The National University of Singapore (NUS) for 2026-27 offers international students the opportunity to study at one of Asia’s leading universities in a highly international academic environment. NUS’s international undergraduate prospectus for AY2026/2027 lists more than 60 bachelor’s degrees, more than 130 double, concurrent and joint degree options, and students from more than 120 nationalities. NUS also states that it is ranked 1st in Asia and 8th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
For students from India, understanding the specific academic requirements, application timeline, tuition costs, scholarships and Singapore Student Pass process is important before applying. NUS accepts several Indian school qualifications, including CBSE, ISC and State Board qualifications, with requirements varying depending on the qualification and whether final results are available at the time of application.
This guide explains what prospective students should know about NUS for the 2026-27 academic year, including courses, eligibility, fees, scholarships, application steps and practical considerations.
Why Study at the National University of Singapore?
NUS combines a broad range of academic programmes with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and international exposure.
According to its AY2026/2027 international undergraduate prospectus, NUS has:
- 60+ bachelor’s degrees
- 130+ double, concurrent and joint degree options
- More than 30,000 undergraduates
- More than 2,700 faculty members
- More than 200 student organisations
- Students representing more than 120 nationalities
- International opportunities through overseas programmes and exchanges
NUS describes its academic structure as allowing students to combine majors, second majors, minors and specialisations in many programmes.
The university also highlights international exposure as part of the student experience, with its prospectus stating that approximately one in two students goes abroad.
For students comparing universities in Singapore, the breadth of programmes is particularly relevant.
NUS Courses and Academic Options
NUS provides a wide range of undergraduate study options for international students.
Undergraduate Programmes
Students can choose from bachelor’s programmes across different faculties and schools. Popular areas of study include:
- Computer Science and Computing
- Engineering
- Business
- Economics
- Data and technology-related disciplines
- Sciences
- Architecture and design
- Humanities and social sciences
- Law
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
Programme availability and admission requirements differ by course. Some programmes, such as Medicine, Dentistry and Law, have particularly specific requirements and selection processes.
NUS’s published indicative grade profiles also demonstrate that competitiveness varies considerably between programmes. The university specifically cautions that previous grade profiles do not guarantee admission because applicant performance and available places can change from year to year.
Double, Concurrent and Joint Degree Programmes
Students may also have opportunities to pursue broader academic pathways.
NUS describes:
- Double Degree Programmes: Students work towards two bachelor’s degrees.
- Concurrent Degree Programmes: Students can pursue bachelor’s and master’s-level qualifications concurrently.
- Joint Degree Programmes: Students study at NUS and a partner university under a joint degree arrangement.
These options can provide greater academic flexibility, but students should check the specific eligibility, curriculum and progression requirements for each programme.
NUS Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission requirements depend on the qualification presented by the applicant.
NUS publishes qualification-specific requirements for international applicants, including Indian Standard 12, International Baccalaureate, A Levels and other international school-leaving qualifications.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that one set of requirements applies to every international student.
Requirements for Indian Students
NUS has separate requirements for students presenting Indian Standard 12 qualifications.
For students following CBSE or ISC, NUS states that applicants need a good pass in five subjects, including English. For applicants who have already completed their final examination, the final results are used for admission consideration.
An important distinction is whether the student has already completed Class 12 when applying.
Students completing Standard 12 in the year of admission may face programme restrictions. NUS states that applicants who are still completing Standard 12 are not eligible for Dentistry, Law, Medicine and Nursing under the stated qualification requirements.
Academic and Standardised Test Requirements
For CBSE and ISC applicants, NUS states that SAT, ACT with Writing or Advanced Placement testing is not required under the listed requirements.
For Indian State and other Boards, standardised test scores are required under the published admission requirements. NUS specifically notes that JEE Main and JEE Advanced are not required.
Applicants should always check the qualification-specific NUS page applicable to their school board before submitting an application because requirements can differ.
NUS Application Timeline for 2026-27
For international applicants presenting international qualifications, the AY2026/2027 undergraduate admissions exercise ran from 3 December 2025 to 23 February 2026.
