List of Best Universities in Singapore for International Students

Hello, I am pleased to introduce you all to the list of the best universities in Singapore for international students.

In today’s post, we are going to have a deeper understanding of which universities are considered the best universities in Singapore for international students thereby fully grasping what the requirements and costs are.

But before we take another step, I must recognize that some of you are also considering other countries aside from Singapore and the spirit of true love, I have on display some brilliant universities from regions so rich in educational history such as the universities in Cyprus that are the best for international students, or for those that in love the people and culture of Malaysia, we have the top universities for international students.

Not like that is all I brought for you guys, I also have the best Portuguese universities that are sorted after by international students, and the best Norwegian universities for international students. 

So, it is obvious that we have a lot of ground to cover therefore it becomes counter-productive for me to continually dilly-dally around. To drive home this point, we are now going to answer the question;

Can International Students Study in Singapore?

Yes, for those interested in studying in Singapore, you are required to possess a Student’s pass; also some students might need to use a visa to gain access to the country in conjunction with the Student’s pass after gaining admission into any of the universities in Singapore for international students that you prefer.

One benefit of studying in Singapore is that upon admission, the University of your choice will apply for a student visa on your behalf. Though, it is very important for you to send your application for a Student’s pass to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration System (SOLAR) between one to two months before the resumption of the course of your choosing.

How to get into a University in Singapore?

Recently it has emerged that Singapore has a hub of higher education learning with the bountiful availability of world-renowned quality universities and colleges which are properly represented in major university ranking systems.

Singapore is not only ranked well on the global university ranking systems but they are as a matter of fact highly ranked at top of the student satisfaction and global reputation ranks.

Therefore, getting into any of the universities in Singapore for international students will require the following steps;

  • Look up colleges and courses.
  • For further information, contact schools or go to their websites.
  • Reduce the number of schools on your list.
  • Take entry tests such as the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS.
  • Request LORs and write SOPs.
  • Apply to universities that are a good match for you.
  • Attend video interviews with the colleges that you were shortlisted for.
  • Apply for a student visa if you are accepted.

Cost of Studying in Singapore as an International Student

The primary concern of students that venture abroad to further their education is the costs of tuition, fees, and living within the foreign country for the duration of their stay there. Here is a summary of what is to be expected as regards tuition and fees for each program to help you plan your budget before deciding on which of the universities in Singapore for international students to settle on.

Study

Level

 Tuition Fee, SGD/Year Tuition Fee, USD/Year
Foundation / Pre-U S$12,000 – S$18,000 $ 8,800 – $13,000
Diploma S$6,000 – S$18,000 $ 4,400 – $13,000
Bachelor’s degree S$30,000 – S$60,000 $ 22,000 – $44,000
Master’s degree S$30,000 – S$50,000 (non-medical programs)

S$50,000 – S$90,000 (medical programs)

 $ 22,000 – $ 36,000 (non-medical programs)

$ 36,000 – $ 65,000 (non-medical programs)

With that, my hope is that I have at the least given your decision making improved resources to make a better one, but that is not all that we have as we still have to delve into the;

Universities in Singapore for International Students

List of Best Universities in Singapore for International Students

As is tradition on this site, we will look at the best universities in Singapore for international students taking very curious looks at what their environment and atmosphere are like, what are their tuition & fees, what to expect from them, and if they are of international pedigree.

Therefore, without being a serious bore, find below the best universities in Singapore for international students;

1.      National University of Singapore (NUS)

Having been established as a public research university, the National University of Singapore is considered by many an ace player in the Singaporean university circuit and also the crème-de-la-crème of the Asian educational sector.

It is a well-known known knowledge that the National University of Singapore is an institute drenched in the use of a transformative instructional model that focuses strongly on multidisciplinary research.

Because this is a major producer of many global professionals that are major players in their respective industries, the National University of Singapore has this penchant for calling for and training international students from various parts of the world which is why many believe that it is the best university in Singapore for international students.

The National University of Singapore is known to be endowed with 17 faculties that are operated at world-class levels within its 3 campuses; this gives prospective students a lot of options. Also, affordable tuition and fee structure, are a few of the reasons why the National University of Singapore is considered a top university in Singapore for international students.

