Singapore is considered one of the world’s top five international student destinations, and there’s a reason for that!
Singapore has numerous world-class universities, offers a vibrant and safe multi-cultural environment where students from around the globe can thrive, and has one of the fastest growing job markets in the world! However, before you apply for your Singapore study permit, there are two key questions you need to ask yourself: how much will it cost to live in Singapore? And can I work to support myself while studying?
Ausizz Migration Consultants have provided answers to both of these questions below in a straightforward manner.
Cost of Studying & Living in Singapore
Before moving to Singapore, understanding the overall cost of living is key for budgeting effectively and preventing financial hardship while studying.
Costs depend on studying at a particular type of institution, your chosen accommodation and your lifestyle, but below is a general, realistic breakdown of costs for 2026.
1. Tuition Fees
International students generally incur the most significant expense when studying overseas; in Singapore this will be true as well.
Tuition costs will vary widely by public university, polytechnic or private educational institution (PEI).
Public universities will often provide an international student with a Tuition Grant (TG) that assists in reducing international student fees significantly for freshmen; in exchange, you agree to work in some form of employment in Singapore for at least the next three years after you graduate.
| Institution Type | Annual Fees (Without TG) | Annual Fees (With TG) |
| Public University (NUS / NTU / SMU) | SGD $28,000 – $50,000 | SGD $17,550 – $37,650 |
| Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) | SGD $20,000 – $30,000 | SGD $13,000 – $20,000 |
| Polytechnics | SGD $8,000 – $14,000 | SGD $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Private Education Institutions (PEIs) | SGD $10,000 – $30,000 | Not eligible for TG |
It is important to verify your institution’s actual costs. Scholarship funding has the potential to greatly decrease the amount due to tuition, as well as living costs while studying in Singapore (e.g. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship and faculty specific scholarships).
2. Accommodation
The second largest factor affecting the total living costs, while studying in Singapore (after tuition), is housing. Students studying in Singapore with an international visa typically have the choice to either reside in an on-campus unit or to rent privately. Each option has its merits based upon personal budgetary constraints and personal lifestyle preferences.
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- On-Campus Halls of Residence: The most economical and easily accessible alternative (between SGD$400 and 900). Limited availability, with most priority given to first-year students; submit application early.
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- HDB Flat (Room Rental): A common choice (and costs less than living on campus) is the option of renting a room in an HDB flat with local or international roommates; expected monthly rent will vary by both area and type of room rented (between SGD$600-1,200).
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- Private Condominium: Private condo living options are available, as well, and these accommodations typically provide a much higher level of comfort; however, they are also substantially more expensive; expect to pay between SGD$1,200 and $2,500 per month for a private condo.
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- Student Hostels (PEI Students): PEI students commonly reside in student hostels dedicated to providing accommodations for PEI students. The typical monthly cost of living in a hostel (which generally includes meals) will range from SGD$500 to $900.
3. Monthly Living Expenses in Singapore
In addition to tuition and room rent, a student in Singapore will also incur significant expenses for day-to-day living expenses each month. Below is a realistic budget example for a student living in Singapore in 2026:
| Expense Category | Budget (SGD/month) | Notes |
| Accommodation | $500 – $1,500 | HDB room or campus hall |
| Food & Groceries | $300 – $600 | Hawker centres save money |
| Transport (MRT / Bus) | $80 – $150 | Concession card available |
| Mobile & Internet | $30 – $60 | SIM-only plans are affordable |
| Books & Study Materials | $50 – $150 | Digital resources reduce cost |
| Entertainment & Social | $100 – $250 | Museums, sports, dining |
| Health & Personal Care | $50 – $100 | OSHC covers medical costs |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | $1,110 – $2,810 | Varies by lifestyle |
An effective way for international students to lower their expenses while studying in suzzain is to eat at hawker centres and food courts, where you can eat a full meal from $3 to $6 SGD. Singapore offers an extensive and low cost public transportation system so there is no need for student to drive.
Can International Students Work in Singapore?
Absolutely! A feature of the Singapore student visa is that international students will be able to work in order to gain hands on experience and to make extra money to help cover their expenses while studying in Singapore. However, there are specific things you must follow about how and when you are allowed to work in Singapore.
