Study in Singapore
Explore affordable, high-quality education in Singapore. Top universities like NUS and NTU offer globally recognized degrees, vibrant student life, and strong job prospects—making it a leading study destination in Asia.
Studying in Singapore: Ultimate How-To Guide
Singapore has, in a short time, evolved to be among the most desired study-abroad destinations for Indian students, especially those who desire to obtain world-class education, global exposure, career-focused education, and closeness to India. Singapore is often termed the education and innovation hub of Asia because it integrates academic excellence with industry relevance, thus providing students with a good platform to work internationally.
The Singaporean universities have also been listed as some of the highest-ranked universities across the world, particularly in engineering, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, finance, management, life sciences, and business analytics. The education system is highly technologically developed and research-based, with the country being closely linked with the global industries.
Here, you will find a complete guide for Indian students about studying in Singapore, including universities, courses, admission requirements, tuition fees and scholarships, visas, cost of living, work opportunities, accommodation, and student life.
The Reasons Why Indian Students Prefer Singapore for Their Higher Education
Singapore is one of the favorite study destinations for Indian students because of the academic quality, international popularity, familiarity with the native culture, and good employment opportunities that create a perfect combination that Indian students seek in the country. English is the language spoken here, so Indian students find no difficulty either in communicating with the native people or in understanding the lectures. There is a big Indian population, and Singapore is a safe place to live, and it is very welcoming while also being internationally exposed.
Major Reasons to Study in Singapore
- Home to the best universities in the world, including NUS and NTU.
- Another reason is that English is the primary language of instructions and communication.
- High emphasis on technology, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
- Superior relationships with international companies in the industry.
- Reduced time spent in courses, as compared to Europe and the US.
- Excellent graduate employment figures.
- Safe, clean, and highly organized society
- A multicultural setting that is a massive Indian diaspora.
- Portal to career opportunities in Asia-Pacific.
- Good reputation in finance, technology, consulting, and research.
Singapore also offers Indian students an international-standard education, at the same time being geographically and culturally closer to home.
Quick Facts About Singapore
Feature | Details |
Capital | Singapore |
Top Cities to Study | Singapore (city-state) |
Popular Fields | Engineering, Business, IT, Data Science |
Tuition Fees | ₹10–30 lakh per year |
Living Cost | ₹1–1.5 lakh per month |
Major Intakes | August, January |
Scholarships | Government & University funded |
Singapore Education System – Best for Indian Students
The education system in Singapore is internationally standardized and is very much similar to the British and American academic systems. Singaporean degrees are recognized and well-appreciated by employers across the globe.
Study Levels in Singapore
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3–4 years
- Master’s Degree: 1–2 years
- MBA: 1–2 years
- PhD / Doctorate: 3–5 years
Singaporean Institutions
- Public Autonomous Universities: Research-intensive, government-funded.
- Industry-Oriented and Skill-Based Universities: Private Universities.
- International Branch Campuses: UK, US, and Australian universities in Singapore.
Study Intakes
- August Intake: Intake period for most programs.
- January Intake: Inside postgraduate programs are limited.
Top Degrees to Undertake in Singapore among Indian Learners
Singapore has a world-acclaimed career-oriented and industry-aligned education, particularly in high-growth industries.
Popular Programs in Singapore
Engineering & Technology
Electrical, mechanical, civil, electronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor engineering.
Computer Science and Information Technology
Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering.
Business & Management
MBA, International Business, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics.
Finance, Economics & FinTech
Financial engineering, FinTech, Risk Management, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Finance.
Life Sciences & Healthcare
Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Hospitality, Tourism, and Aviation
Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Aviation Management, Event Management.
Admission Criteria for Indian Students
For Bachelor’s Programs
- Completion of Class 12 (CBSE, ISC, or State Boards)
- Good school results (usually 70%, 85%, or higher)
- IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent
- SAT/ACT (some universities require this test)
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
For Master’s Programs
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized university or college
- IELTS 6.5–7.5
- SOP, CV, Letters of Recommendation
- GRE/GMAT (required of some programs, most prominently MBAs)
Common Documents Required
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- The English language test scores.
Students should apply 6-10 months prior to the intake.
Student Visa Program to Singapore for Indian Students
The Indian students have to seek a Student Pass, which is issued by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore.
Documents Required
- Letter of an invitation to work in a known institution in Singapore.
- Evidence of monetary competence.
- Passport copy
- Academic documents
- Form of application of visa fully filled.
Visa Processing Time: 2–4 weeks
The Student Pass enables students to legally reside and study in Singapore as long as they are in course.
