Cost of Studying in Singapore for International Students (2027)

In 2027, the cost of studying in Singapore will depend on your university or college, course, accommodation, and lifestyle. For international students, annual tuition can range from around S$12,500 at a polytechnic to more than S$30,000 for some subsidized university degrees, while non-subsidized tuition can exceed S$60,000 for certain programs. Living expenses can add approximately S$1,200 to S$3,400 per month, depending on where you live and how you spend. This guide explains tuition fees in Singapore for international students, accommodation costs, monthly living expenses, scholarships, and Student’s Pass requirements to help you plan your study-abroad budget for 2027.

Tuition Fees in Singapore for International Students (2027)

Tuition is one of the largest expenses when studying in Singapore. Your total cost depends on whether you choose a public university, polytechnic, or private education institution (PEI).

The following ranges are intended for initial budgeting, not as guaranteed fees for every course.

These ranges do not cover every qualification or program. For example, medicine and some specialized degrees can cost substantially more than a standard undergraduate course.

Tuition fees at Singapore's Autonomous Universities

Singapore has six autonomous universities: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, and SUSS. All six participate in the MOE Tuition Grant programme, which significantly reduces what international students pay each year. Even with the grant, fees at Singapore's top universities are higher than in many other Asian countries, so plan your finances carefully before committing.

With the MOE Tuition Grant (subsidized fees)

Most international students who receive a place at a Singapore autonomous university accept the MOE Tuition Grant. The grant reduces your annual tuition significantly. The following examples illustrate published fees for selected undergraduate programs and should not be interpreted as universal university rates.

Understanding the MOE Tuition Grant work bond

The MOE Tuition Grant is a Singapore government subsidy that helps eligible students pay for full-time tertiary education. International students must apply for the grant and accept its conditions; it is not automatically awarded to every applicant.

At participating autonomous universities and polytechnics, the grant can substantially reduce tuition fees. In exchange, international students who accept the grant are generally required to sign an agreement to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.

Tuition fees at Singapore's Polytechnics

Singapore has five polytechnics: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), and Temasek Polytechnic (TP). These institutions offer diploma programs in areas such as business, engineering, information technology, health sciences, and design. A full-time diploma typically takes about three years, although program duration can vary.

For students enrolled in eligible subsidized diploma courses, published 2026 annual fees at several polytechnics were approximately:

Sources: Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic.

Tuition Fees at Private Institutions (PEIs)

Private education institutions (PEIs) offer diplomas, bachelor's degrees, postgraduate qualifications, and programs delivered in partnership with overseas universities.

Examples include Kaplan Singapore, PSB Academy, SIM Global Education, and MDIS Singapore. Tuition varies widely depending on the institution, awarding university, subject, and course duration.

Rather than relying on a single national price range, request a written breakdown of:

• Tuition for the entire program, not just the first year.
• Registration, examination, and other compulsory fees.
• Whether the degree is awarded by the Singapore institution or an overseas partner university.
• Scholarship eligibility and payment schedules.
• Refund, withdrawal, and course-transfer policies.

Before paying a private institution, verify its registration and relevant certification through Singapore's official private education information portal. Check its current EduTrust status where applicable and read the Student Contract and Fee Protection Scheme terms carefully.

Accommodation Costs in Singapore

Accommodation is usually one of the largest components of a student's monthly budget. Costs depend on whether you live in university housing, rent a room in a public-housing flat, or share a private apartment.

For a useful official benchmark, NUS's living-cost guidance lists annual on-campus accommodation estimates of S$4,000–S$10,290, depending on the hostel and room type. Off-campus accommodation is priced at market rates.

Do not assume that university housing is guaranteed. Check eligibility, application deadlines, deposits, and whether accommodation is available for the full academic year.

Monthly Cost of Living in Singapore for International Students

Your monthly living expenses will depend on your accommodation, food choices, transport needs, and personal spending.

University guidance provides a useful starting point. NUS estimates monthly expenses of approximately S$1,150–S$2,050 for incoming exchange students living on campus and S$1,550–S$3,400 for those living off campus. These are illustrative estimates for exchange students, not guaranteed budgets for every international student.

Can you work while studying in Singapore?

Part-time work may help eligible international students manage their living expenses, but Singapore’s rules depend on your institution and student status. Do not assume that every Student’s Pass holder can work while studying. Check the eligibility conditions and permitted working hours in our guide to working part-time in Singapore as an international student before including potential earnings in your budget.

How to Save Money on Food and Transport

Singapore offers several ways to manage everyday expenses:

• Eat at hawker centres: Local food centres can be more affordable than restaurants. Prices vary by dish and location.
• Cook some meals at home: Sharing groceries and preparing meals can help control food spending.
• Use public transport: Buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network connect many residential areas with university campuses.
• Choose accommodation carefully: Compare rent alongside the time and cost of commuting to campus.
• Review your phone plan: Compare prepaid and monthly plans before committing to a contract.

A realistic budget should also include one-off expenses, such as a rental deposit, initial household purchases, travel, and course materials.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in Singapore

Several financial aid options can offset your tuition and living costs, including the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, university merit awards, and government research grants like SINGA.

Total Annual Cost of Studying in Singapore (2027)

Your total annual budget should include tuition, accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. The following scenarios illustrate how costs can vary. They are planning examples, not official minimum budgets.

Student’s Pass proof-of-funds requirements

In addition to tuition and living expenses, you may need to provide financial documents to support your Singapore Student’s Pass application. The documents required depend on your circumstances, so plan for these requirements alongside your study budget. Read our guide to Singapore Student’s Pass financial requirements and proof of funds for details on financial evidence and document checks.

Budget for Student’s Pass application fees

Remember to include Student’s Pass application fees in your overall study-abroad budget, in addition to tuition, accommodation, and daily living costs. Fees and any additional charges depend on the applicable application requirements. See our guide to the Singapore Student’s Pass application process for more information on the process and associated fees.

Frequently asked questions