The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a national research university based in Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore. According to most rankings, it is considered to be one of the best universities in the Asia-Pacific and is among the top 80 universities in the world. NUS is a comprehensive research university, offering degree programmes in a wide range of disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including in the sciences, medicine and dentistry, design and environment, law, arts and social sciences, engineering, business, computing, and music.
NUS’s main campus is located in the southwestern part of Singapore, adjacent to Kent Ridge, accommodating an area of 150 ha (370 acres); the Duke-NUS Medical School, a postgraduate medical school jointly established with Duke University, is located at the Outram campus; its Bukit Timah campus houses the Faculty of Law and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy; and the Yale-NUS College, a liberal arts college established in collaboration with Yale University, is located at University Town (commonly known as UTown). NUS has one Nobel laureate, Konstantin Novoselov, as a professor among its faculty.
9 Cheapest Universities in Singapore for International Students
Singapore is a country that is synonymous with innovation, world-class development and high prestige. It is frequently referred to as the global ‘garden city’ of the world due to the striking balance between its authentic culture and globalised western modernity. It is one of the fastest growing nations in the world.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Singapore is home to novel infrastructure facilities, high standards of living, an iconic healthcare system as well as one of the most prestigious education systems in the world. This is only supported by notoriously strict laws in the country such as those that prohibit chewing gum and smoking in public places.
With the blend of cultures, languages and religions coupled with the aforementioned qualities in terms of its world-class modernity, Singapore is indeed a top choice for many international students.
NUS is ranked first in Singapore and Asia Pacific, and 22nd in the world according to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and first in Asia Pacific and 11th in the world according to the 2018 QS World University Rankings. NUS was named the world’s 4th most international university. In the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2018, an annual ranking of university graduates’ employability, NUS was ranked 30th in the world.
The latest QS World University Rankings 2021 ranked NUS 11th in the world and first in Asia Pacific. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 placed NUS at 25th in the world and third in Asia Pacific, while it is placed at 24th in the 2019 reputation rankings. In 2020, it is ranked 29th among the universities around the world by SCImago Institutions Rankings. NUS placed 28th for 2019-2020and 32nd for 2020-2021 globally in the Informatics Institute/METU University Ranking by Academic Performance.
Studying in this country not only offers to its students the high standards of education and academic excellence but also the dynamic, big-city environment in a tropical climate with multiple sights of seeing and attractions. Its location in Southeast Asia and its status as a global transport hub makes exploring the rest of the subcontinent easily accessible.
However, studying in one of the richest countries in the world raises the question of expenses and funding for studying in Singapore. In this article, we explain and bring to you some of the cheapest university options in Singapore and if it actually is expensive or cheap to study in this highly reputed country.
Is the admission process for universities too competitive?
Granted that the country sets high standards for its academic studies, admission is significantly competitive. Furthermore, when considering the fact that the country is home to only 6 major universities (excluding private institutions) and that Singapore is a very popular study destination, it comes as no surprise that these universities are highly selective as they receive a large number of applications on an annual basis.
Universities tend to set a specific quota for the number of international students that are accepted.
1. National University of Singapore
- Tuition fees: SGD $29,000
The pinnacle of education in Singapore, the National University of Singapore (NUS) was the first autonomous university to be built in the country. Considered to be the oldest institution of higher education in the country, it was originally founded in 1905 as a medical school until it gained its status as the NUS in 1980.
The main campus is located in southwestern Singapore with additional campuses located in close proximity. It is a comprehensive research-intensive university that provides degrees in a wide array of disciplines.
Currently, the university has a student population of over 36,000 with a high proportion of foreign students. Admission is highly selective and the university only seeks to admit top performers who usually tend to be in the first 5-10% of their graduating class.
To this end, it comes as no surprise that this cheap university in Singapore has been consistently ranked in the top places in league tables; it is ranked 1st in Singapore and in the top 25 universities based on the Times Higher Education and QS rankings.
2. Nanyang Technological University
- Tuition fees: From SGD $17,000
Founded in 1981, the Nanyang Technology University (NTU) is classed as the second oldest autonomous university in Singapore. Located in the west of Singapore, the NTU currently has a student enrolment of over 34,000 students. It is also one of the largest universities in the Asia Pacific region.
