Singapore has become one of the top locations in which international students can study. With top-ranked universities, numerous cultures, and incredible career prospects, many students aspire to pursue the higher education they desire in this vibrant city-state. What is the price of going to university in Singapore?
In this article, we’ll break down the total cost of pursuing a degree in Singapore, which includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs essential to help you organize your budget efficiently.
Why Choose Singapore for Higher Education?
Before we get into the cost, let’s look at the reasons Singapore is an ideal destination for students from abroad:
- Universities that are internationally recognized, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- A high-quality educational system
- Clean and safe environment
- Multicultural society
- Job opportunities and job gateways in Asia
Tuition Fees in Singapore
Undergraduate Programs
The cost of tuition in Singapore depends on the university and course. Here’s an estimate of the costs:
| Course | Annual Tuition Fee (SGD) | Annual Tuition Fee (INR Approx.) |
| Engineering | 30,000 – 40,000 | 18 – 24 Lakhs |
| Business Administration | 28,000 – 38,000 | 17 – 23 Lakhs |
| Arts & Humanities | 25,000 – 35,000 | 15 – 21 Lakhs |
| Medicine | 70,000 – 90,000 | 42 – 54 Lakhs |
Postgraduate Programs
| Course | Annual Tuition Fee (SGD) | Annual Tuition Fee (INR Approx.) |
| MBA | 40,000 – 60,000 | 24 – 36 Lakhs |
| Engineering | 35,000 – 50,000 | 21 – 30 Lakhs |
| Science | 30,000 – 45,000 | 18 – 27 Lakhs |
Living Expenses in Singapore
In addition to tuition and living expenses, these are important to the budget overall.
Accommodation Costs
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Monthly Cost (INR Approx.) |
| University Hostel | 400 – 800 | 24,000 – 48,000 |
| Shared Apartment | 700 – 1,500 | 42,000 – 90,000 |
| Private Apartment | 1,500 – 3,000 | 90,000 – 1.8 Lakhs |
Other Living Expenses
| Expense | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Monthly Cost (INR Approx.) |
| Food | 300 – 600 | 18,000 – 36,000 |
| Transport | 100 – 150 | 6,000 – 9,000 |
| Mobile & Internet | 50 – 100 | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Entertainment | 100 – 300 | 6,000 – 18,000 |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Singapore provides a variety of financial aid and scholarships to help students from abroad manage their costs. There are many options to choose from:
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
- NUS Global Merit Scholarship
- NTU India Connect Research Internship
Part-Time Jobs for Students
Students from abroad studying in Singapore can work part-time up to 16 hours a week during the term and also full-time during the holidays. The most sought-after part-time jobs are:
- Retail Assistant
- Food Delivery
- Research Assistant
- Tutoring
Total Estimated Cost to Study in Singapore
Here’s a summary of the total cost for students from abroad:
| Expense Type | Annual Cost (SGD) | Annual Cost (INR Approx.) |
| Tuition Fees | 30,000 – 90,000 | 18 – 54 Lakhs |
| Accommodation | 4,800 – 36,000 | 2.9 – 21.6 Lakhs |
| Living Expenses | 6,000 – 15,000 | 3.6 – 9 Lakhs |
| Total | 40,800 – 141,000 | 24.5 – 84.6 Lakhs |
How Much Does Study Cost in Singapore?
If you’re looking to go abroad for your studies and are wondering how much it would cost to attend a university in Singapore, you’re in the right spot. Singapore is among the most sought-after destinations for studying in Asia, and it has world-class educational facilities and a vibrant student experience. However, understanding the costs involved is vital for planning your academic journey efficiently.
What Is the Average Cost of Studying in Singapore?
The typical cost of studying in Singapore is between SGD 20,000 – SGD 50,000 annually for tuition, depending on the institution and course. In addition, living expenses are generally between SGD 10,000 and SGD 20,000 per year.
Breakdown of Costs to Study in Singapore
1. Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate Programs: SGD 20,000 to SGD 40,000 annually
- Postgraduate Programmes: SGD 30,000 – SGD 50,000 per year
- Professional Courses: Vary based on the course
2. Accommodation
- On-Campus Housing: SGD 400 – SGD 800 per month
- Private Rentals: SGD 800 – SGD 2,000 per month
3. Living Expenses
- Food: SGD 300 – SGD 600 per month
- Transportation: SGD 100 – SGD 200 per month
- Personal Expenses: SGD 200 – SGD 400 per month
4. Health Insurance
- Approx. SGD 500 – SGD 800 each year
5. Visa and Application Fees
- Student Visa: SGD 90 – SGD 150
- Application Fees: Vary depending on the institution
How to Reduce Your Study Costs in Singapore
- Apply for federal grants and scholarships, such as the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS)
- Consider part-time work that is permitted by your student visa
- Choose affordable accommodation like student hostels
- Utilize public transportation to reduce travel costs
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Popular Scholarships for International Students
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
- Tuition Fee Grant by the Singapore Government
Part-Time Jobs for International Students
International students in Singapore can work up to 16 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. Part-time jobs help students cover living costs and gain work experience.
Expert Opinions on Study Costs in Singapore
Financial Planning for International Students
“Singapore is among the most sought-after destinations to study due to its world-class educational system. While tuition costs range from SGD 20,000 – SGD 50,000 annually, students must consider living costs that typically are between SGD 10,000 to SGD 20,000 per year.”
— James Wong, Education Consultant at GlobalEd Advisers
Scholarships and Cost Reduction
“Many students from other countries do not realize the array of grants and scholarships offered by Singaporean universities. Government initiatives such as those provided by the ASEAN Scholarship and institution-specific merit-based scholarships can drastically cut the cost of tuition.”
— Dr. Priya Nair, Senior Education Consultant, Letzstudy
How LetzStudy Helped Reduce Costs
1. Aarav Sharma – Budget Planning for MS in Computer Science
Aarav wanted to pursue an MS in Computer Science at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) but was unsure about the costs. LetzStudy provided him with a detailed cost breakdown and helped him secure a 30% tuition scholarship and affordable student accommodation.
2. Priya Nair – Affordable MBA Journey at Singapore Management University
Priya aimed to complete her MBA at Singapore Management University (SMU) but was worried about tuition fees. LetzStudy helped her apply for the SMU International Student Scholarship, covering 40% of her tuition, making her studies more affordable.
3. Vikram Raj – Study Abroad with Zero Stress
Vikram initially thought studying in Singapore was only for wealthy students. With LetzStudy’s assistance, he received government aid covering 50% of his tuition and budgeted his expenses efficiently.
Is Studying in Singapore Worth the Cost?
Studying in Singapore can be expensive, but with proper financial planning, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities, international students can effectively manage their education expenses.
Need Help Planning Your Studies in Singapore?
Let LetzStudy assist you with scholarships, visa procedures, and financial planning to make your study abroad journey smooth and affordable.
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