Introduction
Learning in Singapore provides world-class education as well as international career possibilities, but it does cost a significant price cost. For many students from other countries, managing their finances is an essential part of the process. The positive side? You don’t need to blow your budget to attend a university in Singapore. If you use the right strategies you can dramatically reduce the cost of your education and enjoy the most benefits of your academic experience. In this article we provide the most effective and practical strategies to lower the cost of studying in Singapore without sacrificing the quality or convenience.
Why Is Studying in Singapore Expensive?
High Tuition Fees for International Students
Singapore universities have different fees for foreigners and locals. For international students typically, you have to pay between 2 and three times more than domestic students.
Premium Cost of Living
Transport, food, rent along with utilities and food in Singapore are comparable to cities in the global metropolis such as New York and London. It’s a good city, but not cheap.
Mandatory Health Insurance & Miscellaneous Costs
Students who have a student pass must keep insurance coverage, and pay for administrative or service-related charges, which add to the total amount you pay.
Powerful Ways to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Singapore
Apply for Government Tuition Grants
What Are MOE Tuition Grants?
The Singapore Ministry of Education offers substantial tuition assistance for students who qualify, covering the majority of fees for tuition in certain institutions.
Who Is Eligible?
Non-Singaporeans may apply, but must be willing to work for a fixed period of time in Singapore for a certain amount of time after graduation.
Choose Cost-Friendly Institutions
Look Beyond the Top-Tier Universities
Institutes such as SIM, PSB Academy, or Kaplan provide accredited degrees with lower prices when compared to NUS or NTU but without sacrificing academic excellence.
Compare Course Fees Across Schools
Prices for tuition vary in the case of a similar university. Find alternatives in both public and private institutions to get the most affordable price.
Opt for Part-Time Work Opportunities
Leverage Student Work Permits
Students who have a student pass are legally able to earn up to 16.4 hours a week during term time and fully-time during breaks. Make use of this to pay for living costs.
Focus on Campus Jobs
Librarian assistants, tutors and admin support jobs often provide flexible hours and can cut down on transportation costs.
Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid
Merit-Based Scholarships
A number of institutions offer merit-based scholarship that pay for a percentage or all tuition. Apply early and maintain your high marks.
Need-Based Grants
Organisations like LetzStudy the Singapore Industry Scholarship (SgIS) or ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship offer targeted assistance to deserving students.
Consider Shared or Subsidized Housing
Opt for University Hostels
In campus accommodations, it is usually less expensive than renting a private space within the urban area.
Share Flats with Peers
Renting with students dramatically reduces monthly costs. In addition it creates an environment of social support.
Use Public Transport & Student Passes
MRT & Bus Discounts
Students can enjoy discounted travel costs. Make use of public transport instead of private taxis or private transportation.
Strategic Location Choices
Find a place near to your school for a quick and easy commute and money on commutes.
Manage Daily Expenses Like a Pro
Eat at Hawker Centres
Singapore’s hawker stalls offer delicious meals at less than SGD five times less than cafes and restaurants.
Track Your Budget
Make use of free apps such as Wallet as well as Spendee to control and monitor your spending on a real-time basis.
Creative Alternatives to Cut Down Study Costs
Study Hybrid or Online
Some universities offer online courses at lower costs. This hybrid model reduces transportation costs, accommodation, and food costs.
Take Shorter Courses or Fast-Track Degrees
3 year fast-track degrees and diploma-to-degree courses can save thousands of dollars in tuition and time.
Get Credit Transfers
Spending a semester in your country of origin and then transferring credits to your home country can lower tuition costs drastically.
Real Stories: Students Who Saved Big
Asha of Bangalore in India: Tuition Grant Resounding Success
Asha sought the MOE Tuition Grant, slashing her SUTD tuition costs by more than 60 percent. She’s now working in a local business after graduating.
Rakesh From Mysore: Student Jobs Aided
Rakesh worked part-time for his school’s IT helpdesk. The job paid for costs for food and transportation and eased the financial burden on his family.
Divya From Mangalore Shared Housing Win
Divya discovered roommates in student groups. They split the rent in three ways, cutting her monthly costs from 1,000 to SGD 400.
Expert Advice on Cutting Education Costs
“Always apply for grants and scholarships–even if you think you won’t qualify. Many go unclaimed every year.”
— Dr. Lim Wei Hong, Singapore Education Consultant
“Living smart is just as important as studying smart. Budgeting, working part-time, and sharing costs will go a long way.”
— Sarah Thomas, International Student Mentor
Summary: Make Studying in Singapore Affordable
Top Tips Recap
- Apply for MOE Tuition Grants
- Choose affordable schools
- Part-time work on campus
- Apply for a variety of scholarships
- Shared or subsidized housing or in subsidized
- Utilize public transport, and get student discounts
- Be aware of expenses and adhere to the limits of a budget
Don’t Let Costs Hold You Back
If you’re careful with your planning, discipline and smart decisions You can get an elite education at the top of your class in Singapore without financial strain. This isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about making better decisions.
Final Call to Action
Do you need personalized assistance in reducing the cost of your education in Singapore? Call LetzStudy today to schedule a no-cost meeting to our specialists. We’ll assist you in planning smarter to save money, and be able to study without stress
What Are Effective Ways to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Singapore?
Definition:
Effective strategies to cut down on the costs to study in Singapore are a series of financial strategies, such as getting part-time employment or applying for scholarships finding a suitable accommodation that is budget-friendly and keeping track of expenses. They can aid students in managing their educational costs without sacrificing quality.