Academically, the university is comprised of 8 major colleges and schools ranging from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, the Nanyang Business School and the College of Engineering. It is additionally a high profile research institution and is home to several iconic research facilities such as the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
This cheap university in Singapore aims to provide a holistic student experience for its student body. In addition to the high quality courses and degrees, students also have access to over 100 organisations within the university.
The NTU been consistently ranked in the top 100 universities of the world. It is considered to be the 3rd best university in Asia according to the QS world rankings.
3. Singapore University of Technology & Design
- Tuition fees: From $26,00
Based in the municipality of Tampines, the Singapore University of Technology & Design is another autonomous university that was founded more recently in 2009. The university was established in collaboration with MIT in the United States. As such, development of the curriculum, student exchanges, research collaborations and development of the faculty are covered by this partnership with MIT.
A unique feature of SUTD is the fact that the co-curriculum with MIT enables students to finish 8 terms within three and a half years, which is significantly faster than most universities and institutions in the country. Foundation programs are compulsory in which the university ensures students have a thorough base knowledge of their degrees.
Additionally, graduate programs are administered as dual programs in partnership with MIT while doctoral programs are offered as means of giving students the opportunity to begin their research careers.
4. Singapore Management University
- Tuition fees: From SGD $17,500
The Singapore Management University was founded in 2000 and is the fourth autonomous university to be established in Singapore. It created a partnership with the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and its business programmes are thus modelled after the Wharton School.
The university is based in the Downtown municipality of Singapore City. Currently, the SMU has a student population of over 10,000 and is academically comprised of 6 major schools.
A diversity of subjects and disciplines are offered for undergraduate and postgraduate students (both Masters and PhD programs) ranging from accountancy, economics, business administration, financial services, law and information systems management.
Students are further encouraged to have a diverse student life. International exchange programs are highly encouraged with the university’s 220 partnerships in over 40 different countries. The SMU has been consistently ranked among the top business schools in the Asian continent.
5. Singapore Institute of Technology
- Tuition fees: From SGD $20,000
Founded in 2009, the Singapore Institute of Technology is the country’s fifth autonomous university to be established. Located in the neighbourhood of area of Queenstown, the university aims to provide education through an applied industrial focus. Partnerships with additional universities enables the SIT to confer joint programmes as well. The 6000+ students in its student population have access to over 40 different degree programmes.
Academic programs at this cheap university in Singapore are grouped according to clusters including Engineering, Information Technology, Health & Social Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Design & Specialised Business. Admission is highly competitive with over 14,000 applications for just over 2600 places.
Furthermore, granted the high research profile of the university, students have access to multiple research and work placements, particularly through initiatives such as the integrated work study programme.
6. Singapore University of Social Sciences
- Tuition fees: From SGD $30,00
The 6th autonomous university to be built in Singapore is the Singapore University of Social Sciences. One of the more recent additions to the higher education system in the country, the SUSS was founded in 2017 as a university that provides applied education with a focus on the social sciences.
It was originally of the Singapore Institute of Management. Since its inception, the university has grown into a dynamic institution of over 15,000 students.
Degrees take on an applied pathway and can be completed between 4 to 6 years. Over 70 degrees are provided for the student population. The SUSS further maintains multiple partnerships with overseas universities such as Cranfield University (UK), Embry-Riddle University (USA) and Nanjing University (China).
Admisssion is competitive with over 5500 applications for just under 700 places. Exceptional applicants with high academic results are eligible to go through an accelerated pathway program.
7. Republic Polytechnic
- Tuition fees: From SGD $10,000
- Tuition Link
Republic Polytechnic is an institution of higher education that is located in Woodlands, Singapore. Founded in 2002, this cheap university in Singapore is one of the only universities in the country that currently provides education through the problem-based learning (PBL) system. Polytechnics in Singapore admit their students after secondary school and tend to focus on providing diplomas (which can be up to 3 years long).
Academically, the institution is comprised of 7 major schools that offer around 40 diploma programmes. These range across Management, Communication, Engineering, Hospitality, Sports/Healthcare etc.
8. Nanyang Polytechnic
Seven academic schools constitute the institution; these include the Schools of Business Management, Design, Engineering, Chemical & Life Sciences, Information Technology, Interactive & Digital Media and Health/Social Sciences. Students further have access to over 50 different co-curricular activities in addition to their studies as means of developing the student life.
