University of Southern California Vs National University of Singapore: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare University of Southern California Vs National University of Singapore based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Southern California Vs National University of Singapore on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare University of Southern California Vs National University of Singapore based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze University of Southern California Vs National University of Singapore on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
University of Southern California
Choose Course ->
National University of Singapore
Choose Course ->
Add College
University of Southern California
Choose Course ->
National University of Singapore
Choose Course ->
Add College
University of Southern California V/s NUS SingaporeStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
3.6/5
17 Verified Reviews
3.4 Internships- 3.5 Part time work
- 3.5 Post study jobs
- 4.4 Quality of faculty
- 4.3 Student Life
View More Ratings
4.3/5
27 Verified Reviews- 4.1 Internships
- 3.7 Part time work
- 3.6 Post study jobs
- 4.7 Quality of faculty
- 4.6 Student Life
View More Ratings
Add college to view Student's Rating
University of Southern California V/s NUS SingaporeCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
University of Southern California V/s NUS Singapore MS
View Detailed MS comparision ->
University of Southern California V/s NUS Singapore MBA/PGDM
View Detailed MBA/PGDM comparision ->
University of Southern California V/s NUS Singapore B.E. / B.Tech
View Detailed B.E. / B.Tech comparision ->
University of Southern California V/s NUS Singapore B.A.
View Detailed B.A. comparision ->
University of Southern California V/s NUS Singapore B.Sc.
View Detailed B.Sc. comparision ->
Other courses
- M.A. (14 courses)
- PG Certificate (40 courses)
- BBA (7 courses)
- Others PG (7 courses)
- LL.M. (7 courses)
View More course
- M.A. (15 courses)
- PG Certificate (7 courses)
- BBA (8 courses)
- Others PG (1 course)
- LL.M. (1 course)
View More course
Add college to view Courses
University of Southern California V/s NUS SingaporeCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1880
Number of Campus
2
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
229 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
1905
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
370 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+4 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
University of Southern California V/s NUS SingaporeCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
#1. University Park Campus
#1. University Park Campus
#2. Health Sciences Campus
USC Village: A Visual Tour
USC-India: Partner The Future
Aerial View
Aerial View
USC campus
USC Great Lawn
USC Cromwell Field
Classroom
Classroom
McCarthy Honors College
USC Village Dinning Hall
Building
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 CentreGet a detailed campus view, add a college
Country Facts
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
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.
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on University of Southern California campus
A
Anonymous
M.A in Occupational Therapy - Batch of 2026
4
It has been an amazing and very promising experience.
Tips: The campus is beautiful, the classes are interesting, and the university has some courses that allow you to re-attempt tests where you haven't done your best. You will be required to stay up-to-date with a lot of extensive background reading, which can affect your work-life balance. Otherwise, it is a very open and friendly space to learn. The faculty are easily accessible so you can reach out to them. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the course and country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2400
Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 73650
A
Abhinav Gupta
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.5
Opportunity for those who seek it.
Tips: Before joining this college, students should be ready to take on coursework as soon as they start. Competition is tough because there is a big batch size. You will need to fight for your place. Make sure to learn how to cook because eating out is going to be expensive. Stop covering everything to the Dollar because you won't be able to survive.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is great because the college is very supportive. There are a lot of sports and advanced facilities. The campus has good food and a good vibe. LA as a city is amazing, there is so much to do. There is a little for everyone, city life, beaches, mountains, desert, culture, food and so much more.
Dislikes (Safety): LA as a city is very unsafe. There are homeless people everywhere on the street and even in public transport who come close to you and even try to engage unless you are careful. Travelling alone at night is very difficult and scary. There are crimes happening around every day.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1050
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 110000
A
Anonymous
M.S. in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis - Batch of 2025
3.8
Grateful for the experience and lesson.
Tips: The campus is very friendly and welcoming and the student body is diverse so you'll be sure to fit in. The infrastructure is well made and living in California is great for Indians. If there is something to be cautious about, it is the amount of crime happening around the university.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4575
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 89075
G
Ganpati Goel
MS in Engineering Management (MSEMT) - Batch of 2023
4.1
The University is awesome, there is a lot of competition, sports, extracurriculars and party house.
Tips: Complete assignments on time, make sure to clear all subjects, and join extracurriculars like Table tennis, triathlon club and cycling etc., if you are not into all of this then don't bother coming to USC and save some money. USC is not merely for education but for the holistic development of self if you have missed that in Indian colleges.
