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Study abroad guide · 2026

Study in Singapore from India

Asia's finance and business hub, top-ranked universities just a few hours from India, and English-taught programmes. Here is what studying in Singapore involves.

Pass
Student's Pass (issued by ICA)
Intakes
August (main) · January · varies by institution
Tuition
Roughly SGD 30,000–60,000+ per year at universities
After graduation
Work needs an employer-sponsored pass (e.g. Employment Pass)

Why study in Singapore?

  • NUS and NTU are among Asia's top-ranked universities.
  • Close to India, with frequent, short flights.
  • A global hub for finance, technology, logistics and business.
  • English is the main language of study and work.

Approximate costs

ItemLocal currencyApprox. in INR
Tuition, university (per year)SGD 30,000–60,000≈ ₹20–41 lakh
Living costs (per year)SGD 15,000–25,000≈ ₹10–17 lakh

Approximate, as of 2026. INR figures use about ₹68 per SGD; exchange rates move. Fees depend on the university and course, so we confirm exact numbers for your shortlist.

  • Undergraduates at autonomous universities can apply for the MOE Tuition Grant, which lowers fees in exchange for working in Singapore for three years after graduating.
  • Private institutions have different fees and start dates.

Intakes

The main university intake is August, with some programmes starting in January. Private institutions often have several intakes a year.

Visa and application steps

  1. Shortlist universities or institutions and apply.
  2. Receive your offer and accept it.
  3. Your institution registers you with ICA; you then complete your Student's Pass application online.
  4. Receive your in-principle approval and complete formalities with ICA after arriving.

Working during and after your studies

  • Full-time students at approved institutions can usually work up to 16 hours a week during term and full-time during vacations.
  • Singapore has no dedicated post-study work visa. To work after graduating you need a job offer and an employer-sponsored pass such as the Employment Pass or S Pass.

Popular universities

National University of Singapore (NUS)Nanyang Technological University (NTU)Singapore Management University (SMU)Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

A selection of well-known options, not a ranking. The right university depends on your profile, course and budget.

Scholarships

MOE Tuition Grant

Lowers undergraduate fees at autonomous universities in exchange for a three-year work commitment in Singapore.

University scholarships

NUS, NTU and SMU offer merit scholarships for international students.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in Singapore after graduation? +

There is no dedicated post-study work visa. You need a job offer and an employer-sponsored pass, such as the Employment Pass or S Pass.

Can international students work part-time in Singapore? +

Full-time students at approved institutions can usually work up to 16 hours a week during term and full-time in vacations.

What is the MOE Tuition Grant? +

A grant that lowers undergraduate fees at autonomous universities, in exchange for working in Singapore for three years after graduating.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Visa rules and fees change often; we check the current official requirements with you during counselling.

Official sources: ICA – Student's Pass · Ministry of Manpower

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