A Singapore bachelor's degree puts you at two of Asia's top-five-ranked universities, NUS and NTU, with tuition heavily subsidised by the government Tuition Grant, in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment. Living costs are high, but subsidised student housing and hawker-centre food keep day-to-day expenses manageable.
Summary: How Much Does a Singapore Bachelor's Degree Cost in 2026?
| Category | Annual Estimate (SGD) |
|---|
| Tuition (NUS/NTU, with Tuition Grant) | $10,200 - $17,200 |
| Tuition (NUS/NTU, without Tuition Grant) | $28,000 - $55,000 |
| Tuition (SMU, undergraduate) | $16,800 - $20,000 |
| Accommodation | $6,000 - $18,000 |
| Food | $4,800 - $9,600 |
| Health insurance | $500 - $1,200 |
| Total annual estimate (with Tuition Grant) | $25,000 - $55,000 |
| Total 4-year estimate (with Tuition Grant) | $100,000 - $220,000 |
The Tuition Grant - What It Means for Undergraduates
The Tuition Grant subsidises fees at NUS, NTU, SMU, and other publicly funded institutions, in exchange for a 3-year work-in-Singapore obligation after graduation:
| Subsidy Effect | Annual Fee |
|---|
| Without Tuition Grant | $28,000 - $55,000 |
| With Tuition Grant | $10,200 - $22,200 |
Tuition by Programme (2026, With Tuition Grant)
| Programme | Annual Fee (SGD) |
|---|
| Arts and Social Sciences (NUS) | $10,200 - $12,200 |
| Business (NUS/NTU) | $13,200 - $15,200 |
| Computing / Engineering (NUS/NTU) | $13,200 - $17,200 |
| Law (LLB) | $15,200 - $17,200 |
| Medicine (MBBS) | $17,200 - $22,200 |
| Business (SMU) | $16,800 - $20,000 |
Cost of Living for Undergraduates (2026)
| Expense | Monthly Cost (SGD) |
|---|
| On-campus hall (shared room) | $400 - $700 |
| On-campus hall (single room) | $600 - $1,000 |
| Food (hawker centres + cooking) | $400 - $700 |
| Public transport | $80 - $150 |
| Total monthly (on-campus) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
Hawker centres, Singapore's subsidised public food courts, keep food costs low for students who cook or eat locally.
Total 4-Year Cost - Realistic Estimates
| Profile | Total 4-Year Cost (SGD, with Tuition Grant) |
|---|
| NUS/NTU Arts & Social Sciences | $95,000 - $130,000 |
| NUS/NTU Computing / Engineering | $110,000 - $150,000 |
| SMU Business | $135,000 - $175,000 |
| NUS Medicine (5 years) | $170,000 - $220,000 |
Student's Pass Costs
| Fee | Amount (SGD) |
|---|
| Student's Pass application (ICA) | $30 |
| Student's Pass issuance | $60 |
| Mandatory health insurance | $100 - $300/year |
Work Rights in Singapore
Undergraduates can work up to 16 hours/week during term, with unlimited hours during official vacation periods.
Post-Graduation Pathway
Singapore has no dedicated post-study work visa, graduates apply directly for an Employment Pass or S Pass. Tuition Grant recipients already carry a 3-year Singapore work obligation, making Singapore one of the most direct degree-to-career pathways in Asia for students targeting local employment in finance, tech, or logistics.
IELTS and TOEFL Requirements
| University | IELTS Min | TOEFL Min |
|---|
| NUS | 6.0 - 7.0 (varies by faculty) | 85 - 100 |
| NTU | 6.0 - 7.0 | 80 - 95 |
| SMU | 6.5 - 7.0 | 90 - 100 |
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