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Cost of Studying in Singapore for Indian Students 2027: Fees and Tuition Grant
The cost of studying in Singapore for Indian students is typically ₹23 to 28.5 lakh a year at NUS with the MOE Tuition Grant, including on-campus living costs, and ₹32 to 45 lakh without the grant. Private institutions such as PSB Academy, Curtin Singapore and James Cook University Singapore charge their own fees and don’t offer the Tuition Grant.
Cost of Studying in Singapore at a Glance (2027)
| Cost | Per year (SGD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| NUS undergraduate tuition, with Tuition Grant | 21,400 to 22,200 | ₹15.8 to 16.4 lakh |
| NUS undergraduate tuition, without Tuition Grant | 33,400 to 44,450 | ₹24.7 to 32.9 lakh |
| Private institution tuition | Around 10,000 to 39,000 | ₹7.4 to 28.9 lakh |
| Living costs with on-campus housing | 10,000 to 16,300 | ₹7.4 to 12 lakh |
| Student’s Pass fees for Indian nationals | 120 | ₹8,900 |
INR conversions are approximate, at SGD 1 = ₹74 (late 2026). NUS fees are for students admitted in AY2026/27.
Budget Changes to Know for 2027
- Weaker rupee: The Singapore dollar has risen from around ₹68 to ₹74 in a year, so rupee costs are roughly 9% higher than 2025 budgets.
- Rising fees: NUS international fees with the Tuition Grant have risen by around 4 to 5% a year, and your fee is fixed for your whole course once you enrol.
- Higher Employment Pass threshold: From 1st January 2027, new Employment Pass applicants need at least S$6,000 a month, which matters if you take the Tuition Grant’s three-year work bond.
How Much Are Tuition Fees in Singapore for Indian Students?
Fees depend mainly on whether you study at an autonomous university with the MOE Tuition Grant or at a private institution.
| NUS programme (AY2026/27) | With Tuition Grant | Without Tuition Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Computing, engineering, humanities and sciences | S$21,400 (₹15.8 lakh) | S$39,700 (₹29.4 lakh) |
| Business | S$22,200 (₹16.4 lakh) | S$33,400 (₹24.7 lakh) |
NUS fees are fixed for your cohort, so the rate you start on applies for your whole degree. Medicine, law and dentistry cost more, so check the NUS fees page for your programme. Singapore Management University also offers the Tuition Grant, so check its fee schedule for your programme.
Private Institution Fees
- PSB Academy: Around S$10,000 to 19,000 a year (₹7.4 to 14.1 lakh) for business, engineering, IT and nursing
- James Cook University Singapore: Around S$21,000 to 35,000 a year (₹15.5 to 25.9 lakh) for business, IT and psychology
- Curtin University Singapore: Around S$22,000 to 31,000 a year (₹16.3 to 22.9 lakh) for business, IT and communications
- Raffles College of Higher Education: Around S$29,000 to 39,000 a year (₹21.5 to 28.9 lakh) for design, fashion and business
- SIM: Fees vary by partner university and degree
- SP Jain School of Global Management: Higher fees, reflecting multi-city business programmes
Approximate annual fees; check each institution for your specific course.
Master’s and MBA Fees
Most international master’s students pay full fees, as the Tuition Grant mainly supports undergraduates. For example, the NUS MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning costs S$58,860 (about ₹43.6 lakh) for the full programme for AY2026/27. MBAs at the leading business schools cost considerably more.
How Does the MOE Tuition Grant Work?
The MOE Tuition Grant is a Singapore government subsidy that cuts tuition at the autonomous universities, polytechnics and some arts institutions. At NUS it reduces international fees by around 35 to 46%.
- The bond: You must work for a Singapore-registered employer for three years after graduating
- Which employers count: Any Singapore-registered company, including multinationals with Singapore offices
- Breaking the bond: You’d need to repay the grant, with interest
- How to apply: Indicate interest when you accept your offer, then apply on the TG online portal within your institution’s window
The bond only works in your favour if you can land a job that meets work pass salary thresholds, so weigh it up carefully. The Tuition Grant and other scholarships in Singapore for Indian students can be compared side by side before you commit.
