Tuition Fees and Living Costs in Singapore: Is It Really Expensive?

This article provides a detailed breakdown of tuition fees and living expenses in Singapore, covering everything from university tuition, accommodation costs, to food and daily living expenses.

Are you looking for a high-quality education in an amazing place? Then Singapore might just be the answer. In addition to being rich in culture, Singapore is one of the most modern countries in the world and offers many opportunities for a bright future.

Singapore has long been recognized internationally as one of the smartest and safest countries in the world, with excellent investment opportunities. So it’s no surprise that tourists and students flock to this country.

See also the easiest and most convenient way to send money to Singapore

Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. Most of its citizens are bilingual, and English has quickly become the lingua franca, making communication easier for international students.

Who wouldn’t want to study in Singapore? One of the biggest reasons is that most universities here rank among the best in the world. Currently, two Singaporean universities are in the top 15 globally. Singapore itself ranks 15th among cities with the highest education standards, according to QS Best Student Cities.

With modern teaching tools, technology, and research facilities, universities in Singapore foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Tuition Fees in Singapore

Tuition fees in Singapore vary depending on the university and program of study. One of the main factors that affects the cost is citizenship status. In Singapore, there are four categories:

1. Subsidized annual fees for Singaporean citizens
2. Subsidized annual fees for permanent residents
3. Subsidized annual fees for international students
4. Non-subsidized annual fees

In general, the subsidized annual tuition fee at public universities is around SGD 8,000–9,000 (IDR 84–94 million). For non-subsidized and non-Singaporean students, the tuition fee is about SGD 10,000 (IDR 105 million).

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Recommended Universities in Singapore

Higher education institutions in Singapore offer a wide range of programs for both local and international students. Private universities in particular, offer many scholarships and student exchange programs. Below are some top universities in Singapore:

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

Initially established in 1905 as a medical school with only 23 students, NUS has grown significantly over the past century. It now has three campuses, 17 faculties, and 154 postgraduate programs.

As Singapore’s flagship university, NUS continues its commitment to serving the country and community through innovative education programs, aiming to make a strong impact in the fourth industrial revolution and beyond. In 2020, NUS was ranked among the world’s top 25 universities by QS World University Rankings.

• Regular undergraduate programs: EUR 17,750–24,300 (IDR 299–397 million) per year
• Medicine, dentistry, and music undergraduate programs: EUR 75,700–99,450 (IDR 1.3–1.7 billion) per year
• Regular master’s programs: EUR 22,200–40,800 (IDR 363–667 million) per year
• Master’s in dentistry: EUR 59,600 (IDR 974 million) per year

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Officially established in July 1991, NTU started as a teaching institution and has since evolved into a globally recognized research-intensive university. It’s seen as a model for future education and innovation, having developed cutting-edge solutions in biomedical engineering, clean energy, computational biology, intelligent systems, nanotechnology, and wireless communication.

• Regular postgraduate programs: SGD 17,550 (IDR 184 million) per year
• Postgraduate economics faculty: SGD 20,100 (IDR 210 million) per year
• Postgraduate medicine faculty: SGD 74,900 (IDR 782 million) per year
• Postgraduate engineering faculty: SGD 38,300 (IDR 400 million) per year
  (*Fees include subsidies for international students)

3. Singapore Management University (SMU)

After NUS and NTU, the Singapore government debated the idea of a third top university in 1997. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tony Tan proposed that SMU should be unique and different. SMU offers six faculties for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs: accounting, business, economics, IT, law, and social sciences.

This university is known for its multi-disciplinary research on Asian issues and collaborates with top researchers and institutions from the US, UK, China, and India.

• Undergraduate economics faculty: SGD 44,770 (IDR 468 million) per year
• Undergraduate law faculty: SGD 47,320 (IDR 494 million) per year

4. Emeritus Institute of Management

Emeritus offers management education programs in collaboration with executive education divisions from MIT Sloan, Columbia Business School, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

• Certificate course: INR 161,833 (IDR 31 million) for 10 months
• Executive MBA: INR 450,000 (IDR 85 million) for 2 years
• Executive program: INR 195,000 (IDR 37 million) for 9 months

Cost of Living in Singapore

Singapore ranks among the most expensive countries due to its high standard of living. International students typically need around EUR 700–1,500 (IDR 12–25 million) per month, depending on where they live.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation costs vary depending on type, location, and the number of occupants. Most universities offer on-campus dormitories at more affordable rates. However, international students often prefer to rent off-campus housing with roommates.

• Apartment rental: EUR 1,100–1,300 (IDR 18–22 million) per month, not including utilities (water and electricity) of about EUR 80–140 (IDR 1.4–2.3 million)
• On-campus dormitories: EUR 200–850 (IDR 4–14 million) per month, including meals, laundry, TV, and internet.

Food Costs

To save money, it’s best to cook your own meals. But if you prefer eating out, here are the average costs:

• Restaurant meal: EUR 43.50 (IDR 711,000) per portion
• Grocery shopping: EUR 175–275 (IDR 3–5 million) per month

Transportation Costs

Transport fares are distance-based, and air-conditioned travel tends to cost more. However, students typically receive a 50% discount on all transportation. Monthly train and bus passes cost around EUR 75 (IDR 2 million).

That concludes a detailed overview of tuition and living expenses in Singapore. Costs may vary based on the academic year. Gain valuable skills and experience by studying in Singapore.

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