Singapore Vocational Study Costs 2027: What to Budget For

Cost is the first question most parents ask when they call SHI about studying in Singapore. This article lists every item a family should budget for in a 2027 6+6 vocational programme, which costs are fixed and which depend on the student’s choices, so you can build a realistic budget.

What do Singapore vocational study costs include?

We suggest splitting the budget into four groups:

1. Tuition paid to the school.
2. Singapore government fees for the Student’s Pass.
3. Pre-departure costs: documents, translation, health check, flight.
4. Living costs in Singapore: housing, food, transport, insurance.

The first two are largely fixed and known in advance. The last two vary a lot from student to student.

Singapore 6+6 tuition fees for 2027

The 6+6 model combines 6 months of study at school with 6 months of industry internship. Indicative tuition at AceTek College, where SHI recruits:

Fees may be revised by the school. SHI provides the school’s official fee schedule in writing before any contract is signed. See the Study in Singapore 6+6 page for programme details.

Student’s Pass fees paid to ICA

The Student’s Pass is issued by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Current fees:

• Processing fee: SGD 45, paid on application and non-refundable.
• Issuance fee: SGD 60, paid after in-principle approval.
• Multiple Journey Visa: SGD 30, for visa-required nationals, including Vietnamese citizens.

Source: ICA Student’s Pass page. Applications are submitted 2 to 3 months before the course starts.

Pre-departure costs

Passport, translation and notarisation of documents, a medical check-up where required, a one-way flight, luggage and some cash for the first week. SHI gives an itemised estimate during consultation.

Housing and living costs

This is the most variable item. Students sharing a room, cooking at home and using the MRT spend far less than those in a private room who eat out often. Budget for housing (deposit and first month in advance), food, public transport, phone and internet, and health insurance if it is not included in tuition. Rents in Singapore change by area and season, so SHI sends an up-to-date housing quote based on the school’s location rather than a single generic figure.

How much does the internship allowance cover?

During the 6-month internship students receive a monthly allowance from the host company. The amount depends on the employer and the role, and there is no allowance during the first 6 months of study. Families should not treat the allowance as guaranteed income; SHI does not promise any specific amount.

Building a one-year budget

1. Fixed items: tuition + ICA fees + pre-departure costs.
2. Study phase: housing + living costs × 6 months, fully covered by the family.
3. Internship phase: housing + living costs × 6 months, minus the estimated allowance.
4. A contingency fund for illness, moving, or an unplanned trip home.

FAQ

Is IELTS required?

No. Students take the school’s placement test.

Is the ICA fee refundable if the pass is refused?

The SGD 45 processing fee is not refundable. Tuition refunds follow the school’s refund policy.

Can tuition be paid in instalments?

It depends on the school; the payment schedule is set out in the offer letter and contract.

Get a detailed cost sheet

SHI Global holds Study Abroad Consulting Certificate No. 05/GCN-SGDDT issued by the Bac Ninh Department of Education and Training, and recruits for AceTek College, SSTC Institute and STEi Institute in Singapore.

• Hotline/Zalo: 0358 998 599
• Email: ceo@shi.edu.vn
• Contact form: shi.edu.vn/en/contact