This means that as of September 2026, the main international undergraduate application window for AY2026/2027 has already closed.
Students planning for a subsequent intake should monitor the NUS Office of Admissions for the next application cycle rather than assuming that the previous deadline will remain unchanged.
NUS generally releases admission outcomes online after the application and assessment process. The university also requires applicants whose final examination results become available after application to submit their actual results according to the relevant qualification-specific instructions.
NUS Tuition Fees and Living Costs
The total cost of studying at NUS depends on the programme, nationality, tuition-grant status, accommodation and personal spending.
NUS’s AY2026/2027 international undergraduate prospectus provides an example in which an international student studying Computing under the stated ASEAN subsidised-fee scenario has approximately S$18,050 in annual subsidised tuition fees and approximately S$11,750 in estimated living expenses including on-campus accommodation for 35 weeks.
The prospectus also estimates approximately:
| Expense | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Living expenses | S$6,000 per year |
| Accommodation | S$5,750 for a 35-week study period |
| Example subsidised tuition for Computing, ASEAN student | S$18,050 per year |
| Example combined tuition and living expenses | S$29,800 |
These are illustrative figures rather than a universal NUS cost for every student. Tuition varies according to the programme, nationality and whether the student receives the MOE Tuition Grant. Living expenses also vary according to accommodation and lifestyle.
NUS advises international students who accept the MOE Tuition Grant that they will be required to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation under the applicable Tuition Grant conditions. Students who do not receive or choose not to take the grant may pay non-subsidised fees and may not qualify for certain NUS and MOE-funded financial aid and scholarships.
Students should therefore evaluate the Tuition Grant carefully before accepting it.
NUS Scholarships for International Students
NUS provides several scholarship opportunities for international students.
The university lists the following major scholarships for international freshmen:
- ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
- Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
- NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship
- The Association of Banks in Singapore – Goh Keng Swee Scholarship
Eligible students are generally considered through their undergraduate admission application for the applicable scholarships.
The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship is available to outstanding international students from countries other than Singapore. NUS considers factors including academic performance, leadership qualities and co-curricular achievements.
For selected scholars, the published benefits include:
- 100% coverage of subsidised undergraduate tuition fees after the MOE Tuition Grant
- Approximately S$5,800 annual living allowance
- Approximately S$1,750 one-time computer allowance
- Approximately S$5,000 annual accommodation allowance
The scholarship requires recipients to take up the MOE Tuition Grant, and the associated Tuition Grant work obligation applies. Additional conditions apply to certain programmes, including Medicine and Dentistry.
Scholarships are competitive, and meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not mean that an award is guaranteed.
NUS Financial Aid and Tuition Grant
International students may also have access to financial assistance, subject to eligibility requirements.
For AY2026/2027, NUS states that international undergraduate students with monthly household per capita income of up to approximately S$1,875 can qualify for the NUS Financial Aid Package, provided they have been offered and have not rejected the MOE Tuition Grant.
The financial-aid options can include loans, bursaries and other forms of assistance.
For example, the Higher Education Student Loan introduced for AY2026/2027 can provide eligible international undergraduates with a loan of up to approximately 45% of the subsidised tuition fees payable by international students, subject to the applicable conditions.
Students should distinguish between:
- Scholarships, which are generally merit-based awards
- Bursaries, which are generally based on financial need
- Loans, which must be repaid under their applicable terms
- The MOE Tuition Grant, which subsidises tuition but carries conditions for international recipients
Student Pass Requirements for NUS
International students who enrol full-time at NUS generally need a valid Singapore Student’s Pass (STP) issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
NUS explicitly states that full-time international students must hold a valid Student’s Pass for their studies at the university.
For AY2026/2027, NUS scheduled ICA Offsite Enrolment sessions on campus during July and August 2026 for students completing the final Student Pass formalities. Students were required to attend their scheduled appointment rather than relying on walk-in arrangements.
The Student Pass process should therefore be treated as a separate step from university admission.
