Course Finder
Blog
Login

MS in Singapore – The Ultimate Guide 2022

Written by  Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Wed, January 17, 2018 8:02 AM   Updated on Fri, February 11, 2022 7:06 AM   17 mins read
Source: Parth Vijayvergiya

Singapore is home to academic excellence in South East Asia. It boasts top-ranked universities, high standards of teaching and learning. The students here are diverse, and the Singaporean higher education system is incredibly varied. The universities make sure that the graduate courses are of the highest quality and recognized internationally. Reasons to study MS in Singapore:

  • Prestigious Universities
  • Funding Opportunities
  • English is a language of instruction
  • Quality of Life

MS in Singapore – Top universities

Higher education in Singapore is divided into six public universities, five polytechnic universities, two art institutions, and around 15 private universities. It is seen that Singapore is a global leader in research and innovation. Over the years, the universities in Singapore have also gained growing recognition. Singapore’s two universities have ranked in the world’s top 15. The city ranks 15th for QS Best Student Cities 2018.

Let us look at the top universities of Singapore

UniversitiesFees Per Annum (SGD)Popular ProgramsDuration
National University of Singapore (NUS)45,000Masters in Computer Science, Finance, Management, Economics, Public Policy1.5-2 Years
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)36,280Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science1 Year
Singapore Institute of Management5,778Diploma in Accounting, Information Technology, Finance, and Business1 Year
Singapore Management University48,150Masters in Finance, Business Analytics, Management1.5 Years
James Cook University-Singapore51,360Education, Clinical psychology, Professional Accounting16 Months
Singapore University of Technology and Design51,700Master in Urban Science, Policy and Planning, Architecture, Security by Design1 Year
TUM Asia20,425MS in Aerospace Engg, Industrial Chemistry2 Years
Management Development Institute of Singapore24,220MSc in Biotechnology, Finance, Tourism, and Hospitality1 Year

Also Read: Media & Communications: Top 5 Colleges in Singapore

Why study in Singapore

Universities in the Singapore are among the greatest in the world

Singapore is well-known as a major economic and educational centre. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that local universities are consistently recognised among the world’s best, frequently ranking within the top 15 higher education institutions.

English language is widely spoken

While studying in Singapore, you won’t have to worry about language obstacles. From restaurants to banks, public institutions to shopping malls, and so on, English is spoken practically everywhere.

Government subsidies and advantageous scholarships

There is no escaping the reality that tuition in Singapore is quite expensive.But don’t let it deter you. You can apply for government subsidies as an overseas student, which will drastically lower the cost of your education.

Fun activities and attractions

After courses, Singapore provides a diverse choice of activities and locations to unwind and enjoy your free time. It’s everything there, waiting for you, from restaurants to parks, museums to movies.

The Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, the Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Island, the Asia Civilisations Museum, and other attractions are recommended.

MS in Singapore Indian Students

Many Indian students currently visit Singapore for higher studies. It is one of their top destinations for studying abroad. Many of them choose this city because of its less fee and amazing location. Singapore universities also offer various scholarships to students to reduce their tuition fee costs. These courses give Indian students much-needed exposure.

  • Over 25% of growth is seen of Indian students applying to Singaporean universities every year.
  • Every year around 3,000 students come from India to study in these universities.
  • The government of Singapore gives these students a special provision to learn a certain subject with the support of a professional.
  • For Indian students, you need to have Student Visa, work permit, and scholarships to reduce your tuition costs.
  • As living in Singapore is comparatively higher than in other countries, the student does part-time jobs.

Cost of MS in Singapore

For pursuing MS programs in Singapore, students need to bear many costs before coming to the country. They are the tuition fees, English language tests, visa application fees, etc. Once they have arrived, they will have to spend money on expenses like housing expenses, transport expenses, utility, etc. The post-arrival costs make up the total cost of living in Singapore. The exact figures are hard to calculate since the cost of living of a student depends on his lifestyle. We have mentioned general figures to help you budget.  

Pre-Arrival Costs

TypeAmount in Rupees
Visa Application Cost3,300
Supporting document Costsvaries
Flights and travel expensesUpwards of 11,000
General and Medical Insurance Costvaries

Post-Arrival Costs 

TypeAmount in Rupees
AccommodationUpwards of 22,000
Food and Beveragevaries
Public TransportUpwards of 2,750
Utility BillsBetween 2,750 – 5,500

MS in NUS Singapore

NUS is a world-leading comprehensive research university. It has three main campuses Kent Ridge, Outram, and Bukit Timah. The curriculum of NUS is broad-based, multidisciplinary with cross-faculty modules. The university is home to 30,000 students from around 100 countries. 

