Singapore has become a preferred study destination for Indian students due to its world-class education, globally recognised universities, proximity to India, English-taught programmes and multicultural student community. However, before you move forward with an exciting opportunity like this, you must know about the cost of studying in Singapore, which includes many expenses beyond the tuition fees of your desired course.
Key highlights:
- Cost of Studying in Singapore for Indian Students
- Average Tuition Fees in Singapore for International Students
- Fees for the Popular Courses at the Top Singapore Universities
- Cost of Living in Singapore for Students
- Accommodation and Daily Expenses Breakdown
- Part-Time Work Opportunities to Manage Expenses
- Some Tips to Save Moolah
Cost of Studying in Singapore for Indian Students
The entire cost of studying in Singapore for Indian students depends upon several factors, such as the choice of programme, university, other education-related expenses, the city students choose to live in, and the lifestyle. For example, the university cost includes the application fees, service charges, and student transport fees.
Let us look at each factor that influences the cost of studying in Singapore.
Average Tuition Fees in Singapore for International Students
The tuition fees in Singapore for international students vary depending on the chosen course, field of study, and university. There are several fields of study available, including business, science, humanities, and medicine. You can choose a course based on your academic background and interests.
Here’s the average cost of tuition fees in Singapore for different courses:
| Course Type | Annual Tuition Fees (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 20,000 to 45,000 |
| Postgraduate | 25,000 to 50,000 |
| PhD/Doctoral | 15,000 to 30,000 |
Fees for the Popular Courses at the Top Singapore Universities
The tuition fees for different courses in Singapore vary from one university to another.
Here are some of the top institutes in Singapore with their popular programmes:
National University of Singapore
For Undergraduate Courses
The fees for a bachelor’s degree in some of the popular fields at the National University of Singapore are:
| Field of Study | Annual Tuition Fee (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Business | ~21,500 |
| Law | ~28,000 |
| Humanities and Science | ~18,900 |
| Pharmacy | ~21,000 |
| Design and Engineering | ~20,000 |
For Postgraduate Courses
The fees for a master’s degree in some of the fields at the National University of Singapore are:
| Field of Study | Annual Tuition Fee (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Nursing | ~37,000 |
| Computing, Design & Engineering, Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Public Health, and Science | ~42,000 |
| Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Law, Design & Engineering | ~40,000 |
Nanyang Technological University
Here are the tuition fees at the Nanyang Technological University based on some of the popular fields of study:
| Field of Study | Annual Fees (SGD) |
|---|---|
|
~21,000 |
| Renaissance Engineering Programme(Combines Engineering, Business, and Humanities) | ~32,000 |
| All Other Programmes | ~19,000 |
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Here are the tuition fees at the Singapore University of Technology and Design for all full-time courses:
| All Courses | Annual Fees (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Per Academic Year | ~30,000 |
| Per Term | ~15,000 |
Cost of Living in Singapore for Students
The cost of living in Singapore for Indian students includes rent, utility expenses, food, groceries, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. These expenses can be categorised as fixed and variable expenses. The average cost of living in Singapore ranges from ~SGD 1,200 to ~SGD 2,000 per month. However, your cost of living varies significantly based on your lifestyle and choice of accommodation.
Accommodation and Daily Expenses Breakdown
Accommodation Expenses for Students in Singapore
The housing expenses depend on the locality, accommodation type, and number of people sharing the place. Prime areas have higher rent as compared to suburban areas. However, it may take longer to reach the university if you live in a suburban area. Considering these factors, it is vital to weigh all the options before choosing your accommodation.
Here’s the estimated monthly cost of accommodation in Singapore for different types:
- University hostels: ~SGD 400 – 800
- Shared apartments: ~SGD 700 – 1,200
- Private apartment (1 BHK): ~SGD 1,500 – 3,000
Additional Expenses for Students in Singapore
Other expenses, such as groceries, transportation, utility bills, and entertainment costs, should also be considered while planning to study in Singapore.
Here is the estimated budget for the same:
| Expense | Cost (in SGD) |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | 200-400 (Annually) |
| Books and Stationery | 300-500 (Annually) |
| Food and Groceries | 200-600 (Monthly) |
| Transportation | 80-150 (Monthly) |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Mobile plan) | 150-250 (Monthly) |
Part-Time Work Opportunities to Manage Expenses in Singapore
There are many part-time work opportunities to manage the cost of living for Indian students in Singapore.
As per the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore, international students can work up to 16 hours per week during the term if they are a full-time student and have a valid student pass.
Here are some part-time work options available for students in Singapore:
| Job | Wage (SGD per hour) |
|---|---|
| Retail assistant | 8-15 |
| Food delivery partner | 12-25 |
| Tutor | 20-40 |
| Administrative work | 8-12 |
| Event Co-ordinator | 8-16 |
There are many benefits of doing a part-time job while you are studying in Singapore. It adds local experience to your resume, gives exposure to work culture, and helps you manage your finances independently.
Also Read: Singapore Education System: A Brief Guide
Some Tips to Save Moolah
To keep your expenses in check, here are some helpful tips:
- Look for shared accommodation (hostels or shared flats) to lower rent and utility bills.
- It is best to cook meals at home rather than relying on dining out or delivery.
- You can take advantage of student concession passes for affordable public transport.
- It is recommended to identify your monthly expenses, create a budget and follow it religiously. You can try budgeting apps to track your spending.
- Opt for part-time work opportunities (as per student visa guidelines).
- Shop strategically during student discount seasons to further reduce your daily expenses.
Studying in Singapore is highly rewarding as a degree from a Singapore university is recognised globally and offers a wide range of job opportunities to students worldwide. However, you must plan your finances for a hassle-free education and living experience in Singapore.
If you are facing any financial challenges while planning your academic journey abroad, you can apply for a student loan just like many other students.
At Avanse Financial Services, we offer study loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation costs, living expenses, cost of learning devices, study material expenses and other education-related expenses. Our student loans for studying abroad come with benefits like quick sanctions and flexible repayment options. If you have any queries regarding interest rates for education loans, loans with or without collateral, or anything else, please feel free to connect with us today. We are just a call away.
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