Abhyank Srinet 
Table of Contents
The NUS MBA fees for the August 2026 intake are approximately ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953), including GST. Indian applicants should budget approximately ₹97.12 lakh to ₹1.10 crore (S$130,553–S$147,553) for tuition, application fees and typical living expenses over 17 months. NUS offers merit-based scholarships, including awards covering 20% or more of tuition, while selected scholarships may cover tuition partially or fully.
Introduction
The National University of Singapore MBA is a globally recognised business program offered by NUS Business School. Designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in Asia and international markets, the program combines academic learning with practical projects, industry exposure and career-development opportunities. Understanding the NUS MBA fees is important because the total investment includes tuition, accommodation, food, transportation and other personal expenses in Singapore. Applicants should evaluate these costs carefully and create a realistic financial plan before beginning the admission process.
For the August 2026 intake, the NUS MBA tuition fee is approximately ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953), including GST, while the estimated total investment can range from ₹97 lakh to ₹1.10 crore after adding typical living expenses. The full-time MBA can be completed in 12 to 17 months, and the typical class has 120 students, an average age of 29 years, around six years of work experience and 92% international students. In this blog, we explain the NUS MBA tuition fees, payment schedule, living costs, scholarships, expenses for Indian applicants and the program’s potential return on investment.
What Does the NUS MBA Tuition Fee Include?
The NUS MBA program is a highly sought-after asset for ambitious students from across the globe. The curriculum offers an exacting education that will equip its pupils with the skills necessary to succeed in leadership positions within the business world.
The NUS MBA is one of Asia’s leading business programs and was ranked #1 in Asia in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026. It is particularly relevant for students seeking a strong understanding of Asian and global business.
The official tuition before GST is approximately ₹68.21 lakh (S$91,700). After the applicable Goods and Services Tax, the total fee is approximately ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953) for both full-time and part-time MBA students.
The table below provides a breakdown of MBA fees, showing how the total cost is divided into different semesters:
| Fees Distribution | Cost (SGD) |
| Upon Acceptance | ₹8.11 lakh (S$10,900) |
| Semester 1 | ₹33.12 lakh (S$44,526.50) |
| Semester 2 | ₹33.12 lakh (S$44,526.50) |
| Total Tuition Fee | ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953) |
What your tuition fee includes?
The NUS Business School tuition fee covers more than academic courses. It provides access to the school’s learning facilities, career-development support, student organisations and extracurricular activities.
Students can also participate in experiential learning opportunities, industry networking sessions, mentorship activities, case competitions, international study trips and exchange programs. Certain optional experiences, travel costs and personal expenses may require additional payment and should not automatically be treated as part of the published tuition fee.
Living Expenses in Singapore
In addition to the substantial National University of Singapore MBA fees that MBA graduates have to bear, there are numerous other expenses that necessitate careful consideration.
In addition to the National University of Singapore MBA fees, students need to consider accommodation, food, transportation and personal expenses.
Living costs in Singapore depend heavily on whether a student lives on campus or rents private accommodation. NUS estimates that an international graduate student may spend approximately ₹89,256–₹1.56 lakh (S$1,200–S$2,100) per month when living on campus and approximately ₹1.15–₹2.53 lakh (S$1,550–S$3,400) per month when living off campus.
NUS also notes that coursework-based graduate students should prioritise off-campus accommodation because university housing is limited and research students may receive priority.
Here is a breakdown of some of the ordinary expenses you may incur while pursuing your NUS MBA:
1. Accommodation
NUS estimates on-campus accommodation at approximately ₹37,190–₹66,942 (S$500–S$900) per month. Off-campus accommodation may cost approximately ₹48,347–₹1.34 lakh (S$650–S$1,800) per month, depending on the location, room type and whether the accommodation is shared.
Students renting private accommodation may also need to pay a security deposit, agent fees, utility deposits and advance rent. These amounts are not included in the tuition fee.