6 Common Causes of High Study Costs in Singapore
- High Tuition Fees
International tuition costs for international students can be 2 to 3 times higher than the local rate. - Costly Accommodation
The cost of renting a room in central Singapore could consume 40 to 50 percent of a student’s budget per month. - Daily Living Expenses
Transportation, food and mobile charges are a quick way to rack up expenses in a city with a high cost of living. - Limited Scholarship Awareness
Many students do not get scholarships because of lack of direction. - Currency Exchange Fluctuations
Depreciation of home currency increases the total expense of education. - Lack of Budgeting Habits
Inconsistent spending on non-essentials can lead to financial stress.
13 Proven Tips to Manage and Reduce Study Costs in 2025
Tuition & Fees
1. Apply for government subsidies (if you are eligible)
Singapore provides tuition assistance to International students who are eligible.
2. Research Scholarships Early
Be sure to start 6 to 12 months prior to submit an application for university as well as private or non-profit scholarships.
Accommodation
3. Choose Off-Campus Shared Housing
Find HDB apartments or hostels for students in the areas such as Yishun and Jurong.
4. Consider Student Housing Portals
Websites such as Student.com and 99.co offer budget options specifically designed to students.
Part-Time Work
5. Use ICA-Approved Work Permits
You can work up as 16hrs per week in the semesters, if permitted.
6. Look for Campus Jobs
A lot of institutions provide library cafeterias, cafeterias, or administrative positions for students.
Living Expenses
7. Cook at Home
Preparing your meals saves you as much as 60% when compared to eating out regularly.
8. Use Student Transport Cards
Reduced bus and MRT fares by purchasing the EZ-Link concession pass.
9. Get a SIM-Only Plan
Less expensive than postpaid contracts alternatives like Gomo and Circles.Life.
Financial Planning
10. Use Budgeting Apps
Tools such as Spendee or PocketGuard aid in tracking expenses for the month.
11. Monitor Currency Exchange Rates
Utilize apps like Wise or Revolut to get better deals on forex for transferring funds.
12. Avoid Unnecessary Loans
Only borrow the amount that is necessary in order to avoid the pressure of debt over time.
13. Buy Second-Hand Supplies
Electronics, textbooks and furniture are available in Carousell.sg or student forums.
Expert & Influencer Insights
Top Experts to Follow on Budgeting Abroad
- Dr. Suresh Balakrishna – Education Economist, NUS
- Tan Mei Ling – Singapore-based Financial Coach for Students
- Rachel Lim – Founder of Budget Study Asia (YouTube)
What Other Students Are Saying
“I saved over $4,000/year by switching to a shared HDB room and using public food courts!”
— Ananya K., Bengaluru, SIM Student
“Scholarships are everywhere — I applied to 6 and got 2. Just needed to ask the right people.”
— Ravi P., Mysuru, NTU Student
Statistics on Study Costs in Singapore (2025)
- International cost of tuition (undergrad): SGD 18,000 to 25,000/year
- Avg. monthly cost of living: SGD 1,000-1,500
- 40% of college students depend on part-time work to help pay the bills
- More than 60 percent of students do not receive scholarships each year
(Source: Singapore Education Analytics 2025 Report)
A Case Study: How LetzStudy Helped Shruti from Mangalore
Name: Shruti M.
University: Kaplan Singapore
Problem: I struggled with my budget but aren’t aware of housing or work options.
LetzStudy Solution:
- She was able to secure an admin position part-time within two weeks.
- She moved her into an apartment shared with Yishun and saved SGD 500 per month.
- A list of scholarships was provided according to her profile.
Outcome:
Shruti lowered her annual expense by 35%, and then graduated debt-free.
See the Bigger Picture — Why It Matters
Reduced costs for studying isn’t solely about saving money. It’s about creating the ability to live independently and opening up opportunities such as internships, travel or starting an extra-income business. If you’re not weighed down by financial strain, your focus is on developing, learning, and living your life fully.
Ready to Take Control?
If you’re still unsure of where to begin, LetzStudy offers free consultations for students who are interested in studying overseas options within Singapore. Don’t wait — cut costs, not dreams.
Call LetzStudy today to book your session for free.
🎓 How LetzStudy Helped Students from Karnataka Reduce Study Costs in Singapore
1. Manoj Shetty from Udupi: Cutting Costs with a Smart Course Selection
Manoj, a brilliant student from Udupi was aspired to study Data Analytics in Singapore but was worried about the hefty fees for tuition. LetzStudy helped him narrow down the top schools with MOE-subsidized diplomas, and helped him find an outstanding polytechnic. Through their help he was able to secure the tuition grant and was educated about shared accommodation. He is now studying in Singapore for half the expense!
“LetzStudy helped me find the perfect balance between affordability and quality education.” – Manoj Shetty
2. Akhila R from Hubballi: Scholarships and Part-Time Work Strategy
Akhila was interested in pursuing a career in hospitality management but was on limited funds. LetzStudy not only assisted her to get two merit-based scholarships but also advised Akhila on how to secure part-time work that is legal in Singapore. With the help of LetzStudy she can meet her monthly expenses, while also gaining experience in the workplace.
“Without LetzStudy, I wouldn’t have known how to legally work part-time and still manage studies.” – Akhila R
3. Naveen Gowda from Mysuru: Budgeting & Accommodation Hacks
Naveen approached LetzStudy in a state of shock by the cost of living in Singapore. The consultants helped him comprehend how he could live comfortably through student accommodation, meal plans, and transportation cards. They even helped him connect to students from Karnataka which helped him to keep costs down and remain within the budget.
“LetzStudy’s practical tips made studying in Singapore surprisingly affordable.” – Naveen Gowda
📞 Ready to Cut Your Study Costs Too?
Call LetzStudy today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation to find out ways to study in Singapore easily and affordably.
www.letzstudy.com/contact
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