How to Study in Singapore

Every year, over 60,000 students come to Singapore to study, with numbers rising each year, 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 jobs market.

 

If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Singapore, there are lots of 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

What are the Benefits of Studying Abroad in Singapore?

 

Singapore is an exciting destination where modern city life collides with 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 on starting a career in Asia after your studies, discovering more of the region will undoubtedly help. 

 

Finally, Singapore is also 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 healthcare system and efficient public transport, as well as numerous local parks and nature reserves.

 

What are the Benefits of Studying Abroad in Singapore?

 

Singapore is an exciting destination where modern city life collides with 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 on starting a career in Asia after your studies, discovering more of the region will undoubtedly help. 

 

Finally, Singapore is also 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 healthcare 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. 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 100 banks in Singapore alone, though over 300 financial companies operate offices in the city. Other multinational companies with headquarters in Singapore include Microsoft, Google, and Rolls-Royce.

 

Business graduates can also take advantage of a competitive job market. As of March 2025, vacancies reached more than 80,000—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
• Professional references (usually two)

For MBA programs, you’ll also be required to take the GMAT or the GRE 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, for example, 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. It costs S$45 (US$35). 

 

To apply for your visa, you’ll need specific documents, including: 

• A Registration Acknowledgement Letter from your school
• Passport
• A passport photo
• Financial support
• Proof of a residential address in Singapore

International students can apply for a Singaporean student visa online no more than three months before their course starts, but it’s recommended to do it at least two months before. Average processing times are around one week, so you should apply for your visa with plenty of time to spare. 

 

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Singapore as a Student?

 

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, it’s still possible to study in Singapore 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$450, 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.

 

On average, as a student in Singapore, you can expect to spend around US$15,200 annually, excluding tuition fees.

• Rent: US$500–US$1,500
• Monthly groceries: US$150–US$400
• Transport: US$60–US$150
• Restaurant meal: US$5–US$10 
• Gym membership: US$45–US$120

Data gathered from regional.simge.edu.sg and mscstrategy.nus.edu.sg.

Is Singapore More Expensive than Other Asian Study Destinations?

While Singapore’s tuition fees are high compared to other study abroad destinations in Asia, they are still more affordable when compared to the US or the UK. 

Undergraduate fees could range between US$20,000 and US$35,000 per year, depending on your institution, while 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’s in Management program at ESSEC costs approximately US$47,000, on the higher end of costs for master’s in Singapore.

International students should also be aware that Goods and Services Tax (GST) is also applied on top of tuition fees in Singapore, at a rate of 9%—make sure to check if the fees quoted by your business school are including or excluding 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. 

The Singapore Government offers Singapore citizens and international students a scholarship called the 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 of or all tuition fees for an undergraduate or postgraduate program. One example is the ASEAN Master’s Scholarship at NUS. 

Although international students are not eligible for Singaporean government student loans to study in Singapore, but 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

• Every year, more than 60,000 international students choose Singapore for its top-ranked universities, cultural diversity, and reputation as Asia’s best city for quality of life.

   

• International students should apply directly through their chosen university or business school, leaving enough time in advance to take the GMAT, if required. Once admitted, you should apply for a Student’s Pass (student visa), which costs S$45 (US$35) and is typically processed within a week.

   

• Tuition fees range between US$20,000 and US$70,000 annually, with INSEAD’s MBA at US$126,000, while average living costs for students are about US$15,200 per year.

   

• Scholarships and tuition grants may be available to international students in Singapore, but are more likely to be university-specific awards such as the ASEAN Master’s Scholarship at NUS.

Interested in studying in Singapore? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more