2. Food
NUS estimates monthly food expenses of approximately ₹22,314–₹37,190 (S$300–S$500) for students living on campus. Students living off campus may spend approximately ₹29,752–₹59,504 (S$400–S$800) per month.
Meals at university canteens and local hawker centres are generally more affordable than meals at restaurants or international food outlets.
3. Transportation
NUS estimates that students living on campus may spend approximately ₹7,438–₹14,876 (S$100–S$200) per month on transportation. Students living off campus may spend approximately ₹14,876–₹22,314 (S$200–S$300) per month, depending on commuting distance.
4. Utility and Personal Expenses
Phone bills, internet, study materials, entertainment and other personal expenses also add to the overall cost of studying at NUS.
NUS estimates personal expenses at approximately ₹22,314–₹37,190 (S$300–S$500) per month for both on-campus and off-campus students.
The following table summarises the official monthly living-cost estimates:
| Expense | On-Campus Monthly Cost | Off-Campus Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | ₹37,190–₹66,942 (S$500–S$900) | ₹48,347–₹1.34 lakh (S$650–S$1,800) |
| Food | ₹22,314–₹37,190 (S$300–S$500) | ₹29,752–₹59,504 (S$400–S$800) |
| Transportation | ₹7,438–₹14,876 (S$100–S$200) | ₹14,876–₹22,314 (S$200–S$300) |
| Utility Expenses | ₹22,314–₹37,190 (S$300–S$500) | ₹22,314–₹37,190 (S$300–S$500) |
| Total | ₹89,256–₹1.56 lakh (S$1,200–S$2,100) | ₹1.15–₹2.53 lakh (S$1,550–S$3,400) |
For the standard 17-month full-time MBA journey, living expenses may reach approximately:
| Living Arrangement | Estimated Cost for 17 Months |
| On-Campus Estimate | ₹15.17–₹26.55 lakh (S$20,400–S$35,700) |
| Off-Campus Estimate | ₹19.60–₹42.99 lakh (S$26,350–S$57,800) |
Indian students seeking admission to the NUS Business School MBA should prepare a realistic budget before moving to Singapore. Accommodation availability, lifestyle, exchange-rate changes and personal travel can significantly affect the final amount.
What Is the Total NUS MBA Cost?
Using the official tuition figure and a typical living budget of approximately ₹1.34–₹2.08 lakh (S$1,800–S$2,800) per month, an international student may spend the following:
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount |
| Tuition Including GST | ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953) |
| Typical Living Costs for 17 Months | ₹22.76–₹35.40 lakh (S$30,600–S$47,600) |
| Application Fee | ₹7,438 (S$100) |
| Estimated Total Investment | ₹97.18 lakh–₹1.10 crore (S$130,653–S$147,653) |
What Should Indian Applicants Know About NUS MBA Fees?
Indian applicants should plan for an overall investment of approximately ₹97 lakh to ₹1.10 crore, depending mainly on accommodation and lifestyle choices.
The first major payment is approximately ₹8.11 lakh (S$10,900) upon accepting the admission offer. Although this payment is credited towards tuition, students must have the funds available soon after receiving their offer.
Currency fluctuations also matter. Even a small change in the Singapore dollar-to-rupee rate can increase the final cost by several lakhs. Indian applicants should therefore maintain an additional financial buffer instead of converting only the exact published fee.
NUS requires full-time MBA applicants to submit a GMAT or GRE score. The typical full-time class profile reports:
| NUS MBA Class Profile | Official Figure |
| Average GMAT | 670 |
| Average GMAT Focus Edition | 615 |
| Average GRE Verbal | 157 |
| Average GRE Quantitative | 165 |
| Average Work Experience | 6 years |
| Average Age | 29 years |
| International Students | 92% |
| Women | 43% |
| Class Size | 120 students |
NUS also states that a GMAT score of 600 or above on the previous GMAT scale is a reasonable gauge, although admission decisions consider work experience, academic performance, essays and interviews together. The published class average is 670, while the average GMAT Focus Edition score is 615.
