ISS > Life in NUS > Student’s Essentials > Financial Matters

Financial Matters

It is important that you work out your budget before you come to Singapore so that you are financially well-prepared for the duration of your studies.


For undergraduate programme

You may now use the Financial Needs Calculator to help you estimate your study and living expenses in NUS and the amount of aid you may receive if you are financially needy.

There are a few financial costs that you need to prepare for as an international student.


The costs have been derived based on a conservative estimate for a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. The actual amount could be higher or lower depending on individual student's expenditure and lifestyle pattern.

On-Campus Undergraduate Housing (varies with room type)

S$280 - S$720

Private Accommodation
(HDB flat - single room)

S$300 - S$600 

Private Accommodation
(HDB Flat/Private Hostel- Double room)

S$250 - S$450 

 Meals

S$260 - S$300 

Personal expenses

S$130 - S$350 

Transportation within Singapore

  • Bus Concession Pass Only
  • Trains Concession Pass Only
  • Concession on both Bus and Trains
  • Without Concession


S$52
S$45
S$97
S$20 -100

Average cost of Books / Supplies
(depends on course of studies-$240-480 per yr)

S$10 - S$20

*survey from international students

Scholarship and Financial Aid
For more information, please click here.


For graduate programme

Please click here for information on the fees and financial assistance/scholarship for graduate programme.


Banking

With the strong financial sector in Singapore, you will be able to find local and international banks around. They offer a wide range of services which include checking and savings accounts, ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), fixed deposits, safe deposit boxes, loans, overdraft and transfers, traveller’s cheques and changing of foreign currencies. 

Three Major Local Banks:

Banking Facilities

Opening a Bank Account

Each bank has different requirements for opening an account, with differing minimum balances and service charges. For savings or current accounts, you will usually receive a cheque book, an ATM card and a PIN for online or phone banking.
Please bring along

  1. Passport  and/o Student’s Pass (if available);
  2. NUS Letter of Offer for Admission or Student Card (if available);
  3. Minimum deposit amount of S$500 to S$1,000 (varies from bank to bank).

NETS

 A service that allows payment made with your ATM card at retail shops/ taxis advertising the NETS sign.

Cashcard

This is a stored value card, allowing cashless payment. Participating vendors will have CASHCARD signs on display.

Topping up of cash can be done at Library, convenient store or car park kiosk.

GIRO


GIRO is a service provided by the bank. It is an arrangement that you can make with your Billing Organisation (such as NUS) to debit your designated bank account to pay your bills on a regular basis.

It is a convenient and cashless mode of payment.

Transfer of Funds

Students may transfer funds using bank drafts made out in Singapore dollars and drawn from a Singapore bank. These can be credited to your accounts and drawn in one to two days. Cheques drawn on banks with no branches in Singapore may take about three to eight weeks to clear.                      
Telegraphic transfers may also be made indirectly through another bank to your own account.


On-Campus ATMS:


DBS/ POSBank

- Yusof Ishak House, Level 3
- Block ADM
- Outside LT27, Science Faculty
- Utown, Cheers
- NUS Coop @BTC

OCBC

- Near to LT9

UOB

- S16, near science canteen
- Block ADM