9. James Cook University Singapore
- Tuition fees: From SGD $50,00
The James Cook University is an international extension of Australia’s James Cook University. Founded in 2003, the JCU was established to expand the international excellence and world-class standards of the original JCU campus in Australia, which currently sits in the top 2% of universities in the world. JCU Singapore naturally models the curriculum of its Australian parent university.
As of 2019, the university has a student enrolment of over 4200. Currently, the university offers degrees across multiple pathways ranging from Business, Education, Environmental Sciences, Aquaculture, Information Technology and Tourism & Hospitality.
The benefit for Singapore is in the fact that enrolments increase as most national students as well as students in neighbouring countries choose to study at the Singapore branch instead of migrating to Australia for their further education.
The only disadvantage to students is the lack of accommodation offered within the university’s campus. However, the university offers thorough assistance to ensure all students have proper accommodation during the course of their studies.
Best 4 Universities in Singapore for Psychology Programme
Psychology is one of the most popular areas to study at University. Several universities and colleges in Singapore provide Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes in Psychology and cover a wide range of specialisations.
There are four universities in Singapore reputed for their remarkable psychology programmes and offer research facilities for studying perception, developmental psychology, cognition, and behavioural neuroscience.
National University of Singapore (NUS)
National University of Singapore is the first autonomous and research university in Singapore. It is a leading global university also a premier university in Asia. NUS remains the world top 100 universities in all world reputed university ranking systems.
NUS offers six psychology programmes, below are the details of each programme and tuition fee.
NUS Psychology Programme and Tuition Fees
| Programme | International Tuition Fees (with MOE grant) | international Tuition Fees | Intakes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | $17,550 | $29,850 | Aug, Jan | 3 years full time |
| Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology | $17,550 | $29,850 | Aug, Jan | 4 years full time |
| Master of Psychology (Clinical) | N.A | $36,800 | Aug | 2 year full time |
| Master of Social Sciences in Psychology by Research | N.A | $35,450 | Aug | 3 year full time |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology by Research | $20,350 | $36,800 | Aug | 4- 5 years full time |
| Doctor of Clinical Psychology | N.A | $35,480 | Aug | 4 – 5 years full time |
| All fees listed are Tuition fees per YEAR in Singapore Dollars inclusive of local tax (GST) and apply for the 2019/2020 academic year |
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University is the second-largest university in Singapore. It is established in 1955 as former Nanyang University, and formed as NTU after the merge with National Institution of Education.
NTU offers eight psychology programmes, below are the details of each programme and tuition fee.
NTU Psychology Programme and Tuition Fees
| Programme | International Tuition Fees (with government grant) | international Tuition Fees | Intakes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Psychology (Double Major (Honours)) | $17,550 | $31,970 | Aug, Jan | 4 years full time |
| Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology | $17,550 | $31,970 | Aug, Jan | 4 years full time |
| Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology | $17,550 | $31,970 | Aug, Jan | 4 year full time |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Linguistics and Multilingual Studies | $17,550 | $31,970 | Aug, Jan | 4 year full time |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Media Analytics | $17,750 | $31,970 | Aug, Jan | 4 years full time |
| Master of Arts (Applied Psychology) | $19,250 | $38,300 | Jan | 1 year full time |
| Master of Arts in Psychology (By Research) | $4,093 | $35,850 | Jan | 2 – 3 years full time |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology | $19,250 | $35,850 | Jan | 2 – 5 years full time |
| All fees listed are Tuition fees per YEAR in Singapore Dollars inclusive of local tax (GST) and apply for the 2019/2020 academic year |
James Cook University Singapore
James Cook University Singapore is the only private university in Singapore and offering PhD programmes and Doctor of Psychology. The psychology teaching and research facilities are excellent here, and JCU Singapore also offers a psychology clinic.
Due to JCU Singapore managing their institutions and providing an outstanding quality of education and welfare for their students, it received the 1st Singapore Education Trust Certification Star Rating (Edu Trust Star) in 2015. This award is the highest level of award in the non-public university sector, and JCU Singapore obtains it again in 2019.
Internationally, James Cook University continuously rank top world-widely.
