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Study in Singapore [For Indian Students] – Cost, Requirement, Scholarships

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya, MBA

Published on Mon, March 2, 2020 4:31 PM   Updated on Mon, April 25, 2022 12:07 PM   17 mins read
Source: Study Abroad – Sunshine Fortunes Education

Singapore is considered as one of the most attractive and magnetic tourist destinations in the world. The extravagant living standard and vibrant infrastructure of Singapore have pulled several people towards it in the past few decades, not only for tourism but also for higher education. Studying in a highly structured university or college in Singapore is a dream of many students. Considering the lively and vigorous lifestyle of Singapore, students who want to study abroad always have Singapore in its list.

Singapore’s education system is highly reputed in the world. The number of students from every corner of the world tries to become a part of this education system and use it for their career enhancement. Pragmatic research inclined approach of institutions prepares the students to deal with the real-life situation during their study period. Association of these universities with organizations in the industry provides an easy space for students to find employment opportunities in more than 7000 thousand multinational companies.

Singapore has always considered its education system as its top priority, along with tourism, and focuses on maintaining a high standard of education.

  • Singapore is one of the top countries for higher education.
  • Singapore has a total of 34 universities. Six of them are national universities.
  • In QS World University Ranking in 2019, two universities were among the top 100 universities and one among the top 500 universities
  • National University of Singapore (NUS) was ranked 11th.
  • Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) was ranked 12th, and Singapore Management University was ranked 500th.

Study in Singapore for Indian Students

Singapore has several scholarships available for international students. Indian students can apply to these scholarships as long as they meet the eligibility requirements of the same. The scholarships have some academic requirements that must be met by the students. The amount awarded by these scholarships varies based on different factors.

To help you decide, we have listed the most popular scholarships below.

Study in Singapore after 12th Grade 

Students can Several students fall into the pool of confusion about their higher studies. Questions like what to study and where to study are the most common among many others. Singapore is an ideal place for students who are looking for international universities after completing their 12th. For Indian students who want to study abroad after 12th, Singapore is the best place to pursue a graduate degree. The practical approach towards education is the unique selling point for those who wish to study in Singapore after 12th.

Eligibility criteria after 12th Grade 

  • The student must possess a competitive overall score in 10th and 12th Grade. The student must have completed both from a recognized institute.
  • The student must have taken certain subjects in 10th Grade and must possess the minimum score in these subjects. (Subjects and minimum score are specified by the university/college)
  • The student must hold a respectable score in an English Language Test like TOEFL or IELTS.

Study in Singapore for free

Studying in Singapore for free sounds impossible, but that is not true! With a bit of planning, students can study in Singapore free of cost. Students who cannot afford the costs of studying in Singapore need not worry as there are some ways by which they can offset the costs of studying in Singapore. 

  • Fully funded and partial scholarships

Students can apply for fully funded scholarships that cover all costs of studies. Partial scholarships or scholarships awarded by the Government of Singapore and the government of their home country also help in reducing the cost of studying.

  • Applying early 

Applying early to Singaporean universities that have limited spots ensures that students get the financial aid of the universities. 


Also Read : Master of Science in Singapore


Top Universities in Singapore 

The education system of Singapore is among the best in Asia and in the world. The student-oriented system combined with low education costs makes Singapore suitable for all students. The diversity of courses offered by Singaporean universities is the cherry on top. 

Name of University and CollegeCourse offeredDurationFee (in Singaporean Dollars)
National University of SingaporeMBA17 months$76,000
Singapore Management UniversityMaster of IT in Business1 year$51,360
Nanyang Technological UniversityBachelor of Business3 years$38,000
INSEAD Executive Master in Finance18 months$95,000
LASALLE College of the ArtsBA (Hons) in Fine Arts3 years $24,990
Management Development Institute of SingaporeMaster of Business Administration in Banking and Finance1 year$26,000
James Cook UniversityBachelor of Information Technology2 years$59,064
Singapore Institute of TechnologyBSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy4 years $96,300

Study in Singapore: Masters 

Universities in Singapore offer a wide range of Master’s programs in several disciplines like Management, Art, Law, Business Health and Science, etc. These programs ensure that the students learn all the relevant skills required to work in the industry. From the basics to advances, the Master’s program offered by Singaporean universities pushes students towards achieving excellence. All Master’s programs require students to take certain eligibility tests. Here are the eligibility test requirements for the Master’s program offered by Singaporean Universities. 

