National University of Singapore Vs Columbia University: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare National University of Singapore Vs Columbia University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze National University of Singapore Vs Columbia University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare National University of Singapore Vs Columbia University based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze National University of Singapore Vs Columbia University on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia UniversityStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.3/5
10 Verified Reviews
4.1 Internships- 3.6 Part time work
- 3.9 Post study jobs
- 5 Quality of faculty
- 4.7 Student Life
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3.8/5
2 Verified Reviews- 3.5 Internships
- 3.5 Part time work
- 4 Post study jobs
- 5 Quality of faculty
- 3.5 Student Life
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia UniversityCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
NUS Singapore V/s Columbia University MS
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia University MBA/PGDM
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia University B.E. / B.Tech
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia University BBA
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia University LL.M.
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Other courses
- MIM (18 courses)
- LL.B. (1 course)
- B.Sc. (6 courses)
- BSN (1 course)
- M.Arch (3 courses)
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- B.Sc. (20 courses)
- M.Arch (6 courses)
- M.A. (137 courses)
- B.Arch (2 courses)
- B.A. (55 courses)
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NUS Singapore V/s Columbia UniversityCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1905
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
370 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+4 More
Established Year
1754
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+2 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
NUS Singapore V/s Columbia UniversityCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
NUS Campus
Day In The Life Of A Singapore
Finding the BEST Accommodations at NUS
Main Campus
Campus building
School of Computing
University Hall
Central Library
Active learning classroom
Business school
Cultural centre
EduSports Complex
Faculty of law classroom
Faculty of Science
Lecture theatre
Museum
Engineering building
Physics class
Retail & Dining
Accommodation
Housing
Stephen Raidy Centre
Columbia University in the City of New York
Welcome to Columbia
Into the Columbia
Librarary
Campus
Campus
Business school
Full campus view
Aerial view
Night view
Library
Library
Housing
Housing
Swimming PoolGet a detailed campus view, add a college
Country Facts
Study in Singapore
Home to Top Universities
NUS and NTU have been constantly ranked among the best universities in Asia- Universities are globally recognised for their academics and research
Economic Powerhouse- Leaders in aerospace, precision engineering, IT, pharmaceuticals industry.
- Asian headquarters for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Dyson and Tencent.
Safe and Secure- The country is ranked among the safest cities in the world.
- Singapore has a relatively stable political and social environment.
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities- Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on NUS Singapore campus
Siddharth K Nagaraj
MSc in Precision Health and Medicine - Batch of 2027
4.5
Life in Singapore as a Masters student in NUS.
Tips: The culture is very friendly. As for me, I came from India, and I've lived in the US for many years so I did not face any difficulty adjusting here. No cultural shift unless you are not from an Asian background. I did not avail any scholarships, as the options were limited for US citizens.
Likes (Public transportation): Public transportation is very affordable and available everywhere. It is easy to access. The campus is on the outskirts of the city, but there are a lot of ways to get there. It can take a well-connected MRT (subway), and many buses go there. Hailing a cab is also an option.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Student visa does not extend further than 1 year post-study. Up to us to find a job. The chances I would have of permanent settlement are probably 60%, considering I find a job that pays enough to live comfortably. Job opportunities for foreigners are slightly less. If I had the chance, I would 100% permanently immigrate to this country.
Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
MSc (Biomedical Engineering) - Batch of 2026
4.4
A great way to build your future.
Tips: I didn't have much of a cultural shift because I was brought up here before but I think the other students, the English slang that Singapore uses, might be slightly overwhelming. Scholarship wasn't available for my intake, but for the upcoming intake, I heard that there are some scholarships.
Likes (Quality of faculty): NUS faculty are very experienced and well-known in the research field. They have amazing knowledge and the way they bring it forward to the students is inspiring. They are very approachable and they introduce us to many conferences and competitions to build our own interests and discover ourselves.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Post study jobs are pretty difficult to find, being an international student as the salary is pretty high for a sponsored visa, which is way above the fresher salary in general in Singapore. There are 3 different types of passes, the unskilled worker pass is the least, followed by the skilled worker pass, and then the professional employment pass. Usually, Master's students are allowed only for the EP.
Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025Read more
D
DAKSHA GEHANI
MSc (Building Performance and Sustainability) - Batch of 2023
3.9
Challenging yet enjoyable.
Tips: Be prepared for classes to be in the evening. Keep in mind, you are allowed to take 2 electives in the whole year. So what I did was take one elective in the first sem and another in the second sem. You can choose a course from ISD, Project Management or M.Arch as your electives, but when you register for your courses, make sure the electives you choose don't clash in timing and day with your BPS courses. Some of my classmates did that and ended up having to switch electives 2 weeks into the semester. No big cultural shift except that people adhere to and expect adherence to rules. So if the escalator says "Stand on left, walk on right", then please respect that and either stand on the left side or walk on the right. Similarly, all other rules should also be followed, like no eating in the metro and only flag down public buses when you want to board them, etc. For Masters, there are little to no scholarships available in NUS. Of course, it does differ department to department, but in Architecture & Engineering, it's almost non existent for foreigners. Singapore can be expensive but as students, you end up figuring out where the good deals are and how to have fun even on a budget. I'd advise checking the NUS part time jobs page when you join, it has many openings for part time jobs where you can earn some money on the side. I did part-time shifts at the Central Library in NUS, could easily earn 10 to 12 SGD an hour. If you find part-time jobs off campus, then that's also handy, just try to keep it on a schedule you can manage with your classes and assignments.
Likes (Safety): Singapore in itself is a very safe city. I was out on a walk at 4 am and didn't have to think twice about using earphones and walking. As a woman, it is a very safe city. The police take patrols at night, not like a military facility type of way, just normally. And people in general have a basic civic sense of respecting private space.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Singapore has Singaporean Indians, which makes the food a mix of South Indian and Singaporean food. Some food is similar and easy to eat, like sambar and dosa, and some I wasn't able to eat due to the difference in taste, like a few types of daal. Vegetarian people have even less options in indian food because if you're nitpicky, you'll end up going back to basic food like price and sambar. I would suggest trying Mala hotpot, you get to pick out the quantity and type of ingredients you want, so vegetarians can just pick out veggies, and you get to have that cooked in a sauce of your spicy level choosing with either noodles or price. Lots of people enjoyed that. Keep in mind that NUS has one food court for each different studying school, like Medicine, Architecture & Engineering, etc. So each food court has at least one Indian food stall that has the food I'm talking about. The other stalls all have different food like western food options, chicken & rice (Singapore style), Chinese food, etc. Those are really good to eat if you like exploring other options.
Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
MSc in Management - Batch of 2023
4.6
An academic journey through the best life experiences.
Tips: Singapore has a very diverse culture and population, so you never feel you're away from home. Scholarships are available. Life on campus is fun, everyone is friendly, and the campus is beautiful.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The professors have a very good understanding of the course material and make the classes engaging through presentations and case studies. Applying knowledge in real-time helps in a better understanding of the course content, and the professors have their own unique teaching styles and interactive methods.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Many companies are hesitant to sponsor work visas. While a variety of job roles are available, finding one that matches your requirements and secures visa sponsorship can be challenging. However, being in SG, a major trade hub, does make it easier to find employment opportunities.
Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
MSc in Management - Batch of 2024
4.1
Securing a job is challenging.
Tips: As a student from India, it was a very different experience to study in a culturally diverse university. The way academics are programmed is quite different, but not hard to transition into. I am very satisfied with my university, the freedom of my course and Singapore is one of the best countries to study in.
