15 Cheapest Universities in Singapore for International Students

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In Singapore, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Singapore without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Singapore, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 28 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Singapore, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Singapore for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Singapore ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
London School of Business and Finance (Singapore) 17,200 SGD - 26,900 SGD 44%
National University of Singapore 18,000 SGD - 146,500 SGD 41%
Nanyang Technological University 18,000 SGD - 32,000 SGD 41%
Intercultural Theatre Institute 18,800 SGD 38%
Singapore Institute of Management 23,400 SGD - 40,900 SGD 23%
ESSEC Asia-Pacific 26,300 SGD 14%
Amity Global Institute 27,000 SGD - 33,500 SGD 11%
Management Development Institute of Singapore 28,400 SGD - 52,900 SGD 7%
DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore 29,000 SGD - 34,100 SGD 5%
Singapore Institute of Technology 29,000 SGD - 34,100 SGD 5%
Kaplan Singapore 29,600 SGD - 44,900 SGD 3%
Curtin Singapore 30,000 SGD 1%
Singapore University of Technology and Design 30,200 SGD - 62,100 SGD 1%
Singapore University of Social Sciences 33,600 SGD - 34,400 SGD -10%
SP Jain School of Global Management 34,300 SGD - 29,700 SGD -13%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 30,300 SGD for universities in Singapore.

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1. London School of Business and Finance (Singapore)

London School of Business and Finance (Singapore) was established in 2011 as an extension of London School of Business and Finance, a world-renowned business school in the United Kingdom. LSBF Singapore is located in a vibrant economic hub that allows its students to gain exposure to real-world professional environments. Since its foundation, the university has received multiple awards and has earned its place as one of the leading institutions for business education in Asia.

2. National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore is more than just Singapore’s oldest university. It represents the best of Asia, offering high-quality education sought by many worldwide. It is part of the elusive top 20 universities worldwide, placing 11th in the QS Top Universities World University Ranking. The university’s forte programs are incredibly diverse, including research, engineering, business, sciences, and more. As NUS focuses on impact and innovation, it promises to improve society and technology.

3. Nanyang Technological University

Although often second in age and prestige in Singapore, Nanyang Technological University’s quality of education and training is impeccable. As such, it has found its niche among the world’s elite, placing in the top 20 to 40 places in worldwide university rankings. Such excellence can be credited to its assembly of world-class faculties and institutes, including the National Institute of Education and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering. It’s commitment to research and innovation, evident through its application of sustainable practices and construction of the Smart Campus, is also a factor to its high quality education.

4. Intercultural Theatre Institute

Initially founded as the Theatre Training and Research Programme in 2000, this independent theatre school was renamed Intercultural Theatre Institute in 2011. It offers a three-year diploma training program in theatre and contemporary art. On one hand, the school’s vision is to create culturally and socially diverse leaders. On the other hand, its mission is to create competent, critically aware, socially engaged, and artistic professionals.

5. Singapore Institute of Management

Singapore Institute of Management is among the most reputable business schools in Singapore and Asia. Innovation and research play important roles in learning business at this university, focusing on business trends, strategies, and challenges in modern society. Singapore Institute of Management aims to produce business professionals who can thrive in the fast-paced and usually stressful industry and can strategically develop and implement ways to improve it.

6. ESSEC Asia-Pacific

ESSEC Asia-Pacific is a higher education institution established in 2005 and is located in Singapore. Aside from its campus in Singapore, there are also campuses in France and Morocco. Educational opportunities in this university are at Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and Grand Ecole levels. The university is also committed to developing accessibility and disability in education.

7. Amity Global Institute

Amity Global Institute is a proud member of the Amity Education Group, a network of global institutions committed to providing innovative and world-class education. Partnered with three of the most reputable universities in the United Kingdom, AGI strives to impart to its students the skills and expertise that meet the demands of today’s industries. AGI also takes pride in its esteemed faculty led by industry experts and seasoned academics.

8. Management Development Institute of Singapore

Management Development Institute of Singapore is a private, non-profit educational institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. It collaborates with world-leading universities in the United States and the United Kingdom to maintain global academic standards and produce industry-ready graduates. Students at MDIS get to experience corporate-level training to gain professional skills and expand their employment prospects.

9. DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore

The DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore is a private university that aims to prepare students for careers in the digital economy. It offers programs in the specialized fields of technology, arts, and video game development. The institute’s campus is equipped with top-notch facilities and spaces that inspire creativity, including art studios, production laboratories, and lecture theaters.

10. Singapore Institute of Technology

Singapore Institute of Technology is the place for students who want a fast track to employment. This specialized university of applied learning molds students to become the-cream-of-the-crop professionals and play significant roles in society’s innovation and economic progress. To achieve such, SIT only offers quality programs that are fine-tuned according to the industry’s demands. From engineering to business, these courses are a crucial need of society, and the institute does its best to satiate such necessity. Moreover, SIT has valuable partnerships with foreign universities, such as The Culinary Institute of America and Trinity College Dublin, to give students more opportunities and expand their horizons.

