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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.
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.
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.
Singapore is a fast-growing Asian country that quickly became one of the best destinations for both tourists and immigrants. This country doesn’t only have an impressive infrastructure and fun places to visit. They are also known for having very clean streets, a great healthcare system, and one of the best education systems in the world, which is funded by the government. This is why Singapore is a popular and affordable destination for prospective international students.
Singapore is a fast-growing Asian country that quickly became one of the best destinations for both tourists and immigrants. This country doesn’t only have an impressive infrastructure and fun places to visit. They are also known for having very clean streets, a great healthcare system, and one of the best education systems in the world, which is funded by the government. This is why Singapore is a popular and affordable destination for prospective international students.
In recent years, Singapore has stood out internationally for its education system. And we aren’t only talking about universities. Little children, teenagers and young people from primary to tertiary institutions are succeeding at tests and examinations, placing the country at the top.
Regarding universities, there are six autonomous universities. These receive funds from the government and are fully accredited to grant bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate programs last from three to five years depending on the field of studies. Master degree programs usually last for a year and doctoral degree programs can last from two to five years depending on the area.
However, besides universities, Singapore has other options for post-secondary education. There are Junior Colleges where students usually go before applying to universities. These have two-year preparatory programs and can be a good alternative if you aren’t admitted at any university but you’d like to study there anyways and prepare yourself more to re-apply.
There are also polytechnic and art institutions that grant diplomas after completing a three-year program. Many of these are affiliated to universities in other countries and offer bachelor degree programs in partnership with them.
Lastly, Singapore also has many branch campuses of universities overseas. You can choose to study at one of these satellite campuses at much more affordable prices than the ones you would pay at their countries of origin. In this article, we will be looking at the cheap universities in Singapore!
Considering that there are only six autonomous universities and that Singapore is a popular destination, admissions can be very competitive. Fortunately, these always save a certain amount of places only or international students, and all the alternatives that have emerged can make the path easier.
Singapore is known for being a developed country with leaning skyscrapers and diverse communities despite its young status. As Southeast Asia’s most modern city for over a century, the island is also home to various culture living within it. There is a very diverse way of life with people speaking many languages and practising different culture. Such wide range of culture makes the country very accepting of others turning it into the perfect study destination for students from all parts the world.
2. Why Study in Singapore?
Singapore is considered to have one of the best education systems in the world. Getting an education here is a ticket to a brighter future. By focusing on the importance of education innovation, Singapore is currently a rising star in the international higher education. This gives you a chance to earn an internationally-recognised degree at affordable costs. Also, thanks to the facilities and educational environment, universities and colleges in Singapore are among the best in the world.
As a country, Singapore is known for its diverse, beautiful and vibrant place to live, but did you know that it also excels in terms of safety? Singapore was named as one of the world’s safest cities. This makes it a perfect place for students who are usually also the curious wanderers in a foreign country.
And not to forget, thanks to the country’s strategic location, you will be really surprised at the possibility of going to places within your reach while studying in Singapore. After all, life is not all about simply getting good grades, it’s also a time to explore!
3. Higher Education in Singapore
Singapore is an emerging hub of higher education with its world-renowned quality universities and colleges which are well-presented in major university ranking systems. Not only are the universities here rank high due to their proven track record, but Singapore itself is on top of student satisfaction and global reputation.
The country’s highest ranking institution, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is not only the highest ranked in the country and Asia, but it is also listed as the top 11 universities in the QS World University Ranking 2018. National University of Singapore (NUS) is also not far behind at Top 15.
A. Higher Education Institutions in Singapore
The higher education system in Singapore offers a range of different educational profiles and degrees. Below are the different type of higher education institutions in Singapore
| Public Universities | Funded by the government, and open to local and international students. Although receives government funding, these universities are autonomous – meaning the can strategise, innovate, and differentiate themselves, as they pursue excellence in education, research, and service |
| Private Universities | Although privately funded, this institution receives government funding for students to pursue subsidised part-time or full-time degree |
| Polytechnic Institutions | Offers practice-oriented studies at diploma level. Key providers of continuing education and post-employment professional development services. |
| Institute of Technical Education (ITE) | The ITEs Offers technical-oriented studies and develops technical knowledge and skills of the students. Students will have the option of choosing between full or part-time educational or traineeship courses |
| Foreign Universities | Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees offered by the foreign universities with branch campuses in Singapore. |
| Arts Schools | Specialised schools that offer specialist creative education to enhance your artistic ability. Offer diploma as well as degree courses. |
B. Pathway to Studying in Singapore
The length of your study depends on the path you wish to pursue. To understand this better, refer the infographic below:
C. Top Institutions in Singapore
While only two Singaporean universities appear in the QS World Rankings 2021, the rest of the universities listed below remain exceptional within the country as well.
D. After Study Opportunities in Singapore
Options are plenty for those who have just completed a degree in Singapore. Although getting a job in Singapore is not as easy as what it may seem, the country does have a high demand for excellent foreign talent in certain fields. If you wish to stay in Singapore, you will need to check your visa requirements.
You can attend a Junior College if things don’t work very well at first, or you can go to a satellite campus and still get the experience of getting your degree at such an incredible country.
Singapore was under the control of the British Empire for a long time. That’s why English is one of its official languages and is the main language used in education.
Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are also official languages in Singapore, but most programs at universities are fully taught in English.
