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 30 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) 17,500 SGD 43%
National University of Singapore 17,700 SGD - 128,100 SGD 42%
Nanyang Technological University 17,800 SGD - 39,800 SGD 41%
Singapore University of Social Sciences 18,800 SGD - 33,700 SGD 38%
Singapore Institute of Technology 21,200 SGD - 48,900 SGD 30%
Singapore Institute of Management 22,500 SGD - 78,500 SGD 26%
ESSEC Asia-Pacific 23,100 SGD 24%
Singapore Management University 24,600 SGD - 47,600 SGD 19%
LASALLE College of the Arts 25,400 SGD 16%
James Cook University Singapore 26,800 SGD - 31,400 SGD 12%
Amity Global Institute 27,000 SGD - 32,000 SGD 11%
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts 27,500 SGD - 32,600 SGD 9%
DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore 28,400 SGD - 39,800 SGD 6%
Singapore University of Technology and Design 29,200 SGD - 61,000 SGD 4%
SP Jain School of Global Management 29,700 SGD 2%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 30,200 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. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Singapore Management University

The Singapore Management University, or SMU, is an autonomous academic institution in Singapore. Founded in 2000, the university offers degree programs in business and computer fields and has been one of the top education providers in Asia. At present, the university is home to more than 12,600 students, with over 10% international enrollment.

9. LASALLE College of the Arts

LASALLE College of the Arts is one of the premier schools for art and design in Asia. It aims to educate the next generation of artists, designers, and leaders in creative industries. It boasts a modern campus equipped with studios and spaces that inspire students to bring their creative visions to life.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is an EduTrust-certificated higher education institute in Singapore. It is a specialized university that offers Diploma and Bachelor’s degree courses. These include disciplines in Fine Arts, Design, and Music. A variety of student events are also conducted, which include boating, restaurant visits, arts festivals, and more. Government financial schemes, university scholarships, and financial aid schemes are also available to help students in their finances.

13. 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.

14. 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.

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*
Singapore Institute of Technology 8,425 SGD - 17,800 SGD 69%
Nanyang Technological University 15,700 SGD - 56,100 SGD 42%
ESSEC Asia-Pacific 17,600 SGD - 69,500 SGD 35%
DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore 18,200 SGD 33%
National University of Singapore 19,100 SGD - 68,200 SGD 29%
London School of Business and Finance (Singapore) 20,200 SGD - 25,100 SGD 25%
Amity Global Institute 22,000 SGD - 33,000 SGD 18%
LASALLE College of the Arts 23,400 SGD 13%
Management Development Institute of Singapore 23,800 SGD - 28,400 SGD 11%
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts 24,000 SGD 10%
Duke-NUS Medical School 25,000 SGD 7%
Singapore University of Technology and Design 29,200 SGD - 51,200 SGD -9%
Kaplan Singapore 31,600 SGD -18%
Singapore Management University 32,400 SGD - 56,200 SGD -21%
Singapore University of Social Sciences 33,900 SGD - 46,300 SGD -27%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 26,700 SGD for universities in Singapore.

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1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Singapore Institute of Technology should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,425 SGD to 17,704 SGD annually for their master's degree.

2. Nanyang Technological University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Nanyang Technological University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Nanyang Technological University is 15,698 SGD to 56,100 SGD.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at ESSEC Asia-Pacific for incoming international master’s students is 17,539 SGD to 69,454 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 18,120 SGD.

5. National University of Singapore

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, National University of 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 19,050 SGD yearly.

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.

6. 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.

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. LASALLE College of the Arts

LASALLE College of the Arts is one of the premier schools for art and design in Asia. It aims to educate the next generation of artists, designers, and leaders in creative industries. It boasts a modern campus equipped with studios and spaces that inspire students to bring their creative visions to life.

9. 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.

10. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is an EduTrust-certificated higher education institute in Singapore. It is a specialized university that offers Diploma and Bachelor’s degree courses. These include disciplines in Fine Arts, Design, and Music. A variety of student events are also conducted, which include boating, restaurant visits, arts festivals, and more. Government financial schemes, university scholarships, and financial aid schemes are also available to help students in their finances.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Singapore Management University

The Singapore Management University, or SMU, is an autonomous academic institution in Singapore. Founded in 2000, the university offers degree programs in business and computer fields and has been one of the top education providers in Asia. At present, the university is home to more than 12,600 students, with over 10% international enrollment.

15. 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.

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!