Admission to NUS does not itself mean that immigration requirements have been satisfied. Students must complete the applicable ICA process and provide the required documentation.
How to Apply to NUS
The general application journey for an international undergraduate applicant can be organised into the following steps:
- Choose your programme
Review the NUS undergraduate programmes and identify courses that match your academic background and career goals. - Check qualification-specific requirements
Confirm the requirements for your school qualification. Indian students should check whether they are applying with CBSE, ISC or a State Board qualification. - Prepare academic documents
Collect school examination results and other documents required by NUS. - Check standardised testing requirements
Requirements differ between qualifications. State Board applicants, for example, have additional standardised-test requirements listed by NUS. - Complete the online application
Submit the NUS undergraduate admission application within the applicable application period. - Submit final examination results when required
Applicants whose final results are released after the application may need to update and submit those results through the Applicant Portal within the stated timeframe. - Apply for scholarships or financial aid where applicable
Check whether the relevant scholarship is considered through the admission application or requires another application. - Respond to the admission offer
If admitted, follow the instructions and deadline specified in the electronic admission outcome. - Complete Student Pass formalities
International students should complete the applicable ICA and NUS Student Pass procedures before beginning their studies.
What Indian Students Should Consider Before Applying
For Indian students, several points deserve particular attention before applying to NUS for a future intake.
First, check your board-specific requirements.
CBSE, ISC and State Board applicants do not necessarily follow identical admission requirements.
Second, don’t treat previous admission scores as guaranteed cut-offs.
NUS describes its published grade profiles as indicative and states that profiles can vary depending on applicant performance and available places.
Third, calculate the full cost rather than looking only at tuition.
Accommodation, food, transport, insurance, study materials and personal expenses can materially affect the overall budget.
Fourth, understand the MOE Tuition Grant conditions.
The grant can reduce subsidised tuition costs, but international recipients are subject to the applicable three-year work obligation after graduation.
Finally, plan early for scholarships and immigration formalities.
Scholarship consideration, admission, financial aid and Student Pass procedures are separate parts of the overall process.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NUS a good university for international students?
NUS has a highly international student community, with more than 120 nationalities represented on campus according to its AY2026/2027 international undergraduate prospectus. It also offers a broad range of undergraduate and interdisciplinary programmes.
What are the NUS requirements for Indian students?
Requirements depend on the Indian qualification. CBSE and ISC applicants need a good pass in five subjects including English, while State Board applicants have additional standardised-test requirements. Students should check the specific NUS qualification page applicable to their board.
Is SAT required for NUS?
For CBSE and ISC applicants, NUS states that SAT, ACT with Writing and Advanced Placement testing are not required under the listed requirements. State Board applicants have standardised-test requirements.
How much does it cost to study at NUS?
Costs depend on the programme, nationality, Tuition Grant status and living arrangements. For example, NUS’s AY2026/2027 prospectus gives an illustrative Computing example of approximately S$18,050 in subsidised annual tuition for an ASEAN student and approximately S$11,750 in estimated annual living expenses including on-campus accommodation.
Does NUS offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. NUS lists scholarships for international freshmen including the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and Goh Keng Swee Scholarship. Eligibility and selection conditions vary.
Do international students need a Student Pass to study at NUS?
Full-time international students generally need a valid Singapore Student’s Pass issued by ICA for their studies at NUS.
Is admission to NUS guaranteed if I meet the previous year’s grade profile?
No. NUS describes its published grade profiles as indicative and states that previous grade or GPA profiles do not guarantee admission because competition and available places can vary by year.
Key Takeaways
The National University of Singapore (NUS) for 2026-27 offers international students a broad choice of undergraduate programmes, international exposure and scholarship opportunities. For Indian applicants, the most important preparation steps are checking the qualification-specific admission requirements, understanding the programme’s competitiveness, calculating the total study budget and reviewing the conditions attached to the MOE Tuition Grant and scholarships.
Because admissions requirements, fees, scholarships and immigration procedures can change, students planning for a future NUS intake should verify the latest information with NUS and the relevant Singapore authorities before applying.
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