  • The student must possess a respectable score in his bachelor’s degree.
  • The student must possess a decent score in TOEFL/ IELTS (Score depends on the program)
  • The student must possess a decent score in GMAT/GRE (Score depends on the program)

Study in Singapore: MBA 

Students can pursue their Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from many universities in Singapore. The Singapore Management University, London School of Business and Finance (Singapore), and Singapore Institute of Management are some of the best management universities in Singapore. 

  • The student must have completed 12th Grade with a decent score.
  • The student must possess a decent score in his bachelor’s degree.
  • The student must possess a decent score in English Language Test like TOEFL or IELTS.
  • The student must possess a decent score in GMAT/GRE (Score depends on the program)
  • The student must possess the minimum level of work experience specified by the college/university.

Why Study in Singapore?

With the world-class infrastructure and high quality of education, Singapore has emerged as one of the top choices of students to pursue their higher degree from the country. Every year approximately 50,000 students choose the Singapore education system as their career shaper. University in Singapore focuses more on practical learning rather than sticking only to the theoretical approach. This research focus learning approach prepares the students to deal with real-life situations and develop a professional’s thought process.

  • Best Asian country for education

Singapore is undoubtedly the best Asian country for education. This south-east Asian country has more than thirty universities, with some of them making regular appearances on the QS University World Rankings each year. 

  • Safe and peaceful

Singapore has consistently ranked high on the Safe Cities Index of Economic Intelligence Unit. It is an incredibly safe and serene country. Due to its serene nature, studying in Singapore is bound to be a walk in the park for the students.

  • Multilingual country

The population of Singapore speaks an eclectic mix of languages. English, Tamil, Malay, Hindi, and Mandarin are spoken by the people. Such a distinct mix of languages being spoken in the country ensures that students in Singapore have a wonderful learning experience. 

  • Language of Instruction

Learning that English is the language of instruction for all educational programs in Singapore will be a relief for many international students. Usually, the language barrier is a huge problem for many students, but international students will not have to face this in Singapore.

Study in Singapore: Worth it for Indian students? 

Singapore’s culture is a fusion of Asian and western cultures. This cosmopolitan country has a decent mix of both public and private educational institutes that provide quality education. Indian students who want to stay in Asia and study can choose Singapore. The education system of Singapore is a well-built structure that empowers all students to achieve success. The quality of education, low cost compared to other countries, and vibrant society of the country are some of the reasons why Indian students should opt to study in Singapore.


People also read : Singapore Universities Rankings


How to Study in Singapore?

Singapore has become an elite hub of education for elite people around the world. The cost of living in the country is considered as one of the costliest in the Asian continent. The education system is considered as the second most expensive in the world. Despite all this, the high-quality education of Singapore attracts more students every year. Hassle-free admission process and comfort of the English language are among the few reasons to study in Singapore.

The How-to process to study in Singapore is mentioned below.

  • Choose the program, course, and institute to study.
  • Reassess the application of the program and its visa-related requirements.
  • Fill the application with care and submit it before the deadline.
  • Wait until an invitation offer is delivered via email or any other medium.
  • Apply for a student visa and join the program in Singapore.

Study in Singapore after 10th Grade 

Students who have completed 10th Grade can study in Singapore for their higher education. While the number of courses available to them is limited, the quality of education in Singapore is what makes it worth it. Students can do their A levels in Singapore after 10th Grade, or they can also pursue a Diploma. 

Eligibility criteria after 10th Grade 

  • The student must have completed 10th Grade from a recognized board and recognized institute.
  • The student must have completed 10th Grade with a competitive overall score.
  • The student must have taken certain subjects in 10th Grade and must possess the minimum score in these subjects. (Subjects and minimum score are specified by the university/college)

Study in Singapore Requirements

Studying in Singapore is an expensive process. From tuition fees to the cost of living, everything is out of budget in Singapore. But apart from the budget, Singaporean universities have set some other requirements that must be fulfilled while applying for admission. The admission requirement of each university and course may vary from each other. Some basic requirements are listed below.

