Navigating Tuition Fees at the National University of Singapore 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction:
As the cost of higher education continues to rise globally, parents and students alike are faced with the daunting task of managing educational expenses. Our island-state, Singapore, known for its world-class education system, is no exception to this trend. With inflation steadily climbing, it’s crucial to understand the tuition fees associated with pursuing a degree at the esteemed National University of Singapore (NUS). In this article, we will delve into a detailed breakdown of tuition fees across various courses, exploring the number of years required to complete each degree and calculating their total cost.
For new students admitted in AY2023/2024 (per annum)
| Fees payable by students in receipt of MOE Tuition Grant | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens | Singapore Permanent Residents | International Students | Fees payable by students NOT in receipt of MOE Tuition Grant | |||
| Business | 9,650 | 13,500 | 20,850 | 32,703 | ||
| Business [BSc (Real Estate)] | 8,250 | 11,550 | 17,800 | 30,331 | ||
| Computing | 8,250 | 11,550 | 17,800 | 38,809 | ||
| Dentistry | 30,200 | 44,900 | 68,950 | 168,308 | ||
| Design and Engineering | 8,250 | 11,550 | 17,800 | 38,809 | ||
| Design and Engineering (Built Environment) | 8,250 | 11,550 | 17,800 | 30,331 | ||
| Design and Engineering (Architecture, Landscape Architecture) | 8,900 | 12,450 | 19,200 | 39,617 | ||
| Humanities and Sciences | 8,250 | 11,550 | 17,800 | 34,570 | ||
| Law | 12,700 | 17,750 | 27,400 | 38,809 | ||
| Medicine (Nursing) | 8,950 | 12,550 | 19,350 | 37,598 | ||
| Medicine (except Nursing) | 30,200 | 44,900 | 68,950 | 168,308 | ||
| Music | 14,700 | 22,000 | 33,650 | 129,297 | ||
| Science (Pharmacy) | 9,100 | 12,750 | 19,650 | 38,658 | ||
Source: NUS
- NUS (National University of Singapore) will continue to adopt a cohort-based fee system – the tables above show the tuition fees payable by the new undergraduate intake of AY2023/24 for their candidature.
- The per annum fee amount covering Semesters 1 and 2 of an academic year is payable in two equal instalments at the start of each semester.
- For Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents, the fees are exclusive of GST as the applicable GST is subsidised by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
- The subsidised fees for international students and non-subsidised tuition fees are inclusive of GST.
- The prevailing GST is 8% with effect from 1st January 2023.
- From 1st January 2024, the GST rate will increase to 9%.
The table above vividly illustrates the substantial cost disparities among Singapore citizens, permanent residents (PR), and international students. This distinction is a direct result of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) robust education policy, which heavily subsidizes education for Singaporeans. As a result, Singaporean students benefit from significantly lower tuition fees compared to PR and international students, making quality education more accessible and fostering a skilled workforce for the nation’s future growth and development.
What is Tuition Grant Scheme?
The Tuition Grant Scheme was established by the Government to assist students with the expenses of pursuing higher education in Singapore. The scheme is currently available for full-time diploma and undergraduate courses at Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), adhering to the existing policy guidelines. Singapore Citizens are automatically granted a Tuition Grant, eliminating the need for application, and they are not obligated to fulfill any bond requirements. Conversely, non-Singaporean students, including Singapore Permanent Residents, are eligible to apply for the Tuition Grant (subject to approval by the Ministry of Education) and are required to enter into a Tuition Grant Agreement. This agreement entails a contractual commitment to work at a Singapore-based entity for a duration of three (3) years following graduation, in exchange for the grant provided under the Tuition Grant Scheme.
Lists of IHLs (Institutes of Higher Learning):
| Type | Institution |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Universities | National University of Singapore |
| Nanyang Technological University | |
| Singapore Management University | |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design | |
| Singapore Institute of Technology | |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences | |
| Polytechnics | Singapore Polytechnic |
| Ngee Ann Polytechnic | |
| Temasek Polytechnic | |
| Nanyang Polytechnic | |
| Republic Polytechnic | |
| Arts Institutions | Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts |
| LASALLE College of the Arts | |
| Other Institutions | Institute of Technical Education |
Estimating Total Degree Costs: Calculating Tuition Fees for NUS Courses
Figuring out how much an entire degree will cost includes considering about how many years the program lasts and the money needed each year for tuition. The table below gives a clear picture of the number of years each degree program takes and the cost for each year, depending on whether the student is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or international student. By multiplying the cost for each year by the number of years, we can estimate the total tuition fee for each course. This simple method of calculating costs helps prospective students and their families understand the financial commitment that comes with pursuing higher education at the National University of Singapore. This information helps them make informed choices about their education journey.
