Masters in Singapore: Top Universities, Cost, Courses, Requirements, Eligibility and Scholarships

Masters in Singapore: Key Highlights 

Singapore provides diverse master’s programs across fields such as engineering, business, and life sciences at leading institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Many courses are industry-focused and include internships or practical projects.  

Let us have a look at the different aspects of studying Masters in Singapore: 

Parameters	Details
Program Duration	1–2 years
Approximate Tuition Fee	S$30K–S$65K per year (INR 20.35L–44.09L)
Top Universities	NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, James Cook University
Approximate Salary Post-Masters	S$50,000–S$70,000/year (INR 33.91L–47.48L)
Popular Courses	Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Business Analytics
Part-Time Job Opportunities	International students can work up to 16 hours/week during term
Post-Study Work Visa Rights	1–2 years via Employment Pass or S Pass

Top Universities

In 2026, Singapore continues to rank among the top education destinations globally, with NUS and NTU consistently in the QS Top 15 worldwide. 

Here is the list of top universities: 

University	QS World Ranking 2026
National University of Singapore (NUS)	#8
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)	#12
Singapore Management University (SMU)	#511
Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD)	#519
James Cook University Singapore	#440

Source: QS Top Universities 

Top Courses 

Masters programs in Singapore offer diverse options aligned with global industry needs. Here are the most popular courses: 

Course	Focus Areas
Data Science & AI	Machine learning, big data, predictive analytics
Engineering	Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace
Finance & Banking	Corporate finance, fintech, investment
Business Analytics	Data-driven decision-making, visualization tools
Cybersecurity	Digital forensics, information security
Healthcare Management	Public health, hospital administration

Eligibility and Admission Requirements 

To pursue a Master’s in Singapore, international students must meet academic and language benchmarks. While requirements vary by university, most programs follow these common criteria: 

Academic Qualifications 

Tier	Academic Qualification
Top Universities	4-year bachelor’s degree; minimum GPA 3.0/4.0
Mid-Tier Schools	3-year degree accepted with strong academic record
Affordable Schools	3-year degree accepted; emphasis on GPA and work experience

Standardized Tests 

Tier	Score Requirement
Top Universities	GRE: 315+; GMAT: 600+
Mid-Tier Schools	GRE: 300–310; GMAT: 500–550
Affordable Schools	Waivers common

English Proficiency Score 

Tier	Score Requirement
Top Universities	IELTS: 6.5–7.0; TOEFL iBT: 90–100
Mid-Tier Schools	IELTS: 6.0–6.5; TOEFL iBT: 79–90
Affordable Schools	IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL iBT: 79

Work Experience Requirement 

Tier	Work Experience Expectation
Top Universities	2–5 years preferred for management programs
Mid-Tier Schools	1–3 years
Affordable Schools	Optional

Cost of Studying 

The total cost of a Master’s degree in Singapore includes tuition and living expenses. 

Tuition cost for Masters programs in Singapore is: 

Category	Approx. Annual Tuition Fees
Top Universities	S$30,000–S$65,000 (INR 20.35L–44.09L)
Mid-Tier Schools	S$20,000–S$35,000 (INR 13.56L–23.74L)
Affordable Schools	S$15,000–S$20,000 (INR 10.17L–13.56L)

• Living Cost in Singapore is approximately S$1,650–S$4,000/month (INR 1.12L–2.71L) 

Hence, the overall cost of a two-year Master’s program, including living expenses, can cost approximately S$70,000–S$130,000 (INR 47.48L–88.17L). 

Top Scholarships  

Although the cost of Masters in Singapore can feel overwhelming, scholarships can reduce the financial burden. Here are the top 5 options: 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Coverage
SINGA Award	International students in research programs	Full tuition + stipend
NUS Research Scholarship	Strong academic record	Tuition + monthly allowance
NTU Nanyang Scholarship	Academic excellence	Full tuition
Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarship	Leadership & merit	Tuition + living costs
ADB–Japan Scholarship	Students from ADB member countries	Full funding

Intakes and Admissions 

Many Singapore universities offer multiple intakes, which simply means different start months when classes begin. Choosing the right intake is important because it affects your preparation time, visa processing, and scholarship opportunities. 

Main Intakes in Singapore 

• January Intake (Spring Semester): 

Ideal for students who want to start early in the year. Application deadlines usually fall between August and October of the previous year. This intake is less competitive and often suits students who missed the August cycle. 

• August Intake (Fall Semester): 

The most popular intake for Master’s programs in Singapore. Deadlines typically range from January to March. Most scholarships and assistantships are aligned with this intake, making it the preferred choice for international students. 

Rolling Admissions 

Several universities in Singapore follow a rolling admissions process, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received rather than after a fixed deadline. Seats are offered continuously until the cohort is full. Applying early improves your chances of securing a spot and financial aid. 

Application Timeline 

Stage	Recommended Timeframe
Research Programs & Eligibility	12–15 months before intake
Take Required Tests (IELTS/GRE)	10–12 months before intake
Prepare Documents (SOP, LORs)	8–10 months before intake
Submit Application	6–8 months before intake
Visa Application	2–3 months before intake

Tip: Always check individual university websites for exact deadlines, as they may vary by program. 

Student Visa Requirements 

International students pursuing a Master’s in Singapore need a Student’s Pass (STP). Here are the requirements: 

Category	Details
Admission	Offer from recognized Singapore institution
Application	Apply via SOLAR system
Visa Fee	S$90 (INR 6,104)
Processing Time	4 weeks

Supporting documents: 

• Admission Letter 
• Proof of Funds 
• Passport 
• Health Certificate 
• Academic Transcripts 

Top Locations 

Although Singapore is a city-state, certain neighborhoods and districts stand out as student hubs due to their proximity to major universities and vibrant lifestyle: 

1. Queenstown 
2. Why it’s popular: Home to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). 
3. Student vibe: Affordable housing options, good connectivity via MRT, and close to research parks and innovation hubs. 
4. Lifestyle: Cafes, libraries, and recreational facilities make it ideal for academic and social life. 
5. Bukit Timah 
6. Why it’s popular: Near Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and several research institutes. 
7. Student vibe: Green spaces and quieter surroundings, perfect for students who prefer a serene environment. 
8. Lifestyle: Offers easy access to nature reserves and outdoor activities. 
9. Orchard Road 
10. Why it’s popular: Central business district and close to Singapore Management University (SMU). 
11. Student vibe: Bustling urban environment with networking opportunities for business and finance students. 
12. Lifestyle: High-end shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, ideal for those who enjoy city life. 

These areas are well-connected by public transport, making commuting easy for students across campuses. 

Job Opportunities 

The median starting salary for Master’s graduates in Singapore is S$50,000–S$70,000/year (INR 33.91L–47.48L). Top recruiters include Google, Amazon, DBS Bank, Philips, HP. 

Role	Approximate Annual Salary Range (SGD/INR)
Data Scientist	S$60K–S$90K (INR 40.69L–61.04L)
Business Analyst	S$50K–S$80K (INR 33.91L–54.26L)
Financial Consultant	S$55K–S$85K (INR 37.30L–57.65L)
Cybersecurity Specialist	S$60K–S$95K (INR 40.69L–64.43L)