Over the past few decades, Singapore has attracted international students who want to pursue a degree. Students often consider the country because of its higher education system, international learning environment, high standard of living, and professional networking opportunities.
However, an essential factor to consider when choosing a degree program in Singapore is the cost of studying and living in the country. In addition to tuition fees, students must budget for accommodation, transportation, food, insurance, books, and other expenses. This article explains the main academic and living costs international students should consider when preparing a budget for studying in Singapore.
Costs of Studying in Singapore
Below, we cover the main academic and living costs international students may face while studying in Singapore.
1. Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in Singapore vary according to the degree level, discipline, institution, program, cohort, and funding status.
Fees also vary substantially across fields, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, law, and the arts. International students may be offered the Ministry of Education Tuition Grant for selected full-time undergraduate programs. Permanent residents and international students who receive the grant are generally required to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.
2. Other Academic Costs
Besides tuition fees, students may need to pay application, registration, miscellaneous student, insurance, special-term, and other program-related fees. The type and amount of these charges depend on the university and program.
For example, international applicants presenting international qualifications generally pay an application fee of S$20 for most undergraduate programs at the National University of Singapore, although a different fee applies to Music applicants. At Singapore Management University, the application fee for its Academic Research PhD and Master of Philosophy programs is S$15, including GST. Application fees for SMU professional master’s programs may differ.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Singapore
1. Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships are among the most effective ways to reduce study expenses. Singapore universities offer tuition-waiver and scholarship opportunities, including some full-funding opportunities. However, eligibility, coverage, renewal conditions, and service obligations vary, so applicants should confirm the terms on the scholarship provider’s official website.
The NUS Research Scholarship, according to the official scholarship page, is available to eligible full-time research master’s and PhD students of all nationalities and provides a full tuition-fee waiver and a monthly stipend, subject to its terms and renewal requirements. The NTU-University Scholars Programme Scholarship and the Nanyang Global Scholarship, whose official terms are published by NTU, are open to applicants of all nationalities. They cover subsidized tuition after the Tuition Grant and provide specified allowances for living, accommodation, computer, and travel expenses. These awards provide substantial support but do not necessarily cover every personal expense. International and permanent-resident recipients also remain subject to the Tuition Grant’s three-year work obligation.
2. Part-time Work for International Students
Another way eligible international students may manage their budgets is to look for part-time work in Singapore. Under the Ministry of Manpower’s rules, a foreign student may work without a separate work pass only when the student is a full-time matriculated or registered student at an approved institution and holds a valid Student’s Pass.
During the academic term, an eligible student may generally work for no more than 16 hours per week or participate in an industrial attachment or internship that contributes to the student’s graduation requirements. Exchange students are not permitted to work under this exemption. After a student’s studies end and the Student’s Pass expires, the student must obtain the appropriate work pass before continuing to work in Singapore. Job availability and pay vary by employer, position, qualifications, and working hours.
Studying in Singapore can be expensive, but careful budgeting, scholarships, and lawful part-time work may help students manage their expenses. Prospective students should compare current tuition schedules, scholarship conditions, accommodation rates, and visa or employment rules before submitting an application or committing to a budget.
We hope that this article on the cost of studying and living in Singapore for international students was informative. The Singapore Page has more resources to help you explore your study options in the country. For students interested in studying abroad, here is a list of Available Courses for International Students!