| NUS Courses | Number Of Years | Annual Cost (SGD $) | Estimated Total Cost (SGD $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | 3 | 8200 | 24600 |
| Bachelor of Arts (Hons) | 4 | 8200 | 32800 |
| Bachelor of Social Sciences | 3 | 8200 | 24600 |
| Bachelor of Dentistry | 4 | 30200 | 120800 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Science)* | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial and Systems Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Laws | 4 | 12700 | 50800 |
| Bachelor of Science | 3 | 8250 | 24800 |
| Bachelor of Science (Hons) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Computational Biology)* | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) | 4 | 9100 | 36400 |
| Bachelor of Science (Data Science and Analytics)* | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Business Administration* | 3 | 9650 | 28950 |
| Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Computing (Information Security)* | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Computing (Information Systems) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Business | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Analytics) | |||
| Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) | 4 | 8900 | 35600 |
| Bachelor of Arts (Industrial Design)* | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Project and Facilities Management) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Real Estate) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 5 | 30200 | 151000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Nursing) | 3 | 8950 | 26850 |
| Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (Hons) | 4 | 8950 | 35800 |
| Bachelor of Music | 3 | 14700 | 44100 |
| Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Yale-NUS) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Science with Honours* (Yale-NUS) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering) | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
| Bachelor of Environmental Studies | 4 | 8250 | 33000 |
Sources : NUS
NUS Tuition Fee Breakdown:
The tuition fees at NUS vary depending on the course of study, duration of the course, and the student’s residency status. Let’s examine a comprehensive breakdown of tuition fees for selected courses:
| Course | Duration | Cost per Year (SC) | Cost per Year (PR) | Cost per Year (IS) | Total Cost (SC) | Total Cost (PR) | Total Cost (IS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 4 years | $8,250 | $11,750 – $13,000 | $18,750 – $21,000 | $33,000 | $52,000 | $75,000 – $84,000 |
| Business Administration | 3 years | $9,650 | $16,750 – $18,600 | $29,250 – $32,100 | $28,950 | $50,250 | $87,750 – $96,300 |
| Medicine | 5 years | $30,200 | $38,400 – $42,200 | $76,800 – $84,400 | $151,000 | $192,000 | $384,000 – $422,000 |
(Note: The figures provided are approximate annual tuition fees for the academic year 2023-2024 and are subject to change. The range accounts for different majors within the courses.)
Pursuing a higher education at the National University of Singapore is undoubtedly a significant investment, with tuition fees varying based on factors such as residency and course of study. As inflation continues to impact living costs, it’s essential for parents and students to plan diligently and explore financial aid options to alleviate the burden.
Cost of Living and Part-Time Work Opportunities for International Students at NUS
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. If you’re an international student planning to attend NUS for your undergraduate studies, it’s important to consider the various costs associated with living and studying in Singapore.
- Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for international undergraduate students at NUS vary based on the chosen program and citizenship status. As of the latest information available in 2023, these fees are higher than those for local students. Depending on the program, the tuition fees can range from approximately SGD 30,331 to SGD 168,308 per academic year. Please note that these figures include GST and are based on the assumption that the student is not receiving any MOE Tuition Grant.
- For international students who intend to apply for an MOE Tuition Grant, there is an opportunity to be granted a Tier C Tuition Grant if your application is approved. This grant comes with specific obligations in terms of a bond. Upon successful graduation, recipients of the Tier C Tuition Grant are required to fulfill a bond obligation by working full-time for a duration of 3 years with a valid work pass within a Singaporean entity. It is important to familiarize yourself with the permissible types of employment that fulfill this bond requirement. (Click on this link to learn more about the Tier C Tuition Grant for International Students.)
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Singapore can be relatively high. Accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses should be factored into your budget.
- Accommodation: Renting a room in the vicinity of the university can range from SGD 650 to SGD 1,800 per month, depending on factors such as location, type of accommodation, and amenities.
- Transportation: Singapore has an efficient public transportation system, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and public buses. The cost of transport can vary based on your usage but is generally affordable. The monthly transportation pass, called the “EZ-Link card,” can cost around SGD 120 to SGD 180.
- Food: One of the highlights of living in Singapore is its diverse and delicious food scene. Eating at hawker centers, which offer a wide variety of local dishes, can cost around SGD 3.5 to SGD 8 per meal (without drinks). The cost of food per month can vary depending on your eating habits, but a rough estimate could be around SGD 350 to SGD 600.
As for earning money while studying, international students in Singapore are allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to certain conditions:
- Part-Time Jobs: International students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during vacation periods. Part-time job opportunities may include roles like waiting staff (waiters or waitresses), banquet waiters, bar waiters, retail assistants, or administrative positions.
- Work-Study Opportunities: Some universities, including NUS, offer work-study programs that allow students to gain work experience while studying. These programs are usually on-campus and can be a great way to earn money and gain relevant skills.
- Internships and Research Assistantships: Depending on your field of study, you might have opportunities to work as a research assistant or intern in your department. These positions can provide valuable experience and a source of income.
It’s important to note that regulations and opportunities for part-time work may change, so I recommend checking with the relevant authorities and NUS for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees, living costs, and work options for international students.
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