  • MS in Architecture
  • MS in Computing
  • MSc in Management
  • MBA – Finance
  • MSc in Chemistry

Also Read: Master of Science in Singapore

How to study MS in Singapore? 

To study in Singapore, the student first needs to select the course that he wants to pursue. Singapore has a wide range of MS courses but choosing the right one is essential for career growth. Once the course is selected, the student needs to look at different universities that offer the specific course and select one. After finalizing the course and university, the student needs to fill an application to the university, attach the relevant documents, including transcripts and English language test scores and pay the application fee. 

The student receives an acceptance letter post after his application has been processed. At this point, the student needs to apply for the visa (Student’s pass) and start arranging things for his arrival in Singapore. 

Is Singapore safe for Indian students? 

Singapore is a safe and peaceful island state. The country does not have a high crime rate, in fact, it is among the countries with lower crime rates. Violent crimes are a rarity. Petty crimes are uncommon, but they do happen sometimes. The Singaporean legal system is very similar to the English common law system, and the law and order of the society are maintained through strict criminalization of illegal activities. All in all, Singapore is an incredibly stable country. Therefore, Singapore is a safe country for not only Indian students but also other students.

MS in Singapore – Admission Procedure

Applications to Singaporean institutions are typically made through the graduate office, while certain programmes may have their own online application system. Admissions decisions are typically determined by the appropriate faculty following a thorough review of all applications. The evaluation is based on a number of elements, including previous degrees and academic record, references, test results, and relevant job experience.

MS in Singapore – Deadlines

Mention below are the deadline dates for pursuing MS in Singapore

University Deadline
Singapore Management UniversityAugust intake- May 
October intake- April
January intake- September/October
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)August Semester- ?31 January
January Semester- 31 July
Singapore Institute of ManagementJanuary Session- November 22, 2021
National University of Singapore (NUS)26 August 
Singapore University of Technology and DesignJanuary intake- 30 September 2021
James Cook University-SingaporeBachelor of Business- 30 Oct, 2021
Master of Philosophy- 31 Jan, 2022 Master of Education- 31 Jan, 2022
Master of Engineering- 30 Jun, 2022
TUM Asia15 January 2022
Management Development Institute of SingaporeOn rolling basis

MS in Singapore Eligibility 

For pursuing an MS program in Singapore, a student needs to ensure that he meets all the set requirements. These eligibility criteria are academic requirements that are necessary for an applicant to be considered for a program.

  • The applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institute. 
  • The applicant must score well in English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum English requirements differ for each university.
  • GMAT/GRE scores may also need to be submitted.
  • Work experience may also be required by some programs.

MS in Singapore Fees 

The fees of the various MS programs in Singapore differ for each institute. Some programs may be cheaper than others. To help you compare these programs, we have tabulated the information.

Name of University/InstituteName of CourseFees (INR)
National University of SingaporeMBA41 lakhs
Nanyang Technological UniversityMSc in Civil Engineering12.2 lakhs
James Cook UniversityMaster of Information Technology20.9 lakhs
Singapore Management UniversityMsc in Management26.4 lakhs
INSEAD Executive Master in Finance52.2 lakhs
Management Development Institute of SingaporeMaster of Business Administration in Banking and Finance14.3 lakhs

MS in Singapore through Gate

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a graduate-level exam conducted for candidates to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. program in the field of engineering and technology. Some universities in Singapore and Germany accept these scores. There is a certain eligibility criterion for admission in any foreign university. GATE scores of 3 years are considered. NUS has a GATE score cut off of 90 percentile.

  • IELTS/TOEFL scores should also be good, along with GATE scores.
  • NUS and NTU accept GATE scores in Singapore.
  • Along with these scores, a good GPA in the Bachelor’s degree is necessary.
  • For NUS, the master’s program needs to be one year to 3 years long.
  • For NTU, the cut off for GATE scores is 90 percentile.

