The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is a public autonomous university in Singapore. It began in 2005 as SIM University and has carried its present name since 2017.[1] More than 19,000 students study with it full-time and part-time, in six schools.[2]
For Academic Year 2026 SUSS estimates the four-year tuition of a full-time degree for an international student on the MOE Tuition Grant at S$76,800 (ASEAN students: S$68,400) for most programmes and S$82,000 (ASEAN: S$73,000) for Accountancy. Without the grant the estimate is S$134,966 to S$138,157.[3] International students on the grant must work in Singapore for three years after graduation.[3] We could not confirm a QS World University Rankings 2027 position for SUSS.
Key facts
| Official name | Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) |
| Location | 463 Clementi Road, Singapore 599494[2] |
| Type | Public autonomous university[1] |
| Founded | 2005 as SIM University, a private university of the SIM Group; renamed Singapore University of Social Sciences on 17 March 2017 and brought under the Ministry of Education[1] |
| Students | More than 19,000 in full- and part-time study; more than 25,000 graduates since 2017[2] |
| Programmes | More than 110 undergraduate and graduate programmes in full-time and part-time modes[2] |
| Schools | Six: S R Nathan School of Human Development; Humanities and Behavioural Sciences; Science and Technology; Business; Law; Social Work and Social Development[2] |
| Full-time degrees open to international students | Twelve, for students on a Student’s Pass[4] |
| Four-year tuition AY2026, non-ASEAN international, with grant | S$76,800 (Accountancy S$82,000), incl. 9% GST; estimated[3] |
| Four-year tuition AY2026, without grant | S$134,966 (Accountancy S$138,157), incl. 9% GST; estimated[3] |
| MOE Tuition Grant | International students who take it sign an agreement with MOE and work for a Singapore-based company for three years after graduation[3] |
| Annual miscellaneous fee, international students | S$530 (subject to GST)[3] |
| English requirement | IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 85, PTE Academic 58 or C1 Advanced 180 where English was not the medium of instruction[5] |
| Official website | suss.edu.sg |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 5 November 2026.
About Singapore University of Social Sciences
SUSS describes its vision as a university that inspires learning for life and impacts lives “regardless of age, background or life path”. It serves school leavers and polytechnic graduates as well as working adults, with flexible, modular and interdisciplinary programmes.[2] It has more than 19,000 students in full- and part-time study and says that over 25,000 graduates have come out of the university since it became an autonomous university in 2017.[2]
The university began in 2005 as SIM University (UniSIM), a private university under the Singapore Institute of Management Group. On 17 March 2017 it was renamed Singapore University of Social Sciences and brought under the Ministry of Education as Singapore’s sixth autonomous university.[1] Its campus is at 463 Clementi Road.[2] Continuing education runs through the SUSS Academy, and the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) is an autonomous institute within the university.[2]
How is Singapore University of Social Sciences ranked?
We could not confirm a position for SUSS in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published 18 June 2026): QS’s website blocks automated access and none of the pages we read states a rank. We therefore show no world rank for SUSS. Rankings differ by publisher and year. How we compile rankings.
The Singapore country page lists SUSS with the other institutions of the country; the order of that table is not a world ranking.
What can you study at Singapore University of Social Sciences?
The programmes are offered by six schools: the S R Nathan School of Human Development, the School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences, the School of Science and Technology, the School of Business, the School of Law, and the School of Social Work and Social Development.[2]
For international students on a Student’s Pass SUSS offers twelve full-time undergraduate programmes:[4]
- Bachelor of Accountancy
- Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Public Safety and Security
- Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, Finance, Information and Communication Technology, Marketing, Psychology and Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Social Work
The full-time degrees take four years in SUSS’s fee estimates.[3] SUSS also adds interviews and selection tests to its criteria for international applicants.[4]
How much does Singapore University of Social Sciences cost?