Likes (Public transportation): I personally learnt skateboarding and life was so much easier than to walk the whole campus. So skateboarding + public transport I could travel anywhere in the city. USC also has unlimited free Lyft in 2 mile radius around the campus from 6 pm to 2 am. You can get the tap card at a discount for college students.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): In USA:
1. Post study jobs matter on the following:
a. Location of University. If you have done college from East Cost you will get a company call back from East Cost majorly and vice versa- the name of the college doesn't matter as much.
b. Experience: Your own experience matters. People with prior experience are more likely to secure jobs.
c. On campus companies: Very few companies that come on campus sponsor, so it is pretty much useless.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
A
Agraj Khare
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.9
This place has a lot to offer. Student life is happening.
Tips: One should definitely do their due diligence with which course they plan on taking UPAT USC. It is definitely a great leap and transition coming to a new country and it will take some time to get yourself adjusted in the system. Getting habitual of doing everything on your own can also prove to be challenging. With time you will definitely find an on-campus job to support your living expenses and things will improve for the better. The key is to remain patient and stay consistent. USC as a university has a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to grab onto opportunities and get as involved as you can! Make the most of it and have a great time. Striking a balance between fun and work is equally important.
Likes (Student Life): There is always something going around in campus. The campus is forever hustling and bustling. I honestly feel the people you'll meet at USC will be great, I am sure there are exceptions but the student population is diverse and has a lot to offer. There are ample events conducted by AIS (Association of Indian Students) so you don't miss your key festivals away from home.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety is definitely a concern in Downtown Los Angeles. Even though USC makes more than sufficient efforts to keep its students safe, you will come across instances of crime a little too frequently for comfort. But I still feel safety is a matter of personal choices as well. So always make sure you're cautious and taking the right precautions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1425
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
3.1
Great but also expensive
Tips: As someone who is from Mumbai, moving to LA feels like a huge change. The city is huge but it is difficult to explore without a car. The people here are welcoming, and there are a lot of international students, especially from India. But it is expensive without a scholarship, and USC discontinued the Honours Scholarship programme so it is more difficult to fund your education now.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at USC is really good. In the courses that I took, the faculty had a thorough understanding of all the topics and were super friendly and welcoming during their office hours. Even if you aren't able to reach the professors, there are TAs who are also really helpful most of the time.
Dislikes (Value for money): Although USC is a good school, it is quite expensive. There are a lot of students in some courses, and for those courses, the quality drops. I believe other universities that are less expensive have the same level of courses and an equal number of opportunities for internship and full-time jobs.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
4.2
Go with an open-mind to experience the best.
Tips: Very satisfied with my university, course and country. The first 2 months are the hardest but after that, you settle in and it only gets better. Do not create any opinions based on what seniors say, Experience everything and form your own opinions. Your masters experience depends on how you make it. Do not have preconceived notions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.8
No complaints, great network for better opportunities.
Tips: Apply early for a chance at a scholarship. Culture is very open-minded but there are ethnic and religious events happening year-round. Extremely satisfied with my course, nothing to complain about. I am currently specializing in ML maybe a bit more practical courses could have been better.
Likes (Student Life): Great fun, lot of people to network with, strong alumni network. This creates a strong bond between people. I really liked the atmosphere which was present at the place.
It is very open minded, people can be what they want, express themselves. And also you can still connected to your culture and tradition through various clubs
Dislikes (Internships): The job market was bad in 2023, thus finding an internship was bad. Otherwise, it has been fine. USC has a decent track record of students landing good internships. But 2023 was such a year that only 700 new tech jobs was created. That caused problems mainly.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1225
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100750
O
OMKAR VERMA
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.2
Expensive college, stressful course
Tips: You will have to be mentally strong before coming to the US, as it gets stressful at times. You have to do all things yourself like cooking, on-campus job, studies, finding full time employment. My course in VLSI is very stressful. It is fairly difficult and keeps you on your toes for at least 2 semesters. At the time of writing this review, markets are not that good, so finding a job is getting very difficult and stressful. I wish I had relevant experience before coming here.