1. Part-Time Work Rules for Singapore Study Visa Holders
To legally work part-time while you are an international student, your school must be on the list of approved educational institutions verified by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). If you are studying at a public university, polytechnic or ITE, you are already approved to work part time. Most students attending a registered PEI (Private Education Institute) should also be approved to work part time; however, it is essential that you check with your school to ensure that you meet their requirements prior to obtaining any part-time employment.
Key rules to know about part time jobs in singapore for international students:
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- No Separate Work Permit Required: You do not need a separate work permit for your part-time employment while at a recognised Institute of Higher Education; your Singapore study visa will give you the right to work. Your study visa automatically allows you to access any type of work that is available in Singapore and where there are no restrictions on providing the number of hours worked.
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- On-Campus Employment: Depending on your institution, there is no limit to the number of hours you may work as a part-time employee on your campus (e.g. working as research assistants, library assistants and members of Student Union) or at your institution.
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- Off-Campus Employment: You may work part-time off-campus (Subject to the below outlined hour restrictions and your study visa), provided the company that employs you is a registered company in Singapore.
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- Employer Must Be Registered: You cannot work for any company that does not comply with registered company regulations under the Immigrations Act; e.g. you cannot be employed on cash or informal work arrangement.
2. Allowed Working Hours on a Singapore Study Visa
| Period | Max Hours Per Week | Notes |
| During Term Time | 16 hours per week | Applies to off-campus jobs |
| During Official Vacation / Semester Break | Unlimited hours | No cap during holidays |
| On-Campus Roles (Any Time) | Unrestricted | Subject to employer agreement |
| Internships (Approved & Mandatory) | Full-time permitted | Must be part of curriculum |
Going beyond the 16-hour limit per week during term time would violate your singapore study visa condition. If you do exceed 16 hours, you could face serious problems (such as being cancelled from your Student’s Pass). You should keep track of your hours very closely if you have two or more concurrent part-time jobs in singapore at the same time.
3. Internships for International Students in Singapore
Internships offer a unique experience to gain professional knowledge and establish connections as you complete your degree all while helping you support your living expenses. Here are some helpful tips:
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- Mandatory Internships (Curriculum-Based): If your internship is a mandatory part of your course of study, you may work full time hours, regardless of whether you are doing so in session or not. The institution you attend will provide documentation to confirm this.
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- Voluntary / Elective Internships: If you choose to participate in an internship not part of your course of study, it will be considered regular part-time employment with a 16 hour per week maximum permitted during periods in which your school is in session.
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- Top Sectors Offering Internships: In Singapore, there are many industries with a high volume of internships available: technology, banking, finance, marketing, logistics and GLCs (government-linked companies), whereby participating in an internship in these industries can open doors to fulltime job offers after graduation.
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- Pay and Benefits: Compensation for interns in Singapore can vary for different industries and levels of education; however, most interns earn an average of SGD $800-2000 per month which will help offset your living expense in Singapore.
Quick FAQs
Q: What is the average living cost in singapore for a student per month?
A: The average total living cost in singapore for an international student ranges from SGD $1,100 to SGD $2,800 per month, depending on accommodation type, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Q: Can I work part time on a singapore study visa?
A: Yes. Students at approved institutions can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during official vacation periods, without needing a separate work permit.
Q: What are the best part time jobs in singapore for students?
A: Popular part time jobs in singapore for international students include retail assistant, food and beverage service, tutoring, data entry, campus research assistant, and customer service roles.
Q: Do internship earnings count towards my living expenses in singapore?
A: Absolutely. Internship stipends – which can range from SGD $800 to SGD $2,000 per month – are a practical and common way for international students to cover a significant portion of their living expenses in singapore.
Conclusion
For individuals studying abroad in Singapore in 2026, life is interesting, useful, and very doable when planned properly. Once you have all the information about the total amount you will need to live in Singapore — tuition fees, housing/dwelling rent, and daily living expenses — you can develop a reasonable budget before arriving in Singapore. Furthermore, with your student visa reflecting work conditions that are clear, and available to perform, you have the ability to relieve some of your financial burden and increase your career experience through working part-time or interning while studying in Singapore.