Affordable Ways to Study at NUS Singapore

The MOE Tuition Grant at NUS: The Single Biggest Cost Reducer

The Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant is the most important financial tool for Indian students at NUS. It is a subsidy provided by the Singapore Government that significantly reduces tuition fees for international students.

How it works:

• International students who accept the MOE Tuition Grant pay the subsidised fee instead of the full non-subsidised fee.
• For a Computing student, this means paying S$21,400 (₹15,75,682) instead of S$39,700 (₹29,23,511) per year.
• The savings are approximately S$18,300 (₹13,47,829) per year.

The bond obligation:

• International students who accept the MOE Tuition Grant must work for a Singapore-registered company for three years immediately after graduation.
• Students admitted to Medicine must serve a six-year bond with the Singapore Ministry of Health.
• Students who do not wish to serve the bond must pay the full non-subsidised fees throughout their studies.

How to apply:

• International students who are offered and have accepted the MOE Tuition Grant must complete the application and sign via the MOE Tuition Grant and Scholarships portal at tgs.moe.gov.sg.
• The application window opens in September (Semester 1) or February (Semester 2).
• NUS sends instructions to your NUS email account before the deadline.

Note: The MOE Tuition Grant is not automatic for international students. You must apply and sign the agreement within the stipulated deadline, or NUS will charge you the full non-subsidised fees.

Also check: Singapore visa requirements for Indian students

How to Reduce Living Costs at NUS

Tuition is only one part of the total cost. Living expenses in Singapore can be managed effectively with the right choices.

On-campus accommodation:

• NUS estimates on-campus accommodation at S$5,750 (₹4,23,373) per academic year.
• Staying on campus is generally more affordable than renting privately in Singapore.
• Students in Halls of Residence and Residential Colleges are required to subscribe to meal plans.
• Apply for on-campus housing early, as demand is high.

Food:

• The NUS campus has multiple food courts and canteens where meals start from as low as S$2.50 to S$4 (₹184 to ₹295).
• Eating at campus canteens and hawker centres is significantly cheaper than at restaurants.
• NUS estimates annual meal costs at S$2,600 (₹1,91 lakh) for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle.

Transportation:

• NUS operates an internal shuttle bus service across campus.
• Singapore's public transport system (MRT and buses) is efficient and affordable.
• Annual transportation costs are estimated at S$800 (₹58,904).
• Using public transport instead of taxis keeps costs low.

Books and supplies:

• NUS estimates annual book and supply costs at S$400 (₹29,452).
• Students can reduce this further by using the NUS library, borrowing books, or accessing digital resources.

Read: Jobs after studying at NUS

Part-Time Work Options for Indian Students at NUS

Indian students studying at NUS on a Student Pass can work part-time in Singapore. This can help offset living expenses.

• Full-time international students on a Student Pass can work up to 16 hours per week during term time.
• During vacation periods, there is no restriction on working hours.
• NUS's Work Study Assistance Scheme provides financially needy students with a letter requesting priority consideration for part-time employment on campus.
• Paid internships during semester breaks are a common and financially rewarding option. Many NUS students secure internships with multinational companies based in Singapore.

Note: Part-time work income should be treated as supplementary. It is not sufficient to cover full tuition fees on its own.

Read: National University of Singapore Acceptance Rate 2026

Student Loans Available at NUS

For students who need to cover tuition fees through loans, NUS and the Singapore government offer structured options.

The HESL Base Provision for international students covers up to 45% of the subsidised tuition fee. For a Computing student paying S$21,400 (₹15,75 lakh) per year, this means a loan of up to approximately S$9,630 (₹7,09 lakh) per year.

Loan applications for AY2026/2027 open via the StudentLoanSG portal from 16 July 2026.

Read: Is NUS a Better Option Than IITs for Indian Students in Computer Science?

Contact and Official Resources

Studying at NUS as an Indian student is financially achievable with the right planning. The MOE Tuition Grant is the first step and reduces fees by tens of thousands of rupees each year. The NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship and the Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship can eliminate tuition costs for eligible students. For those who do not receive a scholarship, financial aid schemes, student loans, on-campus accommodation, and part-time work opportunities provide additional ways to manage costs. Start by applying for the MOE Tuition Grant as soon as you receive your NUS offer, and submit your financial aid application to the NUS Office of Financial Aid early in the academic year.