Expert View
“The Tuition Grant saves around ₹10 to 13 lakh a year at NUS, but it ties you to three years of work in Singapore. Before you accept it, check that your course leads to roles paying above the S$6,000 Employment Pass threshold, otherwise repaying the grant can cost more than the fees you saved.” – Harsh Khemka, Counsellor, StudyIn.
What Are Living Costs in Singapore for Indian Students?
NUS estimates the following costs for an academic year, excluding vacations.
| Expense | Per academic year (SGD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus accommodation | 4,000 to 10,290 | ₹3 to 7.6 lakh |
| Meals | 2,600 | ₹1.9 lakh |
| Personal expenses | 2,200 | ₹1.6 lakh |
| Transport | 800 | ₹59,200 |
| Books and supplies | 400 | ₹29,600 |
| Total with on-campus housing | 10,000 to 16,290 | ₹7.4 to 12 lakh |
Source: NUS living costs. Off-campus rent is at market rates and usually much higher.
- Housing: On-campus halls are the cheapest option; a room in a shared HDB flat or private apartment costs significantly more
- Food: Hawker centre meals are inexpensive, and many have Indian stalls
- Transport: Students can buy monthly concession passes for trains and buses
How Much Do the Student’s Pass and Pre-Departure Costs Add Up To?
| Cost | SGD | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Student’s Pass processing fee | 30 | ₹2,220 |
| Student’s Pass issuance fee | 60 | ₹4,440 |
| Visa fee for Indian nationals | 30 | ₹2,220 |
| Medical examination | Around 50 to 100 | ₹3,700 to 7,400 |
| One-way flight from India | Varies | ₹15,000 to 30,000 |
Your institution registers you with ICA, and you apply for your Student’s Pass online. Health insurance requirements vary by institution, so check whether it’s included in your fees. The full Singapore student visa process explains each step.
Can Part-Time Work Help With Costs in Singapore?
Only if you study at an approved institution. Under Ministry of Manpower rules, students at the autonomous universities and polytechnics can work up to 16 hours a week in term and full-time in vacations. Students at most private institutions can’t work on a Student’s Pass, so don’t count on part-time income in your budget.
How Can Indian Students Reduce the Cost of Studying in Singapore?
- Weigh up the Tuition Grant: It cuts NUS fees sharply, as long as the three-year bond fits your plans
- Apply for scholarships early: Many university awards close alongside admission deadlines
- Live on campus: Halls cost far less than private rentals
- Choose your institution carefully: Private institutions can cost less in tuition but don’t offer part-time work or the Tuition Grant
- Eat at hawker centres: Daily meals cost a fraction of restaurant prices
Shortlisting the right institution and courses in Singapore early also helps you meet the entry requirements for Indian students first time, avoiding extra test and application costs.
Plan Your Singapore Budget With StudyIn
Singapore costs more than most Asian destinations, but the right institution, the Tuition Grant decision and early scholarship applications can make it good value for Indian students.
StudyIn has over 20 years of experience across multiple study destinations. Our counsellors help you compare fees, decide on the Tuition Grant, apply for scholarships, manage your Student’s Pass and prepare for departure. If you’re still deciding whether to study in Singapore, we can help you weigh it up.
FAQs
How much does it cost to study in Singapore from India?
At NUS, expect around ₹23 to 28.5 lakh a year with the MOE Tuition Grant, including on-campus living costs, or ₹32 to 45 lakh without it. Private institution costs depend on the course.
What are NUS tuition fees for Indian students?
For students admitted in AY2026/27, NUS undergraduate tuition is S$21,400 to 22,200 a year with the MOE Tuition Grant, and S$33,400 to 44,450 without it.
What is the MOE Tuition Grant?
A Singapore government subsidy that cuts tuition at the autonomous universities, in return for working for a Singapore-registered employer for three years after graduating.
How much are living costs in Singapore for students?
NUS estimates S$10,000 to 16,290 an academic year with on-campus housing, about ₹7.4 to 12 lakh. Off-campus rent is usually much higher.
How much does the Singapore Student’s Pass cost for Indian students?
Around S$120 in pass and visa fees, plus a medical examination of around S$50 to 100.
Can Indian students work part-time in Singapore to cover costs?
Only at approved institutions such as the autonomous universities and polytechnics, up to 16 hours a week in term. Students at most private institutions can’t work on a Student’s Pass.
