Master of Science [MS] (Computer Engineering)
Field of Study:
₹42.3 L/Yr
The Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a 2-year full-time program designed for engineering graduates and computing professionals seeking advanced expertise in computer hardware design, embedded systems, digital signal processing, and software engineering. The program requires completion of 40 units (10 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, combining core courses in computer architecture, digital systems, and software engineering with elective specializations in Digitalization and Communication Technologies (DCT), Computing Hardware Infrastructure (CHI), and other emerging areas. The program emphasizes practical application through industry internships, hands-on projects, and real-world problem-solving, preparing graduates for careers in semiconductor design, embedded systems, IoT, cloud computing, and software development.
NUS School of Computing is ranked 4th globally for Computer Science and Information Systems according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (up from 6th). The university ranks 8th globally and 1st in Asia according to QS World University Rankings 2026. NUS Computing graduates achieve median starting salaries of SGD 5,700-6,400 per month, among Singapore's highest earners.
Current Admission Status:
Applications for August 2026 intake are now closed. Application opens: October 1, 2025. Application deadline: February 28, 2026. Admission outcomes: Released on rolling basis from March 2026 onwards.
- Why Study MSc Computer Engineering at National University of Singapore
- National University of Singapore MSc Computer Engineering Tuition Fees for International Students 2026-27
- Cost of Living in Singapore for International MSc Computer Engineering Students 2026-27
- Admission Requirements for International Students 2026-27
- English Language Requirements for International Students 2026-27
- NUS School of Computing Rankings 2026-27
- Scholarships for International MSc Computer Engineering Students 2026-27
- Program Format and Duration 2026-27
- Career Outcomes for MSc Computer Engineering Graduates 2026-27
- Return on Investment for MSc Computer Engineering (International Students) 2026-27
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Study MSc Computer Engineering at National University of Singapore
- NUS School of Computing ranked 4th globally for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, up from 6th).
- 2-year intensive program combining rigorous theoretical foundations with practical industry applications.
- Specialization options in Digitalization and Communication Technologies (DCT) and Computing Hardware Infrastructure (CHI).
- Strong emphasis on emerging technologies: IoT, embedded systems, cloud computing, AI, and digital signal processing.
- Access to world-leading faculty with expertise in computer architecture, software engineering, and systems design.
- Multicultural cohort with students from 40+ countries providing global networking opportunities.
- Strong placement outcomes: Graduates achieve median starting salaries of SGD 5,700-6,400 per month (among Singapore's highest).
- Strategic location in Singapore, Asia's leading technology hub, with abundant career opportunities in tech companies and startups.
- Strong alumni network with graduates in senior roles at leading tech companies, semiconductor firms, and corporations across Asia.
National University of Singapore MSc Computer Engineering Tuition Fees for International Students 2026-27
The Master of Science in Computer Engineering program charges tuition on a per-semester basis for the full 2-year program for August 2026 intake.
Exchange Rate Note: All INR conversions based on SGD 1 = INR 72.46 as of April 8, 2026. Exchange rates are subject to change.
| Fee Component | Amount (SGD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Computer Engineering Tuition (International, per year) | 53,100 | 38.47 Lakhs |
| Goods & Services Tax (GST, 9%) | 4,779 | 3.46 Lakhs |
| MSc Computer Engineering Tuition (International, with GST, per year) | 57,879 | 41.93 Lakhs |
| Total 2-Year Cost (with GST) | 115,758 | 83.86 Lakhs |
| Acceptance Fee (due upon admission) | 5,450 | 3.95 Lakhs |
| Total Program Cost | 121,208 | 87.81 Lakhs |
Key Fee Details:
- The MSc Computer Engineering tuition fee of SGD 53,100 (before GST) or SGD 57,879 (with GST) is charged per year for the 2-year program (August 2026 to July 2028)
- Acceptance fee of SGD 5,450 is due upon admission confirmation
- Tuition includes Goods & Services Tax (GST) at 9%
- Fees are typically billed in installments during each semester
- Payment is due by the start of each term
- Program fees do not include accommodation, meals, or travel expenses
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents pay lower fees (approximately SGD 30,600 per year)
Cost of Living in Singapore for International MSc Computer Engineering Students 2026-27
Living expenses in Singapore for international students typically range from SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,300 per month, excluding tuition. Singapore has a tropical climate year-round with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F).
