MBA in Singapore: Top Colleges, Courses, Tuition Fee, Scholarships and More
Singapore is a top destination for international students pursuing an MBA. It is known for its academic excellence and strong global business connections. Moreover, the country is ranked 5th globally by the World Bank for “ease of doing international business,” Singapore offers a strategic location for building a global career. MBA graduates here enjoy promising opportunities, with average annual earnings of around US$105,300, including salaries and bonuses. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of pursuing an MBA in Singapore, from top colleges and specializations to tuition fees, scholarships, living costs, and job prospects, helping you make informed decisions.
1. Top MBA Colleges in Singapore
Singapore is known for its world-class MBA programs, offering globally recognized institutions with strong connections to industries. Below is a list of the top MBA institutes in Singapore, ranked according to the 2025 QS Asian MBA rankings:
| Business School | 2025 QS Asian MBA Rankings & Accreditations | Key Highlights |
| INSEAD Asia Campus, Singapore | Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), and the Association of Masters in Business Administration (AMBA) | Global network, alliances with Wharton & Tsinghua, international diversity with 146 faculty members from 34 countries |
| NUS Business School, National University of Singapore | Ranked 1 in Asia-Pacific Dual accredited (EQUIS & AACSB) | Offers full-time, part-time, and executive MBA options with partnerships with Columbia, Duke, and Copenhagen |
| Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore | Ranked 3 in Asia-Pacific | Emphasizes real-world experience with industry partnerships, rooted in Asian innovation |
| Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University | Ranked 5 in Asia-Pacific Dual accredited (AACSB & EQUIS) | International faculty, including graduates from Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford |
| S P Jain School of Global Management, Singapore | Global network (Campuses in Dubai, Sydney, and Mumbai) | Students can participate in a global MBA program that is spread across 12 months, with portions of the program held in Dubai, Sydney, and Singapore. |
| ESSEC Business School, Singapore Campus | Top in Europe & Asia | Executive MBA & specialized programs with a global MBA segment |
| Manchester Business School, Singapore Centre | Top-ranked globally, offers part-time global MBA | Students combine online learning with residential weeks in Singapore |
2. Top MBA Courses
Universities in Singapore provide a variety of MBA specializations designed to match different career goals. Whether you want to shine in International Business, dive into Business Analytics, or master Supply Chain Management, you’ll find specialized courses that meet industry needs. Below is a table showcasing the top MBA programs available in Singapore:
| S. No. | MBA Specialization |
| 1 | International Business |
| 2 | Project Management |
| 3 | Hospitality |
| 4 | Human Resources |
| 5 | Sales & Marketing |
| 6 | Transport & Logistics |
| 7 | Business Analytics |
| 8 | Supply Chain |
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3. MBA in Singapore Cost
Tuition fees for MBA programs in Singapore can vary widely, ranging from affordable to premium. Many of the top universities provide world-class education at competitive prices, especially when compared to institutions in Western countries. It’s important to plan and budget carefully for your studies, considering both tuition and additional expenses. Below is a table showing the first-year tuition fees for various MBA colleges in Singapore:
| S. No. | University Name | 1st-Year Tuition Fees |
| 1 | Singapore Management University | ₹43.25 LPA |
| 2 | National University of Singapore | ₹58.36 LPA |
| 3 | INSEAD – Singapore | ₹61 LPA |
| 4 | London School of Business and Finance | ₹12.32 LPA |
| 5 | Nanyang Business School | ₹50.37 LPA |
4. Scholarships Available to Study MBA in Singapore
Many institutions, government bodies, and private organizations offer both merit-based and need-based scholarships for MBA in Singapore. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees and often provide a stipend for living expenses, allowing you to concentrate fully on your studies. Below is a table summarizing some of the MBA scholarships available in Singapore, along with their respective amounts:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount | Details |
| SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business Scholarships | Based on academic excellence, leadership, and community impact | Varies, partial coverage | Multiple categories of scholarships available based on merit and leadership criteria |
| QS Leadership Scholarship | Demonstrated leadership and community impact | $10,000 | Requires essay submission and participation in QS recruitment events |
| QS Community Scholarship | Impact on community through MBA studies | $2,000 (5 awards annually) | Students need to submit an essay and have an accepted B-school offer |
| INSEAD Asia Scholarships | For outstanding Asian students at INSEAD | €10,000-20,000 | Open to candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds |
