Do you want to study in Singapore? Are you searching for top universities in Singapore? In this article, we will guide you through a list of Top Universities in Singapore that offer the courses you're looking for.
If you're exploring the option of studying in Asia, Singapore should be at the top of your list. It is home to some of the top prestigious colleges and universities in the world that offer high quality education at affordable tuition fees.
Therefore, this list of Top universities in Singapore should aid your search for the right university to study.
You can also visit the websites of each of these schools using the provided links to find courses you are interested in and begin your application process.
Article Content
- Benefits of Studying In Singapore.
-
20 Top universities in Singapore for International Students
- Conclusion
Benefits of Studying in Singapore
Singapore is one of the best places to study, as it is home to some of the top colleges and universities in Asia.
There are several reasons why you should study in Singapore. Here are 5 good reasons why you should.
1. Affordable tuition rates
Universities in Singapore offer affordable tuition to students. International students can also get financial help when studying in Singapore in the form of scholarships and grants.
2. Peaceful Culture
Studying in Singapore gives you a chance to learn about Singaporian culture directly from the people. You get to show off your culture and also explore other cultures. This country and its universities allow for the representation of its indigenous people through food, culture, ethnic clubs,and association
3. Safe and Secure Study Environment
The Singapore government prioritizes the safety of students in the country. The society respects your human rights, believes in equality, and peace is observed in most parts of the country. Students are also advised to avoid certain unsafe parts and report any form of practice that makes them uneasy or unsafe.
4. Internationally Recognized Degrees
When you have studied in Singapore , you can use the degree or diploma you have obtained to kickstart your professional career in any other country in the world.
20 Top Universities in Singapore for International Students
1. National University of Singapore
Te National University of Singapore (NUS) was founded by a determined group of entrepreneurs who wanted to serve the needs of their local community. It started as a medical school with just 23 students. Today, more than one hundred years later, it continues to be in service to the country and society.
NUS researchers partner with industry and government to discover solutions to improve life in Asia and the world. Projects cover a range of themes including energy, environmental and urban sustainability, treatment and prevention of diseases, active aging, advanced materials, risk management, and resilience of financial systems.
Tuition fees:
Undergraduate programs: Tuition fees for international students in 2024 range from S$18,900 to S$21,550 per year .
Graduate programs: Tuition fees for international students in 2024 range from S$36,520 to S$76,450 per year.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Students need to meet basic education requirements, such as grades in major subjects.
Graduate
- Students need to meet basic education requirements, such as a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, and English proficiency requirements.
Apply to the National University of Singapore
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Founded in 1981, NTU is renowned for its engineering and technology programs. It has gained international recognition for its research output and innovative teaching methods.
NTU continually refreshes its pedagogies and curriculum (including co-curriculum) to cater to new learning paradigms and students’ diverse interests, as well as to foster interdisciplinary competencies that help NTU graduates become adaptable lifelong learners.
The University currently offers single degree, double degree, integrated and special programmes. There are also several double major programmes and the option to do a second major or a minor. As part of a holistic curriculum, all freshmen now undergo a common interdisciplinary collaborative core curriculum and do internships.
Tuition: 17,800 to 77,600 SGD ($5,543–$23,156 USD) per year. The university offers financial aid programs to help students pay for their education.
Admission Requirements
- International students need at least 90% in their higher secondary program.
- Singaporean and Permanent Resident applicants must be at least 18 years old as of January 1 of the year of matriculation .
- Applicants may need to provide their schooling history.
- Applicants may need to submit scores from standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, or TOEFL .
Apply to Nanyang Technology University
3. Singapore Management University (SMU)
Established in 2000, SMU specializes in business and management education. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs in fields such as business management, accountancy, economics, information systems management, law, and social sciences.
It was in 1997 that the Singapore government first brought up the idea of a third university for Singapore. Then Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan believed that the new university should be different from the two established institutions - the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The government wanted SMU to be an experiment in diversity.
Tuition: SGD 47,050 - 50,000 per year.
