Singapore has become one of the best places for Indian students to study abroad owing to the quality of education provided by its universities, employment opportunities, security, and proximity to India. Unlike other countries where long-term courses and costly lifestyles prevail, Singapore provides internationally recognised degrees along with shorter courses and industry connections in fields such as technology, finance, artificial intelligence, engineering, and business.
Some of the best universities in Asia are present in Singapore, which include the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University, and both universities rank among the best universities around the world. The quality of education provided in English, along with the modern infrastructure and employability of Indian students in Singapore, remains attractive in 2026.
Quick Highlights: Top Universities in Singapore
The education system of Singapore is comparatively smaller than that of other nations, such as the UK and the USA, but they have some of the best universities in Asia in terms of employment, research, and innovation. Almost all universities emphasise practical learning, internships, and industrial collaboration. Indian students prefer studying in Singapore due to its proximity and the Indian community.
| University | QS Ranking 2026 | Known For | Average Annual Fees |
| National University of Singapore | #8 | Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Business | SGD 17,000–21,000 |
| Nanyang Technological University | #12 | Engineering, AI, Data Science, Business | SGD 17,000–20,000 |
| Singapore Management University | Top business university in Asia | Business, Finance, Economics, Law | SGD 17,000–20,000 |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | Top 500 globally | Design, Engineering, AI | SGD 17,000–19,000 |
| Singapore Institute of Technology | Emerging globally | Applied learning, Engineering, Health Sciences | SGD 24,000–40,000 |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences | Popular for social sciences | Psychology, Business, Social Sciences | Varies by program |
National University of Singapore (NUS)
NUS ranks amongst the best universities in the whole world and happens to be the number one university in all of Singapore. The name NUS has become famous because of its excellence in different fields, including computer science, engineering, medicine, law, and business. The high expectations of Indian students make them go to NUS.
Why students choose NUS:
- QS World Ranking 2026: #8 globally
- Strong global employability
- Excellent research opportunities
- Large international student community
- Strong internship culture
Popular courses:
- Computer Science
- Business Analytics
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Law
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
The NTU is another prestigious university that has earned fame due to its courses in STEM and research activities carried out by it. It is very popular among Indian students enrolled in the courses of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Engineering, and Data Science. The modern green campus of this university is its biggest strength.
Why students choose NTU:
- QS Ranking 2026: #12 globally
- Strong engineering reputation
- Research-focused education
- High graduate employability
Popular programs:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mechanical Engineering
- Data Science
- Communication Studies
- Business
Singapore Management University (SMU)
The SMU is one of the best business schools in Asia. The educational system is based on that of America, where classes are small, and learning is practical. SMU is a good choice for students interested in finance, consulting, economics, and business analytics.
Why students choose SMU:
- Strong business reputation
- Excellent networking opportunities
- Industry-focused curriculum
- Downtown Singapore location
Popular courses:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Management
- Information Systems
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
SUTD is an ideal learning place for students who seek an education that incorporates knowledge from technology, design, and innovation. The university was founded in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). SUTD has become increasingly popular among students specialising in fields like AI, engineering, and innovation.
Why students choose SUTD:
- MIT collaboration
- Innovation-focused learning
- Strong startup culture
- Project-based education
Popular programs:
- AI & Data Science
- Architecture
- Engineering Systems
- Information Systems
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
SIT is a practical school that focuses on real-life experience. Many subjects offered by the university contain internships and practical classes, which makes it ideal for job-related learning. Students from other countries consider SIT more attractive because of its practical approach.
Popular fields:
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Computing
- Hospitality
- Physiotherapy
Major advantage:
- Strong internship exposure
- Industry-integrated learning
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
SUSS is famous for its flexible style of learning and social sciences studies. SUSS caters to students who are passionate about psychology, education, business, and human development.
Popular areas:
- Psychology
- Business
- Social Work
- Human Resource Management
Cost of Studying in Singapore
The education system in Singapore is one of the best in the world. However, it is also very costly for international students due to high tuition and the cost of living.
Average tuition fees:
- Undergraduate programs: SGD 17,000–40,000 yearly
- Master’s programs: Higher depending on the university and specialisation
Average living expenses:
- SGD 800–2,000 monthly
Scholarships for Indian Students in Singapore
Many scholarships are available at various universities in Singapore for students who perform excellently in their academics and demonstrate strong leadership qualities. Such scholarships cover all costs and are highly competitive, but achievable.
Popular scholarships:
- NUS International Scholarships
- NTU Scholarships
- ASEAN Scholarships
- SINGA Scholarship
- University-specific merit scholarships
Why Indian Students Prefer Singapore in 2026
Singapore has become a preferred choice of students because of its proximity to Asia, along with top-notch educational institutions. Students prefer Singapore as the visa process and safety are less problematic compared to Western countries.
Major benefits:
- English-speaking education
- Safer environment
- Shorter travel distance from India
- Strong career opportunities
- Globally ranked universities
- Strong tech and finance sectors
Conclusion
Singapore remains a great destination for Indian students in the year 2026. Whether you want to join prestigious international universities like NUS and NTU or career-focused institutes like SUTD and SIT, you will get it all in addition to great education, great job opportunities, and campus life. But what is great about studying in Singapore? Get quality education from a world-renowned institute in Asia without spending more time and money than in the Western world.
Read more related topics:
- Best Courses to Study in Singapore for Indian Students
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore for Indian Students
- Study in Singapore Without IELTS on Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top 3 universities in Singapore?
The top three universities in Singapore, renowned globally for their world-class academics, research, and graduate employability, are the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU).
2. Is NUS better than IIT?
Whether the National University of Singapore (NUS) is “better” than the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) depends heavily on your financial situation, long-term career geography, and specific discipline. Generally, NUS excels in global prestige, whereas top-tier IITs provide unparalleled local networks and return on investment within India.
3. Is it expensive to study in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore is generally expensive for students. While it is more affordable than the UK, USA, or Australia, you can expect to spend about SGD 1,200 to SGD 3,000 per month on living costs, alongside yearly tuition fees of SGD 20,000 to SGD 50,000+.
4. How many Indians get into NUS?
Indian students typically see an NUS acceptance rate of around 4% to 6%. Competition from within Asia is particularly strong, and NUS evaluates every application through a holistic review rather than publishing country-specific figures.