Singapore is rich in local, private, and foreign universities. Autonomous universities and foreign campuses offer a wide range of master courses focused on taught and research programs. Following are some of the top universities of Singapore, their popular programs, and annual fees.
To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Singapore for masters. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Singapore.
Best Universities In Singapore For Masters
| Universities | Fees Per Annum (SGD) | Popular Programs | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 45,000 | Masters in Computer Science, Finance, Management, Economics, Public Policy | 1.5-2 Years |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | 36,280 | Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science | 1 Year |
| Singapore Institute of Management | 5,778 | Diploma in Accounting, Information Technology, Finance, and Business | 1 Year |
| Singapore Management University | 48,150 | Masters in Finance, Business Analytics, Management | 1.5 Years |
| James Cook University-Singapore | 51,360 | Education, Clinical psychology, Professional Accounting | 16 Months |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | 51,700 | Master in Urban Science, Policy and Planning, Architecture, Security by Design | 1 Year |
| TUM Asia | 20,425 | MS in Aerospace Engg, Industrial Chemistry | 2 Years |
| Management Development Institute of Singapore | 24,220 | MSc in Biotechnology, Finance, Tourism, and Hospitality | 1 Year |
MBA in Singapore is highly recognized from Private institutes like INSEAD and PSB academy with average annual tuition fees of 80,000-1,20,000 SGD. Another popular masters course to pursue in Singapore is MA in Singapore.
A global reputation for academic excellence
Singapore has a reputation for academic excellence not just in Asia, but across the world. The nation’s education system is considered world-class and boasts academic talent that is both highly advanced and competitive.
For a continuous number of years, Singapore has been named the best-performing location for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is also home to universities that have won global recognition for both their top-tier academics and their advanced research facilities. For example, the QS World University Rankings® 2021 listed NUS as the top university in Asia and eleventh in the world.
Perhaps not surprisingly, many internationally renowned academics and scholars have been attracted to teach and study here. No matter where students come from, their experience studying in Singapore will build on their strengths and abilities, and boldly expand their horizons and perspectives.
Top industry connections
Singapore gained its independence in 1965 and since then has flourished and grown into an economic powerhouse. Today, it is a leading industrial centre for aerospace, precision engineering, information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, the creative industry, and professional services.
Many multinational companies have set up their Asian headquarters and global research and development laboratories in Singapore. Some notable examples include Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and, more recently, Dyson and Tencent.
Singapore’s connectivity and influence in the region, its integration of both eastern and western cultures and its welcoming stance towards foreign investment has made it an important business hub in Asia.
Students at NUS can leverage this and enjoy access to international networks and industries, with various channels to connect with leading industry players. Many courses at NUS offer students practical industry projects or internship opportunities, opening up even more exciting career opportunities.
Aspiring change leaders and entrepreneurs will also appreciate the fact that the university has formed collaborations and strategic partnerships with key industry players (as well as government agencies) to establish advanced research laboratories, innovation incubation programmes, as well as the entrepreneurial hub known as BLOCK71.
A multicultural society
Singapore is a multi-cultural society where people are respectful of different religions, races, and cultures. There are four official languages in Singapore – English (the predominant language used in schools and the workplace), Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
Such diversity has enabled Singapore to attract international students from many places around the world. International students in Singapore thrive in this environment, experiencing a mix of multi-ethnic cultures while still being able to rely on English as the medium of communication in their daily lives.
There are many similarities between the lifestyle in Singapore and other parts of the world, so much so that familiarizing oneself with everyday life is likely to be a walk in the park. That said, international students may still find something uniquely Singaporean around each corner.
A high quality of life
Mercer, the world’s largest human resource management consulting agency, ranked Singapore as the city with the highest quality of life in Asia in its 2019 Urban Life Quality Survey.
Efficient city planning, a developed economy, superior geographical location, a sound legal system, convenient transportation, a warm climate, along with a tolerant and friendly social atmosphere make Singapore a study destination suitable for people from all walks of life.
Singapore also embraces a rich culture of art, history, architecture, food, natural scenery, leisure activities and festivities, attracting many international travellers every year.
International students in Singapore are set for a unique and immersive life experience. Learning here is not confined only to the classroom but goes way beyond into the world-at-large.
A safe and secure environment
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Singapore as the second safest city in the world in the 2019 Safe City Index. Laws in Singapore are strictly enforced, which explains its very low crime rate and its reputation as one of the safest countries in the world.
This is undoubtedly a draw for many international students. Living away from home can cause worries for both international students and their families, which is why NUS has its own security team that patrols its campuses 24/7, 365 days of the year.
Masters in Singapore: Course Structure
Masters study in Singapore is generally referred to as “graduate study”. The duration of the course may vary between one to two years with full/part-time options. There are two types of Master’s Degree:
- Graduate studies by Coursework: Academic oriented taught Masters and professional courses. Students are typically required to submit projects towards the end of the course.
- Graduate studies by Dissertation/Research: Research-oriented Masters courses. Students are required to work and submit a supervised dissertation/thesis within a specified period after the commencement of the course.
| Duration | 1-2 Years |
| Oldest University | National University of Singapore (1905) |
| Average Fees | 35,000-45,000 SGD |
| Academic Year | August to July |
| Average Salary | 70,000 SGD |
| Popular Recruiters | Amazon.com Inc, Dow Jones & Co Inc, Singtel, HP Inc |
| Work-Study Program | Up to 16 hours per week |
Admission Process for Masters in Singapore
Applications to universities of Singapore are normally done via the graduate office, although individual programs may have their own online form. Decisions on admissions are most often made by the relevant faculty after careful evaluation of all applications. Evaluation is carried out based on a combination of factors such as previous degrees and academic record, references, test scores and relevant work experience.
Candidates must demonstrate readiness for graduate study and may be required to submit entry examination scores. The majority of graduate programs will admit students twice a year, in August and January, each intake having a specific deadline for application.
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