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SM Singapore Management University logo

Singapore Management University

Singapore, Singapore Β· Public University Β· Est. 2000

QS World #545 Admissions open
Type
Public University
Founded
2000
Students
12,000
International
2,000

SMU: the applicant's brief

6 findings
  1. The short answer

    Singapore Management University is a public university in Singapore, and it suits students who want a business-oriented institution with a large international student community. It is a fit if you are looking for undergraduate or postgraduate study in a city-based environment and want a university that publishes a broad subject presence.

  2. What you can study

    SMU is a publicly funded autonomous university with more than ten subjects ranked. Its planning model was based on an American-style business school approach, so it is known for business-oriented study rather than a narrowly specialized single-field institution. If you want the full current programme catalogue, check the university website because the available subjects and programmes should be confirmed there before applying.

  3. Getting in

    International applicants should apply through the university’s admissions process and confirm programme-specific requirements, deadlines, and document lists on the official website. Because the institution is autonomous and uses its own admissions rules, check the entry requirements, language requirements, and any faculty or programme conditions before you submit an application.

  4. What it costs

    Tuition is published at SGD 36,500 to SGD 49,500. Living costs in Singapore should be budgeted separately, and you should confirm the current total cost of attendance and any additional fees with the admissions office.

  5. Coming from abroad

    The university has about 2,000 international students, so it already serves a sizable overseas student community. Before applying, check the language of instruction for your chosen programme, visa requirements, accommodation options, and the documents needed for an international application on the official website.

  6. How it compares

    Among 18 universities in Singapore, SMU stands out as a public university with a business-school model and a large international cohort. Its published tuition range sits in a relatively high-cost bracket, so it is better suited to students who want a focused urban university experience and can plan carefully for fees and living expenses.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them β€” always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about SMU

What type of university is Singapore Management University?

It is a public university in Singapore.

When was Singapore Management University founded?

It was founded in 2000.

How many students study at Singapore Management University?

It has about 12,000 students.

What is the tuition range at Singapore Management University?

Tuition is SGD 36,500 to SGD 49,500.

Overview

Singapore Management University (SMU) is a publicly-funded autonomous university. It was established in 2000, and is located in the Bras Basah-Bugis District. During its planning phase, SMU adopted an American-style business school model and in 1999 signed a collaboration agreement with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to guide curriculum and institutional design for the new university. The university is triple accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. In 2026, SMU was identified as the most improved university globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, with more than ten subjects ranked.

Ranking figures are indicative and provided for general guidance β€” always verify current positions with the official QS rankings and the university.

Programs at SMU

24 programs across 3 study levels.

Bachelor's Degree

Professional

Professional Law

Juris Doctor

Singapore Management University

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Master's Degree

Master's Degree Agriculture & Environment

MA Carbon Reporting

Singapore Management University

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Master's Degree Professional Accounting & Finance

MSC in Applied Finance

Singapore Management University

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Master's Degree Business & Management

MSC in Business AI

Singapore Management University

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Master's Degree Business & Management

MSC in Management

Singapore Management University

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Master's Degree Professional Accounting & Finance

Master in Accounting

Singapore Management University

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Master's Degree Economics & Public Policy

Master in Economics

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Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

SGD 36,500 – SGD 49,500/yr

Moderate tuition

Indicative living cost

β€”

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry.

English: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 (varies by programme).

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry..
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for Singapore.

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Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance β€” verify with official sources before applying.

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