Universities & Courses in Singapore
Your guide to finding the best universities and courses in Singapore tailored to your academic and career goals.
How to Shortlist
Simple steps to choose where to apply.
Start with these.
- Ministry of Education (MOE): autonomous universities: The 6 autonomous universities and what each offers.
- Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA): approved schools: Universities and polytechnics approved for the Student's Pass (your permit to study in Singapore; it is digital).
Tips
Check the entry rules for your own exam, such as Indian Class 12 (NTU calls this India Standard 12) or Pakistan HSC.
Check the application dates for your qualification. At NTU, the dates are different for each qualification.
Types of Institutions
Where international students can study full-time with a Student's Pass.
Key Characteristics:
- NUS: many subjects, and you can mix them
- NTU: strong focus on engineering, science and technology
- SMU: classes where students talk a lot (seminars)
Best For:
Students who want a wide choice of subjects and research.
Examples:
National University of Singapore (NUS)Nanyang Technological University (NTU)Singapore Management University (SMU)
Best For:
Students interested in engineering and architecture with a design focus.
Examples:
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Key Characteristics:
- SIT: science and technology, and programmes with overseas universities
- SUSS: subjects about people and society, for young students and for adults who study later in life
Best For:
Students who want hands-on learning and contact with employers.
Examples:
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
Key Points:
- Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Republic, Singapore and Temasek Polytechnics
Examples: Ngee Ann PolytechnicTemasek Polytechnic
Key Points:
- Only private schools with EduTrust (a quality mark for private schools) can take international students
- No MOE Tuition Grant for private school courses
Note for International Students:Meeting the lowest marks does not mean you get a place. At NTU it is hard for students from other countries to get in.
Example Programmes and Fees
Examples with fees for international students. Check each programme page.
NUS Computing (bachelor's)
NUS Master of Computing
NTU master's in Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's and master's options at NUS and NTU.
Why Singapore?
- NUS Computing: SGD 21,400 (Singapore dollars) a year with the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant, SGD 39,700 without (2026/2027)
NUS Business
NTU Business
SMU Business Management
Business degrees at NUS, NTU and Singapore Management University (SMU).
Why Singapore?
- NUS Business: SGD 22,200 a year with the grant, SGD 33,400 without (2026/2027)
NUS Law
SMU Bachelor of Laws
Law degrees at NUS and SMU.
Why Singapore?
- SMU Law: SGD 30,450 a year with the grant, SGD 56,150 without (2026/27)
How Degrees Are Built
Length, credits and grades, with examples.
Bachelor's degree
Common Examples
- Computing
- Engineering
- Business
Program Structure
thesis
credits
defense
research
coursework
internships
You may do an internship during classes if it counts towards your degree. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets the rules.
supervision
specialization
Taught at Singapore's 6 autonomous universities (the public universities).
Master's by coursework
Common Examples
- National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Computing
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) master's in Biomedical Engineering
Program Structure
thesis
NUS Master of Computing: you can write a long research paper (dissertation) instead of four courses.
credits
NUS Master of Computing: 40 credit points (units). NTU master's in Biomedical Engineering: 30 credit points (academic units).
defense
research
coursework
internships
supervision
specialization
NUS Master of Computing: at least six courses from your chosen area (specialisation).
Taught programmes after a bachelor's degree.
Academic Year
Most universities have 2 terms a year (semesters). Some NTU master's courses have 3 terms (trimesters).
Grades
Universities use a grade point average (GPA).
Scale: NTU master's rules use a 5-point scale.
University Spotlight
Three universities many international students look at.
Specializations
- Computing
- Design and Engineering
- Business
- Law
- Medicine
Highlights
- Bachelor's fees from SGD 21,400 a year with the Tuition Grant (Computing, 2026/2027)
- Master of Computing: you can start only once a year, in August
Specializations
- Engineering
- Computing and Data Science
- Business
Highlights
- Strong focus on engineering, science and technology
- Bachelor's: at least 93% average in Indian Class 12, English included. For Pakistan HSC, check NTU's rules.
Specializations
- Accountancy
- Business
- Economics
- Law
- Computing
Highlights
- Classes where students talk a lot (seminars)
- SGD 26,200 a year with the Tuition Grant (most degrees, 2026/27)
Other Universities
Smaller universities with a clear focus.
Why Special:
SGD 31,600 a year with the Tuition Grant, for students starting in 2026. The grant comes with a 3-year bond to work for a Singapore company or organisation.
Strengths:
- Design-centred courses across engineering and architecture
Why Special:
Also runs programmes with overseas universities.
Strengths:
- Applied degrees in science and technology
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