Did you know that tuition fees at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States cost about US$65,670 (S$83,865) per year? According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UPenn ranks three spots below Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and seven spots below the National University of Singapore (NUS), where local students pay just S$8,300 a year. Generally speaking, Singaporeans are in a privileged position when it comes to tertiary education.

Year after year, universities like NUS and NTU rank among the top in Asia and the world. Both rank higher than universities in China, Japan, and Hong Kong for many programs. However, financing your degree remains an important part of the discussion. What are your options? What can you or your parents afford? Here is a quick look at estimated course fees and funding options for Singaporeans.

1. Summary of Singapore University School Fees 2026/2027

The following are subsidised tuition fees for Singapore Citizens based on 2026/2027 intake, excluding specialised courses such as medicine, law, and dentistry which tend to be more expensive.

• NUS: S$8,300 to S$9,700 per year. Three-year course total: S$24,900 to S$29,100. Four-year total: S$33,200 to S$38,800.

• NTU: S$8,300 to S$9,500 per year. Three-year total: S$24,900 to S$28,500. Four-year total: S$33,200 to S$38,000.

• SMU: S$11,550 per year. Three-year total: S$34,650. Four-year total: S$46,200.

• SUTD: S$13,500 per year. Four-year total: S$54,000.

• SUSS: S$7,550 to S$8,460 (module-based). Four-year total approximately S$30,200 to S$33,840.

• SIT: S$7,860 to S$9,360 per trimester. Three-year total: S$23,580 to S$28,080. Four-year total: S$31,440 to S$37,440.

• Lasalle: S$9,830 per year. Three-year total: S$29,490.

• NAFA University of the Arts: S$8,650 to S$10,270 per year. Three-year total: S$25,950 to S$30,810.

Singapore Permanent Residents and international students pay more. International students generally pay more than twice the fees for Singaporeans. The Ministry of Education Tuition Grant is automatically awarded to all Singaporean citizens and reduces course fees by about 50 to 80 percent. Non-Singaporeans may also apply but are required to work for a Singapore entity for three years after graduation.

2. NUS School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

NUS tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from S$8,300 to S$9,700 per year for most programs. Law costs S$12,750 per year. Nursing is S$9,050 per year. Medicine is S$33,200 per year. Dentistry is S$32,750 per year. Most NUS degrees take four years to complete. Students pay fixed fees based on their cohort throughout the course.

3. NTU School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

NTU tuition fees for most programs are S$8,300 per year. Accountancy and Business programs cost S$9,500 per year. Medicine costs S$36,100 per year. The Renaissance Engineering Programme costs S$13,500 per year. Students pay fixed fees throughout their course of study.

4. SMU School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

SMU tuition fees for most undergraduate courses cost S$11,550 per year. Law costs S$12,750 per year. Students pay fixed fees based on their cohort.

5. SUTD School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

SUTD tuition fees for all courses cost S$13,500 per year. Courses are generally four years long, totalling S$54,000.

6. SUSS School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

SUSS tuition fees are module-based. Most full-time courses cost around S$30,200 for a four-year course. Accountancy costs about S$33,840 for the full course.

7. SIT School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

SIT tuition fees range from S$23,580 to S$37,440 for the entire course. Joint degree programmes cost up to S$43,560. Fees are paid per trimester. Most programmes take three years, though some take four years.

8. Lasalle School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

Lasalle tuition fees for all BA degree courses cost S$9,830 per year, totalling S$29,490 for a three-year course.

9. NAFA / University of the Arts School Fees 2026/2027 Intake

NAFA tuition fees range from S$8,650 to S$10,270 per year, totalling S$25,950 to S$30,810 for a three-year course.

10. Private University School Fees in Singapore

Popular private institutions include Kaplan, MDIS, PSB Academy, SIM GE, and James Cook University. Fees vary widely, from around S$20,000 to S$60,000 for a full degree. Courses are usually run with external degree providers.

11. Other University Costs to Consider

Other expenses include course application fees, miscellaneous lab and administrative fees, health insurance, study materials, textbooks, laptops, and exchange programmes. Living expenses such as accommodation, meals, transport, and travel should also be budgeted for.

12. Funding Your Education: CPF Education Scheme

The CPF Education Loan Scheme allows students to use their parents’ CPF Ordinary Account savings to fund studies at local universities. Approval is not guaranteed.

13. Funding Your Education: Scholarships and Bursaries

University scholarships, grants, and bursaries do not require repayment. Government scholarships are available for top students, including those offered by various agencies. Private scholarships are offered by non-profit organisations such as Ngee Ann Kongsi, Sinda, and Mendaki. Government bursaries can subsidise up to 95 percent of subsidised tuition fees for lower-income families. Start enquiring at least four to six months before the semester begins.

14. Funding Your Education: Get a Job

Part-time work while studying can help pay school fees. Some universities offer work-study schemes. Private tutoring is one of the better-paying options. Other common part-time jobs include roles in food and beverage establishments and retail stores.

15. Funding Your Education: Take Up an Education Loan

The MOE Tuition Fee Loan offers up to 90 percent of tuition fees for local university students. From July 1, this loan will be replaced by the Higher Education Student Loan (HESL). Private university students may need to approach a bank for an education loan. Think carefully before taking on a loan, as repayment will affect the first few years of working life.