Study in Singapore after 12th : Top Courses, University & Cost

In this section, we have discussed the reasons to study in Singapore after 12th to help you make an informed decision: 

Asia's and the world's premier educational system, Singapore, is highly regarded for its academic brilliance. Singapore's National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked first in Asia and eighth globally in the most recent QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2025 rankings. NUS is the only Asian institution that ranks in the top 10 as per the QS World Ranking. 

Singapore ranked seventh on the Global Residence Index's 2024 Safety Index. This island nation's low crime rate can be attributed to its tight law enforcement, which undoubtedly draws Indian students to study there. 

According to Times Higher Education's Global University Employability Ranking 2023–34, Nanyang Technological University is rated 35, while the National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked 9. Furthermore, Singapore is home to the regional headquarters of several multinational corporations (MNCs), including Facebook, Twitter, and Tencent. 

Also, read: Singapore Visa for Indians

Singapore's official languages are English, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, and Malay. Language is acceptable for students pursuing popular courses in Singapore because English is the teaching medium.

Recognised for its excellent standard of living, Mercer named Singapore the top city in Asia. Furthermore, Singapore's quality of life is ranked 3 in the Expat Insider Report 2023-24. Consequently, overseas students in Singapore need an intensive learning environment that adds value to their academic careers overall. 

The Ministry of Education (MoE) oversees the administration of Singapore's higher education system. Following a twelve-year schooling, pupils can enrol in a college program. Following is a list of different fields and the top courses in Singapore-

Students in Singapore will have plenty of possibilities if they choose to select courses in the medical field. This is a list of post-12 medical courses that are available in Singapore: 

• MBBS

• Medicine and Surgery

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Dentistry

• Psychology

Students who have completed their 12th grade in science might choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in non-medical fields. Following their 12th year, individuals can pursue the following non-medical studies in Singapore: 

• BSc in Physics

• BSc in Biotechnology

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

• Bachelor of Technology (BTech)

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Civil Engineering

• Bioengineering

• Information Technology

The art field is highly preferred by overseas students in Singapore. Here are the post-12 arts study choices available in Singapore: 

• Filmmaking 

• Acting

• Sociology

• Law

• Interior Design

• Theatre Studies

• Visual and Fine Arts 

• Digital Animation 

• Music

• Fashion Design 

• Industrial Design, and many more

Also, read: Average Salary in Singapore 

Higher education in Singapore is less expensive than in other nations. However, a degree in engineering or medicine can cost a little more than other programs. After completing high school, studying in Singapore would likely cost you between SGD 30,000 and SGD 40,000.

The cost, however, varies depending on the university and the selected course. The average cost to study in Singapore can be demarcated as:

Moreover, there are specific scholarships available for students wanting to pursue their studies in Singapore after 12th, which are as follows-

• Scholarship Availability

Universities and the government offer need and merit-based scholarships. Indian students with good academic records and scores on standardised examinations can apply for a scholarship by completing the application and sending all required documentation by the deadline. This is a list of available scholarships.

1. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

2. David L. Boren Scholarship

3. Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant Scheme

4. SIA Youth Scholarship

5. Commonwealth Scholarship for Integrated Science

6. National University of Singapore Undergraduate Scholarships

Here is a list of the top universities in singapore, along with their average tuition fees annually-

Here is a list of the top courses in Singapore with their respective fees and colleges-

Singapore's B-Schools are well-known for providing top-notch MBA programs. You could anticipate a significant pay boost after earning an MBA from a prestigious university like NUS—often up to 170% more than you made before the program.

