How much does it cost to study abroad in Singapore?

Studying in Singapore offers many benefits to international students. The city-state is one of the leading destinations for higher education in the world. Plus, students live in a cosmopolitan nation respecting all differences.

If you are curious about how much does it cost to study abroad in Singapore, you’re in the right place.

Why Study at a Singapore University?

High-class universities, widespread acknowledgment of issued degrees, and the quality of education are some benefits of studying in Garden City. The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are among the most sought-after higher education institutions in Asia. 

Moreover, tuition costs tend to be lower compared to many renowned establishments worldwide. 

How Much Studying in Singapore Costs a Foreign Student?

Tuition fees and living costs, involving housing, food, and transport, are the main expenses of studying abroad in Singapore. For your convenience, here’s a short breakdown of those:

Price of Higher Education in the City State

How much you’ll pay for attending an island nation’s university depends on whether you pay a subsidized fee or not. To see if you are eligible for a discount, refer to a Tuition Grant Scheme by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

If you don’t qualify, expect to pay anywhere from S$12,000 to S$50,000 per year for a chosen program. With the subsidized price, you may have to pay as low as S$8,000 for annual studying at a public institution. 

Average Costs of Living for Students

Foreign students living in Merlion City with roommates pay for housing as low as several hundred S$ per month. Living on your own during studies in Singapore may cost you as high as S$4,500 per month. 

Given that you probably won’t cook at home most of the time, food is likely to be your second-highest mandatory expense. 

You can eat at Hawker Centers away from the city attractions for no more than a few S$. To dine at restaurants, be ready to spend a few dozen S$ per meal on average. 

But if you can afford to prepare food at home without affecting your studies, your monthly food expenditures may decrease to S$200. 

The public transport fares for students depend on the distance and the service. For the exact price, please refer to the fare calculator. 

Commuting to your faculty in this cycle-friendly city by bike will cost you only the price of a bicycle. 

As a Student, May I Work in Singapore?

As an exchange student operating on study modules, you cannot work during your studies in Garden City. If that’s not the case, you need to obtain a valid permit to employ yourself. 

Permits entitling international students to work in the city-state are Training Work Permit, Work Holiday Program, or Training Employment Pass. Still, every university may have specific rules for the part-time engagement of their initiates. 

Either way, the maximum number of hours you can legally work as a student per week is 16. Don’t work without a work exemption pass because it is a legal offense in Merlion City. 

The monthly income foreign students can earn working part-time in Lion City is usually between S$1,000 and S$2,500. 

Bonus Things to Know About Studying in Singapore

• To study abroad in Singapore, you need to acquire a Student’s Pass and, maybe, a visa once your chosen university accepts your application.
• Apply for the pass between 30 and 60 days before the beginning of your studies.
• To collect the permit from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, prepare S$60.