For years, many European universities relied on high international student fees. Now that countries in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), along with parts of Asia, offer more affordable and high-quality study options, students are shifting their attention there, and universities are beginning to follow the trend.
Key takeaways from this guide:
- You’ll find universities in Singapore becoming more popular for international students thanks to their strong career focus and the balanced lifestyle.
- You can choose from many study routes, including international campuses and joint degrees that let you earn a qualification from your home country while studying in Singapore.
- Living costs can be high, but there are plenty of grants and scholarships to help you manage your budget.
- Admissions are competitive and require careful preparation, so it’s worth planning before you apply.
Singapore stands out for its prime location as the ‘gateway to Asia’ and English-led delivery. Students can feel right at home among American and European teaching principles while enjoying an international, tropical experience.
How international partnerships shape studying in Singapore
International campuses are springing up to take advantage of abundant employment opportunities and state-of-the-art research facilities. For students, this means the opportunity to earn a domestic degree, as most Singaporean universities now offer partnerships with European, American, and Australian universities.
As this transnational education initiative grows, so will funding and connections for Singapore-based universities. International students stand to benefit from global and local networks, high satisfaction rates and career-oriented degrees.
There are lots of choices when it comes to where to study in Singapore. Not only do they have world-ranked universities in Singapore for international students, but there’s also the option to study at foreign universities that have opened campuses in Singapore or even partnered with local universities to offer joint degrees.
List of universities in Singapore for international students
Universities in Singapore for international students, the six local universities, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are ranked 17th and 31st respectively in the world by the Times Higher Education 2026 world rankings, which contributes to a 23rd and 32nd Global Ranking on our Studyportals Metaranking.
Singaporean institutes are commonly divided by public and private, with public institutes being research-driven and private ones having a more specialised subject offering. As more Singaporean universities partner with international institutions, the landscape of HE institutions there will continue to change.
Reliance will rely on overseas funding; the student market could shift again if the Asian economy weakens; and overseas policy could influence local delivery. Right now, Singapore is stable and growth-driven, but this position isn’t guaranteed to last. For students, its strength lies in its degree-to-industry pipeline, as highlighted by Etio’s 2025 international student experience survey, which highlights the country’s tailored career support and professional networking opportunities.
Public universities in Singapore (National universities)
There are six autonomous, national universities in Singapore that have the widest-range of course options with large student bodies:
- National University of Singapore (NUS) - Singapore’s oldest university, opened in 1980, and the country's top university.
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - especially known for its engineering and science courses
- Singapore Management University - Singapore’s third oldest university, triple accredited by British, European and American business boards
- Singapore Institute of Technology - favoured by students for specialisation and direct career opportunities.
- Singapore University of Social Sciences: over 80 undergraduate and postgraduate courses; ranked 14th in Singapore.
- Singapore University of Technology and Design - multi-disciplinary education in engineering, architecture and research
Private universities in Singapore
Specialising in their own disciplines, private universities have smaller student bodies, which can lead to higher fees:
- Singapore Sports School - a boarding school for both secondary and undergrad students
- Singapore Raffles Music College - offering dance, music and arts education programmes
- University of the Arts Singapore - a joint endeavour between the public LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang College of Arts to offer access to both schools
- PSB Academy -- focused on offering students skills to stay relevant in a digitally-driven economy
International campuses in Singapore
These foreign universities have opened up local, private campuses in Singapore to offer a unique opportunity for students to study abroad but earn a domestic degree:
- Curtin University Singapore (Australia) - Curtin opened its Singapore campus in 2008 to give students in Asia easier access to its Australian degrees. It delivers the same accredited programmes as in Australia, with a focus on business, IT and health.
- University of London Singapore (UK) - The University of London began offering programmes in Singapore through approved teaching centres to widen access to UK degrees. Students follow the University of London curricula locally while earning the same internationally recognised award.
- INSEAD Asia Campus (France) - INSEAD launched its Asia Campus in Singapore in 2000 to expand its global business education model and build stronger links with the Asian industry. Students follow the same MBA and executive programmes taught in France.
