How to study in Singapore
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Every year, more than 60,000 students come to Singapore to study, with numbers rising. Students are attracted to the diversity of culture and the opportunity to live in one of the world's largest financial centers.
Despite its small size, the city-state can easily compete with other popular study destinations in Asia such as China and India, thanks to its numerous top-ranked universities and flourishing job market.
If you're wondering how to study abroad in Singapore, there are many things for you to consider. However, this guide should make the process easier. We’ll explore:
- Reasons to study in Singapore
- The best places to study in Singapore
- How to apply to universities in Singapore
- How to get a Singaporean student visa
- Scholarships for international students in Singapore
Not sure where your future should take you? Take our Study Abroad Quiz and discover destinations and programs that are a good fit for you
What are the benefits of studying abroad in Singapore?
Singapore is an exciting destination where modern city life sits alongside centuries of history. The city-state has a diverse population, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. When you study in Singapore, you'll learn from many different people, improving your communication skills and broadening your cultural knowledge.
Studying in Singapore also offers the opportunity to travel to nearby destinations such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. If you're planning a career in Asia after your studies, discovering more of the region will undoubtedly help.
Finally, Mercer ranks Singapore as the best city in Asia for quality of life, scoring highly for its safe environment. International students in Singapore can take advantage of a world-class health care system and efficient public transport, as well as numerous local parks and nature reserves.
What are the top-ranked business schools in Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for international business students, owing to the number of top-ranked business schools and its strong economy, with plenty of opportunities for students to work in the city after graduating.
Nanyang Business School is the city’s top-ranked school—its MBA program is among the top 30 in the world, according to the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2026. Meanwhile, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School also makes it into the top 40 MBA programs in the world.
Other top global business schools have campuses in Singapore, including INSEAD and ESSEC Business School.
One of Singapore’s key industries is manufacturing, but it is also a major global financial hub—there are more than 1,500 financial institutions in Singapore, including 100 banks, according to Statista. Other multinational companies with regional headquarters in Singapore include Microsoft, Google, and Rolls-Royce.
Business graduates can also take advantage of a competitive job market. In 2026, vacancies reached more than 70,000—so there are plenty of opportunities for business graduates in the city.
How can I apply for universities in Singapore?
If you’re applying to a master’s or MBA program in Singapore, you’ll fill out an application form directly with your chosen institution. Studying for a bachelor’s degree as an international student may be more difficult, as Singaporean universities often require SAT scores and English language test scores.
When applying to a graduate business program in Singapore, your school will ask for some typical documents, including:
- University diploma
- Academic transcripts
- Copy of your passport
- Passport photo
- CV/résumé
- Professional references (usually two)
For MBA programs, you’ll also be required to take the GMAT exam or the GRE exam and submit your score with your application. If you’re a non-native English speaker or your undergraduate program wasn’t conducted in English, you will also have to take an English language test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
What is the cost of a student visa in Singapore?
Once you have been accepted to a business program, international students should apply for a Singaporean student visa, which is called a Student’s Pass. You’ll pay a S$30 (US$23) processing fee when you submit your application and a S$60 (US$46) issuance fee when your pass is approved and issued.
To apply for your visa, you’ll need specific documents and information, including:
- Proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment. This is typically your formal offer or acceptance letter from your university or business school
- Passport, which should be valid beyond the end of your program
- A passport-style color photo
- Personal information, including the list of countries/places you have previously resided in, your educational background, and employment history
- Proof of financial means
- A medical report—international students are usually required to undergo a medical examination, including an HIV test and chest X-ray for tuberculosis, to confirm they are free from infectious diseases and fit to study
You can apply for a Singaporean student visa online not more than two months and not later than one month before your course starts.
How much does it cost to live in Singapore as a student?
Although Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, it’s still possible to study there on a budget if you’re careful with your spending. You should also remember that the quality of life in Singapore is higher than in other Asian cities.
Your biggest expense will be rent, which can vary considerably depending on your living circumstances. For example, renting a room in a student residence could cost around US$600, whereas private rents in the city are typically more than US$1,000 per month.
International students may also be required to subscribe to their university’s health insurance scheme. This will be charged at the same time as your tuition fees and will vary depending on your institution and coverage.
National University of Singapore advises budgeting a minimum of S$19,500 (US$15,000) per year for living expenses in Singapore.
Here are some typical monthly costs for a student in Singapore:
- Rent: US$600–US$1,500
- Monthly groceries: US$150–US$400
- Transport: US$60–US$155
- Restaurant meal: US$5–US$20
- Gym membership: US$70–US$150
Data gathered from regional.simge.edu.sg, numbeo.com, and mscstrategy.nus.edu.sg.
Is Singapore more expensive than other Asian study destinations?
While Singapore’s tuition fees are high compared with other study abroad destinations in Asia, they are still more affordable than many programs in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Undergraduate fees could range from around US$15,500 to US$39,000 per year, depending on your institution, the course, and whether you receive a government subsidy. A master’s in Singapore will cost between US$30,000 and US$50,000 per year.
An MBA from a Singaporean business school will have higher tuition fees, ranging between US$60,000 and US$70,000 per year.
Foreign business schools with campuses in Singapore will charge higher tuition fees, usually in line with the fees on their home campus. For example, fees for INSEAD’s MBA total US$126,000—far more than the fees for Singaporean universities. Meanwhile, the top-ranked Master in Management program at ESSEC costs approximately US$59,000 for the two-year program, on the higher end of costs for a master’s in Singapore.
International students should also be aware that Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied on top of tuition fees in Singapore, at a rate of 9 percent—make sure to check whether the fees quoted by your business school include or exclude GST.
What scholarships are available for international students in Singapore?
As with other international business schools, universities and business schools in the city offer a range of Singaporean scholarships to foreign students. These could come in the form of partial or complete tuition fee waivers and/or grants.
International students may be eligible for Singapore’s Tuition Grant (TG), which covers a portion of tuition fees. To apply, you’ll need to register on the Ministry of Education’s website in September of your first academic year. Requirements for receiving TG include working for a Singaporean company for at least three years after graduation.
Many Singaporean institutions also offer scholarships to students from ASEAN countries, which may cover part or all of the tuition fees for an undergraduate or postgraduate program. For example, NUS offers the ASEAN Master’s Scholarship, which can cover full tuition fees for eligible ASEAN students.
Although international students are not eligible for Singaporean government student loans to study in Singapore, private loans may be available from companies such as DBS Bank. Check carefully that you’re eligible, as some educational institutions may not be on the approved list.
TL;DR: How to Study Abroad in Singapore
- Singapore hosts a large community of international students and offers globally recognized universities in a safe, English‑speaking environment.
- You apply directly to your chosen university or business school and, once admitted, apply for an ICA Student’s Pass, which currently involves a S$30 processing fee and a S$60 issuance fee.
- Tuition fees range from approximately US$15,500 to US$70,000 annually, with INSEAD’s MBA at US$126,000 for the full program, while average living costs for students are about US$15,200 per year.
- Scholarships and the government’s Tuition Grants can significantly reduce costs for eligible students, although tuition grant recipients who are international students must work for three years in a Singapore‑based company after graduation.
