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.

Singapore prioritizes high education quality. The government of Singapore actively invests a large amount to build a strong and accessible learning system. High fees worry many. There are multiple affordable universities in Singapore for Indian students. They offer courses related to fields like engineering, medicine, and other demanding fields.

Subsidies help reduce costs. Many public universities in Singapore receive financial support from the government. It directly lowers the tuition fees for all enrolled students. This makes degrees affordable. Even top-ranked schools like the National University of Singapore become accessible because of these state subsidies. NUS is a public university that ranks among the top 10 universities in the world 2026.

When planning to study abroad, manage your budget wisely. By choosing one of the cheapest universities in Singapore, you can significantly lower the overall expense. It saves you money to live in one of the most expensive countries in the world. This article helps you. We have gathered important details about universities where you can get quality education at very budget-friendly fees. 

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
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

National University of Singapore (NUS)

National University of Singapore is the oldest and most prestigious higher education institution in Singapore. It offers a global approach to education and research, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. The university is highly competitive, attracting top students from around the world. Its large campus provides a vibrant student life and world-class facilities.

• Ranking QS 2026: #8 Globally
• Popular Courses: Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, Medicine
• Average Fees (Per Year): SGD 17,800 - SGD 21,000 (Subsidized Tuition for Indian Students)
• Scholarship Available: Yes (ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

NTU is a research-intensive public university known for its eco-friendly smart campus. It has strong industry connections, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. Nanyang Technological University excels particularly in engineering and technology fields. Students here enjoy a dynamic learning environment with modern technology.

• Ranking QS 2026: #12 Globally
• Popular Courses: Engineering, Materials Science, Data Science, Communication Studies
• Average Fees (Per Year): SGD 18,000 to SGD 20,500 (Subsidized Tuition for International Students)
• Scholarship Available: Yes (Nanyang Scholarship, NTU Talent Scholarship)

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.

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.

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.