Singapore

  Destination Guide

Study in Singapore

The gateway to Asia. A global financial hub offering the world's safest environment, top-ranked universities (NUS #8), and a unique tuition subsidy model.

Tuition Subsidy Service Obligation (Bond)
Academic Prestige #8 Global Rank (NUS)
Post-Study Visa LTVP (Job Search)

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Breakdown of estimated annual expenses (SGD). *Pro Tip: Use the MOE Service Obligation to slash tuition fees by ~50%.

Standard Tuition
S$35k - S$50k
Per Year (Without Bond)
MOE Subsidized Fee
S$18k - S$25k
With 3-Year Service Bond
Rent (HDB / Condo)
S$800 - S$1,500
Monthly (Shared Room)
Work Rights
16 Hours / Week
Strictly Enforced (Term Time)
Total First Year Estimate
S$40,000+
Using MOE Subsidy (Tuition + Living)
  Tax Rate: Extremely Low (2-7%)
Financial Aid

PhD & Research Awards

Singapore invests heavily in research talent. The "SINGA" award allows you to skip a Master's and go straight to a fully-funded PhD.

SINGA Award

The "Singapore International Graduate Award." For PhD students in Science & Engineering. No bond attached.

Full Ride + Stipend Fees + S$2,200/mo

NUS Research

Awarded to outstanding graduates for research leading to a higher degree at NUS.

Tuition + Living 100% Fee + S$1,500/mo

ASEAN Scholarship

For nationals of ASEAN countries. Covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance.

Regional Award Full Tuition + Allowance
 Top University & Corporate Awards Merit Based
NTU Nanyang Scholarship
Global Merit
Full Coverage
Dr. Goh Keng Swee
Asia-Pacific
Fees + Flights + S$2000
SMU Global Impact
Leadership
S$13,000 + Tuition
SIA Youth Scholarship
Indian Nationals
Full Scholarship
SUTD Global Merit
Tech & Design
100% Tuition Fee
Student's Pass (STP)

The Roadmap to Singapore

Singapore uses a streamlined digital system called "SOLAR." The university initiates the process, not you.

01

University Registration

Institution Side

Unlike other countries, you cannot start the visa application yourself. Your university must first register you in the SOLAR system. Once they do, you receive a "SOLAR Application Number."

Wait for SOLAR Number
02

Form 16 & e-Form 16

SOLAR Portal

Log in to SOLAR using your new number. Fill out e-Form 16. You will need to upload your passport details and pay the processing fee (~S$30).

Print & Sign Form 16
03

IPA Letter

Entry Visa

If approved, you receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This document functions as your Entry Visa to fly to Singapore. You do not need a separate tourist visa.

Show IPA at Immigration
04

Card Collection

In-Country

Upon arrival, you must undergo a medical checkup (if required). Then, book an appointment at the ICA Building to collect your physical Student's Pass card.

Biometrics at ICA
Asian Elite

Top 3 Universities

Singapore is home to two of the world's top 20 universities, offering Ivy League quality education with superior safety and career prospects.

N

NUS Singapore

Kent Ridge
Legendary Status "No. 1 in Asia"

The National University of Singapore is a global giant. Ranked #8 in the world, it offers unrivaled prestige and connections across the Asia-Pacific region.

Global Rank #8
Intl. Students 25%
Avg Salary S$5,500+
T

NTU Singapore

Jurong West
Legendary Status "The Global Tech Leader"

A research-intensive university famously ranked #1 globally for Materials Science and AI citation impact. The ultimate hub for engineers.

Global Rank #15
Intl. Students 30%
Avg Salary S$5,200+
S

SMU Singapore

City Centre
Legendary Status "The Wharton of Asia"

Modeled after UPenn's Wharton School. A specialized university for Business, Law, and Economics with a seminar-style pedagogy.

Specialist Rank Top Tier
Intl. Students 18%
Avg Salary S$5,800+
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