Cost of Studying in Singapore for Indian Students in 2026

Singapore is one of the most popular study destinations in Asia for Indian students. The country is home to several top global universities, a wide range of English-taught programmes, and a flight from most Indian cities to Singapore takes under five hours.

However, study costs in Singapore can be comparatively higher than other popular Asian study destinations like Malaysia, China, and Japan.

In this guide, we break down the total cost of studying in Singapore, along with scholarships and part-time work options to help lower your expenses while studying.

Tuition Fees in Singapore for Indian Students (AY 2026-27)

Tuition fees in Singapore can vary significantly depending on whether you receive the MOE Tuition Grant (more on this in the next section).

The three main public universities Indian students target are:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)

In addition to these universities, Indian students can also apply to polytechnics and private universities, which offer lower fees and several globally recognised degrees.

Click each section below for more information on tuition fees* in these institutions.

*All tuition fees presented are inclusive of the MOE Tuition Grant. Without the grant, tuition fees are typically 40–60% higher.

ℹ️ All INR values are calculated based on exchange rates in June 2026.

The MOE Tuition Grant: How It Reduces Your Cost of Studying in Singapore

The MOE Tuition Grant is a Singapore government subsidy that covers a large portion of tuition at several universities, polytechnics, and arts institutions.

You can find a full list of eligible institutions here ➡️ Overview | MOE

You’re not automatically enrolled in the MOE Tuition Grant, you’ll need to opt in when accepting your university offer to be considered for the grant. As an Indian student, you’ll be awarded the Tier C Tuition Grant if your application is successful.

🧠 The MOE Tuition Grant can reduce your tuition fee by 40–60%. Refer to your student bill or check with your institution on the exact grant amount.

The 3-year work bond obligation

The grant comes with a condition that you sign a tuition grant agreement, committing to work for a Singapore-registered employer for 3 years after graduation.

Here’s what you need to know about the tuition grant agreement:

• The employer must be registered in Singapore, it doesn’t have to be a Singapore-owned company. MNCs, tech firms, and banks with Singapore offices all qualify.
• There is no field restriction, you can work in any industry or role.
• The three-year period starts from your graduation date, not your employment start date.
• If the bond is broken, you must repay the full grant amount received, with interest.

How to apply for the MOE Tuition Grant

Here’s how to apply for the MOE Tuition Grant, step-by-step.

1. Indicate your interest early

• • For university applicants → Indicate your intent to apply for the Tuition Grant when selecting your course choices
  • For polytechnic applicants → Your institution will ask you to declare eligibility during admission via a Tuition Grant Option Form

2. Wait for confirmation

Once you receive your offer and are informed that you are eligible, you can proceed to apply.

2. Submit your application through the TG&S portal

Complete your online application within the application window set by your institution. The window can vary, so make sure to check the exact dates with your institution.

2. Attend the freshmen briefing

Your institution will cover the Tuition Grant process in detail during orientation, including institution-specific guidance.

Singapore Student Visa (Student’s Pass): Costs and Process for Indian Students

The Student’s Pass is your official immigration document to live and study in Singapore. This immigration pass allows you to study full-time at approved universities and colleges.

The total cost of getting your student visa in Singapore is approximately SGD 570 (INR 42,000). This includes:

• Visa processing fee: SGD 30 (INR 2,200)
• Visa issuance fee: SGD 60 (INR 4,400)
• Multiple-entry fee (if applicable): SGD 30 (INR 2,200)
• Mandatory medical examination: SGD 50–100 (INR 3,700)
• Health insurance: SGD 400 (INR 29,200)

✅ Student’s Pass applications typically take around 10 working days to process, depending on whether further verification or additional documents are needed.

Click each section below for more information on Singapore’s student visa.

Pre-Arrival Costs in Singapore for Indian Students

Pre-arrival costs cover everything you’ll need to account for before you land in Singapore, outside of the visa and Student’s Pass fees already covered in the previous section.

• IELTS/PTE test fees: INR 15,000–18,000
• Document attestation for visa application: INR 3,000–8,000
• Flight costs: Approx. INR 15,000

These costs can vary depending on the provider, and your total pre-arrival costs will be around INR 30,000–35,000.

Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2026

Singapore’s cost of living is higher than other popular Asian study destinations like Malaysia and China, but very manageable with the right spending choices and careful budgeting.

🎯 Indian students in Singapore spend between SGD 800–3,500/month (INR 58–256k) on living expenses, primarily depending on their accommodation choices and lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown of monthly living expenses in Singapore for an Indian student.

