- Singapore ranks as the world’s 6th safest country in 2026, providing international students with secure campus environments and strict law enforcement.
- MBA graduates from NUS and NTU earn S$100,000-120,000 (₹70.5L-84.6L) annually.
- NUS holds 8th position globally and 1st in Asia (QS 2026), offering prestigious degrees recognised by employers worldwide.
Universities based in Singapore have been ranked among the top 10 universities in Asia for 2024 by the Times Higher Education. These universities are famous among international students for offering degrees, research and development opportunities, exchange programs, and other attractions. The best universities in Singapore for international students provide a variety of courses, including Engineering and Science, Law, Business, and Management, ensuring great job opportunities for students after graduation.
This blog will provide important information on studying in Singapore, such as tuition fees, financial aid, top universities for postgraduate studies, and other relevant information.
Why Study in Singapore?
Singapore is well-known for its outstanding education system, with its universities consistently being rated among the best globally. With the island city-state attracting students worldwide, it is unsurprising that selecting the appropriate university can be overwhelming. But before that, you might wonder why you should study in Singapore. Here are a few reasons to choose Singapore as your study-abroad destination:
- Safe Environment: In the Global Residence Index’s 2026 Safety Index, Singapore was ranked as the world’s 6th safest country, and its strict laws are the reason behind its low crime rate.
- Diversity in Language: Since English is the primary language for teaching, students who wish to enrol in popular courses in Singapore will not face any language barriers.
- Academic Excellence: Singapore’s education system is highly regarded and known for its outstanding academic reputation in Asia and globally. According to the most recent QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked the eighth best globally and the top in Asia.
- Great Job Opportunities: Numerous multinational corporations such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tencent have set up their regional headquarters in Singapore, making Singapore a great place to find job opportunities.
Top Universities in Singapore For International Students
Singapore is where renowned universities are recognized globally for their high academic quality and modern research amenities.
The high-quality education system, diverse society, and focus on innovation and technology make Singapore a sought-after destination for international students. Below is a list of universities in Singapore:
| Universities | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore | 8 | S$ 36,421-55,720 (INR 22.42 L - 34.3 L) |
| Nanyang Technological University | 26 | S$ 29,533- 59,034 (INR 18.18 L - 36.34 L) |
| Singapore Management University | 545 | S$ 31,775-3,24,900 (INR 19.56 L - 2.2 Cr) |
| Singapore University Of Technology and Design | 429 | S$ 51,984 (INR 32 L) |
| PSB Academy | - | S$ 21,118- 27,616 (INR 13 L - 17 L) |
| Singapore Institute of Management | - | S$ 37,363- 47,110 (INR 23 L- 29 L) |
| James Cook University - Singapore | - | S$67,362 ( INR 55 L) |
Intakes in Singapore Universities
Understanding university application deadlines is crucial when preparing to study in Singapore. NUS and NTU have two intake periods in August and January, while private universities like PSB Academy offer flexible intake schedules in February and August.
Fall Intake or August Intake: The main intake in Singapore, known as the Fall or August intake, starts in August or September. This is the most preferred time for enrolling in courses, with a wide range of programs available for selection. The period when applications are accepted for this intake typically begins in November and ends in January of the same year.
Spring Intake or January Intake: The January/February intake in Singapore, also known as the Spring intake, is the second intake starting in January/February. This intake is smaller than the August intake, with fewer programs and courses available. The application period for this intake typically begins in May and ends in July.
Top Courses in Universities of Singapore
Multiple prestigious courses are offered for a master’s and bachelor’s degree at top universities in Singapore. Marine biology, business and management, banking and finance, medicine, law, and several other courses are highly recommended for Indian students. Below are some of the top courses offered in Singapore, along with their respective duration, that you may consider enrolling in for your higher education:
Bachelor’s Courses
NUS remains Singapore’s largest university with over 40,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs as of 2025-26, offering world-class education across multiple disciplines. Continue reading to discover some of the most popular and top courses offered by the universities of Singapore and the best colleges where you can enrol.
| Top Bachelor's Courses | Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) | Best Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MBBS) | ₹19L-35L | National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University |
| Nursing | ₹11L-18L | National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Technology |
| Engineering (All Streams) | ₹11L-20L | National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, SUTD |
| Business & Management | ₹13L-20L | Singapore Management University, NUS Business School, NTU Nanyang Business School |
| Computer Science & IT | ₹11L-20L | National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University |
| Dentistry | ₹19L-35L | National University of Singapore |
| Law (LLB) | ₹13L-18L | National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University |
Master’s Courses
Do you know MBA programs in Singapore’s B-Schools are well-known for their quality? Graduates from NUS and NTU MBA programs report average salaries of S$100,000-120,000 (₹70.5L-84.6L) annually, with the NTU MBA class of 2025 showing a 142% salary increase three years post-graduation, demonstrating strong return on investment. Here are some popular master’s programs which are opted for by students from top universities in Singapore:
| Top Master's Courses | Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) | Best Universities |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | ₹40L-1Cr (for full program) | NUS Business School, NTU Nanyang Business School, SMU Lee Kong Chian School |
| Master in Engineering | ₹13L-30L | National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University |
| Master in Computer Science / AI | ₹20L-35L | National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University |
| Master in Finance / Applied Finance | ₹30L-50L | Singapore Management University (ranked #1 in Singapore), NUS Business School |
| Master in Business Analytics | ₹30L-45L | Singapore Management University (#2 in Asia), NUS, NTU |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | ₹25L-40L | National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University |
| Master in Technology and Design | ₹30L-50L | Singapore University of Technology and Design, NTU |
Eligibility Criteria
Every university has its eligibility criteria but here are some general criteria which are followed by all the universities to study in Singapore:
- Previous Bachelor’s degree in a related field with minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent second-class honours upper division, approximately 60-65% in Indian grading system). Top universities like NUS and NTU typically require higher GPAs (3.5+/4.0 or first-class honours)
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- CV
- English Proficiency Requirements: IELTS Overall 6.5-7.0 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL-iBT: 90-100 (minimum 20 in each section), or PTE Academic: 58-62 overall. Some competitive programs may require higher scores.