Admission Requirements
- Strong academic records
- English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL
- High school qualifications with good grades in relevant subjects like mathematics.
Apply to Singapore Management University
4. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
SUTD focuses on design and technology education, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and research.
The Singapore University of Technology and Design is established in collaboration with MIT to advance knowledge and nurture technically grounded leaders and innovators to serve societal needs.
Tuition Fee:
Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR): S$19,000 per academic year
International Students (IS): S$27,200 per academic year
Admission requirements
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- Good grades in Additional Mathematics and Science subjects at the O-Level or equivalent
- A diploma from a local polytechnic or university Completion of at least 12 years of general education.
- Strong competency in Mathematics and the Sciences.
- Meeting the Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirement.
Apply to Singapore University of Technology and Design
5. SIM Global Education (SIM GE)
Part of the Singapore Institute of Management, SIM GE collaborates with international universities to offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as business, finance, and computer science.
Tuition: S$10,000 – S$23,000 per year.
Admission requirements
- Admission requirements to SIM Global Education (SIM GE) include academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and identification documents.
Apply for SIM Global Education
6. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
Established in 2009, SIT provides applied learning pathways, offering industry-focused degree programs in partnership with overseas universities.
Tuition Fee: $1000 - $10,000 per year
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old on January 1 of the matriculation year
- Applicants must have completed at least 12 years of formal education
- Applicants with international qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Apply to Singapore Institute of Technology
7. Singapore University of Social Sciences(SUSS)
Originally founded in 2005 as SIM University, it was restructured in 2017 to become SUSS, focusing on applied education in the social sciences.
Tuition: $26,000 - $30,000
Admission Requirements
SUSS adopts a holistic admissions approach, evaluating applicants not only on your academic achievements but also on your non-academic pursuits, passions, interests, and individual strengths. Those with exceptional talents or notable accomplishments in areas such as co-curricular activities, community service, or volunteer work are encouraged to include these details in your applications.
Apply to Singapore University of Social Sciences
8. ESSEC Business School Asia-Pacific
Established in 1907, ESSEC is a private, non-profit business school from France with a campus in Singapore. It offers a range of programs, including the Global MBA, Master in Management, and specialized master's degrees.
Tuition: The tuition fee for the MIM program at ESSEC Business School in 2024 was €39,000.
Admission requirements
To gain admission to ESSEC Business School Asia-Pacific,
Applicants typically need;
- A bachelor's degree
- Significant professional work experience (usually 3+ years)
- A competitive GMAT/GRE score
- Advanced English language proficiency
- Strong application package including essays and letters of recommendation; specific requirements may vary depending on the program you choose.
Apply to ESSEC Business School
9. INSEAD Asia Campus
Founded in 1957, INSEAD is a private, non-profit business school with a campus in Singapore. It offers MBA, Executive MBA, and PhD programs, and is renowned for its international diversity and rigorous curriculum.
Tuition: SGD 99,500 to SGD 208,000 depending on the program
Admission requirements
Applicants are required to have;
- Strong academic background
- Adequate work experience
- GMAT/GRE scores
- English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
10. S P Jain School of Global Management
Founded in 2004, S P Jain is a private business school with campuses in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Sydney. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business administration, with a focus on global learning.
Tuition: Around USD 36,375 per year
Admission requirements
- A recognized English language proficiency test like IELTS (minimum 6.5), TOEFL, or PTE, along with a good score on standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, CAT, or the SP Jain Aptitude Test (SPJAT) depending on the program chosen.
Apply to S P Jain School of Global Management
11. Temasek Polytechnic
Established in 1990, Temasek Polytechnic offers diploma courses in areas such as applied sciences, business, design, engineering, and information technology. It is noted for its innovative teaching approaches and industry collaborations.
Tuition: SGD 9,600 to SGD 12,042
Admission requirements
- A grade of 1–7 in English Language (EL1)A grade of 1–6 in Mathematics (E or A)A grade of 1–6 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Studies, Design & Technology, Electronics/Fundamentals of Electronics, Physics.
