🇸🇬 National University of Singapore — Tuition, Scholarships & Visa Pathway for International Students
Real tuition figures, real scholarships, and the honest visa pathway after graduation — not marketing copy.
Quick Facts
| Location | Singapore, Singapore |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | QS World Ranking: #10 (2027 rankings), a decline from #8 the prior year — still Asia's top-ranked university and the only Asian institution in the global top 10, top 10 globally in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business |
| International Students | Strong international draw, particularly from India — NUS is a top choice for engineering, computer science and business applicants across Asia |
| English Requirement | Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall (or TOEFL 87+, often waived if undergraduate instruction was in English) |
Tuition for International Students (2026)
SGD $17,000-50,000/year — the Tuition Grant (MOE subsidy, roughly 30-50% off depending on the programme) is available to international students but requires committing to work for a Singapore-registered employer for 3 years after graduation. Postgraduate coursework programmes typically run SGD $35,000-65,000 for the full programme, with some fields receiving separate government subsidies depending on year of study.
NUS at Scale
NUS runs 17 faculties and schools offering more than 4,000 modules each semester, serving 38,000+ students from over 100 countries. Over 90% of graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation, and the university maintains partnerships with 300+ institutions across 40+ countries. Founded in 1905 as a small medical school, it's now consistently the only Asian university inside the global top 10 across major ranking systems.
Real Scholarships — Not Just a List of Names
NUS Merit Scholarships
Up to 100% tuition plus SGD $1,000-2,000/month, awarded to roughly 2% of the intake — genuinely competitive but exceptionally generous when secured.
A*STAR Scholarships
Full tuition plus SGD $1,500/month stipend plus a guaranteed internship at A*STAR (Singapore's national R&D agency) labs — government-funded and research-focused.
Visa & Post-Study Work Pathway
NUS graduates are viewed favourably by Singapore's immigration assessors, particularly when combined with an Employment Pass in tech, finance or biomedical sciences — CS graduates report starting salaries of SGD $5,200-7,500/month.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is NUS good for international students?
National University of Singapore is a well-regarded university in Singapore. QS World Ranking: #10 (2027 rankings), a decline from #8 the prior year — still Asia's top-ranked university and the only Asian institution in the global top 10, top 10 globally in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business. That specific standing (Asia's top-ranked university) is a genuinely strong signal — but weigh it alongside tuition, scholarships, living costs and post-study work rights, which matter just as much for your actual experience.
What tuition does NUS charge international students?
SGD $17,000-50,000/year — the Tuition Grant (MOE subsidy, roughly 30-50% off) requires committing to work for a Singapore-registered employer for 3 years after graduation.
What IELTS score do I need for NUS?
Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall (or TOEFL 87+, often waived if undergraduate instruction was in English)
Can I work in Singapore after graduating from NUS?
NUS graduates are viewed favourably by Singapore's immigration assessors, particularly when combined with an Employment Pass in tech, finance or biomedical sciences — CS graduates report starting salaries of SGD $5,200-7,500/month.
See the full Singapore university landscape and visa pathway.
🇸🇬 Study in Singapore Guide 🔗 Official NUS WebsiteMethodology
Tuition, ranking and scholarship figures are compiled from each university's official admissions/scholarship pages and the QS World University Rankings 2026, cross-checked in July 2026. Figures are ranges and change annually — always confirm exact costs on the university's official site before applying or paying any fees.
Limitations
- Tuition varies significantly by specific programme/faculty — the ranges shown are indicative, not a quote for any specific course.
- Scholarship values and eligibility criteria change annually and by nationality — always verify current terms directly with the university.
- This page does not constitute admissions or immigration advice.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute admissions or immigration advice. Page last reviewed July 2, 2026.
VisaCalc is not affiliated with National University of Singapore and does not represent the university. All figures are independently compiled for informational purposes. Always confirm tuition, scholarships and admission requirements directly on the official NUS website before applying or paying any fees.