Likes (Indian Food): In Los Angeles, there are numerous Indian restaurants. Some of them are decently priced and some are expensive, based on the ambiance. Generally, you can find good restaurants without any issues. As a reference, Chicken Biryani at a good restaurant typically ranges from USD 18 to USD 25. I try to save money by cooking my own food.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The immigration backlog for Indians coming to this country is extensive. The expected time for permanent residency is more than 100 years, so it is not possible for permanent settlement. Also, opportunities in India are growing exponentially. I plan to go back after my studies. I would be living peacefully in my country without any daily stress of losing a job and having to leave the country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 950
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 120000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.2
It is a good university but only if you can afford it.
Tips: You can consider joining this college only if you can manage the expenses. Avoid taking a loan as it is not justified for this university given that you are responsible for your placements and there is always the possibility of a recession or layoffs in the country. It is advisable to keep expenses minimal. On campus jobs are not very common but attainable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1325
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85225
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
3.1
The rich sporty college.
Tips: I feel that my university is expensive and because of the current job market, the investment was not worth it. Other than that, everything seemed fine. They encourage co-curricular activities. The environment here is very diverse and you can make good friends.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Professors over here are really knowledgeable. They know what they teach. They have office hours and encourage students to be interactive. PhD is something that professors here support. Overall I feel that it's great academically. That would be it.
Dislikes (Part time work): The number of students In USC is humongous, and the part-time job openings are relatively fewer. It's kind of hard to get a part-time on-campus job. I would recommend students to hunt for jobs at the lab. Even though it's difficult, it would be worth it.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
K
Kaushal Ganesh Binjola
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.7
University of Southern California is safe choice.
Tips: The courses are heavy, and the university is quite academically oriented. It is also a very expensive university, so you should take courses that suit you well (these courses are competitive and difficult). It is also an expensive endeavour to live off campus, but there are great student housing and security measures like free Lyft, and security is provided by the university.
Likes (Student Life): There are many on-campus events for students. Other than that, there are hundreds of student-run clubs catering to any hobby you might have. The campus is pretty big as well brimming with things happening any time you go to campus. There is also an app for you to stay up to date with all events.
Dislikes (Safety): Los Angeles is notorious for being an unsafe city. There are constant reports of assault or robbery. But the college has noted this and has free Lyft and security patrol zones. Other than that, the public transport is shady, filled with people who are most probably high.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Akshay Jain
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
4
Exceptionally qualified teaching faculty.
Tips: Before joining any college in the US, students should be aware that they will struggle at some point. They will make bad decisions, lose track of time, don't get enough time to cook and might even get bad grades. However, they have to motivate and keep on trying. USC has taught me a lot and groomed my entire personality. This is a continuous learning process and it takes time to reach the goals set.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Most of the Computer Science faculty on campus are exceptionally qualified and willing to help students in every possible manner. They take student feedback into consideration and offer make-up assignments as well. Teaching methodology involves theory + practical application with a focus on clearing fundamentals. Classes are fun but that depends upon student interest. The teaching faculty is diverse and understanding.
Dislikes (Safety): USC has partnered with DPS (Depth. Of Public Safety, under LAPD) to ensure patrolling of areas around the campus during night time. There are security personnel (USC Yellow Jackets) placed at strategic locations to monitor the area. However, students sometimes face incidents related to cycle theft, burglary, fondling, etc. due to negligence and the homeless population around the area.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 100
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
A
Abhimanyu Sharma
BA in Cinema and Media Studies - Batch of 2021
4
Excellent faculty at the film school.
Tips: There is a culture shock for sure, despite assuming that I know everything cause I saw all the TV shows so couldn't be more wrong. The film course is under the school of cinematic arts, which is known to be quite competitive. The faculty of the film school includes renowned names in the industry, and they train you to keep up with the industry standard.
Likes (Student Life): There are clubs, societies, and networking for everyone if you seek it out. It is centrally located so you have access to various necessities and leisure. They have sports facilities for those that are inclined towards that. I joined several clubs and ended up meeting a lot of like-minded people, which definitely helps in adjusting to a new country.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration options are easier for STEM majors, although there are plenty of options for other fields as well all across the spectrum. I personally wanted to get back to India and pursue filmmaking in Bombay, although if you network well enough, there are collaborative opportunities that you can pursue with other international students.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1223
Prepping time for classes17 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
L
Lasya Vadapalli
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2022
2.2
USC is very expensive, try public universities.
Tips: USC is very expensive. Apart from that, the university boosts a number of labs which provide ample research opportunities. The student population is very diverse. It also has a huge Indian population. Courses are difficult to register for because of the large class size.
