Study in Singapore

Singapore is a modern, vibrant nation with an excellent educational system, providing numerous opportunities for internationals who wish to study abroad. Education is a priority in Singapore and the nation is recognised as a ‘global schoolhouse’. Courses in law and combined postgraduate courses in management and engineering are extremely popular choices for students from South Asia. With numerous technological companies having offices in Singapore and some institutions offering scholarships for students with a 'work in Singapore clause', Singapore has become a popular study destination for Indians.

Singapore is a modern city state with excellent opportunities for education and work. Many global reports show that Singapore is one of the world’s leaders in innovation and research, which in turn makes its institutions of higher education attractive locations for all prospective international students.

Why Study in Singapore?

Asia usually gets overlooked as a study abroad destination as most American students pick European or Australian destinations. However, as I come near the end of my study abroad experience here in Singapore, I’ve come to the conclusion that Singapore might be one of the best places to study abroad. Here are reasons why –

  • Singapore is an English speaking country
  • English-taught courses are on offer at most institutes.
  • Opportunities to meet exchange students from all over the world
  • Tuition fees and living expenses are less compared with other countries abroad.
  • While other countries dream of building an ultra-modern city, Singapore is currently doing it. 
  • A lot of scholarship options are available.
  • Well-connected to the rest of Asia as Singapore has one of the best airports in the region.
  • With many Indians and Sri Lankans living there, Singapore has a strong South-east Asian community. Student life is pretty exciting in Singapore!
  • Singapore’s strictly enforced laws have a direct correlation to low crime rates. 
  • You’ll be here to study, but if food is your passion, then there’s no better place for a foodie than Singapore.
  • Singapore has six national universities, with its two largest universities having more than 30,000 students each.
  • Well-connected to the rest of Asia as Singapore has one of the best airports in the region.

Although Singapore is not a popular study abroad destination for Americans, it’s actually a very popular destination for students from Europe. As a result, American exchange students are rare here (maybe less than 6%). The rest are from Europe and other parts of the world. I’ve met many incredible people on my exchange who have taught me so much more about the world. I’m currently living with five girls— three from Finland, one from Germany, and one from Brazil. It’s sort of our own little melting pot—everyday we get the opportunity to exchange stories about our country and culture to each other, and as a result we learn so much from each other.

Unique is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic city rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore is located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today.

Scholarships for international students

Apply now for the competitive Singapore scholarships, fellowships and grants to finance your education rationally. Both Singaporean and international students are eligible for these excellent scholarships and they can pursue their chosen education programs. Useful details for variety of Singapore scholarships are mentioned here and as such it is helpful for students who want to study in Singapore or abroad. Take a look at our recent listing of Singapore scholarships.

  • Asian scholarships for UK students to study in Singapore at PhD level.
  • Graduate scholarships for research students at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
  • Grants for Indian researchers within the fields of science and technology to study in Singapore. Sponsored by the Indian government and A*Star Singapore.

Some universities comply with the need-blind or merit-based admissions norms. Every deserving student who has a good academic record and a lot of potential is granted admissions, regardless of his/her financial difficulties, under need-blind admissions criteria.

Visa Process

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Cost of studying in Singapore

Singapore is regarded as the financial hub of Asia and is widely known for international universities and quality of education. With six national universities, Singapore is one of the leaders in higher education both in Asia and worldwide. The cost studying in Singapore is given below:

Undergraduate Degrees :

The tuition fees of doing an undergraduate degree in Singapore varies between S$25,000 and S$40,000 depending upon the type of course. While the cost of doing the various associated degrees varies between S$10,000 and S$15,000. The duration of undergraduate degree is from 2 to 4 years.

Postgraduate Degrees :

The tuition fees of doing a postgraduate degree vary between S$20,000 and S$30,000. The duration of master’s degree in Singapore is 12 months or 18 months.

Living Expenses :

Singapore is listed as the most expensive countries in Asia in terms of living standard for international students. Average living expenses in Singapore vary largely from individual to individual. The average amount varies from $2,000 to $ 12,000, on a monthly basis for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Common expenses: 

Food- S$300,Transportation- $100 to S$250, Books and stationery- S$200, Personal expenses- S$300

Courses in Singapore

Many of the courses in Singapore utilize a variety of methods for teaching, such as discussion groups, lectures, coursework, practicums and case studies. These courses incorporate real world applications with hands on practice designed to invoke professional success. A variety of topics are available for courses in Singapore, some examples being in the fields of information technology, business, hospitality, finance, leadership, and supply chain management, among many others. 

  • Health, Veterinary Studies and Medicine
  • Architecture and Building
  • Tourism, Hotel and Food Management
  • IT and Computing
  • Agriculture and Environment
  • Creative Arts, Communication, and Design
  • MBA, Business and Management
  • Arts, Social Science and Humanities
  • Engineering & Sciences
  • Law

Top Universities in Singapore

Higher education institutions in Singapore are divided as follows:

  • 6 public universities
  • 5 polytechnics
  • 2 art institutions
  • around 15 private universities

Singapore higher education institutions offer a wide range of education programmes to both local and international students. Private universities offer special pathway programmes dedicated to international students. Many of them include study exchange programmes through partnerships with overseas universities.

Examples of top universities in Singapore

  • National University of Singapore (NUS) 
  • Nanyang Technological University 
  • Singapore Management University 
  • Singapore University of Technology and Design
  • Singapore University of Social Sciences
  • SIM University