Top Universities to Study In Singapore

  • Date Icon August 1, 2025
Best Universities to Study In Singapore For Indian Students 2025

If you are considering studying in Singapore, you are having in mind a country where education is not just important — it is completely absorbed. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, global teaching standards, and convenience close to India, Singapore is a coveted destination for students from Delhi to Coimbatore. Whether you want to enter right after school or securing your master’s degree, the universities in Singapore offer excellent value.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Singapore has some of the best universities in Asia. Let’s take a look at the Universities on the Singapore university ranking list — you could be the next Indian student to study in Singapore, regardless of your academic background and goals.

Top Universities To Study in Singapore

Best Universities in Singapore

List of Top Universities To Study in Singapore

UniversityQS Rank 2025Key Strengths / Popular CoursesEntry RequirementsTuition Fees (SGD / year)Scholarships
National University of Singapore (NUS)#8Computer Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences90%+ in Class 12, SAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL30,000–50,000ASEAN Undergraduate, NUS Global Merit
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)#26Engineering, Data Science, Material ScienceStrong academics, IELTS/TOEFL, SAT (UG)31,000–45,000Various merit-based options
Singapore Management University (SMU)Top 100 AsiaFinance, Law, Global Business, Fintech85%+ in Class 12, IELTS/TOEFL, SAT (UG)30,000–40,000ASEAN Scholarship, Indian Merit Awards
Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)—Digital Marketing, Media & Communications, Supply ChainVaries by partner university; generally 60%+ in 12th20,000–35,000SIM bursaries
James Cook University Singapore (JCU)—Psychology, Marine Biology, Business60%+ in Class 1220,000–30,000JCU merit awards

Best Universities To Study in Singapore

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

Global QS Rank 2025: #8

NUS is not just the leading university in SG, but around the world, it is one of the most respected institutions in the world, with dedicated coursework in AI, engineering, finance, and international relations. With required exhaustive programs from STEM to social sciences, the options for an Indian student at NUS varies from the master programme in Singapore in many domains or to apply directly for undergraduate admissions after the 12th.

NUS is also recognised for its research ecosystem and start-up ecosystem, as it is a hotbed of innovation. In addition, if you are thinking of studying MBA in Singapore, their NUS Business School is ranked in top business schools in Asia. In addition, having recognized ties between IITs and Indian institutions, NUS makes your transition and credit use easier.

  • Popular Courses: Computer Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences
  • Entry Requirements: 90%+ in Class 12, SAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
  • Fees: Approx. SGD 30,000–50,000/year
  • Scholarships: ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, NUS Global Merit

2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Global QS Rank 2025: #26

If you’re interested in tech or engineering, NTU is the place for you. Well-regarded around the world in AI, Robotics, and Biotech, NTU is a national university based in Singapore, which is often referred to as the MIT of Asia. If you are interested in studying IT in Singapore and would like to take a look at base level and higher level research, you have found your launch pad.

NTU also offers an interdisciplinary degree in which you can study engineering in combination with business or design—ideal if you’re an Indian student who is looking for hybrid career roles. Undergraduate programs are available to Indian students after 12th; they also offer several top-ranked master degree in Singapore programs.

  • Key Strengths: Engineering, Data Science, Material Science
  • Facilities: World’s largest college for materials research, on-campus innovation labs
  • Student Life: Lively Indian community, multiple cultural clubs
  • Tuition: SGD 31,000–45,000/year

3. Singapore Management University (SMU)

QS Asia Rank 2025: Top 100

Singapore Management University (SMU) is in a class of its own when it comes to business and law in Singapore. The teaching model here is American-style; it’s interactive, forms-based, and industry-oriented. If you’re thinking of studying MBA in Singapore, or trying to get into something related to international law, economics, or fintech, this is your jam.

SMU directly collaborates with firms like Google, JPMorgan, and Grab for the placement of their graduates and that experience has real value. And if Indian students who want to study in Singapore after 12th are reading this… SMU has multiple entry points to offer you!

  • Specialties: Finance, Law, Global Business, Fintech
  • Global Tie-ups: Wharton, LSE, and Indian universities
  • Unique Edge: Mandatory internships, capstone consulting projects
  • Scholarships: ASEAN Scholarships, Indian Merit Awards

4. Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)

SIM partners with universities from the UK, US and Australia to deliver international degrees in Singapore. This means you can study in SG with flexible intakes and tuition fees cheaper than NUS or NTU, which is great if you are on a budget.

It is one of the lowest entry point colleges in Singapore and has been a popular choice for Indian students for management, IT and media courses. You can also go to SIM directly from diploma or polytechnic you have completed. Overall it’s a good option if you are exploring options for study in Singapore post 12th.

  • Unique Courses: Digital Marketing, Media & Communications, Supply Chain
  • Application Timeline: Rolling intakes, fast visa process for Indians
  • Fee Range: SGD 20,000–35,000/year
  • Popular For: Affordable master programme in Singapore

5. James Cook University, Singapore Campus (JCU)

This branch campus of a leading Australian university is one of the fastest-growing options on the list of Singapore universities. For those who want to complete an Australian degree in Asia, JCU offers the best of both worlds.

JCU is popular with Indian students who want to study in Singapore for Indian students taking psychology, marine biology, and business, and there is an option to transfer to the Australian campus midway through the degree.

  • Entry Requirements: 60%+ in 12th for most of their UG programs and 
  • Affordable Fees: SGD 20,000-30,000/year
  • Campus Life: Large variety of students clubs and career mentorship activities
  • Degrees Offered: UG + master education in Singapore programs

Conclusion

Why Indian Students Should Look at QS Ranked Singapore Universities

Global Recognition: Degrees from Singapore world class universities like NUS and NTU will be globally recognized by universities and employers.

  • Indian focused scholarships: Many offer bursaries or grants specific to Indian students
  • Geographic place and culture: Singapore is only a 4-5hr flight from key Indian cities, and culturally-very student friendly. 
  • Top MBA and tech degrees: If as an Indian student you are looking to study MBA in Singapore or tech based courses, the curriculum is consistently updated with global trends.
  • Post study work visas: Singapore’s post study work application and granting policies favour International students to provide International Work experience.

In addition, for Indian students, the cost of study in Singapore is also generally cheaper than the cost of study in the USA, UK or Australia — with the additional benefit of being in the financial centre of Asia.