Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad Singaporean universities offer a truly multicultural experience for students. The campuses are vibrant melting pots, attracting students from around the globe. And studying in such diverse environments provides an enriching experience that fosters cross-cultural understanding and global networking opportunities. You also get the chance to build lifelong friendships with people from different backgrounds. Singapore is also known as a global innovation hub. And some of its best universities play a vital role in fueling this reputation. In this article, we will explore the top 10 universities and colleges in Singapore, known for their academic excellence and global distinction.
Read also our resource on the main reasons to study in Singapore for international students.
Table of Contents
1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s oldest and largest university. It came in existence in 1905 and consistently ranks as the best university in Singapore and among the top 20 in the world. The NUS also is the best university in the Asia Pacific region as per the QS World University Ranking. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, through 17 schools and 3 campuses.
Moreover, NUS is renowned for its research capabilities, vibrant campus life, and strong industry collaborations. Another feature that makes the National University of Singapore stand by is its collaboration with many renown institutions in the world. This includes Yale-NUS College of liberal arts established in partnership of Yale University in the US. There is also the Duke-NUS Medical school, which provides medical training jointly with Duke University.
Find out more about the National University of Singapore.
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University always follows closely behind as the second-best university in Singapore. Another prestigious institution in the country, NTU also consistently ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. This says a lot about the reputation of the institution. And this, despite being a young institution, as it was founded in 1981. Moreover, the institution stands out for its science, engineering, social sciences and business programs.
In the field of engineering, NTU constantly remains in the 5 best in the world. It also collaborates in its medical school with the Imperial College London in the UK. To provide students with valuable opportunities for internships and hands-on experience, the university has as well partnerships with lead industries such as Alibaba, BMW, Delta Electronics or Singtel. Another interesting fact about NTU is its Smart Campus with its state-of-the-art research facilities. This one of a kind campus currently features among the world’s most spectacular campuses.
Find out more by visiting NTU’s website.
3. Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore Management University (SMU) is a specialized university that focuses on business management and social sciences. Founded in 2000, SMU is a world leading institution in the fields of accounting and finance, business and management. As a matter of fact, it ranks in the top 100 globally in these areas. The university’s location in the heart of Singapore’s business district provides ample networking opportunities for students.
Furthermore, SMU is the third autonomous university in the country. And it features 6 schools and over 30 research institutes and centers of excellence. Its first school, the School of Business being its greatest strength, SMU has this school modelled after the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania, in the USA.
Find out more by visiting the website of Singapore Management University.
4. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Fourth in our list of the top 10 universities in Singapore is another relatively young university. The Singapore University of Technology and Design specializes in design and technology education. And like any other prestigious institutions in our list, SUTD features a partnership with an internationally renowned university. That’s how, shortly after its foundation, the institution has signed a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop an undergraduate curriculum fitted to the local context.
A MIT-SUTD master’s program also aims at students in disciplines such as engineering in manufacturing, supply chain management, civil and environmental engineering. Besides, SUTD has other high-profile collaborations with other esteemed universities including: Zhejiang University in China, University of California Berkeley in the US or Duke-NUS Medical School in partnership with NUS.
Visit SUTD’s website to find out more.
5. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has been the country’s very first university of applied learning. Established in 2009, the institution, in this regard, is committed to provide students with hands-on training and real-world experiences. The university’s emphasis on practical skills and industry relevance ensures graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. And that’s what makes SIT one of the best universities in Singapore for international students, offering programs that are designed to meet industry demands.
Moreover, aiming to be a leader in progressive workplace learning and applied research, SIT offers programs in areas such as aerospace and aviation, business and management, engineering, food technology to name just a few.
Find out more by visiting the website of Singapore Institute of Technology.
6. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
The next in our list is Singapore University of Social Sciences, one of the top-ranking universities in Asia for social sciences degrees. With a focus on applied learning and interdisciplinary education, SUSS prepares students for careers in areas such as social work, psychology, early childhood education, and more. Moreover, the university offers over 90 courses at its 5 schools: Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Law, Science and Technology and the S R Nathan School of Human Development. And the university’s flexible learning options and strong industry partnerships provide students with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Learn more on the website of Singapore University of Social Sciences.
7. Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
The Singapore Institute of Management is a leading private educational institution in Singapore. For more than 50 years, it offers a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and professional courses. SIM’s collaborative partnerships with renowned universities enable students to attain internationally recognized qualifications. This includes the University of London and the University of Warwick from the UK as well as RMIT from Australia. With a strong emphasis on industry relevance, SIM equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Find out more by visiting the website of the Singapore Institute of Management.
8. Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic is one of Singapore’s top polytechnics, which roots dates back to 1963. Named after the Ngee Ann company, the institution ambitioned to offer quality education linking Singapore’s Chinese-speaking community to its cultural roots. The polytechnic, as its name states, focuses on applied learning and provides students with hands-on training and practical skills relevant to the industry. It currently offers 36 full-time and 5 common entry programs in areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, media, and design. With close ties with industry partners, the polytechnic aims to foster an environment that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation for its students.
Visit the website of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic for more.
9. Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
The Management Development Institute of Singapore is the second private institution in this list of the best universities. Founded in 1956, MDIS is also one of Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit professional institution for lifelong learning. It offers a comprehensive range of academic programs in various disciplines, including business and management, engineering, life sciences, media and communication, tourism and hospitality management, fashion and design among others. Moreover, MDIS provides students with a conducive learning environment, equipped with modern facilities and industry-relevant resources. Through collaboration with renowned universities in the UK and the USA, MDIS aims to nurture graduates who are ready to contribute to the global workforce.
Visit MDIS’s website for more details.
10. INSEAD – Singapore
The last in our ranking of the top universities in Singapore is also one of the leading institutions for business management studies in the country. INSEAD’s Singapore campus also serves as a hub for business education and research in Asia. It’s the campus of a world-renowned business schools which took in 1999 the bold step to differentiate itself from other institutions by opening one campus in Asia and another in Europe. INSEAD Singapore offers a top-tier MBA program and executive education courses. And with its global reputation and rigorous academic standards, INSEAD Singapore is an excellent choice for individuals looking to advance their careers in business.
Find out more by visiting the website of INSEAD Singapore campus.