Likes (Public transportation): I found public transport non-reliable due to erratic schedule and it is not very safe. The campus shuttle is not very frequent. Most students use personal means to travel to the campus. Hence, it is important that you stay close to the campus.
Dislikes (Internships): We received very limited help from the university. The Office of International Services (OIS) sometimes does not provide enough support to international students. The career services do not provide personalized help. The career fairs are also not that great.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1170
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 129176
A
Astha Tewatia
MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Batch of 2024
3.8
Mental peace and health are given importance at University of Southern California
Tips: Students should not get intimidated by the fee expenses. They should be willing for hard-core multitasking and should be at their best in time management. If not, they will miss out on some serious opportunities organized by the university for students. Students should be willing to come out of their comfort zone and should actively participate in activities for making the most of this university.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The quality of faculty is 5/5. They make your efforts count in every possible manner. It is very easy to reach out to the professors and they are always willing to help students out of their domain as well. Mental peace and health are given importance. Professors are always ready to listen to students which is all that an international student needs sometimes.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety in Los Angeles has been quite an issue for students over here. Public transportation is not the first option for many students when traveling alone. I have witnessed incidents where safety of people in LA is compromised. Homelessness is a major concern over here.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 904
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
P
Parul Gupta
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2021
3.8
USC rocks! One should take admission here.
Tips: Hard work is the key and try to connect with Alumni and get suggestions for subjects. Prepare LeetCode for technical interviews. Talk to the professors before getting enrolled in a subject regarding which you are doubtful, as every course has its own fees and structure.
Likes (Safety): The university has its own team to take care of it. They have free Lyft app for certain areas and cruise availability for students. They have security people in the campus to watch over students' activities during off hours and at nights, they make sure that nothing wrong happens.
Dislikes (Value for money): Other cheaper universities can provide the same experience and better education in some subjects. Also, other universities might have more flexible syllabus to do what you want in a particular field. Assignments are pretty hectic for some courses.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1194
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101667
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2018
4.5
University of Southern California- A great school with great spirit.
Tips: Perhaps the biggest cultural shock was the variety of choices in the grocery stores. Plus, by default, most of the food items have added sugar, so I had to make sure to read the fine print to choose the ones that did not. I'm very satisfied with the university and the course. I was funded by a research project for my PhD program. It provided tuition and a stipend of around $2500 per month (it is now increased due to inflation). Also, my advice to the incoming student is to explore the campus, sports, college activities, and clubs to the fullest. Do not be stuck in just the academic bubble because US university experiences are very enriching and can have a tangible impact on your personality as well as your career.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Just like most US cities except for cities like Texas, NJ, etc, Indian food restaurants are a hit or a miss. Even if you find a good restaurant, they are expensive too because it's LA. So I prefer cooking or on days I'm extremely busy, I rely on sandwiches/soups which are healthier swaps. But LA is a foodie's paradise. So there are many options to explore especially Mexican food so I personally never missed Indian food.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1800
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 13020
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
2.5
USC is a decent university
Tips: The neighborhood the university is located in is not the safest, so you will have a tough time adjusting here. It is not the prettiest either and a far cry from the ideas that were fed to you about LA.
There are no scholarships offered and getting a job on campus too is very hard given the high demand.
There are better locations and universities in the US that would serve better to people who are new to the US.
Likes (Student Life): There are quite a few student clubs and events happening on campus but you need to be the one to track them and put in the effort to attend them. They aren't always the most productive but you do enjoy yourself. The masters courses are usually late in the day so it does give you time to participate in other activities early in the day.
Dislikes (Public transportation): You have free lyft around campus. You also are given a public transport pass so it's decent that way but not the most convenient or safe. But if you need to go anywhere far you will need to buy a car or use Uber which can get quite expensive. On campus, many students just use a cycle.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1550
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 112975
Views on NUS Singapore campus
K
Karan Bhardwaj
Master of Laws (LLM) - Batch of 2019
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.1
Singapore is a brilliant place to study.
Tips: The course was relatively new when I joined as I was a part of the 2nd or 3 batch. I actually finished the course in 2013 and am now running my own law firm along with two others. Singapore is a brilliant place to study and live. The best part about the university is the diversity. I had friends from both sides of the pond. Europe, the Americas and other Asian countries. I would advise any student wanting to study outside to definitely consider Singapore as an option.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1500
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
J
Jeevan D R
MSc (Artificial Intelligence & Innovation) - Batch of 2025
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.2
Perfect place for focused individuals.
