Studying in Singapore: NUS and NTU rankings, courses, fees and how to apply (2026)
Singapore has two universities in the QS 2027 top 15, and NUS is the highest-ranked university in Asia in that table. For international students it offers world-class teaching, English-medium courses and strong industry links, although degrees are not cheap and have a bond condition if you accept a tuition grant.
Rankings
| QS 2027 rank | University | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Computing, engineering, business, law, medicine, sciences |
| 12 | Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | Engineering, computing, business, sciences, communication |
Singapore Management University (SMU) is also popular for business, law, accountancy and social sciences. Check its current QS ranking on the QS website.
What you can study
Undergraduate degrees at NUS and NTU normally take three to four years, with four years for honours and engineering. Faculties span computing, engineering, business, law, medicine, dentistry, design, humanities and sciences. Many programmes include internships, exchange semesters and research opportunities.
What international students pay
Fees depend on your status and your course.
- NUS, academic year 2026/27, international students without the MOE Tuition Grant (new intake, per year, including GST): Business about SGD 33,400; Computing and Design and Engineering about SGD 39,700; Humanities and Sciences about SGD 36,650; Law about SGD 44,450; Medicine (except nursing) about SGD 190,150.
- MOE Tuition Grant: international students can apply for a grant that lowers fees, but the subsidy is smaller than for citizens and recipients must work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.
- Singapore citizens pay far less (around SGD 8,300 to 9,700 a year at NUS and NTU after the grant), and permanent residents pay about 40% more than citizens.
- Living costs: housing is the main cost. University hostels are limited, so many students rent privately.
Admission process (undergraduate)
- Check the entry requirements for your qualification: A-levels, the IB, Indian board exams plus extra tests, or other recognised certificates.
- Apply online to the university. NUS and NTU open applications around the end of the year, with deadlines in early spring for August intake. International applicants may need SAT or other tests depending on the qualification.
- Provide transcripts, references, a personal statement and English proof if your schooling wasn't in English.
- Interview, portfolio or additional tests for certain courses such as architecture, music or medicine.
- Receive an offer and accept it, and apply for a tuition grant if you want one.
- Apply for a Student's Pass with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority online after you accept the offer. Your university supports this.
- Arrive in Singapore with the in-principle approval letter.
Admission (postgraduate)
Master's and PhD applicants apply through the university's graduate admissions portal with transcripts, references, English proof and a research or study plan. PhD applicants can often get scholarships with monthly stipends.
After graduation
Graduates can look for work on an Employment Pass or S Pass, both of which have minimum monthly salaries. See our guide to the Singapore Employment Pass for the 2026 figure.
Tips
- Weigh up the tuition-grant bond before you accept it.
- Apply early for hostel places.
- Compare Singapore's shorter degrees and English-taught environment against costs elsewhere.
Sources: QS World University Rankings 2027 release, NUS tuition fee schedule, MoneySmart: Singapore university costs.
Rankings, fees and visa rules change every year. Figures here were checked in October 2026 against the sources listed, several of which are third-party summaries, so confirm each number on the university's and the government's own website before you apply. Visa Ray is not an admissions or immigration adviser. You can run a free assessment on Visa Ray to see which study and work pathways fit your profile.