SUSS publishes the estimated total tuition for a full-time degree (four years) for Academic Year 2026. The subsidised columns apply to students who take the MOE Tuition Grant; amounts for international and unsubsidised students include 9% GST.[3]
| Programme | Singapore Citizens | Permanent Residents | International, ASEAN | International, other | Unsubsidised |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | S$33,840 | S$53,800 | S$73,000 | S$82,000 | S$138,157 |
| The other 11 programmes | S$30,200 | S$50,400 | S$68,400 | S$76,800 | S$134,966 |
Fees are charged per course. With the grant, a 5-credit-unit course outside Accountancy costs S$1,854 for ASEAN and S$2,081 for other international students; a 10-credit-unit course costs S$3,707 and S$4,160. Without the grant the same courses cost S$3,983 and S$7,967.[3] SUSS says the totals are estimates: part-time courses taken inside a full-time degree are billed at part-time rates, so the real total can differ.[3]
The Tuition Grant and its bond
Singapore Citizens receive the grant automatically and carry no service obligation. Permanent Residents and international students apply online, sign a Tuition Grant Agreement with MOE and must work for a Singapore-based company for three years after graduation.[3] Your nationality status matters for the fee: if you become a Permanent Resident, you must tell SUSS because the fee changes.[3]
Other costs
International full-time students pay an annual miscellaneous fee of S$530 (subject to GST); it covers items such as copyright licensing, computer fees and student insurance and is not refundable if you withdraw.[3] All fees are reviewed every year and may be revised.[3] For rent and living costs see our Study in Singapore guide.
How do you apply to Singapore University of Social Sciences?
International applicants apply for one of the twelve full-time degrees listed above. SUSS takes a holistic view: it looks at academic results and also at activities, interests and strengths, and shortlisted applicants go through up to three assessment stages. For international applicants it adds interviews and selection tests.[5][4]
Accepted qualifications include the Singapore-Cambridge A-Level, a polytechnic diploma from one of the five Singapore polytechnics, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the NUS High School Diploma, and international qualifications. With an international qualification you need at least 12 years of formal education and one standardised test: SAT 1,260 (at least 630 each in Reading and Math), ACT 28 (with at least 8 in Writing), IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 85, MUET Band 4.0, PTE Academic 58 or C1 Advanced 180.[5]
Applicants must be at least 18 on 1 January of the matriculation year or have completed 12 years of formal education; foreign students with international qualifications may be waived the age rule.[5] Every full-time international student needs a Student’s Pass from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The offer is conditional on it, and the medical examination (including tests for tuberculosis and HIV) is required first.[4] We give no deadlines because they change every year; see the How to Apply page, which links separate application guides for full-time undergraduate, part-time undergraduate, graduate and law programmes.[6]
Which language level do you need?
If you do not have at least a C6 in GCE O-Level English Language (or an equivalent), you may be asked to take additional tests. Applicants whose qualification was not taught in English must submit IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 85, MUET Band 4.0, PTE Academic 58 or C1 Advanced 180.[5] IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and C1 Advanced results must be no more than two years old at admission; MUET and the SAT or ACT can be up to five years old.[5]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Singapore University of Social Sciences cost for international students?
For Academic Year 2026 SUSS estimates the four-year tuition at S$76,800 (S$82,000 for Accountancy) for non-ASEAN international students on the MOE Tuition Grant, and S$68,400 (S$73,000) for ASEAN students. Without the grant the estimate is S$134,966 to S$138,157, all including GST.[3]
Is Singapore University of Social Sciences in the QS rankings?
We could not confirm a QS World University Rankings 2027 position for SUSS in the sources we read.
What was SUSS called before?
SIM University (UniSIM), founded in 2005. It was renamed Singapore University of Social Sciences on 17 March 2017.[1]
Do I have to work in Singapore after my degree at SUSS?
Only if you take the MOE Tuition Grant as a Permanent Resident or international student. You then work for a Singapore-based company for three years after graduation.[3]
Which English test scores does SUSS accept?
IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 85, MUET Band 4.0, PTE Academic 58 or C1 Advanced 180 for applicants whose qualification was not taught in English.[5]
More about studying in Singapore
- Singapore: best universities
- Study in Singapore: complete guide
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Singapore
- INSEAD Singapore Campus
- James Cook University Singapore
- LASALLE College of the Arts
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
- Nanyang Polytechnic
- Nanyang Technological University
- National University of Singapore
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- Republic Polytechnic
- Singapore Institute of Technology
- Singapore Management University
- Singapore Polytechnic
- Singapore University of Technology and Design
- Temasek Polytechnic
Sources
[1] Wikipedia: Singapore University of Social Sciences (history, former name and status)
[2] SUSS: Who We Are (page without a date; footer shows copyright 2026)
[3] SUSS: Tuition fees, full-time undergraduate programmes (Academic Year 2026) (page without a date; Academic Year 2026)
[4] SUSS: International full-time undergraduate students (page without a date)
[5] SUSS: Full-time undergraduate admission criteria (page without a date)
[6] SUSS: How to Apply (page without a date; links the application guides)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.