JCU Singapore offers six psychology programmes, below are the details of each programme and tuition fees.
| Programmes | Domestic Tuition Fees | International Tuition Fees | Intakes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Higher Education (Majoring in Psychological Science) | $19,260 | $20,116 | Mar, Jul, Nov | 8 months full time |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science | $28,890 | $30,174 | Mar, Jul, Nov | 2 years full time |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) | $25,145 | $26,001 | Mar, Jul, Nov | 1 year full time |
| Graduate Diploma of Psychology | $20,865 | $21,507 | Mar, Jul, Nov | 1 year full time |
| Master of Psychology (Clinical) | $32,100 | N.A | Mar | 2 years full time |
| Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) | $31,592 | N.A | Mar | 4 years full time |
| All fees listed are tuition fees per YEAR in Singapore Dollars inclusive of local tax (GST) and apply for the 2019/2020 academic year |
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore Management University is established in 2000, It is Singapore’s third autonomous university. Although SMU is a young university less than 20 years of history, it already at the forefront of world reputed university ranking systems.
SMU ranked 151-200th for QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019: Psychology 151 – 200th.
SMU offers three psychology programmes, below are the details of each programme and tuition fee.
SMU Psychology Programme and Tuition Fees
| Programme | International Tuition Fees (with government grant/bond) | international Tuition Fees | Intakes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Social Science (Psychology) | $24,500 | $44,510 | Aug | 4 year full time |
| Master of Philosophy in Psychology | N.A | $34,132.50 | Aug | 2 years full time |
| PhD in Psychology | $10,975 | $17,067 | Aug | 4 years full time |
| All fees listed are tuition fees per YEAR in Singapore Dollars inclusive of local tax (GST) and apply for the 2019/2020 academic year |
Popular Courses in Singapore
Singapore has become quite a popular destination for higher education among international students for its student-friendly environment and wide variety of courses on offer. In fact, two of its universities have been ranked at the top for their “international outlook” by Times Higher Education (THE) – the National University of Singapore (NUS) ranked 4th and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) ranked 9th. It has also become a hot favourite for Indian students looking for study abroad options, thanks to its geographical proximity and affordable cost of living & education. The following are the most sought-after courses in Singapore which are preferred by Indian students.
Study in Singapore
Higher Education in Singapore
Characterized as world-leading and selected for commendation by Britian’s education minister, Singapore’s higher education system has developed into a leading force that assists in promoting its reputation as one of the world’s leading centers for financial growth and technological advancements.Six national universities in Singapore are ranked among the top 50 in the world: the Nanyang Technological University, the Singapore University of Technology and Design, the National University of Singapore, the Singapore Institute of Technology, the Singapore Management University and the SIM University.These universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Accountancy, Information Systems Management, Business Management, Economics, the Social Sciences, Law and Computer Science.
Singapore also has polytechnic colleges that are designed to train students for jobs that support the economic and technological development of the nation.Currently, Singapore offers five polytechnics for students who wish to earn a non-academic degree that allows them to enter the workforce immediately upon completing the program.A degree earned at a polytechnic is similar to an associate’s degree or vocational certificate and takes less than two years to complete.
International students are allowed to work 16 hours each week while enrolled full – time at a Singapore university.Students applying for a study visa need to prove they are fluent in English by providing the results of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE); or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS). They must also have received an acceptance letter from a university or polytechnic as well as passport photos and documentation proving their eligibility to enter a university degree program (high school diploma, for example).
In addition, international students will need to obtain a local sponsor who is a Singaporean citizen before they can apply for a student visa. Some universities and polytechnics may not require sponsoring, so students should check with their intended school of choice to determine whether sponsorship is required. Visa processing may take one to two months, depending on the validity of a student’s paperwork and amount of documentation. All applications are to be submitted online to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (SOLAR), which provides all information necessary to facilitate a student’s entry into Singapore’s higher education system.
Why Study in Singapore?
Students graduating from Singapore’s universities are consistently ranked exceptionally high on assessments regarding science and mathematic knowledge. In fact, Singaporean students were ranked number one according to statistical research performed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement organization. Moreover, the Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore are considered among the top 50 educational institutions in the world. In addition, students will also enjoy Singapore’s excellent healthcare system which the World Health Organization ranks as the sixth best in the world.
Popular courses offered by Singapore universities
Foreign students head to Singapore not just for graduate (post graduate courses) but also to pursue undergraduate degrees in popular subjects like:
- MBA/ Business/ Management
- IT/ Computing
- Engineering & Science
- Tourism/ travel/ hotel management
- Creative Arts/ Design Courses
- Architecture
- Medicine
Duration of Courses
- Polytechnic Diplomas: for 3years,
- University Degrees: for 3 years,
- Private Sector Degrees: 2-3 years, SMU
- Postgraduate Degrees: 1 – 2 years
Singapore society is knowledge based driving in the global economy. Education is the only factor responsible in shaping Singapore’s economy. The medium of education in Singapore is both English and Malay/Mandarin/Tamil which is a major factor contributing to the strength of its education system.
