Study in Singapore

If you’re looking to study at a university in Singapore, you will find many study degrees, offering top-tier education in a modern, dynamic city-state. With modern teaching tools, technology and research facilities, Singapore’s universities deliver top-quality courses that nurture your creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Strong links between universities and neighbouring industries also ensure relevant courses for you to gain valuable practical skills.

Singapore is an open and cosmopolitan city-state and island country that welcomes more than 86,000 international students from 120 nationalities every year. As a choice destination for advanced education, Singapore is unique in providing a safe and stimulating environment to develop the next generation of world leaders.

Why study in Singapore?

1. Local universities are among the best in the world

Singapore is known as an important business and education hub. With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising that local universities are ranked among the best in the world, often earning their places in the top 15 best higher education institutions.

Universities in Singapore are especially renowned for their courses in Business and Management.

2. English is widely spoken

You don’t need to worry about language barriers while studying in Singapore. English is spoken almost everywhere, from restaurants to banks, from public institutions to shopping centres, and so on.

According to recent data, English has actually become the most commonly spoken language in Singaporean homes.

3. Advantageous scholarships and government subsidies

There’s no way around it: tuition fees in Singapore are high. But that shouldn’t discourage you. As an international student, you can apply for government subsidies, which significantly reduce the costs of your education.

Scholarships are another excellent option to lower your expenses. You can contact the universities for more details or check out scholarship opportunities on Mastersportal.

4. Singapore is one of the most prosperous states

Singapore has developed a stable and healthy economy, based on a solid infrastructure and the proper implementation of modern technology. This fact makes the island city-state an attractive destination for people who want to earn high wages and enjoy a high living standard.

In 2020, for example, the average salary in Singapore was around 5,700 USD per month. So if you plan to stay here after graduation, you’ll be fairly compensated for your work and knowledge.

5. Fun activities and attractions will keep you entertained

After you finish classes, Singapore offers a wide range of activities and places where you can relax and enjoy your free time. From restaurants to parks, from museums to cinemas  it’s all there, waiting for you.

We recommend visiting the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, the Orchard Road, the Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Island, the Asia Civilisations Museum, etc.

How to apply

All universities in Singapore have a website with a simple and straightforward online application process.

You simply have to choose the degree(s) you wish to enrol in and submit all required documents.

Carefully check all the required application documents and make sure they are all translated into English. For instance, an internationally recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is the main requirement when enrolling for a Master’s degree at a university in Singapore.

  • Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you need to prove skills in English before enrolling in a degree programme.
  • Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies.
  • To help your chances of going to Singapore, be sure to apply to more than one university!

How to qualify for a University in Singapore?

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Singapore, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

There are over 150 English-taught programmes in Singapore.

Universities in Singapore will want to see proof that you have good English-language skills, so that you can easily succeed in their courses. Almost all Singapore universities accept these official English exams:

Many study programmes have a bilingual policy, combining English with Malay, Mandarin or Tamil study languages

Living in Singapore

Student rooms in Singapore go fast, and uni dorms aren’t always available. Many international students look for private housing close to campus.

Use University Living to lock in a great spot early—with no hidden fees and clear pricing from the start.

Let’s take a closer look at tuition fees and living costs in Singapore:

Living costs

Due to the high standard of life, the costs of living are also high in Singapore. As an international student, you can spend anywhere between 700 and 1,500 EUR per month, depending on the type of housing and your lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown of average living expenses in Singapore:

  • accommodation (on-campus housing): 200–385 EUR/month
  • accommodation (privately rented flat): 1,100–3,300 EUR/month
  • utilities (only if you rent a flat): 80–140 EUR/month
  • food and groceries: 175–275 EUR
  • monthly transport pass: 75 EUR; students may get a discount
  • three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 43.50 EUR
  • 1 loaf of bread: 1.40 EUR
  • 1 litre of milk: 1.90 EUR
  • 1 kg of apples: 2.80 EUR
  • 1 kg of bananas: 2.10 EUR
  • 1 cappuccino: 3.50 EUR

Tuition fees

There is no online database with average fees at universities in Singapore. Still, international students should know that studying here is anything but cheap. Let’s take the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an example:

  • Tuition for Bachelor’s degrees: 17,750–24,300 EUR/year; Degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, and Music cost between 75,700–99,450 EUR/year
  • Tuition for Master’s degrees: 22,200–40,800 EUR/year; Dentistry degrees costs around 59,600 EUR/year

These fees can change every year; always check the official university page to see how much you need to pay. As an international student, you can apply for a subsidy from the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) and significantly reduce your tuition costs.

If you enrol at a private university in Singapore be prepared to pay even higher tuition fees.