Tips: Very easy and convenient mode of transport. There are buses or metro connections to every part of the city and you can track your journey on Google Maps itself which is very accurate. The cost of public transport is very cheap and the buses and metro journeys is calculated as a sum of the journey and not charged per ride. Getting a job is totally dependent on how well you network. For Indians, it's easy to shift as you can find a lot of Indians living and working here. Very much satisfied with NUS and the alumni connect and opportunities you get as a part of the programme.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The Singapore law isn't easier for a foreign individual to get PR. You can get an employment visa from the employers which allows you to work in Singapore as per the contract. If completed Ph.D. then the chances for you to get PR would be increased as your contribution to the country's research will matter a lot.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2225
Prepping time for classes26 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 40475
S
Shivam Tiwari
The NUS MBA - Batch of 2023
Offered by National University of Singapore
4
NUS MBA is good if you are open to exploring job opportunities outside of Singapore.
Tips: Come with a clearly defined goal of what you want from the program and dont expect to learn what you want from the program. Network with people a lot to help break into opportunities and dont rely on the college to find you a job. Push yourself to go out and learn new things, participate in case competitions, go on study trips (GIP) and make friends from different cultures.
Likes (Student Life): The college campus provides great infrastructure and offers a good college life right from sports all the way to libraries. There are more than 13 tennis courts, numerous basketball courts, gymnasiums and much more. The library is huge and it offers diverse choices. On top of this there are different options to choose from in terms of residence and you can interact with a diverse cohort.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Tough job market since the government launched COMPAS to award work permits. Due to this, recruiters find it difficult to hire expats. If you have a generic skill it is difficult to get hired. There is a premium on technical skillsets.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 95000
A
Anonymous
MSc in Precision Health and Medicine - Batch of 2026
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.1
Great university and good opportunities.
Tips: There will be some cultural differences when students come to Singapore for the first time. I got the SINGA scholarship by A*STAR for my course which covers my tuition fee and gives me a monthly stipend of 2700SGD per month for two years and which increases to 3300SGD per month for another two years.
Likes (Public transportation): All the places are well connected with metro and buses. The most common are the metro and buses. You can use the same card in both and you can also use your bank cards. The public transportation is affordable as compared to cabs and owning a personal vehicle.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): It is difficult to get a PR as it is very competitive and quota based. You can settle here with long term pass as well. If given a chance I would love to permanently immigrate here because of various reasons such as safety, security, clean environment.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1500
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
A
Anonymous
Master of Laws (LLM) - Batch of 2025
Offered by National University of Singapore
4
A rigorous and international experience at NUS.
Tips: Students should be aware that this programme is academically rigorous and fast-paced, with reading that needs to be completed before each class. Students need to be proactive about networking and internship opportunities, as these are independent of the coursework. The transition was generally smooth. Classes are interactive and students are expected to participate as part of their grades and contribute from their own previous experiences. Personally, I did not avail myself of any scholarships. However the university offers certain merit-based scholarships as seen on their website, but these are competitive and limited in number and dependent on academic performance. I am satisfied with the university and the course due to the strength of the faculty and international exposure, safety, infrastructure and quality of life.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty consists of leading academicians and senior practitioners who are recognised authorities in their respective fields. Faculty members are approachable. Professors are open to discussions beyond class hours respond to emails and actively engage during lectures. The teaching methodology focuses on both theory and practice.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration in Singapore is connected to securing long-term employment. As an international student pursuing an LL.M. at NUS the course itself does not guarantee job placement. The university does not provide a placement process. Given a competitive and saturated job market transitioning from a student visa to a work visa can be uncertain. Having said that, if table employment opportunities are available I would be interested in permanently immigrating to Singapore.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
A
Aishwarya Bhargav
M.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering) - Batch of 2019
Offered by National University of Singapore
3.9
Great place to study with a lot of opportunities.
Tips: It is a fantastic place to study. Just don't expect to find a job easily. Also, you surely need to follow the rules, otherwise you will be in trouble. If you like to study as well as have fun, Singapore, NUS and NTU are most certainly the right places for you.