Tuition fees in Singapore depend on the university and program you choose to study and your nationality. Tuition fees for Singaporean schools might be more than for schools in neighboring countries. But Singapore’s public schools are a lot less expensive than many private and public schools elsewhere in the world. The main factor that affects the cost of tuition is nationality. In Singapore, there are four different categories depending on your nationality:
- Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by Singapore Citizens
- Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by Permanent Residents
- Annual Subsidized Fees Payable by International Students
- Annual Non-Subsidized Fees
Normally, it costs roughly SGD 8,000 to SGD 9,000 per year to study in a public university. But this is the subsidized price. It costs around SGD 10,000 or more for non-subsidized and non-Singaporean students. Some programs at Singaporean schools are subsidized by the government as well, regardless of nationality.
The substantial tuition subsidy from the Government of Singapore comes in the form of a MOE Subsidy which is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE). It’s offered to all eligible students. Students just need to apply for the MOE Subsidy if they are eligible.
International students studying a government-subsidized program can apply for the Service Obligation Scheme to pay reduced tuition fees. The Service Obligation Scheme allows international students to work in Singapore after graduation to help repay their tuition fees. This normally only applies to postgraduate students, however.
Universities tend to set a specific quota for the number of international students that are accepted.
University education is free only for national and local students of Singapore. However, international students are required to pay tuition fees for their studies. In addition to this, a multitude of scholarships, bursaries and funding opportunities are available for the students through the universities or via the government.
This would depend on the individual university as well as the student’s prospective program. On average, students can expect to pay between SGD $2000 to $12000 (roughly equivalent to USD $1500 to 8000) on a monthly basis in the case of the undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Singapore is a country that is rich in diversity and culture. However, although languages such as Mandarin, Tamil and Malay are official languages in the country, English is the primary mode of instruction at all, if not most, institutions of higher education.
9 Cheapest Universities in Singapore for International Students
1. National University of Singapore
- Tuition fees: SGD $29,000
- Tuition Link
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
- Tuition Link
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.h
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 $26,000
- Tuition Link
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
- Tuition Link
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
- Tuition Link
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 $30,000
- Tuition Link
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
- Tuition fees: From SGD $10,000
- Tuition Link
Nanyang Polytechnic is a polytechnic institution of higher education based in Ang Mo Kio based in northeastern Singapore. Graduates from this cheap university in Singapore are usually required to explore industry-based work experience upon graduation. Nanyang Polytechnic was founded in 1992 and currently provides education for over 15,000 students.
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 $50,000
- Tuition Link
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.
universities in singapore for international students with scholarships
The Very well known Scholarships in Singapore are now open. The Scholarships to Study in Singapore is Fully Funded by the Government of Singapore and Top Public Universities of Singapore. You will be able to Study on a Full-time Bachelor Degree Scholarship, Master Degree Scholarship & PhD. Degree Scholarship. Applicants are eligible from all over the world with any nationality. There is No Application Fee. You can apply for Free.
The Singapore Government has offered a wide range of academic Fields of Study Programs for international students. Why Study in Singapore? Singapore takes great pride in maintaining extremely high standards of teaching and learning. The Singapore Universities Ranked 3rd in Asia. There are No Age limit criteria for the Singapore International Scholarships.
The maximum period of the Singapore Scholarships is 2 years for Master’s candidates and 4 years for PhD candidates and 4 Years of BS Candidates. There is no bond attached to the scholarship. The courses will be taught in English. You will be Study in Top Universities of Singapore which includes Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
1# National University of Singapore Scholarships
The National University of Singapore is offering 100 Scholarships to International Students. You can choose from wide-ranging multi-disciplinary curricula, including over 70 joint, concurrent and double degree courses established with the world’s leading universities.
- Deadline: 21st February 2021
2# Nanyang University Scholarship 2021
Fully Funded Singapore Nanyang Scholarship 2021. The NTU Singapore Scholarship is offering Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD degree programs. The NTU Singapore University Ranked 11th in the world and 3rd in Asia in the 2020 QS World University Rankings.
The NTU Comes in Top Universities of Singapore. The Nanyang University Scholarship is available in All-Academic Fields/Majors.
- Financial Coverage: Full Tuition, Airfare Tickets, Meals, Accommodation, Computer Allowance, Living Allowance.
- For More Information: Visit Here
3# Singapore Government Scholarships 2021
240 Singapore Government Scholarships for International Students for the enrollment in 2021 to Undertake Bachelor Degree Programs, Master Degree Programs & Ph.D. Degree Programs.
The Singapore International Student Scholarship for International Students collaborated with Top 3 Universities of Singapore such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). You will study at any of the one University.
- Financial Coverage: Full Tuition, Airfare Tickets, Meals, Accommodation, Computer Allowance, Living Allowance.
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4# SINGA Scholarships 2021
Singapore Government Scholarships For International Students 2021. The SINGA Scholarship 2021 is a Fully Funded Scholarship in Singapore. You will undertake a Ph.D. Degree right after Bachelors’s Degree. You can directly apply for a Ph.D. Degree after your bachelor’s degree. There are No Age limit criteria for the Singapore International Graduate Award Scholarship.
Applicants from every corner of the world with any nationality are eligible to apply for one of the SINGA Ph.D. Degree Scholarship full Free. The courses will be taught in English.
- Financial Coverage: Full Tuition, Airfare Tickets, Meals, Accommodation, Computer Allowance, Living Allowance.
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