*Costs are calculated based on Living Costs and Cost of Living in Singapore. Jun 2026.

Click each section below for more information on Singapore’s cost of living.

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Singapore for Indian Students

Scholarships offered by the Singaporean government and universities can considerably reduce your cost of studying in Singapore.

Scholarships in Singapore can cover tuition fees, cost of living, airfare, research (for research master’s and PhDs), and more.

Government scholarships

• MOE Tuition Grant, Ministry of Education in Singapore – 40–60% reduction in tuition fees

University-specific scholarships

• The Nanyang Scholarship, NTU – Full tuition (after MOE grant) + allowance for living, study materials, and accommodation
• NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship, NUS – Full tuition + living and accommodation allowance
• SINGA (Singapore International Graduate Award), A*STAR/ NUS/ NTU/ SMU – Full tuition + living allowance

🧠 Some universities in Singapore automatically consider you for merit scholarships when you submit your admission application. Check your university’s scholarship policy for more information.

Part-Time Work in Singapore for Indian Students

Working part-time during your studies can help you offset some of the living costs while you study in Singapore.

Students with a valid Student’s Pass can work:

• Up to 16 hours per week during term time
• Unlimited hours during official school vacations (semester breaks)

Popular jobs among Indian students in Singapore include F&B or retail work, campus admin roles, research assistantships, and private tutoring.

You’ll be able to earn around SGD 7–15/ hour in a standard part-time job, giving you a monthly income of approximately SGD 550–960 at 16 hours per week.

Tips to Manage the Cost of Studying in Singapore as an Indian Student

Here are a few practical tips to help you manage your budget as an Indian student in Singapore.

• Live on-campus or in an HDB (Housing and Development Board) share. This alone can save SGD 1,100+/month compared to living in a private apartment.
• Eat at hawker centres or cook at home and treat restaurants as a weekend exception.
• Apply for a Monthly Concession Pass (MCP) to get access to unlimited travel on train and/or basic bus services (starts from SGD 48/month).
• Opt into the MOE Tuition Grant when accepting your offer. This can help you save 40–60% in tuition fee expenses.
• Start working part-time to offset some of your living costs. Working 16 hrs/week at SGD 10/hr can cover most of your living costs.
• Apply for at least 2–3 scholarships before or immediately after your offer letter arrives; several deadlines fall in the pre-arrival window.

Is Singapore Worth the Cost for Indian Students?

Compared to Malaysia, China, and Japan, studying in Singapore is generally more expensive. However, the MOE Tuition Grant, scholarship opportunities, and strong graduate employment outcomes make it one of the most cost-effective long-term investments for Indian students.

With the MOE Tuition Grant, Indian students can expect a total annual study cost of around SGD 26,000–50,000 (INR 19–37 L), including tuition fees and living expenses.

Planning to study in Singapore? Our expert counsellors can help you with every stage of your application, from university selection and MOE grant application to scholarships and visa guidance.

FAQs

Is Singapore expensive to study for Indian students?

Singapore is generally more expensive than Malaysia, China, and Japan, but the MOE Tuition Grant can reduce tuition fees by 40–60%. With the grant, the typical annual cost is around SGD 26,000–50,000 (INR 19–37 L), including tuition and living expenses.

How much does it cost to study in Singapore after 12th?

For undergraduate students, annual tuition fees typically range from SGD 17,000–25,000 (INR 12.4–18.2 L) at public universities with the MOE Tuition Grant, plus living costs from around SGD 825 per month.

What is the MOE Tuition Grant and how do I apply for it as an Indian student?

The MOE Tuition Grant is a Singapore government subsidy that can reduce tuition fees by 40–60%. You must indicate your interest during the admissions process, submit an application through the TG&S portal if eligible, and sign the Tuition Grant Agreement if approved.

What is the total 4-year cost of studying at NUS or NTU for an Indian student?

The total cost for a 4-year undergraduate degree at NUS or NTU is typically around SGD 135,000–200,000 (INR 99–146 L). This can vary significantly depending on your MOE grant status and the programme you’re studying.

Can I work part-time while studying in Singapore, and how many hours am I allowed?

Yes. Students with a valid Student’s Pass can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during official school vacations.

Are there scholarships in Singapore specifically for Indian students?

Yes, key options include the MOE Tuition Grant, which reduces tuition fees by 40–60%, as well as merit-based awards from universities like the SINGA scholarships.

What is the cheapest way to live in Singapore as an Indian student?

Living on-campus or in an HDB shared flat, eating at hawker centres or cooking at home, and using student transport concessions are some of the most effective ways to keep living costs low while studying in Singapore.