Likes (Student Life): Curriculum allows for a good balance between school and personal life. The infrastructure promotes your growth. NUS does a lot of events to keep students mentally, intellectually stimulated. There are committees and clubs for every interest, making things very inclusive and fun.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Securing a job is challenging, as obtaining an employment pass or work visa necessitates sponsorship. With Singapore moving towards greater independence, securing sponsorship is becoming increasingly difficult. Consequently, without industry contacts, it can be hard to get noticed.
Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
NUS BBA - Batch of 2029
4.4
Faculty are always very approachable and friendly.
Tips: The cultural shock of studying in Singapore is milder compared to the USA, the UK, etc. The only culture shift to be mindful of is that following the rules is very important here - even when it's something small like crossing the road only when it's a green light. I did not avail any scholarship. I availed the MOE tuition grant, which is a 3-year bond that gets you a subsidised tuition fee in exchange for working for a Singapore-based entity for 3 years after graduation. Overall, I am satisfied with my course. The curriculum is modern and equipped with the skills required to survive in today's world.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty members are always very approachable and friendly. They encourage students to clarify their doubts after classes, either through email or during office hours. While there isn't any unique teaching methodology, and most teaching is done through PowerPoint slides and lectures, the faculty is coherent and educated in their field of study. They always provide extra information for each topic and make sure the students have a background about what they're learning. Most teaching faculty are local Singaporeans, but a few guest lecturers are international, of different ethnicities from all over the world.
Dislikes (Student Life): There are clubs available for every activity imaginable, and even sports and activities most people would have never heard of. Clubs are quite active and meet about once a week. Other than that, there are intra-hall and inter-hall activities, inter-faculty games, and so much more. However, NUS also gets very academically intense during certain periods, especially around exams. This makes it really hard to participate in co-curriculars at those times. Overall, the plethora of choices makes it easy for anyone to join something they're interested in.
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025Read more
K
Kishor Sivakumar
MSc in Marketing Analytics and Insights - Batch of 2024
4.2
Students on student visas are rarely considered for off-campus part-time work.
Tips: Be prepared to be challenged by every classmate and every day. The campus will go to great lengths to provide any support you need. Leverage the strong alumni network and focus on networking events from day one.
Likes (Value for money): The global exposure and the quality of the faculty and peers provide unparalleled exposure and knowledge, making every penny worthwhile. The career services at NUS also strive to equip you with the resources you'll need to enter the job market.
Dislikes (Part time work): Students on student visas are rarely considered for off-campus part-time work, and it's difficult to find such jobs. There are no job boards for part-time positions, so the only option is to secure a position within the university.
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025Read more
M
Manan Rupani
MSc in Management - Batch of 2023
4.5
The competition is very high and cutthroat.
Tips: I didn't experience any major cultural adjustments. While experiencing Singaporean culture is great, it really comes down to each individual's needs and preferences. Overall, I'm happy with my NUS experience, though there were some minor concerns that were likely specific to my cohort.
Likes (Value for money): I completely agree that it's a great value, especially when compared to similar institutions abroad in Europe, the UK, and the US. The quality of infrastructure and student life is also very reasonable. However, as a student, you'll need to learn to budget your expenses wisely.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The competition is very high and cutthroat, and as one of the leading countries in Asia, many people from around the world are seeking to settle here. It's difficult for companies to sponsor work visas, as there are many Singaporean nationals also seeking employment, making it easier for them to be hired compared to foreign nationals.
Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025Read more
A
Anonymous
Master in Computing (Computer Science Specialisation) - Batch of 2024
4.4
Intellectually challenging place.
Tips: Students should be ready to study a lot. They should be mentally ready to take difficult subjects and work on a lot of assignments and projects in all subjects simultaneously. The most important thing is the heavy competition you will be facing from your peers. Don't be afraid of it, but don't take it easy as well. I didn't avail of any scholarships. I am very satisfied with this university.
Likes (Student Life): I spend most of my time studying at college. I enjoy studying, working on projects and coding. I am also part of many clubs and thus I am happy with my current student life. Almost all events like sports, music, traditional events and many more are organised in the college. I participate in events that I like. There are technical and non-technical clubs, both on the campus.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I find more restaurants serving Chinese cuisine in my area (Clementi). However, if you travel to places like Little India, you will definitely find more Indian food stalls there, but as you move away from Little India, the count of stalls reduces. In my college, I find hardly 2-3 Indian food stalls.