- James Cook University Singapore (Australia) - James Cook University opened its Singapore campus in 2003 to bring its Australian teaching and research strengths closer to students in the region. It offers full degree programmes in areas such as psychology, business, science and IT.
Joint degrees and international partnerships
Through the Transnational Education project, many universities are partnering with international institutes to offer joint degrees. Students achieve one degree, issued by two universities, increasing their global recognition and enabling access to the partner university’s resources:
- Singapore Institute of Management (partnered with 10 universities)
- Kaplan Higher Education Academy (partners include Royal Holloway, University of Portsmouth)
- Beacon International College (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
- NUS and NTU both offer joint degree programmes too
What it’s like to study in Singapore’s universities
Undergraduate and postgraduate study in Singapore looks a lot like the undergrad and postgrad surveys in Europe and America.
Undergrad courses typically take 3-4 years to complete, and there are options to add an ‘integrated masters’ when you apply. Master's degrees (1-2 years) typically follow a coursework or research-led approach, and there are many world-class Doctoral courses as well.
In line with the competitive admissions processes, students are expected to take independent responsibility for their learning alongside in-person teaching. Assessments vary by course, but exams and coursework are common.
Costs of studying and living in Singapore
Paying to study in Singapore can be a mixed bag. The high quality of life leads to a high cost of living, and, on top of accommodation, utility bills start to add up.
Tuition fees vary by university and can differ from year to year. Each university has a fee breakdown document available on its website. Commonly, Dentistry, Medicine, Music and Law come with much higher fees.
However, there are plenty of subsidy and scholarship options for international students and 90% of students agree that their programme is good value for money. It can sometimes work out thousands of euros cheaper than other study abroad destinations, depending on course and institute.
Scholarships and financial support in Singapore
As well as government grants available for international students, many institutes and courses offer specific scholarships to study in Singapore. You might even be able to study abroad with a grant from your own government so it’s worth researching all options.
- The Ministry of Education’s tuition fee grant is available for all International students to apply to and subsidises fee costs significantly. Recipients of the MOE must work for a Singapore-registered company for three years after graduation (different contract lengths apply to Dentistry and Medicine students)
- Supporting outstanding students from ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Undergraduate scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a S$5,800 living allowance, a S$1,750 one-time computer allowance and S$3,000 annual accommodation allowance
- For NUS students, there is the Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship and the University’s own International Undergraduate scholarship which both offer tuition fee subsidy as well as other cost-of-living allowances.
- NTU offers 11 scholarships for international applicants, including business and science-specific routes. Some scholarships include mentoring from alumni on top of financial support
Part-time work rules for international students
Students can support their studies by working. It’s best to get permission from your individual institute before starting! The general rule is 16 hours per week during term time and full-time over the holidays.
Hidden costs to think about
- Wi-Fi in particular can be a big expense on top of other expected accommodation bills that a lot of students forget to include in their budgeting.
- Each application to an institute will come with an application fee. This varies from institute to institute and can add up if you’re tactically applying to a spread of universities.
- The student visa (the ‘Student’s Pass’) required for all international students costs S$45 (£26.23, USD$34.56)
- Given its airport’s premium standing globally, flights to and from Singapore to visit home can be more expensive than you might be used to, especially during peak holiday seasons
How the admissions process works in Singapore’s universities
In Singapore, students apply separately to each institute. It’s possible to apply to multiple courses at the same institute, but some universities have restrictions on how many.
Although deadlines vary, the universities share a similar application process. Check each institution's requirements for applying, as they’ll each ask for a range of documentation. After you’ve submitted your application form online, there can be further aptitude tests and virtual interviews. For shortlisted candidates, these offer a chance to showcase yourself off the page.
Once you’re accepted onto a course, you’ll need to apply for the Student’s Pass. Your university will register you through a system called SOLAR. Required for any non-Singaporean resident, students need to apply online at least two months (but not more than three months) before their course starts.
Your Student’s Pass allows you to enter Singapore. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have to attend a further appointment with the immigration authority to finalise your visa. For up-to-date information on the Student’s Pass, please refer to the official website.