Likes (Part time work): A lot of opportunities. Can work for about 20 hours a week. Classes are late in the day for post graduation, hence it was easy to manage. I worked on campus as well as outside. The opportunities to be a teaching assistant or tutor were ample. Additional campus and tutoring jobs were common.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Most of the students who studied with me have moved to other countries or have returned home as it has not been very favourable for non-Singapore citizens and permanent residents. However, it is a fantastic city and country. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1800
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 65000
L
Laghima Jain
Master of Laws (LLM) - Batch of 2025
Offered by National University of Singapore
3.9
A year of growth, grit and global learning; between books, botanical gardens and dreams.
Tips: Half of my batchmates were from China. They are quite smart and a close community. It will take time to get up with them but they are sweet, kind and simple. The country itself is quite silent except for tourist places. The day begins at 6 am & ends at 7 pm for them. However, for law students the classes go from 9 am to 9:30 pm depending on the subjects one opts for. The professors are quite down to earth and will guide you whenever you are stuck. There are numerous networking events in NUS and at various law firms. It is quite interesting to meet fellow lawyers and partners of the firm, especially the alumni. It was a wonderful experience living on your own and managing in a new country.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is too good. One gets flexibility to choose the subjects, interact directly with the professors, spend time in the study room and library, and explore the greenery around the campus. Fortunately, we got the botanical garden campus which was well connected to the main campus. We got to learn in a calm atmosphere with pleasant weather and explore the main campus which had a lot of events, museums, etc. to explore.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Considering the huge legal market and amount of competition, it is quite challenging to secure a full time position in Singapore. Strong networking and convincing skills along with a good resume may help to secure a full time position. After LL.M. one is required to give the FPE exam to practice in Singapore courts. If one wants to work in Singapore without giving the FPE exam, it is better to pursue a JD programme instead of an LL.M.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2000
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) - Batch of 2018
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.8
Quality education without emptying your pockets.
Tips: Be prepared for high quality education with quality students from the rest of Asian. The environment is highly competitive but also conducive to learning. NUS changed my life completely and gave me my best years of learning, growth and friendships.
Likes (Indian Food): There is a food court culture in NUS where every faculty and residence has its own food courts with multiple options including that of Indian food. While pantries are there with each residence, there is hardly a need to cook your own food because food is available cheaply and easily.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Multiple companies across sectors sponsor visas however it is becoming increasingly difficult. Salaries can range from as low as 40,000 annually to 1,20,000, depending on the sector and quality. There is no on-campus placement system here. Jobs are through career fair and offline applications so applicants need to self prepare and self-apply.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 70000
A
Anonymous
MSc in Marketing Analytics and Insights - Batch of 2024
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.2
It is very difficult to get a work permit here as an international student.
Tips: Be mindful of the fact that getting a job in SG and settling down in SG is not a certainty post the course and the job market in SG is mostly closed to international students but getting an internship is relatively easier in SG while you are enrolled in a full time course
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Due to recent changes in immigration policy, it is difficult even to get a work permit as a foreigner, let alone a PR. Firms in SG have a quota on how much of foreigners they can employ in their respective companies, and the quota for Indians is largely exhausted.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2500
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 70075
Sandra Jose
Master in International Translational Medicine - Batch of 2028
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.8
Adapting, learning and growing.
Tips: Life changes a lot when moving to Singapore. A degree here at NUS teaches both research and life skills. The school of medicine offers free mentorship and the university offers free therapy sessions which help manage stress. Be ready for cultural diversity and balancing your own roots with a new environment. The first year was challenging, adjusting to Singapore's diverse culture while staying connected to home away. Over time, I adapted and gained a broader perspective on people, life and friendships. I'm on a NUS research scholarship, which covers full tuition and gives a monthly stipend of SGD 2700 before PQE and SGD 3500 after. I first emailed my professor, later applied via the NUS website, submitted a proposal, went through an interview and cleared the GRE. I'm very blessed with NUS, my course and my supportive supervisors, while Singapore offers a satisfactory worklife balance and inclusivity.
Likes (Value for money): My course is fully funded by the NUS Research Scholarship, which covers tuition and provides a stipend. I became a president assistant in campus housing, so I have my accommodation secured too. Apart from the initial fight ticket, I haven't had major expenses, which makes studying here very cost effective. I feel the value for money is excellent.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I come from Kerala, India and I could find authentic Kerala food, pretty far from NUS. Within my university, there is a mix of casual eateries, cafes and fast food chain. I generally prefer to eat outside as my course keeps me busy and not all housing allows full cooking facilities. For those very particular about food, learning quick cooking hacks can be helpful when living abroad.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 800
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 5000
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics - Batch of 2026
Offered by National University of Singapore
3.7
Strong academics and highly professional faculty.
