Application Requirements and Fees for Public Universities in Singapore

Planning to study in Singapore for your undergraduate degree, looking forward to it, but a little confused? What are the colleges and universities in Singapore to choose from? How many years does an undergraduate programme usually take to graduate? What are the differences in academic and language requirements between different institutions?

Basic Information of Institutions

There are 6 public universities in Singapore, namely the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). There are nearly 100 private universities, 29 of which are recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education's Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange.

The duration of undergraduate studies in Singapore varies depending on the type of school and specialisation. Public universities typically last 4 years, while some majors may be 5 years; private universities are generally more flexible, with programs lasting 2-3 years. Most private universities in Singapore do not observe summer and winter holidays, and the year is divided into three semesters with a compact curriculum, which is one reason many Singapore undergraduates can graduate in two years.

Public University Undergraduate Application Requirements

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

● Academic Requirements

✓ Total HKALE score up to the first class line, usually over 80-100+ (some majors still have score requirements for specific subjects);

✓ Minimum application threshold for A-Level is AAAA, but in actual admissions, most students handily score 3-4 A*;

✓ SAT1350+, 600 in reading and writing, 650 in maths;

✓ Minimum score of 29 in ACT, 8 in writing.

● Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in both reading and writing; TOEFL 92-93; PTE 62 overall, 62 in reading and writing; Cambridge General English IV 180+.

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

● Academic Requirements

✓ Gao Kao scores of 70-100 points above the first class line are preferred; different faculties and specialisations have different score requirements.

✓ A-Level 4 A-level courses, usually with straight A's or higher grades;

✓ IB minimum 38/45, 40/45 is recommended;

✓ At least 3 APs with a score of 4-5, with most submitting 4-6;

✓ SAT min. score of 1350. Reading and Writing 600, Maths 650.

● Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any single category); TOEFL IBT at least 90; Cambridge Advanced English Test (C1Advanced) at least 180; PTE total score of 62, with 62 in reading and writing sections.

3. Singapore Management University (SMU)

● Academic Requirements

✓ Gao Kao exams need to exceed the local first-class line by 50-80 points; some majors require more.

✓ A-Level 3A and above;

✓ IB 36+;

✓ SAT 1300+, 600+ in reading and writing, and 600+ in maths;

✓ ACT total score of 29 or more

● Language Requirements

✓ IELTS total score of 6.5 or above, with 6.5 in reading and writing, and higher for some programmes, 7.0 for law;

✓ TOEFL total score of 93 or above, with 22 in reading and writing, and 100 for law.

4. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

● Academic Requirements

✓ HKALE score of 50 points or above in the first grade;

✓ A-Level 3 A-level courses with different requirements for different majors;

✓ IB at least 3 HL courses and 1 SL course with good grades (7 out of 7/6 out of 6);

✓ AP/SAT/ACT based on grades, Case-by-Case

● Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5+; TOEFL 90+; If you do not have a language score, you can also apply by taking the Singapore A-Levels and achieving the appropriate score.

5. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

● Academic Requirements

✓ A-Level in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), with different requirements for different faculties and specialisations;

✓ A-Level based on grades, Case-by-Case consideration;

✓ IB to obtain IBDP Diploma with good pass grades (5 points) in at least 2 HL courses and 1 SL course.

● Language requirements

IELTS 6.0+; TOEFL 90+ or other recognised language scores

6. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

● Academic Requirements

✓ Completion of at least 12 years of formal education with a high school diploma;

✓ SAT total score >1260;

✓ ACT total score >28 with a writing requirement of 8 (SAT/ACT scores must have been obtained within the last 5 years of application).

● Language Requirements

IELTS total score of 6.5 or above; PTE 58; C1 Advanced 180 (results valid for 2 years).

Singapore Study Fees

Most undergraduate tuition fees in Singapore range from S$12,000 to S$33,300 per year, while tuition fees for business programmes are higher, varying from S$37,000 to S$66,600 per year. As Singapore is a small country, except for public institutions such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, which provide dormitories, most of the schools need to rent their own rooms outside the campus. Student accommodation in Singapore is a significant portion of living expenses, and the rent for different types of apartments varies from S$550 to S$1,480 per month.