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Annual Cost (SGD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared apartment/HDB) | 700 - 1,000 | 8,400 - 12,000 | 6.09 Lakhs - 8.70 Lakhs |
| Food (3 meals a day) | 350 - 550 | 4,200 - 6,600 | 3.04 Lakhs - 4.78 Lakhs |
| Public Transport | 100 - 200 | 1,200 - 2,400 | 87,000 - 1,74,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water) | 80 - 150 | 960 - 1,800 | 69,600 - 1,30,428 |
| Internet & Phone | 50 - 100 | 600 - 1,200 | 43,500 - 87,000 |
| Personal Expenses & Entertainment | 150 - 250 | 1,800 - 3,000 | 1,30,428 - 2,17,380 |
| Clothing & Miscellaneous | 100 - 150 | 1,200 - 1,800 | 87,000 - 1,30,428 |
| Total Monthly (Estimated) | 1,530 - 2,400 | 18,360 - 28,800 | 13.31 Lakhs - 20.88 Lakhs |
Annual Total Cost (Tuition + Living for 2 years): SGD 193,478 - SGD 231,358 (approximately 1.40 Crores - 1.68 Crores INR)
Accommodation Options for International MSc Computer Engineering Students 2026-27
On-Campus Residence:
On-campus housing is available for graduate students, though limited and subject to availability. Most international MSc Computer Engineering students prefer off-campus shared housing due to cost and flexibility.
| Residence Type | Room Type | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Annual Cost (SGD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Hostel | Single Room | 900 - 1,800 | 10,800 - 21,600 | 7.83 Lakhs - 15.66 Lakhs |
| Private Halls of Residence | Single Room | 1,000 - 1,500 | 12,000 - 18,000 | 8.70 Lakhs - 13.05 Lakhs |
Off-Campus Housing:
Private rental apartments and HDB (Housing & Development Board) flats near NUS campus typically cost SGD 700 - SGD 1,000 per month for shared accommodations. International MSc Computer Engineering students often prefer shared apartments in neighborhoods like Clementi, Bukit Timah, or near the university to reduce costs and build community.
Note: On-campus residence fees are NOT included in tuition fees and must be paid separately. Off-campus housing costs are the student's responsibility.
Part-Time Work Opportunities for International MSc Computer Engineering Students 2026-27
International students on valid student passes can work up to 16 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. However, MSc Computer Engineering students are expected to focus primarily on their studies.
Minimum Wage in Singapore: No statutory minimum wage; market rates typically SGD 15 - SGD 25/hour
Common Part-Time Jobs for International MSc Computer Engineering Students:
- Research Assistantships: SGD 15 - SGD 25/hour (computer engineering research, hardware design)
- Teaching Assistantships: SGD 15 - SGD 22/hour (tutorials, marking, course support)
- On-Campus Employment: SGD 15 - SGD 20/hour (library support, administrative roles)
- Software Development & Support: SGD 20 - SGD 35/hour (coding, software testing, technical support)
- Tutoring & Academic Support: SGD 20 - SGD 35/hour (computer engineering tutoring, exam prep)
Estimated Monthly Earnings (Part-Time, 10-15 hours/week during academic sessions): SGD 600 - SGD 1,200 (approximately 4.35 Lakhs - 8.70 Lakhs INR annually)
Admission Requirements for International Students 2026-27
The National University of Singapore MSc Computer Engineering program is selective, with admission based on academic achievement, technical background, and demonstrated interest in computer engineering.
Academic Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (preferably with Honours) in relevant engineering discipline, computing, or applied mathematics
- Minimum GPA equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or equivalent (approximately 85%+)
- For international credentials, use NUS's International Qualifications Assessment Tool
- Strong academic record in core engineering and computing subjects
Required Application Documents:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing professional experience, education, and achievements
- Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages) describing interest in computer engineering, career goals, and how program aligns with objectives
- Two professional or academic reference letters
- GRE or GMAT scores (recommended; expected score: GRE 320+ with 3.5+ analytical, or GMAT 650+)
- English Language Proficiency (ELP) test scores (if applicable)
- Application fee: SGD 20
Admission Process:
- Submit application through NUS's online application portal
- Provide all supporting documents by application deadline (February 28, 2026)
- NUS admissions team reviews applications
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews
- Admissions decisions released on rolling basis from March 2026 onwards
English Language Requirements for International Students 2026-27
English is the language of instruction at NUS, and all international students whose undergraduate degree was not taught entirely in English must provide proof of English proficiency.