Indian applicants should also note the following admission requirements:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree is required.
- Applicants need at least two years of post-bachelor’s full-time work experience.
- A GMAT or GRE score is mandatory for full-time MBA applicants.
- TOEFL or IELTS is required when the applicant’s undergraduate or postgraduate education was not fully taught in English.
- The minimum TOEFL score is 100.
- The minimum IELTS score is 7.0.
- The application fee is approximately ₹7,438 (S$100).
Indian applicants should calculate affordability based on the full cost rather than tuition alone. Scholarship prospects, savings, education-loan interest, expected post-MBA location and realistic salary outcomes should all be considered.
Scholarships and Aid at NUS
The NUS MBA program acknowledges the financial burden associated with the National University of Singapore MBA fees and, therefore, endeavors to alleviate this burden through various scholarships. These scholarships, awarded based on both merit and financial need, present students with significant financial assistance, which may extend to covering the entire cost of the National University of Singapore MBA fees.
The NUS MBA program offers a diverse range of scholarships tailored to meet the unique needs of students in Singapore.
| Scholarship | Description |
| NUS MBA Excellence & Achiever Awards | 20% or more of tuition, depending on the award |
| NUS MBA Future Leaders Scholarship | 20% or more of tuition, depending on the award |
| NUS MBA Scholarship for Women | Partial tuition coverage |
| NUS MBA Entrepreneurship Scholarship | Partial tuition coverage |
| NUS MBA Diversity Scholarship | Partial tuition coverage |
| NUS MBA Resilience Scholarship | Partial or full tuition coverage |
| Hinrich Foundation Global Trade Leader Scholarship | Up to ₹23.83 lakh (US$25,000), subject to matching corporate sponsorship |
| ADB–Japan Scholarship Program | Full tuition and certain expenses, subject to eligibility |
| NUS APEC Scholarship | Full tuition, monthly stipend, one-way flight allowance and book allowance, subject to eligibility |
Exploring Part-Time Work Opportunities in Singapore
As an NUS MBA student in Singapore, the cost of living can add up quickly. Therefore, eligible students may consider part-time work to supplement their income and gain experience while studying.
However, students should not rely on part-time employment to finance the full NUS MBA fees. Academic commitments, recruiting activities, networking events and experiential projects can make the MBA schedule demanding.
Work Permissions While Studying
International students enrolled full-time at NUS may work part-time in Singapore without obtaining a separate work pass, provided they hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
During the academic term, eligible NUS students can work for up to 16 hours per week. Students may also complete an industrial attachment or internship organised by NUS if it contributes towards their graduation requirements. During official university vacations, eligible students may work without a separate work pass as long as they continue to meet the Ministry of Manpower’s conditions.
The table below shows indicative hourly wage ranges for common part-time jobs in Singapore:
| Job | Approx Wage Range (SGD per hour) |
|---|---|
| Waiter | ₹893–₹1,860 (S$12–S$25) |
| Event Staff | ₹744–₹1,264 (S$10–S$17) |
| Office Assistant | ₹967–₹1,264 (S$13–S$17) |
| Cashier | ₹1,041–₹1,785 (S$14–S$24) |
| Tutor | ₹1,636–₹3,124 (S$22–S$42) |
| Departmental Store Helper | ₹744–₹893 (S$10–S$12) |
| Content Creator | ₹893–₹2,380 (S$12–S$32) |
| Babysitter | ₹1,116–₹1,860 (S$15–S$25) |
Part-time employment can help NUS MBA students cover a portion of their food, transport and personal expenses while gaining exposure to Singapore’s professional environment. It may also help students develop local connections, improve workplace communication and better understand Singaporean business culture.