11. Kaplan Singapore

Kaplan Singapore is a leading institution in the country known for providing innovative, flexible, and internationally recognized academic programs in a wide range of fields. Through its strong network of universities from different parts of the world, students at Kaplan Singapore gain a holistic and exceptional experience and gain skills sought after by employers across the globe. The institution also has an impressive track record for its high graduate employability.

12. Curtin Singapore

Founded in 2008, Curtin Singapore is a young and internationally recognized university. It offers Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate courses. The university has multiple faculties which handle Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Business and Law, Humanities, and Education. Part of the university’s goal is to address issues concerning Singapore and the ASEAN region. Its service is guided by core values that include Integrity, Respect, Courage, Excellence, and Impact.

13. Singapore University of Technology and Design

The role of arts and design in advancing technology and societal growth has long been underrated. They are just as significant as the more technical and scientific aspects, which the Singapore University of Technology and Design recognizes. This premier and specialized institution hone students’ artistic talents, skills, and intelligence toward developing technology and society. It efficiently intertwines the worlds of art and science to create the best applications and innovations.

14. Singapore University of Social Sciences

Universities specializing in the social sciences are quite a rarity, making the Singapore University of Social Sciences a refreshing institution. Nearly all of its undergraduate and graduate programs are concentrated on the humanities, human development, business, behavioral sciences, law, Chinese studies, and other similar courses. Besides the social sciences, SUSS also provides a limited number of science, technology, and engineering courses. This reflects the university’s brand of inclusivity. It offers disciplines beyond its specializations and educates students from all walks of life – whether young or old, working or not, Singaporean or not.

15. SP Jain School of Global Management

SP Jain School of Global Management is a business school that has campuses in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Sydney. The Singapore campus offers Bachelor’s programs in Business Administration. Additionally, Master’s programs are also offered in the field of Global Business and Business Administration. Some programs are conducted through face-to-face sessions, through blended methods, or online learning. The university upholds its belief in providing innovative, critical, and principled education.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Singapore for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Singapore ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Nanyang Technological University 15,800 SGD - 49,000 SGD 58%
ESSEC Asia-Pacific 17,600 SGD - 45,800 SGD 54%
Management Development Institute of Singapore 18,600 SGD - 29,300 SGD 51%
DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore 18,900 SGD - 22,700 SGD 50%
Kaplan Singapore 20,500 SGD - 30,200 SGD 46%
National University of Singapore 21,400 SGD - 95,200 SGD 43%
Singapore Institute of Technology 21,800 SGD - 22,700 SGD 42%
London School of Business and Finance (Singapore) 22,900 SGD - 24,000 SGD 39%
Amity Global Institute 23,500 SGD - 42,500 SGD 38%
Duke-NUS Medical School 27,000 SGD 28%
Singapore Institute of Management 28,900 SGD - 41,300 SGD 23%
Curtin Singapore 32,400 SGD 14%
Singapore University of Social Sciences 38,100 SGD - 60,400 SGD -1%
James Cook University Singapore 41,600 SGD - 73,900 SGD -10%
SP Jain School of Global Management 49,300 SGD - 53,900 SGD -31%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 37,500 SGD for universities in Singapore.

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1. Nanyang Technological University

Although often second in age and prestige in Singapore, Nanyang Technological University’s quality of education and training is impeccable. As such, it has found its niche among the world’s elite, placing in the top 20 to 40 places in worldwide university rankings. Such excellence can be credited to its assembly of world-class faculties and institutes, including the National Institute of Education and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering. It’s commitment to research and innovation, evident through its application of sustainable practices and construction of the Smart Campus, is also a factor to its high quality education.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Nanyang Technological University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 15,800 SGD to 48,940 SGD annually for their master's degree.

2. ESSEC Asia-Pacific

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is ESSEC Asia-Pacific. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at ESSEC Asia-Pacific is 17,539 SGD to 45,716 SGD.

ESSEC Asia-Pacific is a higher education institution established in 2005 and is located in Singapore. Aside from its campus in Singapore, there are also campuses in France and Morocco. Educational opportunities in this university are at Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and Grand Ecole levels. The university is also committed to developing accessibility and disability in education.

3. Management Development Institute of Singapore

Management Development Institute of Singapore is a private, non-profit educational institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. It collaborates with world-leading universities in the United States and the United Kingdom to maintain global academic standards and produce industry-ready graduates. Students at MDIS get to experience corporate-level training to gain professional skills and expand their employment prospects.

The tuition fee at Management Development Institute of Singapore for incoming international master’s students is 18,530 SGD to 29,212 SGD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore

Another affordable university to consider in Singapore is DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore.

The DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore is a private university that aims to prepare students for careers in the digital economy. It offers programs in the specialized fields of technology, arts, and video game development. The institute’s campus is equipped with top-notch facilities and spaces that inspire creativity, including art studios, production laboratories, and lecture theaters.

The tuition fee in DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore for master’s program for foreign students starts from 18,868 SGD.

5. Kaplan Singapore

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Kaplan Singapore has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 20,492 SGD yearly.

Kaplan Singapore is a leading institution in the country known for providing innovative, flexible, and internationally recognized academic programs in a wide range of fields. Through its strong network of universities from different parts of the world, students at Kaplan Singapore gain a holistic and exceptional experience and gain skills sought after by employers across the globe. The institution also has an impressive track record for its high graduate employability.

6. National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore is more than just Singapore’s oldest university. It represents the best of Asia, offering high-quality education sought by many worldwide. It is part of the elusive top 20 universities worldwide, placing 11th in the QS Top Universities World University Ranking. The university’s forte programs are incredibly diverse, including research, engineering, business, sciences, and more. As NUS focuses on impact and innovation, it promises to improve society and technology.

7. Singapore Institute of Technology

Singapore Institute of Technology is the place for students who want a fast track to employment. This specialized university of applied learning molds students to become the-cream-of-the-crop professionals and play significant roles in society’s innovation and economic progress. To achieve such, SIT only offers quality programs that are fine-tuned according to the industry’s demands. From engineering to business, these courses are a crucial need of society, and the institute does its best to satiate such necessity. Moreover, SIT has valuable partnerships with foreign universities, such as The Culinary Institute of America and Trinity College Dublin, to give students more opportunities and expand their horizons.

8. London School of Business and Finance (Singapore)

London School of Business and Finance (Singapore) was established in 2011 as an extension of London School of Business and Finance, a world-renowned business school in the United Kingdom. LSBF Singapore is located in a vibrant economic hub that allows its students to gain exposure to real-world professional environments. Since its foundation, the university has received multiple awards and has earned its place as one of the leading institutions for business education in Asia.

9. Amity Global Institute

Amity Global Institute is a proud member of the Amity Education Group, a network of global institutions committed to providing innovative and world-class education. Partnered with three of the most reputable universities in the United Kingdom, AGI strives to impart to its students the skills and expertise that meet the demands of today’s industries. AGI also takes pride in its esteemed faculty led by industry experts and seasoned academics.

10. Duke-NUS Medical School

Duke-NUS Medical School was founded in 2005 through the collaborative efforts of Duke University and the National University of Singapore. The university aims to provide world-class education and training to aspiring medical practitioners in the country. Its technologically advanced facilities allow its students and faculty to conduct innovative research and experience immersive and hands-on clinical training.

11. Singapore Institute of Management

Singapore Institute of Management is among the most reputable business schools in Singapore and Asia. Innovation and research play important roles in learning business at this university, focusing on business trends, strategies, and challenges in modern society. Singapore Institute of Management aims to produce business professionals who can thrive in the fast-paced and usually stressful industry and can strategically develop and implement ways to improve it.

12. Curtin Singapore

Founded in 2008, Curtin Singapore is a young and internationally recognized university. It offers Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate courses. The university has multiple faculties which handle Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Business and Law, Humanities, and Education. Part of the university’s goal is to address issues concerning Singapore and the ASEAN region. Its service is guided by core values that include Integrity, Respect, Courage, Excellence, and Impact.

13. Singapore University of Social Sciences

Universities specializing in the social sciences are quite a rarity, making the Singapore University of Social Sciences a refreshing institution. Nearly all of its undergraduate and graduate programs are concentrated on the humanities, human development, business, behavioral sciences, law, Chinese studies, and other similar courses. Besides the social sciences, SUSS also provides a limited number of science, technology, and engineering courses. This reflects the university’s brand of inclusivity. It offers disciplines beyond its specializations and educates students from all walks of life – whether young or old, working or not, Singaporean or not.

14. James Cook University Singapore

James Cook University Singapore is an institution run by James Cook University in Australia. Since its establishment in 2003, the university offers Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate courses for local and international students. These programs cover a variety of disciplines such as Accounting, Aquaculture, Commerce, Environmental Science, and Games Design.

15. SP Jain School of Global Management

SP Jain School of Global Management is a business school that has campuses in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Sydney. The Singapore campus offers Bachelor’s programs in Business Administration. Additionally, Master’s programs are also offered in the field of Global Business and Business Administration. Some programs are conducted through face-to-face sessions, through blended methods, or online learning. The university upholds its belief in providing innovative, critical, and principled education.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Singapore?

Applying to cheap universities in Singapore requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Singapore for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Singapore?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Singapore. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Singapore is the Amity Global Institute, which offers Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, and Computing to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Amity Global Institute offers Education, Accounting and Finance, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Singapore, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Singapore as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Singapore for international students was helpful!