MS courses in Singapore 

MS programs in Singapore are highly coveted programs that typically last between one to two years. Management, Law, Health and Sciences, Arts, Business are some of the domains in which MS programs are offered in Singapore. MBA programs, MSc programs, M.Arch programs are some of the MS courses offered by Singaporean Universities.

MS in Computer Science in Singapore 

The MS in Computer Science program in Singapore is a program that encompasses the knowledge of the field of information technology, computer science, and other disciplines like Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. Some programs are full time however some can be pursued part-time too. In Singapore, the MS in Computer Science programs last between 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of the program. 

MS in computer Science in Singapore – Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for an MS in Computer Science program may be different for each university that offers it, but we have mentioned the list of general criteria of the program down below :

  • The applicant’s age must be at least 21 years.
  • The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in science or any other relevant discipline with a competitive score. Any other qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may also be accepted.
  • The applicant must submit English languages test scores like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs may not require proof of language proficiency if the student has more than twelve years of learning experience in English medium educational institutions. 
  • Full-time or part-time work experience may be required by some institutes.

MS in Finance in Singapore 

The discipline of Finance consists of the analysis and study of the financial market, financial institutions, and economic trends. MS programs in Finance are becoming increasingly popular. Many universities of Singapore, like the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and INSEAD Singapore offer wonderful MS programs in Finance that last for one or two years.

MS in Finance in Singapore – Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for MS in Finance programs in Singapore have been mentioned below :

  • The applicant’s age must be at least 21 years. 
  • The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in Finance or any other relevant discipline with a competitive score. Any other qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may also be accepted.
  • The applicant must submit English languages test scores like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs may not require proof of language proficiency if the student has more than twelve years of learning experience in English medium educational institutions.
  • GMAT or GRE scores may be required.
  • Full-time or part-time work experience may be required by some institutes.

MS in Marketing in Singapore 

MS in Marketing programs enriches the minds of the students with the know-how of marketing concepts. From basic to advanced marketing concepts, the MS programs enable students to understand the needs of the customer and apply the right marketing techniques to generate revenue. The National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Management, and INSEAD are some of the institutes offering MS programs in Marketing. 

MS in Marketing in Singapore – Eligibility

Let us take a look at some of the general eligibility criteria of the MS in Marketing courses in Singapore.

  • The applicant’s age must be at least 21 years.
  • The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in Marketing or any other relevant discipline with a competitive score. Any other qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may also be accepted.
  • The applicant must submit English language test scores like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs may not require proof of language proficiency if the student has more than twelve years of learning experience in English medium educational institutions.
  • Competitive GMAT or GRE scores may be required.
  • Full time or part-time work experience may be required by some institutes

MS in Data Science in Singapore

Data Science is the future. The demand for data scientists has been growing rapidly. The MS programs in Data Science in Singapore are a perfect combination of Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and data technology to empower students to use cutting-edge technology to solve industry problems. The MS in Data Science program may also include the use of Statistics, Maths, and other elements. The multifaceted MS program can transform the career of a student completely.

MS in Data Science in Singapore – Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for MS in Data Science programs in Singapore are listed below :

  • The applicant’s age must be at least 21 years.
  • The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in Science, Maths, or any other relevant discipline with a competitive score. Any other qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may also be accepted.
  • The applicant must submit English language test scores like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs may not require proof of language proficiency if the student has more than twelve years of learning experience in English medium educational institutions. 
  • Competitive GMAT or GRE scores may be required.
  • Full-time or part-time work experience may be required by some institutes.

MS in Mechanical Engineering in Singapore 

The Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering builds a strong foundation of mechanical engineering concepts. The program provides students with in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering with the help of mathematical and scientific concepts. The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are the best universities of Singapore offering MS programs.

The eligibility criteria of the MS in Mechanical Engineering program are mentioned below :

  • The applicant’s age must be at least 21 years.
  • The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or any other relevant discipline with a competitive score. Any other qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree may also be accepted.
  • The applicant must submit English language test scores like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs may not require proof of language proficiency if the student has more than twelve years of learning experience in English medium educational institutions. 

Also Read: MS in Japan

MS in Singapore Eligibility 

Students can apply for masters’ courses in Singapore if they are done with their Bachelor’s degree. The basic eligibility to get into the university of Singapore is to obtain a minimum of 55% aggregate in your Bachelor’s degree. For technology courses, GATE is a necessary exam given by the students. Most of the students pass these eligibility criteria.

