Singapore is one of Asia's leading study destinations, renowned for its world-class education system, international learning environment, and excellent career prospects after graduation. However, tuition fees vary significantly between public and private universities, as well as across different fields of study. Understanding these differences will help students and parents plan their education budget more effectively.
1. Tuition Fees at Public Universities
Singapore currently has six Autonomous Universities, including:
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National University of Singapore (NUS)
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Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
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Singapore Management University (SMU)
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Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
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Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
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Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
For international students, tuition fees depend on whether they receive the MOE Tuition Grant. Students who accept the grant benefit from substantially reduced tuition fees but are required to fulfil a service obligation by working in Singapore for the period specified by the Singapore Government after graduation.
Estimated Annual Tuition Fees by Field of Study (2027)
Exchange rate for reference: 1 SGD ≈ VND 20,500. The converted values below are estimates and may vary depending on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
| Field of Study | Tuition Fee (SGD/year) | Approximate Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, Economics & Business | 18,000 – 27,000 | VND 369 – 554 million |
| Engineering | 18,000 – 22,000 | VND 369 – 451 million |
| Computer Science & Information Technology | 18,000 – 22,000 | VND 369 – 451 million |
| Architecture & Design | 20,000 – 23,000 | VND 410 – 472 million |
| Law | 28,000 – 31,000 | VND 574 – 636 million |
| Medicine & Dentistry | 75,000 – 90,000 | VND 1.54 – 1.85 billion |
For example, ASEAN international students at NUS who receive the MOE Tuition Grant typically pay around SGD 18,050–21,150 per year for many undergraduate programmes. Without the Tuition Grant, annual tuition fees may increase to approximately SGD 33,000–40,000, depending on the programme.
2. Tuition Fees at Singapore Management University (SMU)
SMU is particularly well known for programmes in:
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Business
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Accountancy
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Economics
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Computer Science
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Information Systems
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Law
Estimated Tuition Fees
| University | Tuition Fee After MOE Tuition Grant (SGD/year) | Approximate Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| NUS (Most Programmes) | 18,050 – 21,150 | VND 370 – 434 million |
| SMU (Business, Computing, Accountancy, etc.) | Around 25,150 | VND 516 million |
| SMU (Law) | Around 27,750 | VND 569 million |
Students who are not eligible for the MOE Tuition Grant may pay between SGD 47,700 and over SGD 56,000 per year, equivalent to approximately VND 978 million to VND 1.15 billion annually.
3. Tuition Fees at Private Universities
Singapore is home to many reputable private education institutions that collaborate with universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, including:
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Kaplan Singapore
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PSB Academy
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SIM Global Education
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MDIS
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James Cook University Singapore
Unlike public universities, most private institutions publish tuition fees for the entire programme rather than on an annual basis.
| Programme | Tuition Fee (SGD) | Approximate Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 25,000 – 45,000 | VND 513 – 923 million |
| Master's Degree | 20,000 – 40,000 | VND 410 – 820 million |
Advantages of private universities include:
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More flexible admission requirements.
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Shorter programme duration.
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Degree programmes delivered in partnership with internationally recognised universities.
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Multiple intakes throughout the year.
4. Which Programmes Have the Highest Tuition Fees?
The following disciplines generally have the highest tuition fees:
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Medicine
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Dentistry
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Law
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Architecture
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Design
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Certain Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence programmes
These programmes require extensive laboratory facilities, practical training, specialised equipment, and professional instruction.
5. Should You Apply for the MOE Tuition Grant?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by students and parents.
Benefits
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Significantly reduces tuition fees.
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Saves tens of thousands of Singapore dollars over the course of a degree.
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Makes studying at Singapore's top public universities much more affordable.
Important Consideration
International students who receive the MOE Tuition Grant must fulfil the required service obligation by working in Singapore after graduation, in accordance with the regulations set by the Singapore Government. Students should therefore consider their long-term career plans before accepting the grant.
6. What Other Expenses Should Students Budget For?
In addition to tuition fees, international students should also budget for:
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Accommodation or dormitory fees.
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Food and daily meals.
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Public transportation (MRT and buses).
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Medical insurance.
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Textbooks and study materials.
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Personal living expenses.
These costs typically range from SGD 12,000 to SGD 20,000 per year, equivalent to approximately VND 246–410 million, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Conclusion
Compared with many other English-speaking countries, Singapore offers excellent value for money considering the quality of education, international learning environment, and strong graduate employment opportunities. For students who qualify for the MOE Tuition Grant, the overall cost of studying can be significantly reduced.
Before submitting an application, students and parents should carefully compare tuition fees across universities and programmes, while also exploring scholarships and financial assistance schemes. Careful financial planning will help ensure a smoother study experience and provide a solid foundation for future career success.
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