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics - Batch of 2024
4.5
NUS is a university which rewards you for what you put into it.
Tips: You can get a lot of scholarships/bond to lower the cost of tuition fees at NUS. I think I'm pretty adaptable, so transitioning to living in Singapore was not a problem at all, and while there have been high highs and low lows, all in all, I'm quite happy with my university life.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The statistics faculty is very diverse and quite friendly. The course material taught is a great balance between practical and theoretical knowledge. The other courses I've taken outside of Science have also been amazing with some great faculty. Of course, there will be some professors you may not connect with, but I've not had a problem like that really.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): I can't really answer this question accurately as I haven't graduated yet, but from what I've seen of previous classes you will definitely be able to find a good job in Singapore as long as you are applying to a good selection of companies. The employment rate in my faculty is extremely high.
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2023Read more
D
Dishant R
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) - Batch of 2024
4
NUS is a research institution, and many courses are designed with a strong research component.
Tips: Before joining the National University of Singapore (NUS), students should consider several important factors to ensure they make the most of their time there. NUS is one of Asia's top universities, known for its high academic standards and competitive atmosphere. Students should be prepared for a challenging curriculum that emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and research. It’s important to be disciplined and motivated, as the workload can be demanding, and the expectations for academic performance are high. NUS is a leading research institution, and many of its courses are designed with a strong research component. Students interested in pursuing research opportunities should be proactive in seeking internships, faculty collaborations, or lab positions. The university encourages students to engage with cutting-edge research and provides numerous resources for those interested in academic inquiry. As a global university with students and faculty from all over the world, NUS offers a highly diverse and multicultural environment. Students should be open-minded and adaptable to a variety of cultural perspectives and communication styles. This diversity can enrich the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom. While NUS is highly regarded by employers globally, the job market in Singapore is highly competitive, particularly in fields like technology, finance, and engineering. Students should actively seek internships and networking opportunities early in their academic journey. Building a strong professional network while at NUS can be crucial for securing post-graduation employment.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The quality of its faculty consistently attracts and retains top-tier academic staff who are renowned for their expertise, research contributions, and teaching excellence. NUS is one of Asia's leading universities, and its faculty is internationally recognized for their cutting-edge research across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and computer science to business, social sciences, and the humanities. The university's faculty members often have advanced degrees from prestigious institutions around the world, bringing global perspectives and best practices into the classroom. Many faculty members are pioneers in their fields, having published influential research or contributed to groundbreaking innovations. This high level of expertise ensures that students are exposed to the latest knowledge and trends in their areas of study, making their educational experience both enriching and relevant to current global challenges. In addition to their academic qualifications, NUS faculty members are dedicated to providing high-quality teaching and mentorship. They engage students through innovative pedagogy, encourage critical thinking, and create an intellectually stimulating environment. The university’s emphasis on research-led teaching also allows students to participate in cutting-edge projects and collaborations, further enhancing the quality of their academic experience. Moreover, NUS fosters a culture of continuous professional development for its faculty, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of their respective fields. This commitment to excellence in both teaching and research is a key reason why NUS consistently ranks highly on global university rankings, solidifying the quality of its faculty.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Singapore’s immigration policies are generally selective, and while the country has been making efforts to attract skilled talent through programs like the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass, securing permanent residency (PR) can be a long and challenging process. NUS graduates, especially international students, may find it difficult to transition to permanent residency, as the criteria for PR are competitive and include factors such as employment, economic contribution, and family ties to Singapore. Furthermore, Singapore's focus is on maintaining a balanced population, so it is not as easy for foreigners to gain permanent residency unless they have highly specialized skills or significant economic impact. International students and workers are encouraged to contribute to Singapore's economy first, and only then can they be considered for PR, which means the immigration process can take years and is not guaranteed. While NUS provides world-class education, the pathway to permanent settlement in Singapore is less straightforward and often dependent on factors outside of the university's control, such as the national immigration policies, making it less attractive for those seeking long-term settlement.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025Read more
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Anonymous
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Anthropology - Batch of 2025
4.6
Good exposure time to explore yourself.