Let us look at some of the basic criteria:

  • Minimum 55% aggregate in a bachelor’s degree
  • TOEFL / IELTS scores
  • GATE scores – 90 percentile cut off
  • Tuition fees – USD $10,000 i.e. Rs 3 to 5 lakh per year.

MS in Singapore Top Courses

Some of the popular courses in Singapore are IT, architecture, and design. Students have been coming to these fields to Singapore for decades. It has given them a better learning experience and practical knowledge. Singapore is also known for its medicine courses.

Let us look at some of the popular courses:

  • MS in Architecture
  • MSc in Management
  • MBA – Finance
  • Master of Science in Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

MS in Singapore Requirements

Students can apply for masters’ courses in Singapore if they are done with their Bachelor’s degree. The basic eligibility to get into the university of Singapore is to obtain a minimum of 55% aggregate in your Bachelor’s degree. For technology courses, GATE is a necessary exam given by the students.

Most of the students pass these eligibility criteria. Let us look at the requirements for various courses:

  • 10 + 2 senior secondary transcripts
  • IELTS/TOEFL scores
  • GATE scores
  • Student Visa
  • GRE/GMAT

Also Read: MCA Course

MS in Singapore Scholarships

The overall expenditure in Singapore might drain your financial condition. The expenditure incurred might range from $30,000-$60,000 (approximately) involving all the expenditure. Therefore, Singapore provides students with scholarships to assist them financially. These are some of the known scholarships. However, this is not it.

There are several other scholarships, and one can research to know about the scholarship provided by the college they are opting for.

  • INSEAD Antonio Borges Endowed Scholarship: Amount offered – 15,051 SGD
  • ASEAN Scholarship: it is given to the students from the merit list. It is given to both undergraduates and graduates.
  • APEC Scholarship: it is given to the students from the merit list. It is given to both undergraduates and graduates.
  • James Cook University Scholarship: this scholarship is personally offered by James Cook University. It is given to both undergraduates and graduates.
  • Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships at NUS: Amount offered– 21,338 SGD

MS in Singapore – External Scholarships

The following are some external scholarships that are available to MS students in Singapore:

  • Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA): Amount of 2,000 SGD.
  • The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program: Amount awarded to international students 1,333 SGD.
  • BrokerFish International Student Scholarship: International students are awarded around 1,333 SGDunder this scholarship.

MS in Singapore without GRE

GRE is required in Singapore for MS research work courses. If you’re applying for MS coursework, GRE or GATE is not required. This is faced by Indian students only. If you apply for a university in which doesn’t have English as a medium, don’t require IELTS/TOEFL scores. For Ph.D. courses as well, GRE is optional if not asked by the university.

Let us look at where GRE is not required:

  • Civil Engineering in NUS
  • Electrical Engineering in NUS
  • Computer Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Art fields.

How to Apply to top universities in Singapore?

Applying to Singapore universities for MS is comparatively easy. It is a simple and straightforward process and you are just required to follow these steps-

  • The majority of graduate programs will admit students twice a year, in August and January, each intake having a specific deadline for application.
  • Visit the website of your preferred college
  • Select the course
  • Submit the documents. Do cross-check before final submission.
  • Make sure you have required IELTS/ TOEFL/CAE scores.
  • Also, to get an assured admission, make sure to apply to more than one university.

FAQs

✅ How to apply to universities in Singapore?

Each university has their official website where students can apply for admissions. They accept applications both online and offline.

✅ What is the cost of MS courses in Singapore?

The average fees of the courses are SGD 10,000 to 35,000 per year. There are many scholarships available for these courses.

✅ What is the course duration at universities in Singapore?

The course duration is three years to 4 years on average. For master’s courses, the duration is 1.5 years to 2years.

✅ What are the intake periods of universities in Singapore?

Universities like NUS, NTU, and SMU; they take in postgraduate students two times, in August and January. Private institutes like SIM, PSB, and other foreign universities have intakes every quarter.

What are the most popular courses for Indian students in Singapore?

Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology, Banking & Finance, Art & Design, Supply Chain & Logistics, Construction, and Electronics & Telecommunications are some of the popular courses. They go for masters in these subjects.

ms in singapore
Tags :
courses
masters
scholarships
singapore
Universities

About the Author & Expert

Avatar

Rachit Agrawal

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.

Related Posts

Comments (0)