Top 10 Undergraduate Courses in Singapore for Indian Students 2026: Fees & Scope
- Haziq Shaikh
- Dec 24
- 5 min read
Introduction
Are you looking for world-class education that is close to home? Singapore is becoming the top choice for Indian families who want high-quality degrees without sending their children halfway across the world. In this blog, we will cover the best undergraduate courses in Singapore for Indian students in 2026.
We will also explain the famous "Tuition Grant Scheme" which can reduce your fees significantly if you agree to work in Singapore after graduation.
While Singapore is the leading choice in Asia, many students also compare it with western destinations. If you are exploring options in the West, check out our guide on the Top Undergraduate Courses in USA for Indian Students 2026 to see how the curriculum and opportunities compare
Highlights: Singapore Education 2026
Point | Details |
Top Universities | NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD |
Intake Season | August (Primary), January (Secondary) |
Application Start | October – March (Varies by University) |
Average Fees (Subsidized) | SGD 17,500 – SGD 25,000 / year (approx.) |
Exam Required | Class 12th Marks, SAT (Optional for some), IELTS/TOEFL |
Distance from India | ~5.5 Hours Flight |
What is the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS)?
Before we look at the courses, you must understand the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS). This is unique to Singapore.
What it is: The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) offers a grant to international students to subsidize (reduce) their tuition fees.
The Benefit: It lowers your annual tuition fee by roughly 40% to 50%.
The Condition (Service Obligation): If you accept this grant, you must sign a bond to work in a Singapore-based company for 3 years after graduation.
Why it matters: This makes Singapore affordable for middle-class Indian families and guarantees work experience in a global hub.
Top 10 Undergraduate Courses in Singapore for Indian Students
Here are the most popular undergraduate courses in Singapore for Indian students for the academic year 2026, based on job scope and university rankings.
1. Computer Science & Engineering
Why: Singapore is Asia’s tech capital. Demand for software engineers, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts is massive.
Top Colleges: NUS, NTU, SMU.
Scope: High starting salaries in fintech and tech MNCs.
2. Data Science & Analytics
Why: Companies use data for everything. Singapore universities offer specialized degrees in Data Science and Economics.
Top Colleges: NUS, NTU.
Scope: Roles in banking, logistics, and government policy.
3. Business Administration (BBA)
Why: Singapore is a global financial hub. A BBA here gives you direct exposure to Asian and Western markets.
Top Colleges: NUS Business School, Nanyang Business School (NTU), SMU.
Scope: Investment banking, consulting, and marketing.
4. Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Why: A core engineering branch with steady demand in manufacturing and telecommunications.
Top Colleges: NTU, NUS.
Scope: Semiconductor industry, power sector, and robotics.
5. Mechanical Engineering
Why: One of the most versatile degrees. Singapore’s push for automation makes this very relevant.
Top Colleges: NUS, NTU, SUTD.
Scope: Aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing.
If you are passionate about core engineering fields like Mechanical or Automobile but are worried about costs, you might also want to explore the Top Technical Courses in Germany for Indian Students 2026, known for low tuition fees.
6. Law
Why: Singapore Law is well-respected. However, entry is very difficult for international students.
Top Colleges: NUS Law, SMU School of Law.
Scope: Corporate law, international arbitration.
7. Economics
Why: Often combined with Data Science or Finance. It is great for students strong in math but not interested in pure engineering.
Top Colleges: NUS, SMU.
Scope: Policy making, banking, and research.
8. Psychology
Why: Rising awareness of mental health has increased demand for psychology graduates in corporate and clinical settings.
Top Colleges: NUS, NTU, James Cook University (Singapore campus).
Scope: HR, clinical psychology, counseling.
9. Architecture & Sustainable Design
Why: Singapore is famous for green buildings. This course focuses on future-ready urban planning.
Top Colleges: NUS, SUTD.
Scope: Urban planning, sustainable design firms.
10. Digital Media & Communications
Why: For creative students. Covers digital marketing, PR, and media production.
Top Colleges: NTU (Wee Kim Wee School), Lasalle College of the Arts.
Scope: Advertising agencies, media houses.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
To apply for these undergraduate courses in Singapore for Indian students, you generally need:
12th Grade Marks: Very high scores required (usually 90% or 95%+ for top colleges like NUS/NTU).
Boards: CBSE, ISC, and State Boards are accepted.
English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory if your 12th English marks are below a certain cutoff (usually 85-90%).
Entrance Exams: * SAT: strictly required by SMU; optional but recommended for NUS/NTU to strengthen your profile.
JEE Advanced: Good rank can sometimes help in NUS/NTU admission (but not mandatory).
Admission Process for 2026
Check Deadlines: Applications usually close by February or March 2026 for the August intake.
Online Application: Apply directly through the university website (e.g., NUS Office of Admissions).
Upload Documents: Marksheets, passport copies, and test scores.
Tuition Grant Choice: Indicate if you want to apply for the Tuition Grant Scheme in the application form.
Interview: Some courses (like Law, Medicine, or Architecture) may require an online interview.
Fees: Subsidized vs Non-Subsidized
Note: Fees are estimates for 2026 based on previous trends. 1 SGD ≈ ₹64 INR.
Course Type | Annual Fee (With Grant) | Annual Fee (Without Grant) |
Engineering / Science | SGD 18,000 – 20,000 (₹11.5L – 12.8L) | SGD 39,000 – 45,000 (₹25L – 29L) |
Business / Law | SGD 21,000 – 27,000 (₹13.5L – 17.2L) | SGD 40,000 – 50,000 (₹25.6L – 32L) |
Arts / Humanities | SGD 17,500 – 19,000 (₹11.2L – 12.1L) | SGD 30,000 – 35,000 (₹19.2L – 22.4L) |
Important: Living expenses (Rent + Food) will cost an additional SGD 12,000 – 15,000 (₹8L – 10L) per year.
Documents Required
Class 10th and 11th Marksheets.
Class 12th Predicted Scores (if applying before results).
Valid Passport.
IELTS / TOEFL Score Report.
SAT Score Report (if applicable).
Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Explain why you want to study in Singapore.
Recommendation Letters (LOR) from school teachers.
FAQs
1. What are the best undergraduate courses in Singapore for Indian students?
The best courses based on employability are Computer Science, Data Analytics, and Business Administration. Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical) is also very popular.
2. Is the Tuition Grant Scheme available for all Indian students?
Yes, it is available for all international students based on merit. However, you must sign a bond to work in a Singapore entity for 3 years after graduation.
3. Is JEE required for admission to Singapore universities?
No, JEE is not mandatory. However, a good JEE Advanced rank can boost your application for NUS or NTU if your board marks are slightly lower.
4. What is the minimum percentage required for NUS or NTU?
Competition is very high. Indian students usually need 95%+ in Class 12th (CBSE/ISC) to get into top courses like CS or Engineering.
5. Can I work part-time while studying?
Yes, students at approved universities can work part-time (up to 16 hours/week) during the term and full-time during vacations.
6. How much is the cost of living in Singapore?
Singapore is expensive. You should budget around SGD 1,000 to SGD 1,500 per month for rent, food, and transport.
7. Is IELTS mandatory for Singapore?
It depends. If you scored high marks (usually 85-90%+) in English in Class 12th (CBSE/ISC), some universities might waive it. Otherwise, yes, it is required.
Conclusion
Singapore offers a perfect blend of high-quality education, safety, and proximity to India. While the entry requirements are high, the Tuition Grant Scheme makes it a financially smart choice compared to the US or UK. If you are aiming for the top undergraduate courses in Singapore for Indian students, start working on your profile and grades today.
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