Tips: Try to apply for residential colleges. They make the experience better. If not, try being a part of more multicultural clubs as those help you make yourself comfortable in the university. Additionally, do not stress over studies so much. It is all gonna be okay.
Likes (Safety): The country is one of the safest in the world. They don't have late public transport which is a bit annoying but at the same time it you split cabs and stuff it is not that bad. You can walk anywhere at night. People are not judgemental of what you do around you. However, please follow the rules.
Dislikes (Student Life): Nothing to do. Everyone just studies. The university has some annoyingly strict rules and a lot of clubs and extracurriculars feel like you are there for some extrinsic reason and have to be so schedule heavy that you decide not to be a part. I would recommend doing something similar in Year 1.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2350
Prepping time for classes47 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 70550
A
Anonymous
NUS BBA - Batch of 2026
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.4
Academically oriented college for driven students with good campus life.
Tips: It was a fairly easy transition. I would say personally, a year to fully adjust to everything from academics to personal chores and time management. The culture is fairly Asian. Quite similar to India. However, in terms of academics, the requirements and basic expectations of investing time would be far superior to a bachelor's degree in India. I did not, however, tuition grant is available under MOE and is the most common grant availed by students. I am quite satisfied with my university experience, as well as the course. In terms of the country, Singapore is a great place to be for someone with prior working experience. However, it is quite difficult for non-president/PR to get a job here.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is great as the campus diaspora is very diverse. It is possible to meet people and make friends with individuals who come from all over the globe. There are several student societies - Sports, Cultural and even Volunteering. There is also a society dedicated to animal welfare known as NUS Pace. NUS CAT Cafe is also under this. They help with feeding and looking after stay cats - rehoming, vet visits and getting them adjusted to living on campus. Additionally, there are sports and gym facilities on campus that I often enjoy using. This is a great way to interact and meet people from different age groups. The NUS campus life is complete without student hostels. Each hostel/hostel cluster has a different vibe and it's safe to say that there is a place for everyone. The town is vibrant with a budding community life, whereas PGPR is on the quieter end. For cultural immersion and a true Singaporean experience, I would recommend RCs. Halls are avoidable.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Poor prospects for international students getting a full-time job in Singapore as a fresh graduate, particularly for Indians because companies reserve foreign worker quotas for experienced professionals & executives. In the financial services sector, it is difficult to meet the minimum salary requirements as prescribed by MoM due to the existence of fewer well-paying fresh graduate opportunities. Most of the companies would prefer hiring Singaporeans and avoid sponsoring work visas. The university only shares postings of new jobs, it does not really help with securing a job. It is all based on luck as well as individual outreach efforts made by candidates. Even referrals, nowadays, are not very helpful. Conversion from internships is only guaranteed in some cases.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2000
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 57600
S
Siddharth Pathak
Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Science) - Batch of 2029
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.1
NUS is more expensive than most Indian private colleges.
Tips: Students should know that NUS is an academically rigorous and challenging university. The workload will be higher than what they are used to in school. Everyone is highly independent and takes care of everything in their lives themselves. The MOE tuition grant is also worth noting and applying for to be eligible for scholarships.
Likes (Post study jobs): NUS is known to have really good placements and has a really strong reputation, especially in Asia. Students generally go for corporate jobs and software engineering/finance roles are highly sought after and common. Campus placements are not of the same nature as they are in India.
Dislikes (Value for money): NUS is more expensive than most Indian private colleges by a large margin for a similar Bachelor of Engineering degree. The cost of living in Singapore is also on the higher end of the spectrum. Be prepared to budget your daily expenses and plan savings for the next semester.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1100
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 65825
A
Anonymous
NUS BBA - Batch of 2027
Offered by National University of Singapore
3.8
Great value for money university and wonderful country.
Tips: Easy to transition as the number of Indians is a lot and some good orientation events based on your campus housing. I am on the MOE Tuition Grant. Can pick whether you want to be considered for it while applying and based on your profile, you might get selected. They subsidise a certain % of your tuition fees but in return, you must work in the country for 3 years after graduation. I am very satisfied with my choice of university and country as well.