Tips: One of the first things you must do when you arrive is to meet and make friends with other students. This will help you when you need help in a pinch. Also, be sure to enjoy the cultural festivals and participate in them. While I didn't get a scholarship, I am happy with the exposure I got to this country. There is affordable transportation for students. You can choose to use either your own vehicle or public transportation. City buses are available for everyone. As a student, you should prefer public transportation to help save nature. You can also use a bicycle for your daily transportation needs. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Dislikes (Indian Food): The National University of Singapore (NUS) provides a diverse range of dining options that cater to students, staff, and visitors, with food courts, cafes, and restaurants spread across the campus. However, the pricing and value for money at these establishments have been a topic of discussion. Restaurants like The Royals Bistro and Platypus Food Bar serve Western and fusion dishes in a comfortable setting. While the food is delicious and presented well, the prices are relatively high for a student's budget. A meal here typically costs between SGD 10–15, making it less appealing for everyday dining.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2024Read more
Views on Columbia University campus
A
Anonymous
Computer Science Master's Degree - Vision, Graphics, Interaction and Robotics - Batch of 2026
Offered by Columbia University
3
Ivy League Tag does not work anymore.
Tips: No overwhelming cultural shift that I have experienced as of now. I didn't get any scholarship, they pay you nothing, no on campus jobs and even if you get any, you'll be paid peanuts. You basically take a crore rupees loan, study and work like a machine and still end up with no internship call, no certainty about jobs.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Excellent faculty, coursework, teaching and most importantly research. But don't expect to get paid for your research. They won't pay you. They'll ask you to take it for credit. All professors are great researchers and top in their domain but not all are good teachers.
Dislikes (Value for money): It's very expensive with zero or very few on campus jobs paying you peanuts. No proper career fair for internships. Uncertainty of jobs, constantly changing government regulations, disregarding all the effort and money we put to study here. Disregard for your skill and knowledge.
Reviewed on 28 Sep 2025Read more
N
Nithishma Allu
MS in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by Columbia University
4.6
Columbia University: Fostering Brilliance and Innovation
Tips: Networking is the key. Make as many connections as possible. New York is an amazing place to be and make the most of it. There is a Shardarshish scholarship which waves 50% tuition fees and also numerous graduate research assistant roles available if interested.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The diversity of faculty is amazing with most of them graduating from the top universities. Their knowledge on the subject is remarkable and they challenge you to be better and work harder. They let you engage in projects and conduct many office hours for discussions
Dislikes (Internships): The coursework and the brand value added because of Columbia University is great which lands you in a good internship but there are comparatively fewer career fairs than other universities. The career advisors are super helpful in guiding and suggesting changes to resumes and cover letters.
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more
A
Anonymous
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by Columbia University
3.6
Columbia is an expensive school, and the competition is very fierce.
Tips: Be mentally prepared before coming, the scholarships are rare, you need to be best at what you do. The competition is fierce, and things are not so dreamy anymore in the USA. But if you are good at it, you can make it. I am satisfied, hopefully I will get a job, and it will be easier for me.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Mostly, the faculty are adjunct faculty, giving a more practical experience. The faculty is diverse and well-rounded, and the way things are done here is different from in India. They are more concerned with practicality than with theoretical knowledge, so you need to study and prepare on your own.
Dislikes (Value for money): Columbia is an expensive school, and the competition is very fierce. Off-campus jobs don't pay well compared to the living costs. There are better private schools that offer scholarships you can attend. Brand value still matters in today's world, though.
Reviewed on 1 May 2025Read more
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