Compare the Singapore’s best Full-time MBA programs head-to-head and get the inside scoop from Admissions Directors, MBA alumni and more from Singapore’s best MBA programs. All on one page!

last updated May 2023

Why Singapore for your MBA?

Five reasons to get your MBA in Singapore:

1. Singapore is home to 7000+ MNCs, many of whom have chosen Singapore as their Asia Pacific headquarters. Singapore is perennially ranked as one of the world’s easiest places to conduct business.

2. A highly developed, modern, cosmopolitan city (36% of the population are non-residents), and long-time conduit between East and West, the island city-state benefits from a multi-cultural society of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians and expatriates. The national language is English, making it a convenient place for foreigners to get situated in Asia.

3. Deloitte ranked Singapore as the world’s 2nd best wealth management centre (2021); Singapore is the 5th largest wealth management centre by international market volume.

4. Singapore has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world (2.1% for 2022), and is one of the easier countries for foreigners to gain employment.

5. The downside of Singapore’s economic growth is that living costs have also risen, and it is now the most expensive city in the world, along with New York (Economist Intelligence Unit, 2022).

Top Full-Time MBA Programs in Singapore

Insead MBA 

• Consistently ranked top 5 worldwide by the Financial Times, Insead has a reputation for being one of the best MBA programs outside the US (along with London Business School). Insead was established in 1957.
• One of world’s most global MBA programs with over 100 nationalities; one of the few MBA programs to place a sizeable percentage of graduates in Europe (48%), Asia (25%), Middle East/Africa (12%), North America (9%) and South America (6%)
• 10-month general management MBA program with 2 intakes (January, August), 3 campuses (France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi) and over 1,000 students/year
• Sends over 50% of graduates into consulting industry & function; hundreds work for McKinsey, Bain and BCG, Insead’s top 3 corporate recruiters
• Insead’s MBA was ranked #2 worldwide by the Financial Times (2023)

NUS MBA

• National University of Singapore (NUS) has the biggest brand for a local Singaporean university, ranking 11th internationally by QS (2023). It is Singapore’s oldest university and is considered one of the best universities in Asia
• 17-month program with 100-120 students/intake
• Specializations in Analytics & Operations, Consulting, Digital Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Real Estate, Strategy & Organization, Healthcare Management
• Strong exchange possibilities with 60+ partners and numerous dual degree linkages with top universities in China, Asia, and France
• Consistently ranked top 25 worldwide by the Financial Times

Nanyang MBA 

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU or Nanyang) was ranked 19th internationally by QS (2023), making NUS, Peking U., Tsinghua and NTU the top four ranked universities in Asia. NTU has a strong reputation for engineering and accounting, and also has an outstanding reputation in China
• Recently changed to 12-month format with 6 specialization tracks in Banking & Finance, Strategy & Innovation, Marketing Management, Business Analytics, Sustainability & Innovation and General Management
• At 65,000 SGD and with a 1-year program, it’s the most affordable top MBA in Singapore and focused on graduate ROI
• More project focused: students required to take less courses (9 core, 4 electives) but must complete 1 leadership module, 1 business study mission and 1 live consulting project
• 80-100 students per year, and consistently ranked top 40 worldwide by the Financial Times

SMU MBA 

• Singapore Management University (SMU) is a business and management focused university modeled after Wharton that opened in 2000. Located in the city center, it’s known for producing competitive graduates with strong soft skills and has strong ties with Singapore’s business community.
• 15-month general management MBA with 60 students per year (12-month fast-track also available)
• An up & coming university – SMU undergrads are among Singapore’s highest paid, and the university has opened a dazzling amount of business related Masters programs the last few years
• SMU’s MBA program is not even 15 years old, but has ranked as high as #43 in the Financial Times (2019), and the Lee Kong Chian School of Business has already been triple accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA

Insider Interviews with Singapore MBA Admissions Directors

Listen to our in-depth interviews about what makes each MBA program unique and what you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting in:

Touch MBA’s Admissions Advice

• Singapore MBA programs are looking for diversity – applicants from South East Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa & Middle East are highly sought
• As NUS, Nanyang and SMU MBA programs have a Asian focus, demonstrating interest in region is key; experience with Singapore or other Asian countries a plus
• Demonstrating international experience and cross-cultural adaptability is essential to gain a spot at Insead
• Demonstrating well-researched and achievable post-MBA career plans is important as Singapore is one of the world’s most open labor markets

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What’s it Really Like at Top Singapore MBA Programs?

MBA students & alumni share their experience:

Post-MBA Careers in Singapore

• Visas – from NUS: “The duration for international students to remain in Singapore to continue their job search is at the discretion of the Singapore Immigration Authority. The duration may range from a few months, up to a maximum of one year.” MBA graduates can seek an employment pass or apply for an entrepass if electing to work in Singapore.
• Taxes – Residents pay a progressive income tax up to 24%. Non-resident individuals will be taxed at a flat rate of 24%.
• Industry – while Insead sends over 50% of graduates into consulting, the Singapore schools place most grads into financial services, consulting and technology industries
• Geography – Insead places many graduates in Europe and Asia Pacific but also in 60 countries worldwide; Singapore schools (NUS, Nanyang, SMU) have the strongest reputation and placements in Singapore, SouthEast Asia, China and India
• Return on Investment – Insead, Nanyang, NUS, Nanyang and SMU rank 15, 17, 20 and 32, respectively in Financial Times’ value for money rank (2023), reflecting Singapore MBA programs’ great ROI.

Head-to-Head: Insead vs NUS vs Nanyang vs SMU

Comparison table best viewed on desktop or laptop. Last updated May 2023.

Need More Help with Singapore MBA Programs?

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