- 1-2 Page Statement of Purpose/Essays
- Passport
- Minimum work experience, if required for the course
Scholarships in Universities in Singapore
Singapore provides a range of scholarships for Indian students at different educational levels, such as bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs. Below are a few noteworthy scholarships for international students in singapore universities:
| Scholarships | Coverage Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| SIA Youth Scholarship | Covers full tuition fees, exam fees, monthly living allowance of S$500 (₹35,250), medical benefits, accident insurance, and return airfare for approved home visits |
| ASEAN Foundation Scholarships | Full tuition and academic fees, round-trip airfare, visa fees, settling-in allowance of S$1,000 (₹70,500), monthly stipend of S$1,250 (₹88,125), study materials allowance, and comprehensive health insurance |
| SINGA - Singapore International Graduate Award | Monthly stipend of S$2,500-3,200 (₹1.76L-2.26L) depending on program year, one-time airfare grant of S$1,500 (₹1.06L), and one-time settling-in allowance of S$1,000 (₹70,500) |
| ADB - Japan Scholarship Program | Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend of approximately US$2,500 (₹2.1L), travel allowance, health and accident insurance, plus additional research grant for thesis development |
| Singapore Millennium Foundation Scholarships | Monthly living stipend ranging from S$1,000-2,000 (₹70,500-1.41L), travel allowance, tuition support (partial to full depending on program), and academic development grants |
| MOE Tuition Grant Scheme | 40-60% tuition fee reduction for eligible international students at autonomous universities (requires 3-year work bond in Singapore after graduation) |
Application Process for Studying In Singapore
Having acquired extensive knowledge about the best colleges in Singapore, we will now provide a brief overview of the application process for universities in Singapore:
- Research: Find the universities and programs you like and review their admission criteria and deadlines.
- Application Submission: Fill out the online application form and upload necessary documents like transcripts, degree certificates, language proficiency test scores, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit Payment for Application: Submit the application fee, the amount of which may differ depending on the university.
- Acceptance Notification: Expect to receive a university’s decision, which could require several weeks. If you get approved, you will be given an offer letter.
Note: Confirmation of acceptance must be made before the deadline specified in the offer letter, along with payment of any necessary deposit.
Key Takeaways
Singapore’s universities deliver world-class education with NUS ranked 8th globally and top in Asia, whilst NTU ranks 26th, offering internationally recognised degrees across engineering, business, medicine, and technology. International students access quality education at S$29,533-67,362 (₹20.8L-47.5L) annually, with the MOE Tuition Grant reducing fees by 40-60% in exchange for a three-year work commitment in Singapore’s thriving economy.
Master’s graduates from top programmes earn S$100,000-120,000 (₹70.5L-84.6L) annually, with NTU MBA showing 142% salary increases within three years. Scholarships like SINGA provide monthly stipends up to S$3,200 (₹2.26L) plus settling allowances, making Singapore financially viable for ambitious students.
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FAQs
Which university ranks highest in Singapore for international students?
National University of Singapore ranks 8th globally and 1st in Asia according to QS World University Rankings 2026.
How much does the MOE Tuition Grant reduce international student fees?
The MOE Tuition Grant provides 40-60% fee reduction for eligible international students at autonomous universities requiring three-year work commitment.
What English proficiency scores do Singapore universities require?
Universities require IELTS 6.5-7.0 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL-iBT 90-100, or PTE Academic 58-62 overall scores.
When are the main intake periods for Singapore universities?
Singapore universities offer two main intakes—August/September (Fall) and January/February (Spring) with applications opening approximately six months prior.
Can international students work part-time whilst studying in Singapore?
International students holding valid Student’s Passes can work up to 16 hours weekly during term time and full-time during vacations.
What is the minimum CGPA required for master's programmes at NUS and NTU?
Top universities like NUS and NTU typically require CGPA of 3.5+/4.0 or first-class honours for competitive master’s programmes.
What post-study work options exist for graduates in Singapore?
Graduates from approved institutions can apply for one-year Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to seek employment without employer sponsorship.
What is the average monthly living cost for students in Singapore?
International students require approximately S$1,500-2,500 (₹1L-1.7L) monthly covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Do Singapore universities accept three-year bachelor's degrees from India?
Most Singapore universities accept three-year Indian bachelor’s degrees, though some competitive or research-intensive programmes may prefer four-year honours degrees.
Can graduates extend their stay in Singapore after completing studies?
Graduates receive one-year Long-Term Visit Pass for job searches, subsequently obtaining Employment Pass or S Pass upon securing employment.
