Singapore, also known as the Lion City, is a successful city-state home to nearly six million people. The island nation is famous for its rapid development into a first-world country. With this improvement, it naturally became one of Asia’s leading bastions of higher education.
Singapore offers a modern lifestyle blended with a multicultural heritage – perfect for students seeking a unique higher education experience. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Singapore for international students.
Top Universities in Singapore for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| National University of Singapore |
Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics |
| Nanyang Technological University |
Materials Science, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Chemistry |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design |
Architecture and Sustainable Design, Computer Science |
| NUS Business School (National University of Singapore) |
Business Administration, Data Science and Analytics, Business Analytics |
| Management Development Institute of Singapore |
Accounting, Healthcare and Nursing, Information and Technology |
1. National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading global university centered in Asia and is considered the best university in Singapore for international students. As the oldest university, it pioneered international exchanges and joint degree programs with some of the best institutions in the world. Because of this global outlook, the NUS has over 40,000 students from over a hundred countries. This multicultural student body is spread out in 17 faculties across three campuses – Bukit Timah, Outram, and Kent Ridge.
This institution offers a total of 69 undergraduate programs and 211 postgraduate programs and has a special focus on research and entrepreneurship. Further, it works closely with the government and industry partners on timely issues in Asia and the world. Students and researchers work in modern labs and research centers to study energy, urban sustainability, data science, active aging, common diseases in Asia, and a lot more.
2. Nanyang Technological University
The Nanyang Technological University has been ranked the top-ranking young university in the world since 2015 according to QS World University Rankings. This top university in Singapore also consistently places among the top 15 universities globally. The NTU Singapore, a research-intensive public university, also boasts a broad subject area, where 19 are placed in the world’s top 50. It offers a total of 44 undergraduate and 130 postgraduate programs to more than 35000 students enrolled in the institution.
The university is best known for engineering and technology, but also excels in business, humanities, social sciences, education, medicine, and the arts.
NTU Singapore’s main campus in Jurong West is the largest university campus in the country and belongs to the top 15 most beautiful campuses in the world. It houses GreenMark-certified buildings together with large gardens, a fishing lake, an Art & Heritage Museum, a Chinese Heritage center, and residence halls.
3. Singapore University of Technology and Design
The Singapore University of Technology and Design is an autonomous university established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is among the first universities worldwide to have a multi-disciplinary curriculum on design and technology. This unique academic structure is offered through five pillars namely Architecture and Sustainable Design, Engineering Product Development, Engineering Systems and Design, Design and Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science and Design. SUTD also supports two academic clusters in the humanities and STEM areas.
The SUTD, one of the best universities in Singapore for international students, is the only university in Singapore’s eastern portion, located near the Changi Business Park. Through this proximity, the university works with industry partners to spearhead more opportunities for its students and graduates.
4. NUS Business School
The NUS Business School is part of the National University of Singapore and is ranked among the best business schools in Asia. It started as a Business Administration faculty at NUS in 1961 and became an official autonomous institution in 2002. Today, it has over 3,500 students studying across six academic departments, namely finance, management, marketing, analytics and operation, strategy, and policy.
The Business School also hosts six research centers focusing on social entrepreneurship and behavioral economics, among others. The six research centers are the Asia Accounting Research Center, the Asia Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy, the Center for Asset Management Research and Investments, the Center for Behavioral Economics, the Center for Governance, Institutions and Organizations, and the China Business Center.
When it comes to an international outlook, the NUS Business School sends over and receives 400 students in exchange with partner schools all over the world. They offer double degree programs with top universities in Asia, North America, and Europe, too.
5. Management Development Institute of Singapore
The Management Development Institute of Singapore is the oldest professional institute for lifelong learning in the country. This top private university in Singapore provides internationally accredited courses in a wide array of disciplines, including engineering, business and management, information technology, fashion design, hospitality management, and many others.
MDIS offers more than 70 industry-relevant tertiary education programs in partnership with eight globally recognized university partners in the UK and the US. The eight are Prifysgol Bangor University, Edinburgh Napier University, Teesside University, Leeds Beckett University, University of Central Oklahoma, Northumbria University Newcastle, University of Sunderland, and University of Roehampton London.
Furthermore, the MDIS has overseas campuses in Malaysia, Tashkent, and Uzbekistan.
True to its tradition of giving back to society, the MDIS has awarded over 8000 scholarships to deserving students, including international students. The institute also proudly supports charities and extends community assistance to the young, elderly, and disabled.
FAQs: Studying in Singaporian Universities
Is Singapore a Good Place for International Students to Study?
As a leading financial center of the world, Singapore is known for quality programs in business, technology, and the sciences. Among the top universities in the country are technical and business schools. Most institutions have strong links with the industry as well, so students have great chances of jump-starting their careers. Moreover, the government is very supportive of graduates wanting to start their businesses.
According to the HSBC ranking, Singapore is the second-best country in the world to live and work in. The nation has a high standard of living, excellent transportation and healthcare facilities, and a low crime rate. International students will surely feel safe and productive in this cosmopolitan environment.
With Singapore’s high quality of living, it’s unsurprising that course fees are also slightly higher than in other Asian countries. Nonetheless, study costs remain reasonable in comparison to international standard fees.
Can International Students Work in Singapore While Studying?
International students who wish to engage in part-time work in Singapore can do so, as long as they are registered full-time students in their respective and approved universities. The country’s Minister of Manpower allows students to work up to 16 hours a week on regular terms and for unlimited hours during breaks. However, exchange students only doing study modules are not allowed to work part-time or full-time.
Can International Students Stay in Singapore After Graduation?
After graduation, international students will be granted a Short-Term Visit Pass after their student visa has expired. This pass will allow them to stay in the country for another 90 days. Those who wish to stay longer may use this time to look for a job in Singapore, but actual work or employment is not yet allowed on this visa.
Graduates from universities on the list of Institutes of Higher Learning can apply for a Long-term Social Visit Pass (LTVP)to work and stay in the country for one year. Other types of post-study work passes are the Employment Pass, S Pass, and EntrePass, which would depend on their field of study.
With world-renowned universities like the ones listed above, Singapore stands out as a hot destination for higher education. Whether you are interested in design, business, or engineering, the above universities can support your academic and professional ambitions.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Singapore for international students was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, please check out the Available Programs and Study in Singapore sections to explore your study options.
