Perceiving the world with a global perspective is a highly in-demand skill. There is no better place to cultivate innovation and logical thinking than in Singapore. One of Asia’s centers for technology and development, the city-state is also home to a world-class education system.
The field of computer science is dynamic, and universities offer varying degrees of specialization. Singapore preserves a network of international partnerships for greater teaching quality.
Below we will walk you through our list of the top computer science schools in Singapore.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Singapore
1. National University of Singapore
First on the list is the National University of Singapore (NUS). The oldest autonomous university, NUS is highly regarded for its high graduate employability and academic reputation. Nationwide, NUS offers world-class computer science programs.
As one of the best computer science schools in Singapore, the NUS School of Computing manages undergraduate and graduate programs for computer science and information systems. It is home to expert faculty members training students to become the next generation’s software engineers, data scientists, and founders of start-ups. The core research areas of the school include database management, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
The school hosts undergraduate programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Business Analytics, and Information Security.
All graduate research students are admitted directly into a full-time graduate program in Computer Science or Information Systems that leads to either:
- PhD, if the candidate passes the Qualifying Examination; or
- Master of Science, if the candidate fails the Qualifying Examination but is allowed to complete as an MSc candidate
On the other hand, the MSc+PhD by research program is open to Singaporean graduates who possess a good honors degree in computing or a related discipline and have strong interests in pursuing computing research.
The language of instruction for the graduate programs is English.
See Also: National University of Singapore Acceptance Rate
2. Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is Singapore’s second-oldest autonomous university and consistently ranks high alongside NUS in world university rankings. NTU performs well in engineering and technology, offering one of Singapore’s best programs for computer science and engineering.
The NTU’s new College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS) is a leader in research, teaching quality, and educational standards. The school employs seasoned faculty from top universities all over the world. The diversity among the mentors provides students at this top computer science institution in Singapore with an inclusive approach to harnessing computer science for the betterment of society. Cybersecurity, AI, and the Internet of Things are some of the specialized fields taught in the school.
NTU offers Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science) programs that have been fully accredited by The Engineering Accreditation Board, Institute of Engineers.
Graduate programs offered are Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science in Data Science, Master of Science in Cyber Security, Master of Engineering (by Research) in Computer Science and Engineering, and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering.
3. Singapore Management University
The Singapore Management University (SMU) is extraordinary as it is the first publicly-funded private university. SMU’s excellence in business extends an entrepreneurial approach to delivering computer science.
The SMU School of Computing and Information Systems sets students for employment success. It further offers flexible learning pathways for students by allowing them to combine majors based on interests and strengths. this allows students to fast-track to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within 4.5 years.
SMU’s programs cover students with interests in Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Transformation, FinTech, Internet of Things, LawTech, Software Engineering, Smart Cities, and Technopreneurship.
Its undergraduate programs are Information Systems, Computing & Law, Computer Science, and Software Engineering.
Undergraduate students in the above degree programs are offered an opportunity in Undergraduate Research (UResearch) in Computing Program which allows them to experience academic research in Computing, as well as prepare them for graduate studies.
A student can choose to pursue post-graduate studies at a local or foreign university. According to SMU, its alumni have completed graduate studies from reputable universities like Carnegie Mellon and Cornell Universities.
4. Singapore University of Technology and Design
The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is the fourth public university established in the country. Coincidentally, it also places fourth in our list of Singapore’s best competitive programs for computer science.
Being among the top schools for computer science in Singapore, SUTD’s Information Systems and Technology Design pillar prepares students for lucrative career opportunities in IT security, data analytics, and software design. ISTD produces graduates with an edge in multidisciplinary and systematic design. Unlike most computer science programs, the ISTD pillar immerses students in different industries and unorthodox work positions.
SUTD offers a Bachelor in Engineering (Computer Science and Design) which establishes the fundamental concepts in modeling and programming. A Master’s degree in Security by Design is also available for engineers and focuses on bringing cybersecurity to the design stage of critical infrastructure and enterprise networks.
The ISTD Ph.D program requires a student to take a minimum of four graded technical courses.
Discover more: 10 Best Scholarships in Singapore for International Students
5. Singapore Institute of Technology
Fifth on our list and Singapore’s fifth autonomous university is the Singapore Institute of Technology (SiT). The acclaimed first university of applied learning, SiT emphasizes catering world-class education through industry-savvy degree programs, among which is computer science.
