Top Universities in Singapore in 2023

Do you want to study in Singapore? Do you want to know the top universities in Singapore to study in 2023? Singapore may be small, but it has one of the best education systems in the world. Also, it offers terrific study abroad experiences.

With over 60 Islands and doubling as a center of innovation in Southeast Asia, you are sure to have an amazing lifetime experience. If you dream of studying abroad, this article offers you the top universities in Singapore in 2023.

There are 34 universities in Singapore, six of which six are national. Recently, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) both featured highly in the QS World University Rankings® 2021. These universities have over 30,000 students each and offer a wide range of courses.

The NUS is ranked 11th in the QS World Rankings and first in the QS Asia University Rankings 2021.

Why Study in Top Universities in Singapore

Singapore is known as the Lion City. It is home to almost six million people. It is also known as a business and education hub attracting students and foreign investments from worldwide. 

Singapore prides itself on being one of the leading financial centers in the world. It offers a high quality of life and citizen-friendly policies primarily focused on safety and healthcare.

In Singapore, the local government provides annual funding for graduates to aid them in starting their businesses. Also, to join start-up hubs primarily focused on facilitating creativity and boosting the country’s local economy.

Universities in the country offer amazing courses and study programs. Students have the option of applying for scholarship programs and government subsidies to reduce education costs.

Also, students studying in Singapore will have the opportunity to explore their fantastic culture. This can range from enjoying the Chinese New Year in a traditional setting to exploring terrific regional cuisine.

See: 7 Top Universities in South Korea in 2023

What You Should Know About Singapore

• Singapore comprises more than 60 islands, with Singapore island; Pulau Ujong being the biggest.
• It has a population of nearly six million, 62% being citizens and 38% being permanent residents, international students, or workers.
• The cost of living in the country is about $8,000 per year.
• The country was founded in 1819 by Britain. In 1963, it gained independence and became a part of Malaysia in the same year. However, in 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia and became its independent state.
• It is a relatively small country – the same size as California and Fresno. However, it has a population of almost 10 times larger.
• The official languages in the country are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil, with English being the most spoken language.
• The tuition fees for international undergraduates cost US$14,400 per year. 
• Students have work-study balance options. They can work up to 16 hours per week during study sessions and full-time during holidays.
• The Singapore currency is the Singapore dollar – SGD/S$.
• Singaporeans are fast walkers. They could pass as the fastest walkers in the world. Their walking speed is 6.15km per hour.

What is the Cost of Living in Singapore?

Are you wondering if you need a budget to live in Singapore as an international student?

Singapore is one of the best study abroad destinations for international students from all around the globe. However, there’s a downside – the living cost.

The living cost in Singapore is relatively higher compared to other countries in Asia with your accommodation taking the biggest part of your budget.

We will recommend that you choose to live at student residences unless you can afford the high cost of accommodation.

A one-bedroom apartment in Singapore costs up to $1,175 (1,600 SDG). However, this will largely depend on the size and area you choose to live in.

Is it Difficult to be Admitted to a University in Singapore?

Admissions into universities in Singapore can be quite competitive. This is because Singapore is one of the most chosen study abroad destinations for international students.

However, it is not entirely difficult to be admitted into a university in Singapore. You must have to meet all the requirements ranging from academic, medical, and others.

Do I Have to Learn Another Language to Study at a Singaporean University?

No, you don’t have to learn another language to study at Universities in Singapore. Singapore used to be under the power of the British Empire. This lasted for a long time and as a result, the English language became one of the country’s official languages.

Also, the English language is the main language used in education. Other languages like Mandarin, Malay, and Til are also official languages in the country. You might only want to learn to improve your language skills to learn a second foreign language.

Is Singapore Cheap to Study?

There’s actually no straight answer to this question. Singaporean Universities might not be the most affordable universities in the world, however, it’s not the most expensive.

The Asian government awards financial aid to international students. Also, students who receive grants pay lower tuition fees than the rest of the other students. There are also merit-based scholarships available for international students.

Also, see: Best Universities in Sydney for International Students in 2023

Tuition Fees in Top Universities in Singapore

Tuition fees for universities in Singapore can vary across the different educational institutions. However, international students are expected to pay between SGD 7,000-$7,500 for undergraduate studies.

Meanwhile, tuition fees for postgraduate studies in the country cost between SGD 7,500-$8,500.

Which University is the Cheapest in Singapore?

Are you looking for the cheapest university in Singapore to study in? The National University of Singapore is the country’s cheapest university. It offers degrees that are widely recognized.

In addition, students who graduate from this university stand a higher chance at gaining job employment immediately after graduation as the school as players are impressed with the university.

Top Universities in Singapore

Here are our top picks on the best universities in Singapore in 2023:

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore)
3. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
4. NUS Business School
5. Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
6. Singapore Management University (SMU)
7. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
8. INSEAD – Singapore
9. Curtin University
10. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
11. PSB Academy
12. SP Jain School of Global Management

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

This is the country’s flagship university. It is deemed as Singapore’s best university for international students. It is the oldest, too, initiating international exchanges and joint degree programs with some world’s best institutions.

The University is an academic home to more than 40,000 students from over 100 countries. It comprises 17 faculties and three campuses:

• Bukit Timah
• Kent Ridge
• Outram

This University primarily focuses on entrepreneurship and research. Also, it is closely associated with the government and industry partners over rapid issues in Asia and all over the world. Students in this university will work in modern labs and research centers to study courses such as:

• Data science
• Energy
• Active aging
• Urban sustainability
• Common diseases in Aisa, etc.

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore)

This University has ranked highly on QS rankings since 2015. It is currently placed among the top 15 global universities. Also, it prides itself in its broad subject area, 19 of which are in the world’s top 50.