List of Popular Courses in Singapore
Agriculture and Related Subjects
- Agriculture / Horticulture (General)
- Animal Husbandry
- Gardening / Floristry
- Veterinary Services
Applied and Pure Sciences
- Astronomy / Space Science
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Physic
- Science
Architecture, Building and Planning
- Building / Construction Operations
- Building Design / Architecture
- Building Maintenance / Services
- Civil Engineering
- Construction
- Construction Management
- Property: Surveying / Planning / Development
- Structural Engineering
Art
- Art
- Art & Design
- Art of Specific Cultures and Periods
- Fine Art
Aviation
- Air Freight Transport
- Air Passenger Transport
- Air Transport Operations
- Aircraft Operation
- Airport Management / Ground Services
- Aviation Safety
Beauty and Personal Care
- Beauty Care / Services
- Fashion Consultancy
- Hairdressing Services
- Manicure
- Pedicure
- Salon Work
Career Planning and Job Skills
- Career Planning
- Preparatory Courses
- Study Skills
Economics
- Applied Economics
- International Economics
- Microeconomics
Education and Teaching
- Careers / Education Guidance Work
- Education / Training / Learning (Theory)
- Teaching / Training
- Teaching / Training Subjects
Application & Tuition Fees
Q.
Is there any application fees?
A.
International students need to pay SGD 20 as a non-refundable application fee on the online application portal of NUS. Fee can be paid using international cards of AMEX, AliPay, Visa, Mastercard, or PayNow via electronic payment. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Follow the exact instructions on the E-Payment website.
Step 2: Print a copy of the receipt for personal reference.
Note: The application fee for all the programmes at NUS is the same; however, it may increase with progressive years.Q.
What is the fee structure of courses offered by the university?
A.
The annual tuition fee chargeable to international students at NUS for session 2020-2021 is as follows:
| Course Type | Tuition Fee* (in SGD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor Degrees | 17,550–63,750 |
| Master Degrees | 18,950–31,250 |
| MBA | 65,000 |
| PhD | 15,000 |
Source: National University of Singapore
*Fee varies depending on the course and progressive years. We encourage you to check the school/department’s website for the exact fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Q.
Is there any scholarship or financial aid available for international students?
A.
NUS is counted as one of Singapore’s flagship educational institutions. The university has developed many scholarship programmes to support its national as well as international students. Though there is a limited number of scholarships available to international students, the institution covers most of its applicants.
NUS Scholarship Highlights
About 90% of the total NUS scholarships are designed to cover either 100% tuition fee or some part of it. Majority of scholarships are awarded to the students at the time of their admissions.
Note: Qualified research students are notified about their status in either May or October depending on their admission cycle.
MBA in Singapore is a flexible 1.5-2 year program costing around 60,000 USD to 90,000 USD to international students. This for Indian students estimates up to 65 lakhs. For those looking forward to pursuing an MBA degree from Singapore, having around 80% scores in their bachelor’s, TOEFL score (92-100 or other equivalents), and GMAT/GRE results (optional for some universities) is important. Often the work experience requirement is posed by only a handful of MBA universities in Singapore.
Applicants must ensure that applications for MBA courses are sent within admission deadlines for Singaporean universities to be left with enough time to procure a student visa. With minimal admission requirements and an affordable MBA degree, Singapore has risen on the charts of popular destinations for the course among international applicants. Establishing its rich potential as a gateway to markets in Asia-Pacific and an overseas presence, Singapore offers ample job opportunities with a number of the world’s leading businesses. After completion of the degree, with MBA jobs in Singapore, one can expect to make up to 90,000 to 180,000 USD a year.