SiT’s Infocomm Technology program cluster includes degrees in computer science and other related specializations. For a global outlook upholding multicultural exchange, SiT joins hands with multiple international universities to impart exceptional knowledge on game design, computer science, and interactive media. The students also pack up for an eight-month work immersion program, reflecting SiT’s philosophy of applied learning. Perhaps these are why SiT is considered one of the best computer science schools in Singapore.
Undergraduate computer science programs in SiT include Applied Artificial Intelligence, Applied Computing (Fintech), Computer Engineering, Computer Science in Interactive Media & Game Development, Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Computing Science, Information & Communications Technology (Information Security) and Information & Communications Technology (Software Engineering).
Graduate students can enroll and complete a Master’s degree in Engineering and proceed with a Doctorate in Engineering.
6. Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) is one of the best computer science universities in Singapore. It is also the second-oldest polytechnic institution established in the country. NP takes the lead in harnessing students’ potential in the IT industry. State-of-the-art facilities provide students a one-in-a-million opportunity to study computer science at such advanced levels. Competitions and internships extend students’ knowledge and skills outside the four walls of the classroom.
The NP School of Infocomm Technology offers four Diplomas and one common ICT program. This ICT program presents a student with foundational modules from different disciplines in the first semester. At the end of the semester, students can continue with the following full-time diploma programs in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, Data Science, Immersive Media, and Information Technology.
On the other hand, the Faculty offers part-time specialist diplomas in Data Analytics, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity Practice, and Applied Generative AI.
Moreover, 14 short courses are offered by the School.
7. Singapore Institute of Management
Rounding up our list is the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). SIM is a private education institute delivering services through several educational brands. The SIM Global Education (SIM GE) for instance manages the cooperative efforts of SIM with overseas universities based in Europe, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. With the joint partnerships, SIM GE presents some cutting-edge computer science programs.
SIM GE produces employable students with a broad knowledge of computer science and its specializations. Most degree programs are accredited in other countries, enticing employers to recruit SIM GE Computer Science graduates. Above all, the high rate of international students encourages an appreciation for diversity and cultural exchange.
Diploma in Information Technology (E-Learning) and Diploma in Information Technology are the two diplomas offered at SIM GE. The two emphasize practical problem-solving and decision-making skills and provide broad-based software engineering that articulates to degree programs.
The 14 undergraduate programs offered by SIM GE are accredited by the University of London and the University of Wollongong.
The undergraduate courses accredited by the University of London are Computer Science (Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence), Computer Science (Virtual Reality), Honours in Computer Science, Data Science & Business Analytics, Computer Science (Web & Mobile Development), Computer Science (User Experience) and Computer Science (Physical Computing & the Internet of Things).
Undergraduate courses accredited by the University of Wollongong are Information Technology, Computer Science (Big Data), Computer Science (Digital Systems Security), Business Information Systems, Computer Science (Cyber Security), and Computer Science (Game & Mobile Development).
Graduate programs include Master’s degrees in data science, cybersecurity management, and financial technology.
Check out: 7 Cheap Universities in Singapore
FAQs: Computer Science Studies in Singapore
Would Studying Computer Science in Singapore Pose a Challenge?
Computer Science is by no means an easy subject anywhere in the world. Singapore universities are renowned for their well-designed curricula that will gradually get harder as the years go by. If you are up-to-date with your lectures and tutorials, and you put in extra work in your own free time, you will breeze through this degree. It is noteworthy that computer science is not just about programming; it is a discipline that requires mathematical skills, problem-solving skills, and extensive knowledge of algorithms. If you have a good foundation in any of them, you can excel in computer science and make significant contributions to the field.
Singapore is one of the top destinations for international students who want to study Computer Science in Asia. The quality of life in Singapore is at par with the top countries in the world. The government’s continuous investments in science and technology have helped Singapore establish itself as a leader in the field of Computer Science and have given it an edge over so many nations in Asia and the world as a favored country for international students.
We hope this article on the Best Computer Science Schools in Singapore was informative and helpful. Make sure also to check out this guide we have prepared on Studying in Singapore! Also, there are more available courses for your perusal and consideration.