Cost of Studying in Singapore for Pakistani Students

Singapore is one of Asia’s most advanced education destinations, offering world-class universities, modern facilities, and globally recognized degrees. However, before starting their study journey, Pakistani students must carefully plan their finances.

Understanding the cost of studying in Singapore — including tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses — is essential to ensure a smooth academic experience abroad. Although Singapore is known for its high quality of life, it remains more affordable compared to Western countries such as the USA, UK, or Australia.

Tuition Fees in Singapore for Pakistani Students

Tuition fees depend on the university, program type, and level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). Public universities like National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) usually charge higher fees than private colleges, but they also offer strong academic reputations and global rankings.

Program Type	Average Annual Tuition Fees (SGD)	Approx. Cost in PKR (2025)
Diploma Programs	6,000 – 10,000	1.2 – 2.1 million PKR
Bachelor’s Degree	12,000 – 22,000	2.5 – 4.5 million PKR
Master’s Degree	18,000 – 30,000	3.8 – 6.1 million PKR
MBA or Specialized Programs	25,000 – 45,000	5.1 – 9.2 million PKR
PhD Programs	15,000 – 25,000	3.0 – 5.1 million PKR

Note:

Fees vary by course (e.g., Medicine and Engineering are usually higher).
Some universities offer Tuition Grant Schemes or subsidies for international students who commit to working in Singapore after graduation.

Living Expenses in Singapore

Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest cities globally, but it’s also known for relatively high living costs. The good news is that Pakistani students can manage expenses effectively through careful budgeting and shared accommodation.

Category	Average Monthly Cost (SGD)	Approx. Cost in PKR
Accommodation (shared apartment or hostel)	500 – 1,200	100,000 – 240,000 PKR
Food & Groceries	300 – 500	60,000 – 100,000 PKR
Transportation	100 – 150	20,000 – 30,000 PKR
Utilities & Internet	80 – 120	16,000 – 24,000 PKR
Study Materials	50 – 100	10,000 – 20,000 PKR
Miscellaneous (entertainment, health, etc.)	100 – 200	20,000 – 40,000 PKR
Total Estimated Monthly Cost	1,130 – 2,270 SGD	226,000 – 454,000 PKR

Hence, the annual cost of living for Pakistani students typically ranges between SGD 13,000 to 25,000 (approximately 2.6 to 5 million PKR per year).

Affordable Universities in Singapore

For Pakistani students seeking budget-friendly education, several institutions offer affordable tuition without compromising on quality.

University / Institution	Estimated Annual Tuition (SGD)	Popular Courses
SIM Global Education	10,000 – 18,000	Business, IT, Management
PSB Academy	9,000 – 15,000	Engineering, Marketing, Media
Kaplan Singapore	10,000 – 20,000	Accounting, Finance, Psychology
Nanyang Institute of Management	8,000 – 14,000	Hospitality, Business, Tourism
Singapore Polytechnic	7,000 – 12,000	Technical, Design, and Applied Sciences

These institutions often have flexible entry options, shorter programs, and partnerships with international universities from the UK, Australia, and the USA.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many Pakistani students reduce their total study cost through scholarships, tuition grants, and financial aid programs. Singapore offers both government and university-funded scholarships to attract international talent.

Popular Scholarships for Pakistani Students:

Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) – for PhD students
ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship – for top academic performers
NUS/NTU Merit Scholarships – for outstanding students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Commonwealth Scholarship – for students from Commonwealth countries including Pakistan

These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living stipends, and travel costs, depending on merit and financial need.

Health Insurance and Additional Costs

All international students must have health insurance coverage, usually provided by the university. The cost is typically SGD 150 – 500 per year, depending on the coverage plan.

Other additional expenses may include:

Visa and Pass Fees: Around SGD 90 total
Textbooks & Stationery: SGD 200 – 500 per year
Personal Travel: Varies depending on frequency

Estimated Total Cost of Studying in Singapore (Per Year)

Expense Category	Average Annual Cost (SGD)	Approx. Cost in PKR (2025)
Tuition Fees	12,000 – 25,000	2.5 – 5.1 million PKR
Living Expenses	13,000 – 25,000	2.6 – 5.0 million PKR
Other Costs (Visa, Insurance, Books)	1,000 – 2,000	200,000 – 400,000 PKR
Total Estimated Annual Cost	26,000 – 52,000 SGD	5.3 – 10.5 million PKR

Conclusion

While studying in Singapore requires careful financial planning, it remains one of the best-value education destinations for Pakistani students. The combination of top-ranked universities, scholarship options, and career opportunities justifies the investment.

By budgeting smartly and exploring financial aid, Pakistani students can enjoy a high-quality academic experience in Singapore — a city that blends education, innovation, and global exposure like no other.