Last updated: February 2024
Key Takeaways:
- Studying in Singapore can be more affordable than in many Western countries.
- Subsidies and scholarships are available, reducing tuition fees significantly.
- The cost of living for a student is estimated at $10,300 per year.
- Singapore offers a safe, high-quality, multicultural educational environment.
Introduction:
Singapore, renowned for educational excellence, offers an affordable study experience amidst a multicultural, safe, and high-standard living environment.
Is it cheap to study in Singapore?
Considering the quality of education, studying in Singapore can be relatively affordable. Tuition fees for local universities range from $22,500 to $53,200 for Singapore residents after subsidies. International students without subsidies face higher costs but can benefit from financial aid and scholarships. The cost of living is estimated at about $10,300 annually, making the overall expenses manageable compared to Western counterparts.
Singapore is well-known for its high quality education from Polytechnics, Technical Institutions to Universities, and it upholds high standards of teaching and learning.
Studying in Singapore, on the other hand, may be a privilege for everyone because the cost of study here is often lower in comparison to other popular international study countries such as Canada, Australia, United States, and United Kingdom.
The short distance and comparatively lower currency contribute to the numerous benefits of Singapore's world-class education system.
There are even more reasons to study in Singapore, with the two largest and oldest institutions, the Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, ranking among the best universities in the world.
Furthermore, a plethora of international colleges having campuses in Singapore provide students opportunity for a more affordable option.
Having said that, this article will provide you with a lot of information that you should be aware of, especially if you plan to study in Singapore.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
How much does it cost to study in Singapore?
Tuition Fees & Scholarships - Study in Singapore
A university student's nationality determines the subsidies (Ministry of Education Tuition Grant) that they can get.
Singaporeans get the most subsidies, followed by Singapore permanent residents and overseas students.
Students, on the other hand, who do not apply for or receive the MOE Tuition Grant must pay non-subsidized fees.
A four-year education at a local institution costs between $22,500 to $53,200 in total tuition fees for a Singapore resident.
A student without subsidies, on the other hand, will have to spend between $96,878 and $179,080, which is 265% more than what a typical Singapore citizen pays.
Moreover, the anticipated cost of living for a student is $10,300 per year, for an estimated total of $41,200 in living expenditures over four years.
| University in Singapore | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| NUS | $24,750 to $28,950 |
| NTU | $24,750 to $28,350 |
| SMU | $34,500 |
| SUTD | $40,500 |
| SUSS | $30,000 to $33,640 (4-year courses) |
| SIT | $22,500 to $43,320 |
| Lasalle | $29,340 |
| NAFA | $25,800 |
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Is Singapore best for studying?
Study abroad in Singapore - Is it cheap to study in Singapore
Here are five reasons to choose Singapore for adventurous and ambitious learners who want to extend their horizons and experience life as foreign students.
Environment that is safe and secure
According to the 2019 Safe City Index, Singapore is the world's second safest city. For example, the National University of Singapore has its own security force that monitors the safety of its campuses 24 hours a day.
Singapore has still managed to minimize the spread of diseases despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Having this sort of conducive environment and security is a nice experience, especially for students who venture off campus.
Related: Is Singapore Cheap for Shopping?
Excellent industry relationships
Singapore is a world-class manufacturing hub for information technology, aircraft, professional services, precision engineering, creative sector, and pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Many international corporations have established Asian headquarters and worldwide R&D centers in Singapore.
Students at the National University of Singapore, for example, can take use of this to get access to worldwide networks and industries, as well as multiple methods for connecting with key industry participants.
Academic excellence has a global reputation
Singapore has a global reputation for educational excellence, not only in Asia. It is situated among universities that have received international acclaim for both their top-tier academics and their cutting-edge research facilities.
Many internationally famous professors and researchers have come here to lecture and study. Whatever their origins, students' experiences in Singapore will build on their abilities and talents while aggressively expanding their perspectives and horizons.
High standard of living
Mercer, the world's leading human resource management consulting firm, named Singapore the city with the greatest quality of life in Asia in its 2019 Urban Life Quality Survey.
