The National University of Singapore (NUS) is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 universities. With a selective acceptance rate of around 5–10%, NUS offers highly competitive undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, computer science, business, medicine, law and social sciences. Tuition fees range from SGD 17,000–60,000 per year depending on the program, with generous scholarships available for international students.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Asia’s leading public research university and one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Known for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, strong global rankings and outstanding graduate employability, NUS is a top choice for international students, including those from India, planning to study abroad in Singapore 2026.
This guide covers NUS acceptance rate, global rankings, popular courses, tuition fees, scholarships, admission requirements and career prospects.
About the National University of Singapore
- Location: Singapore
- Established: 1905
- Type: Public Research University
- Students: 40,000+
- International Students: 30%+
- Global Reputation: Asia’s #1 university (consistently)
NUS combines academic rigor with strong industry collaboration, making it one of the best universities in the world for employability and innovation.
National University of Singapore Rankings (2026)
- QS World University Ranking 2026: Top 10 globally
- QS Asia Ranking: #1 in Asia
- Times Higher Education (THE): Top 25 globally
- Graduate Employability Ranking: Among world’s top 10
These rankings make NUS one of the best universities for international students worldwide.
National University of Singapore Acceptance Rate
The estimated acceptance rate is 5–10%, making NUS highly selective.
- Undergraduate programs: Extremely competitive
- Master’s programs: Competitive but program-dependent
- MBA & Medicine: Very selective
Strong academics, relevant background and excellent test scores are essential.
Popular Courses at NUS (2026)
Undergraduate Programs
- Computer Science
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical)
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Data Science
- Architecture
Postgraduate (Master’s) Programs
- Computer Science & AI
- Data Science & Analytics
- MBA (NUS Business School)
- Finance & Business Analytics
- Engineering & Technology
- Public Policy & International Affairs
- Law (LLM)
Doctoral Programs
- Engineering & Sciences
- Medicine & Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Research
NUS is especially known for STEM, business, data science and research-focused programs.
Tuition Fees at NUS (2026)
Undergraduate (International Students)
- SGD 17,000 – 25,000 per year (after subsidies)
Master’s Programs
- SGD 25,000 – 55,000 per year
- MBA programs can go up to SGD 60,000+
PhD Programs
- Often fully funded with monthly stipends
Singapore government tuition grants may reduce fees but require a service obligation.
Scholarships at National University of Singapore
NUS offers some of the best scholarships in Asia for international students.
1. NUS Global Merit Scholarship
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living allowance
- Accommodation support
2. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
- Tuition fees covered
- Living allowance
- Book allowance
3. NUS International Graduate Scholarship
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Research funding
4. MBA & Business School Scholarships
- Merit-based and need-based awards
- Partial to full fee coverage
NUS Admission Requirements (2026)
Undergraduate
- Strong academic record (top 5–10%)
- Class 12 with high scores (CBSE/ISC accepted)
- SAT/ACT (program-dependent)
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Postgraduate
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
- Strong GPA
- GRE/GMAT (for selected programs)
- IELTS/TOEFL
- SOP, CV, LORs
Cost of Living in Singapore for Students
| Expense | Monthly Cost (SGD) |
| Accommodation | 600 – 1,200 |
| Food | 300 – 500 |
| Transport | 100 – 150 |
| Utilities & Internet | 80 – 120 |
| Personal Expenses | 200 – 300 |
| Total | 1,300 – 2,200 |
Singapore is expensive, but high graduate salaries offset costs.
Career Outcomes & Employability
- High graduate employment rate
- Strong campus recruitment
- Employers include Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, Temasek
- Access to Asia-Pacific job markets
NUS graduates are among the highest-paid graduates in Asia.
Conclusion
The National University of Singapore stands among the world’s elite universities and is an outstanding choice for international students aiming for academic excellence and global careers. With top global rankings, selective admissions, strong scholarships and unmatched employability outcomes, NUS continues to be Asia’s most sought-after university in 2026. For students ready to compete at the highest level, NUS offers exceptional value, recognition and long-term career growth.
FAQs
1. Is the National University of Singapore good for international students?
Yes. NUS is one of the best universities globally, offering world-class education, strong employability and global recognition.
2. How competitive is admission to NUS?
Very competitive, with acceptance rates between 5–10%.
3. Does NUS offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. NUS provides generous merit-based and need-based scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
4. Is NUS better than NTU for international students?
Both are excellent, but NUS generally ranks higher globally and offers broader program diversity.
5. Is studying at NUS worth the cost?
Yes. High graduate salaries, strong global recognition and excellent career outcomes make NUS a high-ROI university.
6. What is the acceptance rate of the National University of Singapore?
The National University of Singapore has an estimated acceptance rate of 5–10%, making it one of the most competitive universities globally.
7. Is NUS ranked among the top universities in the world?
Yes. NUS consistently ranks in the global top 10 and is widely recognised as the number one university in Asia.
8. Which courses at NUS are most popular among international students?
Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Data Science, MBA, Finance, Law and Public Policy are the most popular programs at NUS.
9. How much does it cost to study at NUS for international students?
Tuition fees typically range from SGD 17,000 to SGD 55,000 per year, depending on the program and level of study.
10. Does NUS offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. NUS offers several merit-based scholarships, including full and partial tuition waivers with living allowances.
11. Is NUS good for Indian students?
Yes. NUS is highly popular among Indian students due to its academic excellence, strong placements and global degree recognition.
12. Are NUS degrees recognised worldwide?
Yes. Degrees from NUS are recognised globally and highly valued by employers in Asia, Europe, the US and Australia.
13. What are the English language requirements for NUS?
International students usually need IELTS or TOEFL, though some programs may waive this if prior education was in English.
14. Can international students work while studying at NUS?
Yes. International students can work part-time during term and full-time during vacations, subject to visa regulations.
15. Is studying at NUS worth the investment?
Yes. With high graduate salaries, excellent employability and global rankings, NUS offers one of the best returns on investment worldwide.