Now that you are aware of the top courses and universities to study in Singapore after the 12th, let’s have a look at the eligibility criterias and the necessary documents a student will need to get admission:

Depending on the course selected and the university applied to, there may be differences in the qualifying requirements. Nonetheless, the following fundamental qualifying standards must be fulfilled:

1. Indian applicants must be at least eighteen years old.

2. In Singapore, students should complete 12 years of schooling before pursuing a degree.

3. A certificate of completion from Class 12 is required for undergraduate programs.

4. A least of 65% overall in the top five subjects, including English, while prestigious colleges may demand an overall grade of 90–95%

5. SAT and ACT scores as per the institution’s requirements

6. Score in English language proficiency on any test: PTE: 56 (total), TOEFL: 80–95, or IELTS: 6.5-7.

1. Class X and XII attested marksheets; SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL scores

2. Resume, letters of recommendation (LOR), and statement of purpose (SOP) (only if requested by the colleges)

3. Passport-sized photos

4. Papers of visas

5. Financial records, such as loan documentation and bank statements

The cost of living in Singapore varies for students based on lifestyle choices and individual needs. Therefore, the chart below might be an essential reference for budgeting your estimated living expenses if you want to study there.

Also, read: MBBS in Singapore

The blog includes everything you need to know about studying in Singapore, which you can consider before choosing a suitable study-abroad destination. It is evident that with its distinct fusion of culture and art, many employment options, and top-notch academic programs, Singapore has quickly established itself as a significant Asian centre for education.

We hope you gained sufficient information regarding studying in Singapore. However, if you have any more doubts or want to study in Singapore, you can contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question- Is it expensive to study in Singapore after 12th?

Answer- Singapore is a reasonably priced study abroad destination for Indian students compared to other Western nations such as the US or the UK. Over time, its comparatively low tuition, affordable living expenses, and prestigious universities such as Singapore NUS and NTU have made it a desirable study destination for Indian students.

Question- What are the popular universities of Singapore?

Answer- The National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, and Singapore Management University are a few of the most well-known universities in Singapore.

Question- How can I apply to universities in Singapore?

Answer- Students who wish to apply for admission to universities in Singapore can monitor the university website to find out when the colleges release their application forms. After narrowing down their selection of preferred colleges, individuals must read the application guidelines and submit their applications by the deadline. 

Question- What is the cost to study in Singapore after 12th?

Answer- The specific price of continuing education in Singapore beyond high school depends on the student's lifestyle, course, and university. The annual tuition might cost between SGD 25,000 and SGD 35,000 on average. 

Question- What is a bachelor’s course duration while studying in Singapore after 12th?

Answer- In Singapore, an honours degree requires four years to complete, whereas a bachelor's program lasts three years. Since these three- or four-year degrees adhere to industry norms, they are considered more valuable. Nonetheless, a few elite private and international colleges provide fast-track degree programs that last two to three years.

Question- Which courses are preferred by the Indian students to study in Singapore after 12th?

Answer- Among the most popular courses among Indian students are those in banking and finance, supply chain and logistics, information technology, electronics and communications, and construction. Furthermore, students frequently choose bachelor's degrees in business-related areas. 

Question- What is the process to obtain scholarships to study in Singapore after 12th?

Answer- Indian students can fund their education in Singapore with scholarships. You must look into the scholarships offered in-depth to be eligible for one. The next step is to prepare your application and the required paperwork and apply as soon as possible to improve your chances of acceptance. 

Some of the scholarships for Indian Students to study in Singapore are-

• George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship 2024

• National Library Digital Fellowship 2024 

• PSB Academy Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Students 2024

Question- How many intakes do the Singapore Universities have? 

Answer- Singapore's prominent universities offer two intakes for indian students. August is the primary intake month, while January is the secondary intake month. While the January intake starts in July, the August intake applications open in December. 

Question- Can Indian students work part-time while studying in Singapore?

Answer- Yes! Indian students may work 16 hours a week of part-time employment while they are enrolled in classes and full-time work during their breaks, according to the Ministry of Manpower. However, if you are an exchange student doing study modules in Singapore, you are not permitted to work.

Question- Is an IELTS test score required to study in Singapore?

Answer- While not always necessary, IELTS and TOEFL scores are advised for studies in Singapore. Depending on the school and subject, courses may require SAT, GMAT, or GRE scores.

• IELTS: A minimum of seven points overall

• TOEFL: The score must equal or exceed 600 for a paper-based exam.

• For computer-based assessments- 250 100 for assessments taken online

Please note that different IELTS and TOEFL scores may be needed depending on the course and university.