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2.      Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Created in 1981, the Nanyang Technological University is understood to be the second oldest autonomous university in Singapore, with its position in the west of Singapore the NTU has made a name for itself as being a university that has a high acceptance rate with its enrollment of over 34,000 students. Not only that but it is also considered one of the largest universities in the Asia Pacific region.

Comprising 8 major colleges and schools, the Nanyang Technological University has schools that range from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, the Nanyang Business School, and last but in no way least, the College of Engineering.

The institution being a high-research institution makes it a focus of those looking for universities in Singapore for international students coupled with having iconic research facilities such as the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, the Nanyang Technological University is almost an urge to be satisfied by students on the hunt for the best universities in Singapore for international students.

Let’s not forget having an affordable Tuition of $17,000, the Nanyang Technological University’s fees can be calculated to give prospective students the best fit for their pockets.

This cheap university targets to give students a holistic experience for its student body. In addition to providing top-grade courses and degrees, the students are presented and have access to over 100 organizations within the university.

Not taking for granted that the NUT has been consistent with the top 100 universities in the world and is considered to be the 3rd best university in Asia this is as reported by the QS World Rankings. Therefore why don’t you;

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3.      Singapore Management University

Having been founded just recently in the year 2000 it has grown to become the fourth autonomous university in Singapore, it was fashioned in partnership with the Wharton Business School and the University of Pennsylvania and the business programs operated by the university have been the models the through which the Singapore Management University operates with.

With the university situated in the Downtown municipality of Singapore city, this provides international students with the obvious opportunity to explore the country through its historic and commercial districts. Also, international students are exposed to a rich diversity of people as the school has currently under its enrollment over 10,000 students and the university is comprised of 6 major schools.

Being a game-changer in the Singaporean university circuit, the Singapore Management University takes pride in the reality that it gives to students new knowledge in a plethora of subjects and disciplines using new teaching approaches which are on offer to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, this in turn urges students into becoming more innovative in their researches.

With an array of programs tailored for both undergraduate and postgraduate (both Master’s and Ph.D.) ranging from accountancy, economics, business administration, financial services, law, and information systems management brought to students at affordable tuition of $ 17,500 and other fees.

It is obvious why Singapore Management University is considered a hot cake for those looking to study management in universities in Singapore for International Students.

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4.      Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)

This prestigious institute was first established in the year 1956 as a not-for-profit professional academic institute. It has on offer a vast array of programs such as Business and Management, Fashion and Design, Engineering, and Safety and Environmental Management.

It also has the extra benefit that comes from internationalization as it is also in partnership with universities in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Management Development Institute is an obvious and practical choice for those in search of the best universities in Singapore for international students.

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5.      Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Formed in the year 2009, the Singapore University of Technology and Design as a result of a handshake with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A varying factor that distinguishes this university and others in Singapore is its strive to make available the best higher education to students and prospective students using innovative designs within its curriculum.

Those who are on the lookout for universities in Singapore that offers a hands-on approach means to complete their education have found a home with the SUTD. This is why the SUTD is one of the top universities in Singapore for international students.

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6.      Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

This list of best universities in Singapore for international students is ended on this note, the SUSS is an institution that began operations in 2005. The Singapore University of Social Sciences which was formerly identified as SIM University until as recent as 2017 was then renamed the Singapore University of Social Sciences and was then given an autonomous status which showed how much the government believed in its potential.

Having a unique philosophy known as the 3H’s education philosophy, which is a known motivation for the influx of international students to partake in more than the university’s 70 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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Cheapest Universities in Singapore for International Students

Though tertiary education is free only for national and local students of Singapore, however, international students are required to pay tuition fees for their studies although there are a plethora of scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities available to all students irrespective of the location of your birth through the universities or the government.

With that said, below are some of the cheapest universities in Singapore for international students that are available;

  • National University of Singapore
  • Nanyang Technological University
  • Singapore University of Technology & Design
  • Singapore Management University
  • Singapore Institute of Technology
  • Singapore University of Social Sciences
  • Republic Polytechnic
  • Nanyang Polytechnic
  • James Cook University

Universities in Singapore for International Students-FAQs

Are there free universities in Singapore for international students?

No, there aren’t any universities that have made tuition free for international students; this is only available for the indigenous population of Singapore.

Are there scholarships in Singapore for international students

Yes, there are loads of scholarship opportunities for international students which are offered by the government, the universities, and private individuals.

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