Study in Singapore

Located at the heart of Southeast Asia, the island country and city-state of Singapore offers a wealth of opportunities for international students.

Home to a diverse population of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and expatriate citizens, Singapore boasts a unique blend of cultures, languages, and religions. While densely populated, it's known for its cleanliness, safety and a robust legal system that supports a peaceful and orderly society.

Studying in Singapore offers a fast-paced, urban lifestyle, characterised by a tropical climate and a range of activities to keep students fully engaged in their free time.

Beyond the classroom, visitors to Singapore can marvel at the world's tallest indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport or embark on a nighttime adventure at the Night Safari, the world's first nocturnal zoo.

The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with international exhibitions at venues such as the National Gallery Singapore, making it an ideal destination for creative minds.

With its superb transport links, Singapore is also a gateway for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia, including neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia.

Singaporean universities

Despite its small geographical size, Singapore has a well-respected higher education system. It is a world leader in research and innovation, adding to its appeal as a destination for foreign students.

The country is home to several public and private universities, as well as:

• art schools
• overseas institutions.
• polytechnics.

Six of Singapore's 34 institutions are national universities, including:

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

The NUS (the oldest higher education institution in the country) and NTU are the largest and most high-profile universities, ranking 8th and 12th respectively, in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Many world-leading foreign institutions also have campuses in the country, including:

• Curtin University Singapore (Australia)
• INSEAD Asia Campus (France)
• James Cook University (JCU) Singapore (Australia)
• Newcastle University in Singapore (UK)
• University of London Singapore (UK)
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Singapore (USA).

The academic year in Singapore typically consists of two semesters. Semester one runs from August to December, while the second semester runs from January to May.

Degree courses in Singapore

National institutions offer Bachelors courses, which typically take three to four years to complete.

Popular degree subjects include:

• business
• creative arts
• engineering
• law
• medicine.

Entry requirements vary by university, but you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate admission.

Applications are made directly to each institution, as there is no centralised UCAS-style system.

Masters degrees

Postgraduate study in Singapore, often referred to as graduate study, is offered in two main formats:

• coursework-based
• research-based programmes.

There are also options to study certificates and diplomas.

Masters by coursework are typically taught as a series of lectures, seminars, and group work, and are completed with the submission of a dissertation.

Full-time study usually lasts one to two years, with intakes in August and, for some courses, January. Part-time study is also possible, but the duration of courses varies depending on the institution and curriculum.

MBA programmes can take 12 to 18 months to complete full time.

Postgraduate entry requirements include:

• a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject
• evidence of financial support

proficiency in English (as the majority of Masters courses are taught in the language).

Certain programmes may also require work experience. Be sure to check with your chosen university, as requirements vary.

PhDs

Singapore's top universities, such as the NUS and NTU, are research-led and offer an ideal environment for PhD study.

Applicants typically need a Masters degree in a related subject, proficiency in English, and strong research skills to be successful. Some programmes may also require entrance exams and/or research proposals.

PhD study in Singapore generally lasts two to five years full time with a qualifying exam after year one, before starting the thesis.

There are also research institutes in Singapore that provide opportunities for PhD study in collaboration with local universities. Applications for these programmes are typically made through the relevant faculty.

Course fees

Singapore is one of the most expensive places in the world, and both the cost of living and tuition fees reflect the country's high standard of education. However, compared to other leading global universities, tuition fees in Singapore for the most popular courses are relatively affordable.

Keep in mind that the cost of tuition varies widely depending on:

• the level of study
• subject
• institution.

For instance, at the NUS, undergraduate fees for international students range from S$20,000 to S$83,950 (£11,720 to £49,196), with most fees set at the lower end of this scale.

Postgraduate fees for students without an assistantship (a paid academic teaching job) or subsidy typically range from S$37,100 to S$42,200 (£21,741 to £24,730), with dentistry and medicine costing significantly more than most other graduate programmes at S$80,500 to S$112,389 (£47,174 to £65,862).

Fees will typically be divided into separate sections, with tuition as the main expense. Other costs may include:

• application
• exam fees
• registration
• study equipment, e.g. laptop.

Finding a place to live is also a key consideration for international students in Singapore. Most universities offer on-campus housing, such as halls of residence, which are often the most affordable and convenient option. These typically cost between S$200 and S$600 (£115 to £345) per month, depending on the type of room and facilities.

Alternatively, students can rent private accommodation, such as shared apartments or studios, with prices ranging from S$700 to S$2,000 (£400 to £1,150) per month. It's important to budget for utilities and Wi-Fi if renting privately.

Demand for housing can be high, so it's advisable to apply early and explore all available options through your university's accommodation office.

Funding to study in Singapore

Given Singapore's high cost of living, financial planning is essential. Over half of international students receive financial aid when studying in Singapore.

Check with your university to see what financial assistance they offer. It's also worth researching the government support available in the form of scholarships and bursaries.

Funding may be available depending on your country of origin. For example, students from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, can apply for ASEAN scholarships.

International students without scholarships may still qualify for reduced tuition fees under the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant Scheme, which requires graduates to work in Singapore for a minimum of three years after completing their course.

Repayable tuition fee loans are also available to postgraduates who are not on a scholarship. These are worth up to 90% of the fees payable by Singaporean citizens for the same course.

You can work up to 16 hours a week part time while studying, and full time during the holidays, which can help offset some costs. Always remember to get approval from your university first.

Student visas

When your university accepts your application, it will issue an in-principle approval (IPA) letter. Your entry visa is included in this document.

Within two weeks of receiving your IPA letter, you need to apply for a Student's Pass, issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The pass covers the duration of your course, and you must apply for one no earlier than two months and no later than one month before your course begins.

Upon arrival in Singapore, you’ll need to attend a pre-booked ICA appointment and present documents such as:

• a medical report
• disembarkation/embarkation card
• your passport.

You don't need a Student's Pass if you already hold a Dependant's Pass or an Immigration Exemption Order.

Find out more at ICA - Institutes of Higher Learning.

How to apply

Most applications for Masters programmes are made online through the university website. You may need to submit supporting documents, such as exam transcripts and a copy of your passport, and pay an application fee.

Check with the university, as some courses have different application processes. For example, deadlines may vary depending on your home country, previous qualifications, or the intake month (January or August).

For international students, admission to Singaporean universities is becoming increasingly competitive as the government caps the number of foreign students.

Language requirements

Singapore has four official languages:

• English
• Malay
• Mandarin
• Tamil.

Most Singaporeans are multilingual. Your course will be taught in English, as it's the official language of business and education.

Be aware that universities in Singapore set high standards for proficiency in English, so if you're a non-native speaker, you'll need a good score on a test such as the IELTS.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Degrees from Singapore follow a similar structure to those in the UK, and most employers recognise them as equivalent.

To ensure that your Singaporean qualification is recognised in your home country, please check with your higher education institution or an organisation such as the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC).

Find out more

• Read the British Council's advice on studying for a UK degree in Singapore.
• Discover what it's like to work in Singapore.