  • Attested copies of marks sheets of 10th, 12th, or graduation. Candidate must have secured at least 70% marks throughout the academic term. Some universities require at least 90% marks throughout the academic term.
  • Letter of recommendation (LOR) or Statement of Purpose (SOP) for candidates with work experience.
  • Valid scores of IELTS/TOEFL as some institutes require students to have good English language proficiency.
  • Valid score of GMAT for students who want to take admission in the MBA program.
  • Students must have reached the age of 18 before joining the program.

Study in Singapore University

Singapore has a world-class education system, and that is why it is considered by several students every year. There are a total of 34 universities in Singapore, of the 6 are national universities. These six national universities attract a large number of students every year. Out of the six national universities, two were ranked under the top 100 hundred universities in the world, and one was ranked under the top 500 universities in the world.

Cost to study in Singapore

The total costs of studying in Singapore can be divided into many smaller costs. There are pre-arrival costs that a student has to bear before setting foot in Singapore and there are post-arrival costs that a student must bear after his arrival in the country. The total costs depend on the lifestyle of the student however we have given a rough estimate of the costs below. Some costs like the visa application fee and general and medical and insurance costs are compulsory.

Pre-arrival costs

TypeAmount in Singaporean Dollar
Visa Application Cost$60
Supporting document Costsvaries
Flights and travel expensesUpwards of $200
General and Medical Insurance Costvaries

Post Arrival Costs 

TypeAmount in Singaporean Dollars
AccommodationUpwards of $400
Food and Beveragevaries
Public Transport$50- $100
Utility Bills$50-$100

Study in Singapore: Admission Requirements 

Every university or college in Singapore has certain requirements that are to be fulfilled by the students to be eligible for admissions. Whether it’s a polytechnic program or a Master’s program, there are some sets of criteria that are to be met without fail. Some programs may have additional requirements, so it is recommended that students carefully look at the requirements given on the official website of the college/ university. Let us take a look at these sets of criteria.

  • The student must possess a competitive score in Grade 10th and Grade 12th. The applicant must have completed his education from a recognized board. (Certain subjects may be required)
  • The student must possess a decent score in Language Tests like IELTS, TOEFL. (If required)
  • The student must possess a competitive score in GMAT/GRE (if required) 
  • The student must possess a competitive score in SAT (if required) 
  • The student must possess the minimum level of work experience.

Check Out: MS in Singapore


Six Month diploma courses in Singapore 

Six-month diploma courses are a great way for students to broaden their horizons and gain some useful skills. These diploma courses give the student an edge over the others. These diplomas are offered by universities in Singapore in various disciplines. 

  • The student must possess a decent score in ACT or SAT.
  • The student must possess a decent score in English Language Test like TOEFL or IELTS.
  • The student must possess a decent score in GMAT/GRE (if required)

Study in Singapore For Indian Students with Scholarship

Education is the basic right of every person. But higher education has become budget-hostile for many people. Singapore is the hub of high-quality higher education, is a dream place for many Indian students to pursue their degrees, but the expensive fee structure and costly lifestyle bar students from pursuing their dream.

To help such meritorious students for completing their UG or PG degree, several scholarships are available.

Few such scholarships for Indian students are listed below.

  1. Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship : It is offered by the National University of Singapore is open for Asian students, including Indian students. The scholarship is offered to students applying for a full-time undergraduate program in engineering, computing, and science (pharmacy excluded) on campus. The scholarship covers not only the entire tuition fees but also the international travel fare.
  2. Goh Keng Swee Scholarship : This Scholarship is offered to eminent students from 15 countries, including India. The scholarship is offered for the undergraduate program in Singapore’s most reputed institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Except for medicine, all the courses are covered under this scholarship. The scholarship waives off the entire tuition fees, airfares, hostel and food charges, etc.
  3. Singapore International Graduate Award : This fellowship is available for the students in research work. Apart from NUS, NTU, and SUTD, the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) is also a part of this scholarship. This scholarship covers the complete four years tuition fees of the Ph.D. program and offers a monthly stipend of SGD 2500 per month to scholars.
  4. The INSEAD Singapore campus : offers INSEAD Syngenta Endowed Scholarship for Emerging Country Leadership. Two scholarships are offered to noteworthy MBA students on campus who have shown academic achievement, and managerial qualities. This scholarship involves monetary benefits of up to SGD 22,500.