Exemptions Available:
- Undergraduate degree earned at a university where language of instruction and examination is uniformly English
- Four or more years of full-time study in a recognized English-language school in a country where English is the dominant language (USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc.)
Accepted English Proficiency Tests for MSc Computer Engineering:
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 90 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall band 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 110 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 60 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Overall 170 |
Key Points:
- Test results must be sent directly by the testing agency to NUS
- Results must be received by application deadline (February 28, 2026)
- Scores are valid for two years from test date
- Only TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date are accepted; MyBest scores are not accepted
NUS School of Computing Rankings 2026-27
NUS School of Computing is ranked among the top computing schools globally and in Asia.
| Ranking Body | Global Rank | Asia Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS Computer Science & Information Systems | 4th | 1st | 2026 |
| QS World University Rankings (Overall) | 8th | 1st | 2026 |
| Times Higher Education (Computer Science) | 13th | 1st | 2026 |
| Times Higher Education (Overall) | 71st | - | 2026 |
Note: NUS School of Computing is consistently ranked among the top computing schools globally and #1 in Asia. The university ranks 8th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026.
Scholarships for International MSc Computer Engineering Students 2026-27
International students in the MSc Computer Engineering program have access to merit-based scholarships and funding opportunities.
| Funding Source | Award Amount (SGD) | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUS Graduate Scholarship | Varies (partial to full tuition) | Merit-based, outstanding candidates | Automatic consideration |
| NUS College of Design and Engineering Scholarships | Varies (partial to full tuition) | Merit-based, admitted students | Automatic consideration |
| NUS Graduate School Scholarships | Up to SGD 3,000/month | Merit-based, current students | Apply via NUS Graduate School |
| Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) | Full tuition + living allowance | International students, merit-based | Apply directly to SINGA |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Up to SGD 3,000/month | Commonwealth citizens | Apply directly to Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
Key Points:
- Merit-based scholarships automatically considered upon admission
- NUS College of Design and Engineering offers additional scholarships for admitted students
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) provides full funding including living expenses
- NUS Graduate School offers scholarships for current students
- External scholarships available from home country governments and organizations
Program Format and Duration 2026-27
The MSc Computer Engineering program is offered in full-time format only:
Full-Time MSc Computer Engineering:
- Duration: 2 years (August 2026 to July 2028)
- Format: Full-time study with classes typically held on weekdays
- Curriculum: 40 units (10 courses) over 4 semesters
- Core courses: Computer Architecture, Digital Systems, Software Engineering, Embedded Systems, Digital Signal Processing
- Specializations: Digitalization and Communication Technologies (DCT), Computing Hardware Infrastructure (CHI)
- Electives: 20+ courses across specializations (IoT, Cloud Computing, AI, Cybersecurity, VLSI Design)
- Experiential learning: Industry internships, projects, capstone design
- Capstone: Industry internship or research project
Program Timeline (August 2026 Intake):
- August 2026: Program begins with orientation and core courses
- August-November 2026: Semester 1 with core and elective courses
- December 2026-January 2027: Winter break
- January-April 2027: Semester 2 with core and elective courses
- May-August 2027: Semester 3 with electives and internship
- September-December 2027: Semester 4 with electives and capstone project
- July 2028: Degree conferral and graduation
Career Outcomes for MSc Computer Engineering Graduates 2026-27
Employment Statistics:
- Median starting salary: SGD 5,700-6,400 per month (approximately 41.32 Lakhs - 46.36 Lakhs INR annually)
- High placement rate with graduates in leading technology companies and semiconductor firms
- Strong career outcomes in embedded systems, IoT, cloud computing, and software development
Career Paths for MSc Computer Engineering Graduates:
- Semiconductor Design (Intel, TSMC, Samsung, Broadcom)
- Embedded Systems (Qualcomm, ARM, Infineon, STMicroelectronics)
- Software Engineering (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Meta)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud)
- IoT & Smart Systems (Cisco, Siemens, GE, Schneider Electric)
- Cybersecurity (Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, Fortinet)