Top Business Schools
Best MBA in Singapore
Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an internationally recognized degree course that trains you on the skills required for business management and administration. The top business schools in Singapore offering MBA are tabulated below with their rankings and program durations:
| University | Program Duration | Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| INSEAD | 10 Months | 97,000 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 17 months | 45,000 (FT) |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | 12 months | 45,000; |
| Singapore Management University(SMU) – Lee Kong Chian School of Business | 1 year(10 weeks internship) | 48,000 |
| James Cook University | 16 months | 26,853 |
| SP Jain School of Global Management | 16 months | 31,200 |
| Nanyang Institute of Management | 1 year | 43813; |
| PSB Academy | 16 months | 23,688 |
| Amity Global Institute | 1 year | 15,545 (university of London) 15,546 (University of Northampton) |
| ESSEC Business School | 1 year | 51,805 USD |
NUS offers specialized management programs for students with an engineering background to learn and continue in fields related to their previous studies. With some popular business schools offering MBA programs with global standing, Singapore is now catching up with the race of becoming a heavy-selling MBA brand.Executive MBA
Best Executive MBA in Singapore
Executive MBA is a professional degree offered to executives and professionals who wish to add educational value to their pre-existing experience and learning. Some of the famous B-schools for their Executive MBA in Singapore are as follows:
| University | Program & Duration | Approx Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| NUS | UCLA-NUS Executive MBA (15 months) | 125,000 |
| NUS Executive MBA (15 months) | 77,000 | |
| INSEAD | Global Executive MBA (14-17 months) | 130,000-140,000 |
| Tsinghua INSEAD Executive MBA | 125,000 | |
| SMU | SMU Executive MBA | 130,000 |
Admissions to MBA in Singapore
MBA courses in Singapore are popular for their transformative and experiential learning making it popular among students. In the sections below, you will go through the overview of the admission process & requirements in Singapore and other details you must be aware of as an international student who wants to pursue studies in Singapore.
How to apply
Most universities have online application forms. The intake for aspirants for MBA happens in three months,September, October, and January. For most of the popular business schools in Singapore, the commencement of the MBA program is inApril.
MBA in Singapore: Eligibility Criteria
When planning to study in Singapore, an applicant is required to fulfill certain requirements for successful admissions at popular business schools. Eligibility for MBA in Singapore includes the basic criteria that every applicant must fulfill for most of the business schools and university-specific criteria. The latter basically deals with the specific score requirements for pursuing MBA from a specific business school in Singapore. MBA Eligibiity
General Eligibility Criteria
- Language Proficiency Tests- IELTS, TOEFL( For non-native English speakers)
- GMAT/GRE scores, not mandatory
- A Bachelor Degree in any field from any recognized university
- A minimum of 2.8 CGPA at the graduation level. This is equivalent to 83% or B grade.
- A minimum 2 years of working experience
University Specific Eligibility Criteria
tabulated below is the detail of specific scores and other additional eligibility that international students may have to fulfill for pursuing an MBA in Singapore
| University | Scores | ELP Test Scores | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| INSEAD | GMAT score required | TOEFL – 100, IELTS – 6.5, PTE-68 | Apply Here |
| NUS | GMAT-600 | TOEFL cBT: 260, IELTS: 7.5 | Apply Here |
| Nanyang Technological University | GMAT: 600 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 100 | Apply Here |
| Singapore Management University | GMAT: 600 | TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.0 | Apply Here |
| James Cook University | Preferred | TOEFL iBT: 90, IELTS: 6.5 | Apply Here |
| SP Jain School of Global Management | GMAT: 650 | IELTS- 6.5, PTE-600 | Apply Here |
| Nanyang Institute of Management | GMAT: Required competitive score | IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 100 | Application Form |
| PSB Academy | GMAT preferred, 3 years work experience | TOEFL- 93, IELTS-6.5, PTE- 64 | Request Enquiry |
| Amity Global Institute | GMAT: 610 | TOEFL: 92, IELTS: 6.5 | Apply Here |
| ESSEC Business School | GMAT: Competitive | TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.0 | Online Form |
Applicants must note that having previous work experience is always an added advantage when making applications. As GMAT and Work experience have a weightage of their own when admission decisions are made, it is always suggested to the applicants to ensure that these are not missed out while sending in their applications.
MBA in Singapore Requirements
The documents required when sending in your applications for Singaporean Universities and B-school are discussed below. For most of the documents, scanned copies can be sent along with the applications. Original documents may be required to be submitted at the time of enrollment with the university:
- Application fees Receipt
- Passport details
- Student Pass (for non – Singapore citizens)
- Past academic documents
- Tuition grant: if applied for any
- Financial aid applications
- Awards/ Recognitions/ co-curricular activities/ extracurricular activities/ competitions
- Criminal Offence records, if any
- Medical report stating any disability or illness
- Scores of tests are required for studying in Singapore.
