Choosing a career-oriented program is an excellent option for students or young professionals who want to acquire practical, relevant skills that are directly aligned with employment.
In Singapore, some institutions, often referred to as “Colleges”, offer this type of program.
What are the advantages of studying at a Singapore college?
- short, focused programs
- strong international exposure
- a skills- and employability-driven approach
- qualifications recognized and certified by Singapore’s Ministry of Education
Why is Singapore an excellent option for a study abroad destination?
Singapore is now one of the major hubs in Southeast Asia, and a qualification obtained here is generally seen as a strong asset for an international career.
What are the main costs of studying and living in Singapore?
Below is an indicative estimate for a 6-month period, in USD.
Main costs
| Expense | Amount in USD |
| Return flight in economy class | ~$1,100 |
| Tuition fees | ~$5,000 total (≈ $830/month) |
| Accommodation | $550–770 per month |
Living expenses
| Expense | Amount in USD |
| Mobile phone internet & data | ~$25 per month |
| Food & groceries | ~$22 per day |
| Public transport | $550–770 per month |
| Health insurance | ~$50 per month |
Estimated total budget for 6 months: approx. $12,000
For comparison, this budget is lower compared to a semester at a higher education provider in Australia, with the added benefit of a strong international experience in Asia.
Other expenses to consider:
| Expenses Type | Average cost in SGD |
| Internet usage (8mbps speed) | $25per month |
| Meal at an average restaurant | $30-50 per meal |
| Street food or meal for 1 at a Hawker Centre -food court such as Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat | $4-$8 per meal |
| Utility bills for one person in a Studio / Shared Apartment (Approx 480 square feet) | $150 per month |
| Hourly rate for house help (house cleaning) | $20 |
| Cost of a taxi trip | $13 for five KMs |
| Cold medicines for six days | $11 |
| 12 doses of antibiotics | $13 |
| Short visit to a private doctor | $80per visit |
| Gym membership | $150 per month |
| 1 tickets to the movies (example: Shaw Theaters) | $12 |
Accommodation
As with any country, the cost of housing depends on the type of accommodation and the locality in which you choose to stay. If you choose to live on campus, in residence halls, you can expect to pay approximately SGD 325-605 per month. A typical student dormitory can house four to six students. You can also choose to live in a rented off-campus accommodation on your own or on a shared basis with other occupants. The cost of off-campus housing depends on the locality and the amenities provided.
Transport
Singapore is renowned for its sophisticated and urbane transportation services. Getting around this city is incredibly easy, with a vast bus network, frequent buses, and stops at every corner. Furthermore, the six Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines, covering over 130 local stations, make the commute breezy. As a student, you can avail of concessions and get a monthly MRT pass for SGD 120.
Food
Your everyday living expenses in Singapore also include the money you have to spend on food. The best way to reduce your food expenses is to opt for meal plans that can cost you around SGD 90 to 120 per month. However, meal plans may vary, and your university may not provide every meal. You can also buy your meals from university canteens or food courts, which can cost you approximately SGD 210 to 750 per month. Of course, the costs will vary if you opt to live off-campus and cook food in your rented facility.
Groceries examples: Fair Price, Cold Storage, Grab Delivery.
Healthcare & Insurance
Singapore has a world-class health care system and is renowned for its fantastic and affordable health care system. Expats, including international students, can buy health insurance to pay for unexpected medical expenses. It can cost you anywhere from SGD 920 to 5,015 per annum to buy health insurance as a foreign national in Singapore. The maximum coverage offered against these premiums is in the range of SDG 900,000 to 2.5 million.
Insurance examples: FWD, or Safety Wing
Mobile data
Monthly mobile data plans in Singapore offer high data caps (50GB to >1TB) for low prices, typically ranging from $7 to $40 per month for no-contract, SIM-only, or prepaid options. Key providers include Singtel, StarHub, M1 Singapore, Circles.Life, and Maxx, with many 5G plans offering large data volumes for streaming and gaming.