However, students should not depend on part-time earnings to cover the full NUS MBA fees. The 16-hour weekly limit during term time, combined with classes, assignments, networking events and recruitment activities, restricts how much students can realistically earn. The Ministry of Manpower states that this limit is designed to help international students offset living expenses while keeping their studies as their main priority.
NUS MBA ROI: Is It Worth It?
The NUS MBA can offer a strong return on investment for students targeting careers in Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region. However, the actual ROI depends on scholarships, education-loan interest, living costs, post-MBA location, industry and the time taken to secure employment.
Career Outcomes
- Reported Graduate Salary: ₹1.35 crore ($141,859)
- Employment Rate: 95% for the Class of 2024
- Average Alumni Salary After Three Years: ₹1.63 crore ($170,898)
- Increase Over Pre-MBA Salary: 148%
NUS reported a graduate salary of ₹1.35 crore ($141,859) and a 95% employment rate for the Class of 2024. The school also publishes an average alumni salary of ₹1.63 crore ($170,898) three years after graduation, highlighting the programme’s long-term earning potential.
ROI Analysis
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Total NUS MBA Cost | Approximately ₹97 lakh–₹1.10 crore |
| Tuition Fee | ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953) |
| Reported Graduate Salary | ₹1.35 crore ($141,859) |
| Average Alumni Salary After Three Years | ₹1.63 crore ($170,898) |
| Employment Rate | 95% |
The estimated total cost includes tuition and typical living expenses during the full-time MBA. NUS officially lists the tuition fee at ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953), including GST, while living expenses can vary based on accommodation and lifestyle.
NUS does not publish an official MBA payback period. The actual time required to recover the investment will depend on scholarships, taxes, loan interest, salary growth and whether the graduate works in Singapore, another international market or returns to India.
The published salary and employment figures suggest strong earning potential, particularly for candidates who secure roles in Singapore or other major international business centres. However, students should not assume that the entire programme cost will automatically be recovered within one or two years.
Learn more: NUS fees and funding
How Does NUS MBA Compare with Other Singapore MBA Programs?
Comparing NUS with other leading Singapore MBA programmes helps applicants understand its position on tuition, salary growth and overall value. The table below uses the latest tuition and career figures published on the schools’ official websites.
| School | Tuition Fee | Average Alumni Salary After Three Years | Salary Increase | ROI Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUS MBA | ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953) | ₹1.63 crore ($170,898) | 148% | Balanced tuition and strong Asia-focused outcomes |
| Nanyang MBA | ₹60.99 lakh (S$82,000) | ₹1.86 crore ($194,918) | 136% | Lower tuition and strong published long-term salary |
| SMU MBA | ₹52.70 lakh (S$70,850) | ₹1.20 crore ($125,659) | 113% | Lowest published tuition among these programmes |
NUS publishes tuition of ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953) for the August 2026 intake. Nanyang lists approximately ₹60.99 lakh (S$82,000), while SMU currently lists approximately ₹52.70 lakh (S$70,850), including GST.
For career outcomes, NUS reports an average alumni salary of ₹1.63 crore ($170,898) three years after graduation. Nanyang reports approximately ₹1.86 crore ($194,918) and a 136% salary increase, while SMU reports approximately ₹1.20 crore ($125,659) and a 113% salary increase.
NUS costs more than Nanyang and SMU based on their currently published tuition figures. However, it continues to offer a competitive combination of global recognition, access to Singapore’s business environment, career support and long-term salary potential.
Applicants should not rank these programmes using salary alone. The reported career figures may come from different graduating classes and ranking years, so they are not perfectly comparable. Programme duration, scholarships, employment location, alumni network and individual career goals should also shape the final decision.
Related Blogs
Conclusion
The NUS MBA fees for the August 2026 intake are approximately ₹74.35 lakh (S$99,953), with the total cost reaching around ₹97 lakh to ₹1.10 crore after living expenses. For applicants targeting careers in Singapore or the Asia-Pacific region, the program can offer strong value, provided the cost aligns with their career goals, funding plan and expected post-MBA salary.
