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Cost of Studying in Singapore (2026)
Tuition SGD 40,000–60,000/yr · Living SGD 12,000–18,000/yr. A full breakdown of fees, living costs, scholarships, loans and post-study earnings.
▶ Free cost & loan calculatorAnnual cost breakdown
- Tuition (international): SGD 40,000–60,000/yr
- Living costs: SGD 12,000–18,000/yr (rent, food, transport, insurance)
- Visa & one-off setup: varies — include flights, deposits and proof of funds
- Part-time work: typically allowed ~20 hours/week to offset living costs
How to lower the cost
- Scholarships: merit and need-based awards — use the free Scholarship Finder.
- Education loans: compare 10 lenders and estimate EMI in the Loans & Costs tool.
- Choose by ROI: Singapore offers 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to find work; model payback with the Cost & ROI calculator.
Why Singapore is good value for international students
- Asia's #1 universities (NUS, NTU)
- Global finance & tech hub
- Safe, English-speaking
- Strong job market
Living costs vary by city
Your living budget in Singapore depends heavily on the city. The most popular student cities are Singapore — the largest cities (typically the first one or two) cost noticeably more for rent than smaller university towns, so choosing a lower-cost city can save a significant amount over your degree.
Popular programmes in Singapore
International students in Singapore most commonly study:
- MSc Computer Science
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- AI
Earning it back — post-study work & PR in Singapore
- Post-study work: 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to find work
- Student-visa success rate: ≈90% — Student's Pass.
- Immigration pathway: Employment Pass (COMPASS points) → PR.
- Permanent residence: PR: ~2–5 yrs
A clear post-study work and PR pathway is what turns tuition into an investment — graduates who stay and work often recover the cost within a few years.
Recent updates affecting cost & study in Singapore
- 2024: COMPASS points framework now governs Employment Pass eligibility.
Always verify current fees, visa rules and policies on official government and university websites before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to study in Singapore?
- Budget roughly SGD 40,000–60,000/yr tuition plus SGD 12,000–18,000/yr living per year. Scholarships, education loans and part-time work reduce the net cost.
- Can I work part-time while studying in Singapore?
- Yes — most student visas allow around 20 hours/week in term time, which helps with living costs.
- Is studying in Singapore worth it?
- Singapore offers 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to find work and a PR timeline of PR: ~2–5 yrs, so strong graduates often recover costs within a few years. Use the free ROI calculator to model your payback.