Singapore is an advanced nation with a high standard of living, making it an attractive option for students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Its top universities offer many engineering, business, arts, and science courses. In January 2023, over 79,300 international students were studying in Singapore, reflecting its characteristic as a hub of quality education and job opportunities. Read on to explore undergraduate studies in Singapore.
Overview
Topic | Details |
Top Universities | National University of Singapore (NUS) , Nanyang Technological University (NTU) |
QS World Ranking | 15th globally |
Popular Courses | Engineering, Business, Arts, Sciences |
Visa Requirements | Student Pass through ICA |
Tuition Fees Overview | SGD 15,000 to SGD 83,000 (INR 9.3 lakh to INR 51.9 lakh) (approx.) |
Intakes Available | Typically, between November to March |
Reasons to Study in Singapore
The following are some reasons to study UG in Singapore:
- Top-Ranked Universities: Singapore’s universities, like NUS and NTU, offer excellent education and research opportunities.
- Global Career Opportunities: Studying in Singapore opens doors to many kinds of jobs, such as finance, technology, and healthcare.
- Cultural Diversity: Students can experience a mix of cultures, traditions, languages, and foods in Singapore.
- Safe and Clean Environment: Singapore is known for being safe and clean, offering a viable environment for students to thrive.
- Strong Student Support: Universities provide career advice, counseling, and networking opportunities to help you succeed.
- Work While Studying: Students can work part-time to gain experience and earn extra money.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: You can stay and work in Singapore on a work visa after graduation.
- High Standard of Living: Enjoy modern infrastructure, healthcare, and efficient public transport.
- Affordable Visa: The visa processing fee is INR 1,800 and is non-refundable. You may be charged an extra service fee of INR 650.
Top/Best Colleges or Universities
Here are some of the top universities in Singapore:
University | QS World Univerity Rankings 2025 |
National University of Singapore (NUS) | 8 |
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | 15 |
Singapore University of Technology and Design | =440 |
Singapore Management University | =585 |
Top Popular Courses
- Computer Science and IT: Great for students who like coding and making software. Singapore has lots of tech jobs.
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil): Engineering is popular in Singapore. Engineers have many jobs in different industries.
- Business and Management: Ideal for students who want to learn about finance, marketing, or starting a business. Singapore has great business schools.
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology: Perfect for those who want to work in healthcare or medicine. Singapore is known for its research in science and biotech.
- Design and Arts: Great for creative students. You can study things like design, fashion, and animation and find exciting jobs in these fields.
- Healthcare and Medicine: Singapore has great medical schools. It’s a good place if you want to become a doctor, nurse, or work in health.
- Law: Studying law in Singapore can lead to many legal jobs, both in Singapore and other countries.
Eligibility Criteria
There are a few general eligibility requirements for undergraduate studies in Singapore.:
Topic | Details |
Application Fee | Varies by college and course. Check with individual institutions. |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Explain why you’re a good fit for the program and how you align with the college’s values. |
Essay | Write about career aspirations, strengths, weaknesses, and why you’re interested in the school. |
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) | A reference letter from a professor or supervisor. |
Documentation Required | – Academic Transcripts.
– English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores). – SOP. – LORs. – Passport Copy. – Recent Photograph. |
Singapore University Intake | – Government Universities: August & February.
– Private Institutes: January, February, July, August, September, October. – Polytechnics: April & September. |
Language Exams | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE are common. Check university requirements. |
Repetition of Exams | With some frequency limits, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE can be retaken as many times as needed |
Score Requirements | – UG: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 85-90.
– PG: IELTS 7.5, TOEFL 90. |
General Exams (GMAT, GRE) | – GMAT: 520 average score accepted.
– GRE: 145 verbal, 160 quantitative. |
Cost of Living | Includes accommodation, groceries, utilities, phone bills, books, airfare, and social expenses. |
This may vary depending on the university and course you choose.
Fees for Top Universities
The following are the fees for the top universities in Singapore.
University | Fees | Type |
National University of Singapore (NUS) | SGD 18,900 to 76,450 (INR 11.8 lakh to INR 47.7 lakh approx.) |
Public Research University |
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | SGD 18,900 to 83,350
(INR 11.8 lakh to INR 52.1 lakh approx.) |
Public University |
Singapore University of Technology and Design | SGD 30,200
(INR 18.8 lakh approx.) |
Public Autonomous University |
Singapore Management University | SGD 26,100 to 28,350
(INR 16.3 lakh to INR 17.2 lakh) |
Publicly-Funded Private University |
Intake and Application Deadlines
The intake and application deadlines may differ depending on your chosen course.
University | Deadline |
National University of Singapore (NUS) | January Intake: Applications open in July
August Intake: Applications open in October |
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | International students apply between November and March |
Singapore University of Technology and Design | One intake in September |
Singapore Management University | August Intake: Students can apply between November and March |
Scholarships
Some of the most common scholarships available for students are:
Scholarship | Detail | Allowance Details |
Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarships | Supports up to 4 years of undergraduate study by covering tuition fees, living expenses and airfare. It also provides an annual and settling-in allowance. | Annual maintenance allowance of SGD 6,500 (INR 4,08,661) and settling-in allowance of SGD 200 (INR 12,574) upon arrival in Singapore. |
Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship | This scholarship is intended for undergraduate students studying Computers, Engineering or Science at NUS. It offer subsidized tuition fees and gives allowances for settling-in, living and acquiring a computer. | Annual living allowance of SGD 6,000 (INR 3,77,206), one-time computer allowance of SGD 1,750 (INR 1,10,018) and one-time settling-in allowance of SGD 200 (INR 12,574). |
NTU Nanyang Scholarship | The scholarship offers subsidized tuition fees along with comprehensive support, including allowances for living expenses, accommodation, a computer, and travel. | Annual living allowance of SGD 6,500 (INR 4,08,661), one-time computer allowance of SGD 1,750 (INR 1,10,018) and annual accommodation allowance up to SGD 2000 (INR 1,25,727). |
Job Opportunities after UG in Singapore
After completing your UG in Singapore, students have various job opportunities in multiple sectors:
- Business Administration
- Business Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Computer Science
- Software Developer
- Data Scientist
- IT Consultant
- Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Civil)
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Finance
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
- Biotechnology
- Biotech Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Clinical Research Associate
Top Recruiters
Here are the top recruiters for popular courses in Singapore:
Course | Top Recruiters |
Business Administration | DBS Bank, Standard Chartered, Citibank, PwC, EY, Google, Unilever |
Computer Science | Google, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Accenture, Sea Group, Grab, Shopee |
Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Civil) | Singapore Airlines, Keppel Corporation, Sembcorp, ST Engineering, WSP Global, AECOM |
Finance | DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, UOB, J.P. Morgan, Citi, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Deloitte |
Biotechnology | Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Merck, Singapore General Hospital |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to know Mandarin or Malay to study in Singapore?
No, English is used in universities, but learning local languages can improve your experience.
What are the minimum academic requirements for undergraduate courses in Singapore?
You usually need a high school diploma with good grades in the subjects related to your course.
Is it possible to work part-time while studying in Singapore?
Indeed, you can work up to 16 hours a week during term time as long as you have a valid student pass.
Are internships a part of undergraduate programs in Singapore?
Many UG courses require internships in business, engineering, and technology.
What are the Singapore study visa fees in Indian rupees?
The Singapore study visa costs approximately INR 5,600.