Hidden Gems of Singapore: Top Universities You Didn’t Know About (But Should!)

Singapore is known for global powerhouses like NUS and NTU, but what many students don’t realize is that some of the best-value, most innovative, and fastest-growing universities in Asia are right around the corner—just less talked about.

If you’re planning to study in Singapore, these hidden gems may offer better scholarships, more industry collaborations, smaller class sizes, and hands-on programs tailored to future careers.

Here’s your guide to the top underrated universities in Singapore that deserve a spot on your shortlist.

1. Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Innovation. Design. Future-ready learning.

SUTD, established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offers one of the most unique curriculums in Asia. Known for design-centric learning and interdisciplinary programs, this university is ideal for students seeking creativity-driven careers.

Popular Programs

• Architecture and Sustainable Design

• Engineering Product Development

• Engineering Systems and Design

• Information Systems Technology and Design

Why Consider SUTD?

• Backed by MIT for curriculum and research

• Strong industry partnerships (ST Engineering, HP, Dyson, etc.)

• Top-rated design and engineering labs

• Project-based learning from Day 1

Scholarships

• SUTD Global Excellence Scholarship

• SUTD ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship

• SUTD Women in Tech Scholarship

• Industry-sponsored awards

2. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Practice-focused, industry-driven education.

SIT is Singapore’s applied learning university, created to meet industry demand—not theory. It partners with top global universities to deliver joint degrees and has some of the highest graduate employment rates in the country.

Popular Programs

• Aircraft Systems Engineering

• Digital Communications & Integrated Media

• Hospitality Business

• Food Technology

• Robotics Systems

What Makes SIT Unique?

• Built for practical, real-world careers

• Integrated work-study programs with major companies

• Strong focus on in-demand sectors: engineering, design, hospitality, and tech

• High employability due to industry immersion

Scholarships

• SIT Mid-Term Scholarship

• SIT Engineering Scholarship

• SIT SkillsFuture Study Awards

• Industry-backed financial aid

3. Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

Applied learning. Social impact. Real-world relevance.

SUSS is Singapore’s national university dedicated to applied education, social sciences, and lifelong learning. It’s especially known for producing graduates who thrive in people-oriented careers—business, psychology, public administration, social work, and emerging fields like analytics and supply chain.

Popular Programs

• Psychology

• Business Analytics

• Human Resource Management

• Social Work

• Supply Chain Management

• Finance with FinTech Track

What Makes SUSS Stand Out?

• Practical, community-focused education with heavy emphasis on industry exposure

• Workplace attachments & service-learning built into almost all programs

• Flexible pathways suited for students who want internships, part-time work, or entrepreneurship

• Strong focus on skills-based and future-ready professions

• Excellent option for careers in public sector, NGOs, corporate HR, analytics, and consulting

Scholarships

• SUSS Scholarship

• SUSS-SR Nathan Scholarship

• SUSS Bursary Awards

• Community & industry-sponsored awards

4. James Cook University (JCU), Singapore Campus

James Cook University Singapore is the Singapore branch of Australia’s top research university for tropical sciences, psychology, business, and environmental studies. Students receive the same degree awarded in Australia, with the advantage of lower costs, trimester system (faster graduation), and strong internship opportunities in Singapore.

Popular Programs

• Psychology (one of the strongest in Asia)

• Business & Commerce

• Data Science

• Environmental Science

• Early Childhood Education

• Hospitality & Tourism Management

Why Choose JCU Singapore?

• Same curriculum and degree as JCU Australia

• Trimester system lets students graduate faster

• Strong focus on research-informed teaching

• Diverse student community from 40+ countries

• Industry projects in tourism, sustainability, psychology, and data

• High emphasis on career readiness & employability services

Scholarships

• JCU Merit Scholarship

• JCU International Excellence Award

• JCU Entrance Scholarship

• Country-specific & academic performance-based awards

5. ESSEC Business School (Asia-Pacific Campus, Singapore)

A top-ranked global business school—minus the cost of Europe.

ESSEC is a triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) business school consistently ranked among the best in the world. Their Singapore campus offers world-class programs at a more accessible cost and with strong industry exposure across Asia.

Popular Programs

• Global BBA

• Master in Management (MIM)

• Master in Finance

• MBA in International Business

Why Choose ESSEC?

• Same degree as France campus, but with Asia-focused exposure

• Global mobility options (France, Morocco, double degrees)

• Access to 500+ corporate partners

• Strong placements in consulting, luxury, finance

Scholarships

• ESSEC Academic Excellence Scholarship

• Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship

• Leadership Award

• Industry-partnered scholarships

Why These “Hidden Universities” Deserve Your Attention

While the competition for NUS, NTU, and SMU grows every year, these universities offer:

• Lower tuition fees

• Better chances of admission

• Generous scholarships

• Smaller class sizes

• Industry-aligned degrees

• Global exposure through partnerships

For many students, these institutions provide a higher ROI and a more personalized learning experience.

Final Takeaway

Singapore’s education system goes far beyond the big names. These universities are forward-thinking, industry-driven, and globally recognized—just without the overwhelming competition.