Study in Singapore Without IELTS

Whenever it comes to studying abroad, students always think of IELTS. Fortunately, students can study in Singapore without IELTS in select institutions. Several universities in Singapore permit students to pursue their studies in Singapore without IELTS.

English proficiency test is not mandatory for students to admit themselves into the reputed universities of the country. All the major courses like engineering, law, management, agriculture, design, accounting, etc., can be pursued in Singapore without IELTS.

  1. Students are allowed to study in Singapore without IELTS. However, some of them may ask for a valid IELTS score.
  2. Top universities like National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and Nanyang Technological University grant admission without IELTS.
  3. Admission into the universities mentioned above without IELTS is available for all the courses.
  4. Students can also pursue a Ph.D. and continue their studies in Singapore without IELTS.

Check Out: MBA in Singapore


Education loan Singapore 

Procuring a study loan/education loan for studying in Singapore is not difficult. An education loan covers many costs mainly tuition fees, medical and general insurance, books, accommodation, and food. The interest rate, repayment fee, duration of the loan, are different for each bank. To secure an education loan, the student must fulfill some requirements. Let us take a look at the eligibility requirements of a student loan for an Indian student.

  • The student must be above 18 years of age. Students who are below 18 years have to apply for a loan with their parents as a co-applicant of the loan.
  • The student must show proof of acceptance into a recognized Singaporean University.
  • The student should be an Indian citizen.

Study visa in Singapore: Criteria for Visa

A student who has been accepted into a university in Singapore needs to apply for a student visa or a Student Pass. This allows the student to study in the country legally. The type of student pass depends on the length and type of program but any program longer than thirty days requires a Student Pass. 

The criteria for a student pass are given below.

  • The applicant must be accepted into a recognized university in Singapore.
  • The applicant must possess a valid passport.
  • The applicant must submit Language Test scores (if required)
  • The applicant must demonstrate that he is financially stable to live in Singapore.
study in singapore

FAQs

✅ How much does it cost to study in Singapore?

Ans. The average fees of colleges in Singapore college are SGD 26,000 which roughly amounts to INR 14,00,000. The course in Singapore ranges from INR 12 lakh to INR 30 lakh.
A report of the HSBC claims that Singapore has the second most expensive cost of living for international students, roughly around SGD 28,000 per year. Food, transportation, books and stationery, and personal expenses can cost at least SGD 1000 per month for international students.

✅ Is it good to study in Singapore?

Ans. Singapore’s education system is of very high quality, and several students from every corner of the world use it for their career enhancement. The practical and research focus approach and teaching style make the students understand the concept and crux of the topic thoroughly.
Singapore has some renowned institutions like the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore Management University.

✅ Is studying in Singapore expensive?

Ans. Yes, it is a non-debatable fact that studying in Singapore is very expensive. According to an HSBC report, Singapore has been ranked second only after Australia in the ranking of the most expensive education hub.
Tuition fees in Singapore range from INR 12 lakh to INR 30 lakh. Singapore is a lavish country with an elite lifestyle and standard of living, making it the most expensive country to live in the Asia region. 

✅ Can international students work while studying in Singapore?

Ans. Extremely expensive tuition fees and out of the budget cost of living leaves several people in Singapore to work and study at the same time.
As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore, international students can work on a part-time basis for only 16 hours per week during their academic term and full-time on holidays, provided that they must have a Student Pass in Singapore that is issued while applying for the visa.

About the Author & Expert

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Piyush Bhartiya

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of IIT Roorkee, IIM Bangalore, KTH Sweden and Tsinghua University in China. Post completing his MBA, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group and focused on building sales and marketing verticals for top MNCs and Indian business houses.

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