At a glance
Singapore, by the numbers
#1 in Asia
NUS — Asia's top-ranked university
QS Asia University Rankings 2026
#8
National University of Singapore (NUS)
QS World University Rankings 2026
#15
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
QS World University Rankings 2026
100%
of university courses are taught in English
Singapore Ministry of Education
Field notes
- Singapore's hawker centers are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — and a Michelin-starred hawker stall sells chicken rice for under US$2
- Changi Airport has been voted the world's best airport 12 times — and its indoor waterfall is a tourist attraction in itself
Highlights
Why Singapore
Singapore packs one of the world's best education systems into one of its smallest countries. English is the language of instruction at every university — including NUS and NTU, both ranked in the world's top 15 — and the city-state is famous for safety, efficiency, and an unrivalled mix of cultures. Add hawker food, weekend flights to the rest of Southeast Asia, and a job market you can graduate straight into, and it's easy to see why students choose Singapore.
Top-ranked universities, taught in English
NUS and NTU sit in the world's top 15 — and classes run in English.
A truly global city
Students from over 100 countries call Singapore home.
A career launchpad
Graduate into one of Asia's strongest job markets.
Safe, green, futuristic
Immaculate streets, world-class food, and Gardens by the Bay.
Budget planning
Cost of living in Singapore
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa type
Student's Pass (STP)
- Processing time
- IHL ~1 week · EduTrust PEI ~2 weeks
- Work rights
- Up to 16 hrs/week during term + unlimited in vacations under MOM's Work Pass Exemption (full-time matriculated students at approved institutions holding an STP)
- exchange students may NOT work
- Funds needed
- ~S$20,000–25,000 (≈ US$15,600–19,500) to cover the first year of IHL study
- ICA requires proof of financial support covering tuition + living costs for at least the first year but publishes no fixed amount — schools and ICA set the specifics for each case. ~S$20,000 in accessible funds is the commonly cited minimum for a Student's Pass.
Key requirements
- Application form — University online portal; after acceptance the school files the STP via the ICA SOLAR/SOLAR+ e-service
- Academic records — Diploma/certificate & transcripts; official English translation if not issued in English
- Registration Acknowledgement Letter — Issued by the school after acceptance — required for the STP application
- Proof of language — TOEFL/IELTS for most English-medium programmes; some programmes assess in-house
- Recommendation letters — 1–2 academic (common for postgraduate programmes)
- Statement of purpose — Required by most postgraduate programmes
- Financial proof — Bank statements ~S$20,000–25,000 (≈ US$15,600–19,500) or sponsor/scholarship letter for the first year
- Passport copy — Biodata page; valid ≥6 months at time of departure
- Photos — Recent (≤3 months) passport-sized digital colour photograph
- Medical report — ICA Medical Examination Report (studies ≥6 months, if required per the IPA letter)
- Application fee — University fee (varies); STP: S$45 processing + S$60 issuance
Verified 2026-08-06 · Sources: ICA — Becoming a Student's Pass Holder (apply) · ICA — Completion of Formalities and Issuance of STP · ICA — STP for Institutes of Higher Learning · ICA — STP for Approved Private Education Institutions · ICA — Check if You Need an Entry Visa · ICA — Seeking Extension of Visit Pass · MFA — Check if you need a Singapore visa · MOM — Work Pass Exemption for Foreign Students · MOM — Work Holiday Programme (eligibility) · ask.gov.sg — STP IPA validity (no extension)