The University has a special focus on Technology and Engineering. Nevertheless, they also do great in:

• Humanities
• Business
• Medicine
• Social sciences
• Education
• Arts.

This University has its main campus in Jurong West. It is the country’s largest university campus. Also, it doubles as one of the top 15 most beautiful campuses in the world.

The Jurong West campus houses the:

• GreenMark-certified buildings
• Large gardens
• An Art and Heritage Museum
• A fishing lake
• A Chinese Heritage Center
• Residence halls.

Also, see: 5 Best Universities in New Zealand for International Students

3. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

SUTD is one of the world’s first universities to have a multidisciplinary curriculum on design and technology. It is an autonomous university affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT). 

It was established in 2009, and it is Singapore’s fourth autonomous university.

SUTD is offered through four pillars:

• Architecture and sustainable design
• Engineering product development
• Engineering systems and design
• Information systems technology and design

Also, the university supports two academic batches in the humanities and STEM areas. 

Set near the Changi Business Park, students who study at STUD will gain unique lifetime experiences. This nearness allows the university to work with industry partners to create more opportunities for its students and graduates.

4. NUS Business School

The National University of Singapore Business School first started as a Business Administration faculty at NUS in 1961. In 2002, it became an authorized autonomous institution and currently has more than 3,000 students across six academic departments:

• Marketing
• Analytics and operation
• Finance
• Management
• Policy
• Strategy

NUS Business School also established six research centers primarily focused on social entrepreneurship and behavioral economics.

Also, the school offers double degree programs with leading universities in North America, Asia, Europe, etc.

5. Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)

This is Singapore’s oldest lifelong learning institute. Established in 1955, the university started as a not-for-profit professional academic institute.

It hosts most of its programs in partnership with reputable universities in the UK. It provides internationally accredited courses in various disciplines such as:

• Business and management
• Fashion design
• Engineering
• Information technology
• Hospitality management
• Fashion and design
• Safety and environmental management

The University has awarded more than 8,000 scholarships to both local and international students.

It also extends support to charities and offers community assistance to the young, elderly, and disabled. Furthermore, it has international campuses in Tashkent, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan.

6. Singapore Management University (SMU)

Established in 2000, the Singapore Management University is a private university that offers a wide range of options to students using the American Curriculum.

The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and specialized degree programs in a broad range of areas. Some of the areas include:

• Accounting
• Business management
• Economics

The Wharton Research Center worked together with the SMU university through the Wharton-SMU agreement. An outcome would be the formation of four schools by SMU. In addition, the university established its centers and a library in the year of the agreement. 

In addition to all the amazing experiences the university offers, it takes students for industry visits to impart practical knowledge. 

7. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

This university was established in 2005 as a private university in the country. In 2017, it restructured into Singapore’s sixth autonomous university, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). In the same year, it was brought under the Ministry of Education.

From 1994 to 2005, the university was previously known as SIM Open University Center. From April 1st, 2019, the Institute of Adult Learning (IAL) became a part of SUSS. 

This University offers students access to government bursaries and subsidies, tuition fees, and study loans.

Also, it provides a work-study balance with its 32 part-time undergraduate courses for students who work while they study. There are also full-time courses available for students who want full-time study programs.

The University currently has 194 full-time faculty members and over 1000 associate personnel members employed to help students towards professionalism.

8. INSEAD – Singapore

Established in 1957, this university has been one of the top universities in Asia. It is a private business school famous for its prestigious MBA degree program, especially the executive MBA course.

This University is primarily aimed at creating, supporting, and promoting innovation and inspiring people worldwide. It offers students a broad range of study areas to choose from.

Also, it provides experienced faculties and the supervision of expert professionals to guide the students. 

9. Curtin University

Curtin University is one of the top universities in Singapore. It is a private university established in 2008 in the heart of the city. It has five campuses all over the world that offers a broad range of programs at different academic levels:

• Diploma
• Undergraduate
• Graduate

The University is ranked 230th by QS Ranking. Also, it offers many scholarship programs to students across the world.

See Also: 11 Cheapest Universities in Europe to Study Abroad (Almost Free)

10. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

This University was founded in 2004 and named after the late former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. It is an independent postgraduate school that allows students to choose over its five master’s degrees and two Ph.D. programs.

The University provides a high academic offering and research expertise. It is affiliated with the most reputable university known in the industry. 

11. PSB Academy

This is one of the highly ranked private universities in Singapore. It provides outstanding academic, administrative, recreational, and support facilities for students.

Established in 1964, this university operates two beautiful campuses in Marina Square and Jackson Square (Toa Payoh).

Each of these campuses is made of several buildings, green spaces, pathways, and parking areas. In this university, students can learn in classrooms, research centers, and high-tech laboratories provided with modern technology and equipment.

The university offers full-time undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral program levels. Also, it provides part-time programs at all of these levels too. It is divided into six schools that offer programs in:

• Computer science
• Accounting and finance
• Engineering
• Business management
• Cybersecurity
• Languages
• Media and communication
• Marketing
• General studies
• Human resources.

12. SP Jain School of Global Management

This is another one of the top universities in Singapore. It comprises seven classrooms, and learning halls in the seven-acre Singapore campus set close to downtown.

A part of the campus building called the Heritage building houses the faculty offices, marketing and admission offices, and accommodation—also, classrooms, lounge, banquet hall, and cafeteria. Meanwhile, the non-heritage building houses the student hostel, faculty offices, leadership hall, and classrooms. The University provides academic opportunities at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

At SP Jain School of Management, students can use the university’s library. This is in addition to a study area and study breakout rooms for group discussions.

FAQs

Conclusion

Although Singapore has a relatively high cost of living, the excellent education system, top universities, and the fantastic programs they offer can make up for it.  We hope that this article on the best universities in Singapore for international students was helpful.

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