- Fintech & Financial Technology (DBS, OCBC, UOB, Grab)
- Startups & Entrepreneurship (founding own ventures, joining early-stage companies)
Top Employers:
- Major technology companies with Singapore offices
- Leading semiconductor and chip design firms
- Multinational corporations with Asian operations
- Singapore's tech startups and innovation hubs
- Government agencies and research institutions
Return on Investment for MSc Computer Engineering (International Students) 2026-27
Total 2-Year Cost Breakdown:
| Cost Component | Total (SGD) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (MSc Computer Engineering with GST, 2 years) | 115,758 | 83.86 Lakhs |
| Acceptance Fee | 5,450 | 3.95 Lakhs |
| Living Expenses (2 years at SGD 23,580/year) | 47,160 | 34.17 Lakhs |
| Total 2-Year Cost | 168,368 | 121.98 Lakhs |
Post-Graduation Salary Progression:
- Entry-level (0-2 years, post-MSc): SGD 60,000-80,000/year (approximately 43.48 Lakhs - 57.97 Lakhs INR)
- Mid-career (3-5 years): SGD 90,000 - SGD 130,000/year (approximately 65.21 Lakhs - 94.20 Lakhs INR)
- Senior-level (5+ years): SGD 150,000 - SGD 250,000+/year (approximately 1.09 Crores - 1.81 Crores+ INR)
Break-Even Analysis:
- Total 2-year investment: SGD 168,368 (121.98 Lakhs INR)
- Average starting salary: SGD 70,000/year (50.72 Lakhs INR)
- Break-even period: Approximately 2.5-3 years post-graduation
- Long-term ROI: Exceptional, with strong career advancement and high earning potential in tech
Key Insights:
- The NUS MSc Computer Engineering provides strong return on investment with high starting salaries and excellent career outcomes
- International students gain valuable Asia-focused computer engineering expertise and credentials
- Singapore's strategic location provides access to regional and global tech career opportunities
- Tech careers offer continuous growth opportunities, with senior roles commanding significantly higher salaries
- Strong alumni network facilitates career transitions and business opportunities
- Post-graduation work visa options available for eligible graduates to work in Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What is the employment situation for international MSc Computer Engineering graduates in Singapore?
Ans: NUS MSc Computer Engineering graduates achieve median starting salaries of SGD 5,700-6,400 per month (among Singapore's highest earners), with strong placement rates in leading technology companies and semiconductor firms. However, international students face stricter visa requirements for employment in Singapore. International MSc Computer Engineering graduates can apply for Employment Pass (EP) if they earn a fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,000+, or Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) if they earn SGD 18,000+. Most NUS graduates are pre-approved for EP due to the university's reputation. Many leading tech companies, semiconductor firms, and multinational corporations sponsor work visas for qualified MSc Computer Engineering graduates.
Ques: What specialization options are available in the MSc Computer Engineering program?
Ans: The NUS MSc Computer Engineering program offers two main specialization options: Digitalization and Communication Technologies (DCT) and Computing Hardware Infrastructure (CHI). The DCT specialization focuses on emerging technologies including IoT, cloud computing, AI, and digital signal processing. The CHI specialization emphasizes computer architecture, embedded systems, VLSI design, and hardware optimization. Students can also pursue a general track without specialization, allowing flexibility to explore multiple areas. Each specialization requires completion of at least 2 core courses and additional electives, with the remaining courses chosen from a wide range of technical electives.
Ques: Is GRE/GMAT mandatory for admission to the MSc Computer Engineering program?
Ans: GRE or GMAT scores are recommended but not mandatory for admission to the NUS MSc Computer Engineering program. However, submitting a competitive score significantly strengthens your application. Generally, a minimum GRE score of 320 (verbal & quantitative) with 3.5 (analytical), or a GMAT score of 650 and above, is expected for competitive applications. Applicants without GRE/GMAT scores can still apply and be considered based on their academic record, professional experience, and other application materials. Strong quantitative background (mathematics, physics, computer science) is essential for admission. Submitting a competitive GRE/GMAT score increases chances of admission and scholarship consideration.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹4232764 (SGD 57880) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Accomodation | ₹394902 (SGD 5400) |
| Food | ₹190138 (SGD 2600) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹4232764 (SGD 57880) |
| 2023 | ₹2983704 (SGD 40800) |
| 2022 | ₹3912455 (SGD 53500) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For August 2026 intake | |


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