| Study Abroad Excellence Award | Open to Indian students pursuing an MBA | Partial funding | The scholarship is for Indian nationals and can be taken at any recognized institution globally |
Also Read: How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad
5. Cost of living in Singapore
Singapore is famous for its high standard of living, but the cost can be quite significant. With careful financial planning, students can enjoy a reasonable lifestyle. Typically, the total monthly expenses range from SGD 1,200 to SGD 2,700, depending on personal choices and lifestyle preferences. Choosing budget-friendly accommodation and meals can make it easier to manage costs. Here’s an overview of the cost of living in Singapore for international and Indian students:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (in SGD per month) | Details |
| Accommodation | 600 – 1,200 (Student Hostel)1,500 – 3,000+ (Private Apartment) | Student hostels are the most affordable option, while private apartments can be significantly more expensive depending on location and size. |
| Food | 300 – 500 | Costs depend on whether you dine out (affordable options like hawker centers) or cook at home. Eating at mid-range restaurants can increase expenses. |
| Transportation | 50 – 80 | Students typically use public transport with a concession pass for unlimited bus and MRT rides. |
| Utilities | 50 – 100 | Covers basic utilities like electricity, water, and internet. |
| Healthcare | 920 – 5,015 (per year) | Medical insurance is often included in student visa packages, covering basic healthcare needs. |
| Personal Expenses | 200 – 500 | Includes entertainment, hobbies, and miscellaneous expenses depending on your lifestyle. |
6. Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA in Singapore
To study for an MBA in Singapore, you typically need to meet a combination of academic qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency. Here’s a list of the common requirements for MBA colleges in Singapore:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any field.
- Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): The minimum GMAT score required for an MBA is 550. To increase your chances of gaining admission into top universities, you should have a competitive score of more than 650.
- English Language Proficiency Tests: IELTS (band score of 6.5 – 7.0) or TOEFL (typically 92 – 100) scores are required.
- Work Experience: While not always mandatory, having 2-3 years of relevant work experience is often preferred, especially for executive MBA programs.
Also Read: Exams to Study Abroad
7. Popular MBA Jobs and Salary in Singapore
Graduates with an MBA in Singapore have access to a wide range of lucrative job opportunities across various sectors, including finance, marketing, IT, and supply chain management. The country is known for its competitive salaries, with many roles offering six-figure incomes. Below is a table outlining the salaries of key MBA job roles in Singapore:
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (SGD) | Average Annual Salary (₹) |
| Health Services Manager | 218,191 | ₹1.30 Cr |
| Supply Chain Manager | 88,921 | ₹55.51 LPA |
| IT Manager | 87,963 | ₹54.91 LPA |
| IT Project Manager | 79,172 | ₹49.42 LPA |
| Business Consultant | 75,130 | ₹46.90 LPA |
| Marketing Manager | 72,318 | ₹45.14 LPA |
| Human Resources Manager | 69,699 | ₹43.51 LPA |
| Operations Manager | 68,151 | ₹42.54 LPA |
| Financial Analyst | 59,340 | ₹37.04 LPA |
| Event Manager | 53,350 | ₹33.30 LPA |
Conclusion
Choosing to pursue an MBA in Singapore is a great decision for students who want to blend quality education with global career opportunities. With numerous top-ranked universities, specialized courses, and strong connections to the industry, earning an MBA from Singapore can greatly improve your job prospects. The country’s robust economy and business-friendly environment make it an ideal place to kickstart a successful career.
Ready to take the next steps? Check out our detailed guide on how to study abroad and get started on your journey.
FAQs
Answer: Yes, most top business schools in Singapore require a GMAT score for MBA admissions. Typical GMAT score requirements range from 600 to 670, depending on the university. While some institutions, like James Cook University, do not mandate a GMAT score, leading schools such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and INSEAD expect competitive scores.
Answer: Yes, an MBA from Singapore is recognized and valid in India. Prestigious universities like NUS, NTU, and INSEAD are globally renowned, and their degrees are accepted worldwide, including in India. Graduates from these institutions are highly sought after by multinational companies, offering strong career prospects in both India and abroad.
Answer: The average salary for an MBA graduate in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 85,000 to SGD 125,000 per year. This can vary based on the institution, level of experience, and the hiring company. Graduates from top schools like INSEAD and NUS often secure high-paying jobs, with many earning over SGD 100,000 annually.
