Affordable Universities in Singapore

Is there any cheap university in Singapore for international students? Yes, there are multiple universities in Singapore where you can pursue your desired course without breaking the bank. Also, degrees offered by these universities are valid in many countries including India.

The government of Singapore invests a good amount in improving the education system of the country. Multiple affordable universities in Singapore offer education at low tuition fees. Most of these universities receive government subsidies to reduce the overall tuition fees. For example: the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a public university that ranks in the list of top 10 universities in the world.

Tuition fees cover a big part of the overall study abroad budget. Getting a university where you can pursue higher education at a budget-friendly tuition fee can help you manage your finances. Check out this blog to know about affordable universities in Singapore.

Affordable and Cheap Universities in Singapore

List of some of the cheap and affordable universities in Singapore:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• Nanyang Technological University
• Singapore Management University
• Singapore University of Technology & Design
• Republic Polytechnic
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
• Temasek Polytechnic

National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore is not only the topmost research university in Singapore but across Asia. Although the university follows a global approach but its research programs focus on Asian contexts as well. It is one of the few Asian universities that has been ranked among the top 15 universities globally by prominent ranking providers. QS World University Rankings 2025 has ranked it at 8th position. The tuition fee for UG programs starts from S$17,800 and goes up to S$66,950 for some courses.

Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one of the best higher education institutes in Singapore. In addition, it is the second-best university in Singapore after NUS. It is home to almost 30,000 local and international students. It has been ranked at the 15th position in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The tuition fee starts from S$17,800 and can go up to S$77,600 for a few medical courses.

Singapore Management University

Relatively Young Singapore Management University (SMU) is a private university established in 2000. It follows the American curriculum, so, candidates can have knowledge of the global level in Asia only. As SMU has collaborated with the Wharton School of Business, its business programs are modelled after it. It has been ranked at 440th position on the QS World University Rankings 2025. Annual fees for international students start from $24,850 and go up to $27,400.

Singapore University of Technology & Design

Ten years old Singapore University of Technology and Design is a private institution that has collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As the curriculum of the institute was developed in collaboration with MIT, students can finish their 4-year degree in three and a half years. Also, foundation programs are mandatory at SUTD, so, students have a strong base for their course studies. Annual fees for international students here are S$29,900.

Republic Polytechnic

Established in 2002, Republic Polytechnic (RP) is home to more than 13,000 students. The institute is known for offering problem-based learning techniques for all its courses. It offers diploma courses in different areas ranging from hospitality to engineering, media, communication, and healthcare. The fees for international students are S$11,400 annually.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)

Founded in 1938, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is an open institution. It is a private institution that offers publicly-funded diploma courses in Arts. It offers a music degree program in partnership with the Royal College of Music, London (RCM). The fee for Diploma courses is around S$8,200 annually.

Temasek Polytechnic

Temasek Polytechnic is an open institution and is the third institute of technology in Singapore. Temasek Polytechnic is known for offering courses in design and law which are difficult to find in other similar institutes. It is the only technological academy in Singapore to have a Centre for Trans-cultural Studies. Temasek offers diploma, full-time, and specialization programmes. Annual fees for international students are around S$11,900 for full-time diploma courses.

Tuition Fees for Top Courses in Singapore

Here, we have mentioned course-wise tuition fees in different universities of Singapore:

Can I Study for Free in Singapore?

Few Singapore universities offer free education, however, that is limited to students of Singapore origin. International students need to pay tuition fees; however, they can get a scholarship or any kind of subsidy.