiving an NUS admission offer does not automatically guarantee the issuance of a Student’s Pass. Students must satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.
Can NUS International Students Work Part-Time?
Eligible full-time NUS students holding a valid Student’s Pass can work during the academic term without a separate work pass, subject to Singapore’s rules.
The Ministry of Manpower currently permits eligible students at NUS to work for up to 16 hours per week during term time. An approved industrial attachment or internship that contributes towards graduation requirements may also qualify under the rules.
Eligible students can also work during official vacation periods without a separate work pass, provided they meet the Ministry of Manpower’s requirements.
Students should verify the latest employment rules before accepting part-time work.
Campus Life and Accommodation at NUS
NUS’s main academic hub is the Kent Ridge campus, with University Town forming an important part of student residential and academic life.
Students can access:
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- libraries and learning facilities;
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- student residences;
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- dining facilities;
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- sports and recreation;
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- student societies;
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- entrepreneurship programmes;
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- research facilities;
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- international exchange opportunities;
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- cultural and community activities.
NUS reports more than 200 student organisations and over 70 freshman orientation programmes in its AY2026/27 international undergraduate prospectus.
This can be particularly useful for international students adapting to a new academic and cultural environment.
On-campus housing can also help reduce commuting time, although room availability and accommodation type vary.
NUS estimates undergraduate on-campus accommodation at approximately S$4,000–S$10,290 per academic year, depending on the residence and room type.
Students should apply for housing according to the university’s current accommodation timelines rather than assuming that every incoming student will automatically receive a room.
Is the National University of Singapore Right for You?
NUS can be worth considering if you have a strong academic record and want to study at a research-intensive university with substantial strength across technology, science, engineering, business, medicine and interdisciplinary education.
It can be especially attractive for students interested in:
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- Computer Science
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- Artificial Intelligence
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- Data Science
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- Engineering
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- Business Analytics
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- Business
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- Economics
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- Life Sciences
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- Medicine
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- Law
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- interdisciplinary degree combinations
However, applicants should also consider the challenges.
Admission can be highly competitive, scholarships are selective, Singapore living expenses require careful budgeting, and the MOE Tuition Grant creates an employment obligation for international recipients.
For Indian students, it is particularly important to identify whether you fall under the CBSE/ISC route or the State and Other Boards route because the testing requirements are different.
NUS should therefore be compared with other universities based on the actual programme, total cost, funding options and your career plans rather than ranking alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National University of Singapore ranking in 2026?
NUS ranked 8th globally and 1st in Asia in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 placed NUS 17th globally.
The newer QS 2027 ranking, released in June 2026, places NUS 10th worldwide.
How much percentage is required for NUS from India?
NUS does not publish one universal percentage requirement or guaranteed Class 12 cut-off for Indian students.
For CBSE and ISC applicants, the published minimum requirement is a good pass in five subjects, including English. Admission is competitive and assessed holistically.
Is JEE required for the National University of Singapore?
No. NUS states that JEE Main and JEE Advanced are not required for Indian Standard 12 applicants.
Is SAT required for NUS for Indian students?
It depends on the board.
CBSE and ISC students do not currently need an SAT, ACT with Writing or AP test under the published qualification requirements. Applicants presenting Indian State and Other Board qualifications generally do require an accepted standardised test.
What is the acceptance rate of NUS Singapore?
NUS does not publish one simple university-wide acceptance rate that accurately represents every international qualification, nationality and programme. Admission competitiveness varies significantly between programmes.
Students should therefore avoid treating unofficial acceptance-rate percentages as guaranteed indicators of their individual admission chances.
How much does NUS cost for Indian students?
For AY2026/27, Indian students receiving the MOE Tuition Grant may pay approximately S$21,400 per year for programmes such as Computing, Engineering and Humanities and Sciences.
Without the Tuition Grant, these programmes can cost approximately S$36,650–S$39,700 per year, depending on the faculty. Medicine, Law and certain other programmes have considerably different fee structures.
Living expenses should be budgeted separately.
Can Indian students get scholarships at NUS?
Yes. Indian students may be considered for scholarships such as the NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, the Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship for eligible programmes, and the Goh Keng Swee Scholarship, subject to the applicable selection criteria.
Scholarship awards are competitive and are not guaranteed by academic marks alone.
Key Takeaways
The National University of Singapore is one of the strongest university options in Asia for academically competitive international students. It combines high global rankings with broad strengths in Computer Science, AI, Engineering, Business, Science, Medicine, Law and interdisciplinary education.
For Indian students, the most important step is to understand the correct admission pathway. CBSE and ISC applicants have different standardised-test requirements from applicants using Indian State and Other Board qualifications.
Students should also compare approximately S$21,400 or more in subsidised annual tuition for many popular programmes, expected living expenses, scholarship opportunities and the service obligation attached to the MOE Tuition Grant before deciding.
A strong application starts with choosing the right NUS programme and checking its current qualification-specific requirements rather than relying only on rankings or unofficial admission cut-offs.
This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision.
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