Likes (Public transportation): Great metro and public bus system which is very efficient, clean and safe as well. Timings are usually from 6 am to 12 am and have good frequency. It has great connectivity and you rarely need to take a cab unless you prefer to or it is cheaper when with a group.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Companies need to sponsor your work visa and the government pushes hiring locals more. There is a compass framework where the candidate and company need to be eligible for the work visa, you cannot self-apply. Hence, it is harder for international students to get a full time job but it isn't impossible.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1450
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 55000
A
Anonymous
MSc Biotechnology - Batch of 2025
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.2
NUS provides the best student life.
Tips: You will feel cultural shock if it is your first time studying abroad, but NUS tries to prepare you for it through various modules before the start of your course. Singapore, as a country, is really good, safe, and a developed nation. It's the best university in Asia for STEM and Business programs.
Likes (Student Life): NUS provides the best quality student life to its members. There are various clubs you can join, and cultural activities are organised throughout the year. For freshers, orientation activities are there. Faculty plans various outgoing trips to famous and entertaining locations, etc.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): After graduation, you get a 1 year study visa, so there is no particular need for companies to sponsor your visa. But if you fail to secure a job offer, then I am not sure about visa sponsorship. You will get an option to do an internship as part of your course structure. You should choose that instead of the Capstone project if you wish to do a job after graduation. If you want to do Ph.D. later, then you should proceed with the project itself.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
A
Anonymous
MSc in Finance - Batch of 2026
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.8
Dynamic and vibrant college experiences.
Tips: Know the logic, the structure of teaching in India and outside is different, so have your concepts cleared.
It's necessary to network so start sending LinkedIn requests. Research about companies. Know what you want. Be careful in what you want, don't get carried away.
Likes (Student Life): Good college life, good programme, faculty is good, facilities are good everywhere, and the infrastructure is good.
Everyone is really helpful. There isn't any discrimination. For sports, you should be really good to be on university teams. It is academically challenging as well. Many vegetarian food options are available for all vegetarians.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): For Indians, it is difficult to get a work visa here. The Indians getting work in Singapore is difficult in the finance sector. Although easier to teach than I had noticed but still difficult everywhere in the city. They prefer students who have pr or citizenship.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 4000
Prepping time for classes17 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 79050
A
Anonymous
B.Eng. (Electrical Engineering) - Batch of 2029
Offered by National University of Singapore
4.8
Fun and engaging student life.
Tips: Before joining NUS, students should know that it is fast-paced, opportunity-dense and demands a high level of independence. From day one, academics, orientation, clubs, admin work, and social life all hit together, so learning to prioritise early is essential.
Likes (Safety): You can literally do anything legal at any time. It's the safest city in the world, especially for women. Anyone can walk at 3 AM or cycle. The surveillance is a lot here. I have not had any bad experience with the country as of now. The good experience is definitely the union of multiple cultures here.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Singapore is a small country. It is hard to settle here due to its history. For citizenship, you need to do National Service. This means you need to serve in the army for 2 years at least. The same is the case for permanent resident status. I would probably come back to India or go to Europe after serving my tuition bond there.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 3000
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
Siddharth K Nagaraj
MSc in Precision Health and Medicine - Batch of 2027
Offered by National University of Singapore
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2300
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 60450
A
Anonymous
MSc (Biomedical Engineering) - Batch of 2026
Offered by National University of Singapore
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 1500
Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD 36360
D
DAKSHA GEHANI
MSc (Building Performance and Sustainability) - Batch of 2023
Offered by National University of Singapore
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseSGD 2700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalarySGD
Add college to view Student's Review
Similar colleges 👇
University of California - San Diego Campus
San Diego, USAPublic
₹ 22.57 L - 71.18 L
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore, SingaporePublic
₹ 12.48 L - 62.48 L
University of Washington
Seattle, USAPublic
₹ 7.27 L - 66.46 L
ETH Zurich
Zurich, SwitzerlandPublic
₹ 1.66 L - 5.14 L
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, USAPrivate
₹ 9.53 L - 84 L
University of California - Irvine Campus
Irvine, USAPublic
₹ 17.41 L - 67.48 L
University of Auckland
Auckland, New ZealandPublic
₹ 4.6 L - 45 L
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, USAPublic
₹ 23.95 L - 65.54 L
University of Geneva
Geneva, SwitzerlandPublic
₹ 1.14 L
University of Southern California V/s NUS SingaporeRank Comparison
Ranks
Want to save this comparison?
University of Southern California V/s NUS Singapore Popular & recent articles
USA
Singapore
View all News & Updates