Best Low-Cost Private Universities in Singapore for International Students
26 August 2025
Most International students wish to study in Singapore because they wish to obtain a degree that is accepted worldwide and, at the same time, get to live in a cosmopolitan and forward-thinking city in Asia. The city is famous for being safe, multicultural, and educationist. However, the expense of studying overseas is one major factor for students and their parents. Singapore’s public universities are extremely credible but tend to have small capacities for foreign students. It is for this reason that private universities step in; they deliver quality education at an affordable price and have easy admission procedures.
Private universities in Singapore provide degree courses in association with renowned institutions based mainly in the United Kingdom, the United States, or Australia. The setup allows students to obtain an internationally recognized degree without having to leave Singapore, saving substantially on the expense of studying the same course in Western countries. Apart from affordable tuition fees, students are also spared the time and attendant expenses of lengthy courses by the universities. With state-of-the-art campuses, industry-focused curricula, and successful career placement programs, the universities make Singapore a destination of choice for studying among students internationally.
At BCES Admissions Abroad, we guide students through each step of this process—ranging from the initial selection of an appropriate university to the coordination of applications and visa procedures. Our goal is to make foreign education affordable, economical, and hassle-free.
Why Private Universities in Singapore?.
Singapore’s private universities are not just cost-effective. They excel in the following areas:
- Collaborations with high-ranked international universities, allowing students access to global opportunities.
- Professional higher studies in Business, IT, Hospitality, Finance, and Media.
- Various admission standards by state universities.
- Modern learning environments with space for internships and work-integrated industry projects.
- Brief duration of course (2–3 years for undergraduate, 1–1.5 years for postgraduate) that allows students to save time and money.
List of Affordable Private Universities in Singapore
- PSB Academy
PSB Academy, also known as “The Future Academy,” partners with UK and Australian universities to offer business, engineering, IT, and life science degrees. It has modern campuses and affordable fee plans compared to studying in Western nations directly.
2.The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
Founded in 1956, MDIS is a veteran private education provider in Singapore. It provides a variety of programs in partnership with UK and US universities covering business, fashion design, engineering, and hospitality. MDIS also provides hostel accommodations for international students at reasonable rates.
3.Kaplan Singapore
Kaplan is one of Singapore’s top private education schools, providing degree programs from collaborating universities like Murdoch University (Australia). Cyber security, logistics, accounting, and psychology are some of the sought-after programs provided. The fees are reasonable, and it is a great choice for international students.
4.SIM Global Education (SIM GE)
SIM has collaborations with UK, US, and Australia universities that award internationally recognized degrees. It is well known for business, ICT, and social sciences programs. It is economical in terms of tuition fees when compared with studying overseas, and the rate of employment of graduates is high.
5.James Cook University Singapore (JCU Singapore)
Being a subsidiary of James Cook University, Australia, JCU offers an opportunity for students to earn the same credential as the one awarded in Australia at a lower cost. The university is renowned for academic programs in psychology, business, and environmental science.
New Facts on Singapore Education
- Private universities, as per Singapore’s Committee for Private Education (CPE), are audited periodically to ensure they have high standards.
- Private university tuition fees are usually SGD 18,000 to SGD 30,000 per annum, which is much lower than in many Western nations.
- Singapore has been ranked as the top city in Asia to study in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking, which cited its welcoming, cosmopolitan, and secure environment for students.
At BCES Admissions Abroad, we understand that the choice of foreign university is not just academic but also involves affordability and career opportunities. Our professionals guide you in choosing the right university, arranging your application, and preparing for Singaporean life step by step. For one-to-one guidance, call BCES Admissions Abroad now at +91 9319996330 and start your pathway towards foreign education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the majority of Singapore’s private universities have collaborations with some of the world’s top institutions in the UK, US, and Australia. This guarantees the degree is accepted globally.
Tuition fees range between SGD 18,000 and SGD 30,000 per year, depending on institution and course of study.
Foreign students in private universities usually require authorization for part-time work. There are fewer opportunities for part-time work compared to public universities.
Yes, there are private universities such as MDIS and JCU Singapore that offer on-campus or partner-hostel accommodation. Others help students find private accommodation within proximity to the campus.
Undergraduate courses last 2–3 years, and postgraduate courses last 1–1.5 years, depending on the course and institution.