Singapore is one of the top study destinations for international students, offering world-class education, a global business hub, and a high standard of living. However, before choosing Singapore as your study destination, it's essential to understand the cost of education and living expenses.
This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the cost of studying in Singapore, including tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses, to help international students plan their budget effectively.
Why Study in Singapore?
✔ Top-Ranked Universities: Home to globally recognized universities like National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
✔ Affordable Compared to Other Study Destinations: Tuition fees are lower than in the US, UK, and Australia.
✔ Strong Job Market: Singapore is an international business and finance hub, offering excellent job prospects for graduates.
✔ Multicultural & Safe Environment: Ranked as one of the safest and most student-friendly countries in Asia.
✔ Strategic Location: A gateway to global business opportunities in Asia and beyond.
💡 Pro Tip: Singapore offers quality education at a lower cost than Western countries while providing top-tier career opportunities.
Tuition Fees in Singapore for International Students
Tuition fees in Singapore vary based on university, program type, and level of study.
📌 Average Tuition Fees in Singapore for International Students:
| Degree Level | Annual Tuition Fees (SGD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma Programs | SGD 10,000 - SGD 20,000 | ₹6 - ₹12 Lakhs |
| Bachelor’s Degree | SGD 25,000 - SGD 45,000 | ₹15 - ₹27 Lakhs |
| Master’s Degree | SGD 30,000 - SGD 65,000 | ₹18 - ₹40 Lakhs |
| MBA (Top Business Schools) | SGD 40,000 - SGD 80,000 | ₹24 - ₹50 Lakhs |
📌 Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Singapore:
| University Name | Average Annual Tuition (SGD) | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | SGD 30,000 - 50,000 | Business, Engineering, Medicine |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | SGD 28,000 - 45,000 | AI, Data Science, Finance |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) | SGD 25,000 - 40,000 | Law, Business, Economics |
| Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) | SGD 22,000 - 35,000 | Engineering, Hospitality, Design |
| James Cook University Singapore (JCU) | SGD 20,000 - 30,000 | Psychology, IT, Environmental Science |
💡 Why It Matters? Tuition fees in Singaporean universities are lower than in the US or UK, making it an affordable option with high ROI.
Cost of Living in Singapore for Students
The cost of living in Singapore depends on lifestyle, accommodation type, and personal expenses.
📌 Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Singapore:
| Expense | Average Cost (SGD/month) | Average Cost (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Rent & Utilities) | SGD 800 - SGD 2,500 | ₹48,000 - ₹1.5 Lakhs |
| Food & Groceries | SGD 300 - SGD 600 | ₹18,000 - ₹36,000 |
| Transportation | SGD 100 - SGD 150 | ₹6,000 - ₹9,000 |
| Mobile & Internet | SGD 50 - SGD 80 | ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Shopping) | SGD 200 - SGD 500 | ₹12,000 - ₹30,000 |
💡 Total Monthly Living Cost: SGD 1,500 - SGD 3,500 (~₹90,000 - ₹2.1 Lakhs per month)
Accommodation Cost in Singapore for International Students
📌 Types of Accommodation and Monthly Costs:
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Dormitory | SGD 500 - SGD 1,200 | ₹30,000 - ₹72,000 |
| Shared Apartment | SGD 800 - SGD 1,800 | ₹48,000 - ₹1.1 Lakhs |
| Private Apartment (Studio/1 BHK) | SGD 1,500 - SGD 3,500 | ₹90,000 - ₹2.1 Lakhs |
💡 On-campus accommodation is more affordable, while private apartments can be expensive but provide more independence.
Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Singapore
✔ Allowed Working Hours: Up to 16 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during vacations.
✔ Common Part-Time Jobs for Students:
- Retail assistant (SGD 8 - SGD 12 per hour)
- Tutor (SGD 15 - SGD 30 per hour)
- Cafe/Restaurant staff (SGD 10 - SGD 15 per hour)
✔ Average Monthly Earnings: SGD 600 - SGD 1,500 (~₹36,000 - ₹90,000)
💡 Part-time jobs help students cover daily expenses but cannot fully fund tuition fees.
Scholarships for International Students in Singapore
📌 Best Scholarships in Singapore:
✔ Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) – Fully funded PhD scholarship.
✔ NUS & NTU Merit Scholarships – Covers full tuition and living expenses.
✔ Commonwealth Scholarship – For master’s students from Commonwealth countries.
✔ ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship – Up to SGD 30,000 for ASEAN country students.
💡 Scholarships reduce tuition fees significantly and make studying in Singapore more affordable!
Visa & Health Insurance Costs for Studying in Singapore
📌 Singapore Student Visa (Student Pass) Costs:
✔ Visa Application Fee: SGD 30 (₹1,800)₹3,600)
✔ Issuance Fee: SGD 60 (
✔ Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
📌 Health Insurance Cost:
✔ Mandatory for all students: SGD 500 - SGD 1,500 per year (~₹30,000 - ₹90,000)
💡 Having health insurance is necessary for visa approval and medical emergencies.
FAQs About Cost of Studying in Singapore
1. Is Singapore expensive for international students?
✔ Singapore has high living costs, but tuition fees are lower than in the US and UK, making it a good investment.
2. Can I study in Singapore for free?
✔ Yes! Scholarships and government grants can cover full tuition and living costs.
3. What is the cheapest university in Singapore for international students?
✔ Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and James Cook University (JCU) offer lower tuition fees compared to NUS and NTU.
4. Can I work while studying in Singapore?
✔ Yes! International students can work 16 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
Conclusion
Studying in Singapore offers top-quality education, strong job opportunities, and a multicultural environment. While the cost of studying in Singapore is high, scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial planning can make it affordable.
