Study In Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide By Ixora Global

Singapore is a popular destination for travelers with diverse interests and lifestyles. Known as “The Garden City,” it attracts visitors worldwide with its many landmarks and attractions.

Beyond its stunning attractions, Singapore is renowned for its diverse food scene, cleanliness, and shopping centers. Despite its small size, Singapore’s attractions are easily accessible thanks to its world-class public transport system.

Why do people study in Singapore?

Singapore is globally renowned for its outstanding education system and its advanced and competitive academic talent. Consistently topping the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test, it is home to world-class universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS), ranked the best in Asia and 11th worldwide by the QS World University Rankings® 2021. The nation attracts top academics and scholars, offering students a unique educational experience that builds on their strengths and broadens their perspectives.

Cost of living in Singapore

Living in Singapore can be quite expensive. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are about ₹335,945 (S$5,320) without rent. A single person can expect to spend around ₹93,440 (S$1,480) monthly without rent. Compared to Bangalore, Singapore is 231% more expensive, and rent is on average 667% higher.

Living in Singapore comes with a variety of costs.

• Eating out ranges from S$14.50 at an inexpensive restaurant to S$90 for a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
• Everyday items like a cappuccino cost around S$6.34, while groceries such as milk and bread are S$3.64 and S$2.83 respectively.
• Public transport is affordable, with a one-way ticket costing S$2.00 and a monthly pass of about S$120.
• Fitness club memberships cost about S$138.20 per month. 

Accommodation in Singapore

• Rent varies, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging S$3,624.29 and outside the center S$2,662.31.
• Buying an apartment in the city center costs around S$27,545.43 per square meter, while outside the center it’s about S$18,173.11.
• Utilities for an apartment average are S$221.21 monthly, and internet plans are around S$45.68.
• Student accommodations cost around SGD700 to 3000 per month.

Universities in Singapore

Singapore hosts 34 universities, including six national institutions. Among them, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are particularly prominent.

NUS is ranked 11th globally and first in Asia by the QS World University Rankings 2021, excelling in engineering, technology, and social sciences. NTU, ranked 13th globally and third in Asia, is highly regarded for its engineering and materials sciences programs and has recently established a medical school in partnership with Imperial College London.

Singapore Management University specializes in fields such as accounting, finance, and law, and is recognized among the top 100 globally in these areas.

Singapore’s international collaborations include the Singapore University of Technology and Design, developed with MIT and Zhejiang University, and Yale-NUS College, a liberal arts institution founded in partnership with NUS and Yale University. These collaborations underscore Singapore’s focus on global education and innovation.

Tuition Fees in Singapore

Education in Singapore is generally more affordable than in Europe, North America, and Oceania, but it can still be pricey for some students.

• A typical three-year course costs between SGD 25,000 and 40,000.
• Public universities are cheaper than private ones, with annual fees ranging from SGD 8,200 to 9,600.
• Private universities can charge up to SGD 46,000 per year.
• Public universities offer subsidized rates for Singaporeans, and international students can also benefit from government subsidies through the Service Obligation Scheme.

Here are some cost-effective public universities in Singapore:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD)
• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
• Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)