How Much Does It Cost to Study in Singapore?

Do you want to study in Singapore? Curious about how much it actually costs? Here’s a breakdown of the amount of money you need in one of the world’s most expensive countries.

First, let’s talk about the amount of money you need to rent a place in Singapore. Renting a place in Singapore can be expensive, and it will definitely cause a big dent in your wallet. Housing in Singapore is divided into two types; namely, private housing and public housing. Public housing apartments, which are built and owned by the government are called HDBs. HDBs are the most affordable housing option for those who are on a budget, and you can rent a single room for around $800SGD. However, this also depends on the location and amenities. HDBs located in the central region tend to be more expensive, as they are more accessible and nearer to the Central Business District. As for private housing, it can be slightly more expensive given that condominiums have their own facilities. Once again, it depends on the district that you wish to rent in, but prices start from $1000SGD.

If the rent prices scare you, fret not. The cost of food and transport is affordable in Singapore, if you don’t eat at fancy restaurants all the time! For those who cook, fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the supermarkets. For around $10SGD, you can get two to three days’ worth of fruit and vegetables. Eating out at fast food chains or food courts will only set you back by $8-$10SGD per meal, and if you were to grab a bite at the hawker centres, you could get a sumptuous meal for $5SGD.

As for transport, Singapore is well connected by the metro system, or, what we call the MRT system. You can get to most places using the MRT, and the buses are also fast and efficient most of the time. Depending on the distance travelled, transport prices range from $2-$10 per day.

Tuition fees vary depending on school. For post-graduate programmes, the tuition fees in private universities start from $35000SGD per annum. For local universities, the tuition fee range is from $30000SGD to $70000SGD per year (programmes in arts and social sciences tend to be on the lower end, while business and finance courses tend to be on the higher end). For undergraduate courses, private university fees start from $14000SGD per year while public university tuition fees start from $17500SGD.

All in all, the bulk of your finances go to rent and tuition fees, which may vary vastly depending on the type of housing and programme you choose. For more information on studying in Singapore, do check out our Youtube channel!