Singapore is a place to study perfect for people from all walks of life due to its developed economy, outstanding geographical position, good environment, convenient transportation, and good legal system.
Society that is multicultural
Singapore is a multi-cultural society in which people appreciate many religions, ethnicities, and civilizations. Because of its diversity, Singapore has been able to attract foreign students from all over the world.
International students flourish in this setting, gaining exposure to a diverse range of cultures while remaining able to communicate in English on a regular basis.
Therefore, we can agree that Singapore is an excellent destination to study! It has progressed from a safe and secure atmosphere to a multicultural civilization.
If you want to study as an international student in Singapore, this is the best decision you can make.
Can I study in Singapore for free?
Is it possible to study in Singapore for free? - Is it cheap to study in Singapore
What's even great about studying in Singapore is that you may do it for free. You may apply to institutions and earn a scholarship slot to pay for your entire education if you prepare ahead of time.
In addition to fully-funded scholarships, you can study for free in Singapore at one of the country's inexpensive institutions or through external financial awards. With that, here are some things you should know and prepare for if you wish to apply for free education in Singapore:
Apply for scholarships
When looking for free education programs in Singapore, one important matter to know is the availability of scholarships. Make a point of researching available scholarships in your target country and applying to as many as you can if you match the qualifying standards.
With scholarships covering your attendance fees, you may concentrate on your academics rather than worrying about money.
Get a 90 and above average and prepare your application ahead of time to have a good application
Studying for free in Singapore might be your one-way ticket to financial independence while advancing your profession. Your application should highlight your academic abilities, expertise, and competences, as well as your accomplishments and prospects.
Aside from your academic achievements, having the abilities and attitudes to interact with other individuals will aid you throughout your studies abroad
Apply to affordable local universities
Affordable universities are linked with world-class education in Singapore. Some partial scholarships provide monetary tuition awards rather than waivers.
Some universities, such as Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University, provide the greatest academic career at the most affordable prices. Tuition at these colleges ranges from US$10,000 to US$17,500.
Related: Tuition Centres Ranking in Singapore
Is Singapore cheap for international students?
Is Singapore affordable for international students? - Is it cheap to study in Singapore
Universities and colleges in SIngapore are not the least expensive in Asia. The government, on the other hand, provides financial assistance to international students.
Grant recipients pay less in tuition than the rest of the overseas students. There are other scholarships available in addition to discounted tuition.
Which course is best in Singapore?
Singapore is a promising place to study and reside, with several chances for students to begin their professional careers.
Universities in the nation provide a wide range of degrees in many subjects, attracting students from all over the world due to the universities' superior academic approach.
With that, here are some of the best courses you can consider taking up in Singapore:
- Master of Business Administration
- Engineering
- Law
- Banking and Finance
- Computer Science and Information Technology
Which country is cheapest for students?
Germany is an excellent destination for students looking to save money. Germany stands out among other countries for its affordable tuition fees and cost of living.
In addition, the country offers numerous scholarships and grants to international students that can be used to pay tuition and help defray living expenses.
Overall, Germany is a great choice for students who want to study abroad without breaking the bank.
What are the disadvantages of studying in Singapore?
Studying in Singapore can be an expensive endeavor. The cost of tuition, housing and other living expenses, as well as the additional cost of international student fees for foreign students, can add up quickly.
In addition, language barriers can be a major obstacle for some foreign students. While English is the primary language of instruction in the country, it can be difficult for those from non-English speaking backgrounds to adjust to the schooling system.
Cultural differences can also make the transition to a new environment challenging. In spite of its reasonable cost of living, the country is still relatively expensive and students may find themselves struggling to cope with the costs associated with studying in Singapore.
Is It Cheap to Study in Singapore?
All in all, we may conclude that studying in Singapore can be inexpensive if you are fortunate enough to apply for and get approved for scholarships.
Applying to local institutions in Singapore is also a great approach to study for less money than applying to expensive and prominent universities and schools in Singapore.
Academics will continue to be the top priority of these institutions regardless of where you want to study in Singapore, designating Singapore as one of the countries with an excellent and high quality education system.
We hope that we have answered your question about whether it is actually affordable to study in Singapore. We look forward to welcoming you here.
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