Costs & Tuition
MBA in Singapore Costs
The cost of study when studying abroad broadly comprises all your expenses from pre-departure to post-departure and tuition fees for an MBA in Singapore. Detailed below are the expenses an international student suffers when planning to study in Singapore. It is always preferred that student is familiar with the expenses and plans ahead of them, to ensure a smooth experience.
Pre-Departure Expense
These are mostly one-time expenses which include the cost of various application fees, like Singapore student visas, application fees of colleges, tests required to study in Singapore, etc. Some of these are listed below:
| Type of Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fees | 42 |
| IELTS Fees | 185-190 |
| TOEFL Fees | 160-250 |
| GRE Fees | 205-230 |
| GMAT Fees | 250 |
MBA Fees
MBA in Singapore Fees
For MBA in Singapore, the fees range from 15,000 USD to 90,000 USD, depending on the university. The latest survey established by Singapore Business Review shows that on average, an MBA Degree in Singapore can cost you around 100,000 USD including tuition fees, accommodation, food, and entertainment.
A higher fee does not mean a higher quality of education. Many colleges with low fees provide a very high quality of education and vice versa. So, do not judge any course or university on the basis of the fees. Fees from some of the top universities are depicted in the image given below:
The cost of studying MBA in Singapore for Indian students will be approximately equal to 11 Lacs to 74 Lacs depending on the choice of the university.
Cost of Living in Singapore
After the admission process, once you arrive in Singapore to study there are living costs that you would like to consider. The cost of living in Singapore will depend on various factors. The average pocket pinch is tabulated below:
| Particulars | Average Monthly costs(USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 142-490 |
| Travel | 100 |
| Food | 400 |
| Miscellaneous | 200 |
Scholarships
MBA in Singapore with Scholarships
There are 3 types of grants and scholarships for financing studies in Singapore, these are Government Scholarships, External Scholarships, and University-specific scholarships. Some of the popular scholarships in each category are explained below:
Government Grants
International students are eligible for grants. While they don’t have to repay the grants, students do have to sign a bond that requires them to work in Singapore for at least three years after graduation. Amount- Depends on the course fee and the amount of education loan taken by the student
External Scholarships for MBA in Singapore
Some of the scholarships you can avail while PG degree in Singapore are as follows:
- Singapore International Graduate Award(SINGA): It awards an amount of 1500 USD.
- The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program: Amount awarded to international students 1000 USD.
- Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship: Award amount is around 15400 USD.
- Go Clean Scholarship: Offering students an award of 3500 USD.
- BrokerFish International Student Scholarship: International students are awarded around 1000 USD under this scholarship.
- Global Study Awards: The amount offered to international students is 12,995 USD.
University – Specific scholarships for MBA in Singapore
Some of the top universities offer scholarships to international students pursuing MBA in Singapore. These are mentioned below:
- Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships at NUS: Amount offered- 16000 USD
- INSEAD Antonio Borges Endowed Scholarship: Amount offered – 11,286 USD
- NUS MBA Study Awards: Plenty of MBA scholarships varying in amounts are offered by NUS
- Nanyang Scholarship: Amount- 6500 USD per year + full coverage of subsidized tuition fees
MBA in Singapore Scope
Having an employment rate of only 2.2%, Singapore offers employment opportunities to people all around the globe. On average, the business schools in Singapore have placement records of around 90%. Students get placed in companies like Microsoft, Dell, Boston Consulting Group, and many more. With an MBA degree from NSU Or INSEAD or the top business schools, you can get an average salary of 76,000 USD annually.
ROI of MBA in Singapore
According to NUS( National University of Singapore) data, the average salary received ranges from 88,000 USD to 180,000 USD. The maximum placement being in Australia in sectors like Technology, Financial Services, Consulting.
For NTU(Nanyang Technological University), the average salary after 3years of work experience is 126,000 USD. Alumni from the university were able to secure job roles from around the world. Given below is a table detailing the percentage of alumni absorbed in job roles in various continents and countries.
| Continent/Country | Percentage of Alumni Placed |
|---|---|
| East Asia | 30 |
| Singapore | 37 |
| Europe | 12 |
| Southeast Asia | 9 |
| USA | 7 |
As per FT MBA Rankings are given below are the weighted salaries of the alumni of globally ranking business schools in Singapore compared with their tuition fees
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