12. Curtin Singapore
Curtin is the Singaporean branch of Australian University, Curtin. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in commerce, computational sciences, mass communication, healthcare, among others.
Tuition Fee: SGD 30,000–58,000.
Admission Requirements:
- To be admitted to Curtin Singapore, You must meet academic and English language requirements, and course prerequisite.
13. SIM Global Education (SIM GE)
This is the arm of the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM Group) founded in 1964. It has an established history in offering Foundation, Diploma and Graduate Diploma programmes as early as 1973.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with an all-rounded global education.
Tuition:The average tuition fees range from S$10,000 – S$23,000 per annum. The fee is dependent on the course.
Admission requirements
- A minimum academic qualification relevant to your chosen program (like A-levels, diploma, or bachelor's degree)
- English language proficiency demonstrated by an IELTS or TOEFL score, and depending on the program
- Relevant work experience may be considered; all documents must be translated if not in English
- You will need to submit copies of your academic transcripts
- Recent passport and a recent photograph with your application.
14. The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
Founded in 1956, MDIS is the oldest non-profit vocational university for lifelong learning in Singapore. It offers a variety of degree programs such as business management, engineering, fashion design, nursing, mass communications, psychology and hospitality management.
Tuition: The average tuition fees range from S$28,000 to S$36,000 for a one-year and two-year postgraduate courses respectively.
Admission Requirements
- Official academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL)
- A statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation, a resume/CV
- Proof of funds
- A copy of your passport, with specific requirements varying depending on the chosen program and applicant's background; all documents should be translated into English if necessary.
Apply to the Management Development Institute of Singapore
15. Ngee Ann Polytechnic
It is a post-secondary education institution and statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Education in Singapore.
Established in 1963 by the Ngee Ann Kongsi, NP is renowned for its business programmes.
Tuition: 9,600 SGD - 15,900 SGD
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
- O-level results
- Proof of English language proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL)
- A statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation, a resume/CV
- Proof of funds
- A copy of your passport
16. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
It is a publicly-funded arts institution in Singapore, and a constituent college of the University of the Arts Singapore from 2024.
NAFA offers Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in a variety of courses.
Tuition: 19,500 -30000 SGD
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
- O-level results
- Proof of English language proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL)
- A statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation, a resume/CV
- Proof of funds
- A copy of your passport
Apply to Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
17. LASALLE College of the Arts
A leading institution for contemporary arts education, LASALLE offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs in fine arts, design, film, and more.
Tuition: 63,450 SGD - 71,400 SGD
Admission Requirements
Applicants must present;
- Academic qualifications
- A portfolio
- English language proficiency.
Apply to LASALLE College of the Arts
18. The Duke–NUS Medical School
Duke-NUS Medical School is a graduate medical school in Singapore.
The school was established in April 2005 as the Duke–NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore's second medical school, after the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and before the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Tuition: SGD 49,050 - 63,600 per year
Admission requirements
- All applicants must have completed, or be in the final year og a bachelor or honours degree.
- Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results.
- 3 – 5 references, typically from professors, mentors and/or employers.
Apply to Duke-NUS Medical School
19. East Asia Institute of Management
EASB is offering a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across major disciplines.
All courses offered are quality assured by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) as well as being registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE), Singapore.
Tuition: SGD 12,400–17,340 .
Admission requirements
- Applicants should have completed at least 12 years of formal education, equivalent to a high school diploma.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL requirements
Apply to East Asia Institute of Management
20. Kaplan Singapore
A private education institution offering a wide range of programs, including diplomas and degrees in partnership with international universities.
It was established in 1989 as APMI, a regional provider of management education and lifelong learning programs and services.
APMI was among the first private education organizations to be awarded the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) for Private Education Organizations. It is also one of the first management institutions to achieve the ISO 9000 quality certification in Singapore in 1996.
Tuition: SGD 11,984–25,401 per year
Admission requirements
- Applicant must complete a secondary education in order to get in a bachelor degree course and a three year bachelor's degree to apply for a postgraduate course