Cost of Studying in Singapore
Tuition Fees (Tuition fees are approximate, in INR per year)
Program Level | Fees |
Bachelor’s | ₹12–25 lakh |
Master’s | ₹15–30 lakh |
MBA | ₹30–60 lakh |
PhD | Mostly funded |
Tuition Grant Scheme
Singapore has a Tuition Grant Scheme, which greatly subsidizes the tuition charges. On their part, students undertake to work temporarily in Singapore upon graduation.
Indian Student Living Expenses in Singapore
Expense | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Approx INR |
Rent | 600–1,200 | ₹37,000–74,000 |
Food | 300–500 | ₹18,000–30,000 |
Transport | 80–120 | ₹5,000–7,500 |
Utilities | 100–150 | ₹6,000–9,000 |
Personal | 150–300 | ₹9,000–18,000 |
Singapore is rather costly, but on the other hand, pupils enjoy high-quality transport, accessible lunch at a reduced price, and quality infrastructure.
Best Singaporean Universities Among Indians
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Singapore Management University (SMU)
- Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
- INSEAD (Asia Campus)
QS World Rankings 2026
QS Rank | University | Best Programs |
8 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Engineering, Business |
12 | Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | Technology, AI |
511 | Singapore Management University (SMU) | Business, Finance |
Indian Students’ Scholarships in Singapore
External and Government Scholarships and Government
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- Tuition Grant Scheme
- ASEAN Scholarships
- A*STAR Scholarships
University Scholarships
- Merit-based tuition waivers
- Monthly stipends
- Research assistantships
Scholarship Benefits
- Part or full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly living allowance
- Research funding
- Accommodation support
A large number of people are trying to get scholarships; therefore, it is very important to apply early.
When Are the Intakes to Study in Singapore?
Intake | Months | Notes |
Main Intake | August | Most programs available |
Secondary Intake | January | Limited courses |
Singaporean Work Opportunities
During Studies
- A maximum of 16 hours on weekdays of the study period.
- Full-time available on vacations (approved)
Final Opportunities After the Study
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
- Employment Pass (EP)
- Good employment in the financial, IT, consulting, biotech, and engineering industries.
Singapore has been recognized to have high graduate employability, particularly of students in premium universities.
Indian Student Accommodation in Singapore
Housing Options
- University hostels
- Private student residences
- Shared apartments
- Homestays
Facilities Available
- Fully furnished rooms
- Shared kitchens
- Laundry facilities
- High-speed internet
- Common areas, study rooms, and gyms.
- CCTV cameras, secure door entries, and fire extinguishers.
Accommodation is contemporary, secure, and one can reach universities through public transport.
Student Life in Singapore
The Singaporean student life is diverse, multicultural, and well-organized. The ease of adjusting is because of the high population of Indians in the city, Indian festivals, temples, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Students love to go to Marina Bay, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Gardens by the bay and also like going to the neighboring countries like Malaysia and Thailand. Singapore has a busy but secure living environment, which is good for students with career interests.
In the universities, there are great sports facilities, student clubs, research, and networking activities that boost both academic and personal development.
More Facts About Singapore
Singapore is a technological, innovative, and global financial center in Southeast Asia. It has a top healthcare system, the safest cities, and the most efficient transport systems in the world.
The official working language is English, and it makes the Indian students find ease in their academic and professional life. A disciplined, clean, and technologically advanced country is associated with the country.
Final Note
Singapore is one of the most viable options for studying abroad in Asian countries among Indians. Singapore has the best academic and professional experience within the country with the best-ranked universities, industry-focused education, secure setting, and excellent work opportunities.
Singapore is unquestionably a good option as far as Indian students are concerned, because they want to obtain high-quality education, global career opportunities, and be near their home.
Cost of Living in Singapore
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Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore provides high-quality education, international experiences, and high career opportunities.
Yes, study in Singapore for Indian students is costly, but there are scholarships, part-time employment, and grants of tuition which make it less expensive.
Depending on the course, the tuition is between INR 12-30 lakh per year.
Yes, to 16 hours a week in term time.
Singapore is indeed among the safest countries in the world.
Yes, the entire academic curriculum is in English.
Yes, SINGA, Tuition Grant Scheme, ASEAN scholarships, and university scholarships are the scholarships that Indian students can get.
Engineering, Business, Data Science, AI, Finance, and Biotechnology are some good courses to study in Singapore.
Yes, by Employment Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.
Yes, in finance, technology, consulting, and research in particular.