Universities in Singapore

Singapore, a modern cosmopolitan city state, has sought to establish itself as an educational hub of Asia, making it an attractive destination for international students. Students can benefit from high quality education in Singapore, and a multicultural environment with convenient transportation links to other countries.

The types of Universities in Singapore

The top universities in Singapore include the 6 publicly funded universities, such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore University of Social Sciences. In addition to this, there is 1 publicly funded private university, the University of the Arts Singapore, which was established as a partnership of two existing arts colleges specifically to provide education in the arts in Singapore.

Alongside this, Singapore hosts 8 partnerships between local and foreign universities, giving international students the opportunity to study for a degree from a foreign university such as the University of Glasgow in the UK, or the Technical University of Munich, Germany.

There are also 4 local campuses in foreign universities in Singapore, such as Curtin University and James Cook University of Australia.

Finally, there are several private universities, which offer external degree programmes, which are programmes awarded by partner universities. Often these private universities have partnerships with multiple universities. Examples of these include Amity Global Institute, which has partnerships with the University of London, the University of Northampton and Teesside University, all of the UK.

The quality of education in Singapore

Ever since Singapore’s independence in 1965, education has been a primary concern of the government, resulting in a well organized, modern education system that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development regularly ranks as a world leader.

Two of Singapore’s public universities, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, feature in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 – which is no mean feat considering the size of Singapore as a nation.

Four Singaporean universities appear in the QS world university rankings, whilst Singapore itself is ranked 15th in the QS best study cities at which to study.

International students can therefore be sure that the education they will receive in Singapore will be cutting edge and of high quality.

Read more about studying in Singapore as an international student.

Student life in Singapore

Singapore ranks among the world’s safest cities, making for a comfortable welcome for international students moving abroad. As a very modern city state, Singapore offers international students efficient public transport links, making it easy to explore.

The weather in Singapore is generally warm throughout the year, making it an attractive proposition for sun lovers, although it is generally very humid.

On campus, you can expect to find modern, clean spaces for your studies, and a variety of food options.

Table of the top ranked universities in Singapore

See below for a list of universities and higher education providers in Singapore. Click on universities you are interested in below to read more and to see which courses are available for international students.