Articles

Cost of Medical Education in AU, SG, and the UK

Written by Icon | Nov 4, 2024 4:18:27 AM

Note: These are estimated costs; actual expenses may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult specific universities and immigration authorities.

Pursuing Medicine: An Essential Guide to Tuition Fees and Costs (2026 Update)


Studying medicine is one of the most significant investments a student and their family can make, both financially and personally. For Singaporean students, the path to becoming a doctor often involves weighing the costs and benefits of prestigious local universities against renowned, Singapore Medical Council (SMC)-recognised institutions in Australia and the United Kingdom.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the most up-to-date tuition fees, estimated living expenses, and

application deadlines for the 2026 academic year.

Singapore Medical Schools


Studying locally offers Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) the significant advantage of subsidised tuition rates through the Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant.

University

Programme

Singapore Citizens (SC)

Singapore PRs (SPR)

International Students (IS)

National University of Singapore (NUS) - MBBS

5-Year Undergraduate

S$32,200/year

S$47,900/year

S$83,950/year (All Other IS)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - LKC Medicine

5-Year Undergraduate

S$36,100/year

S$51,850/year

S$83,350/year (Non-ASEAN)

Duke-NUS Medical School - MD

4-Year Graduate-Entry

S$50,050/year

S$66,150/year

S$93,400/year (Inclusive of GST)

Note: The NTU and NUS tuition fees listed in the search results are for AY2025/2026, which is the latest available information, and will be used as the best estimate for a student aiming for 2026 intake.


Living Costs (Estimated Monthly):

  • Accommodation: SGD 500–1,000
  • Food: SGD 300–500
  • Transportation: SGD 50–100
  • Total Estimated Monthly Cost: S$970–1,725

Australia Medical Schools:
SMC-Recognised Institutions and Total Costs


Australia remains a popular destination due to its proximity and highly regarded medical programs. Tuition fees for international students are generally higher and are subject to annual review.

SMC-Recognised Australian Medical School Fees (Indicative Per Year)

The SMC-recognised list has been expanded, giving Singaporean students more options for practicing medicine back home.

University

Programme & Duration

Indicative Annual Tuition Fee (AUD/SGD)

Total Estimated Program Cost (SGD)

Monash University

5-Year MBBS/MD

AUD 97,700 (~SGD 83,680)

~$418,400 (5 years)

University of Melbourne

4-Year Graduate-Entry MD

AUD 101,952 (~SGD 87,321)

~$437,448 (4 years)

UNSW

6-Year BMed/MD

AUD 84,000 (~SGD 71,945)

~$568,938 (6 years)

University of Adelaide

6-Year BMed/MD

AUD 94,300 (~SGD 80,767)

~$585,042 (6 years)

University of Sydney

Graduate-Entry MD

AUD 93,500 (~SGD 80,318)

Check specific program duration

University of Queensland

4-Year Graduate-Entry MD

AUD 96,400 (~SGD 82,566)

~$405,756 (4 years)

UWA

7-Year Pathway (B. Biomed/MD)

AUD 90,900 (~SGD 77,574 for MD)

~$556,389 (7 years)

Note: These figures are indicative and may change. Check university websites for the latest fees.

 

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Australia

Living costs are highly dependent on the city, with major cities like Sydney and Melbourne being generally more expensive.

City / University

Estimated Monthly Total (AUD/SGD)

Sydney (UNSW)

AUD 2,978 (~SGD 2,542)

Melbourne (U of Melbourne)

AUD 2,868 (~SGD 2,449)

Brisbane (U of Queensland)

AUD 2,456 (~SGD 2,097)

Perth (UWA)

AUD 2,249 (~SGD 1,920)

Adelaide (U of Adelaide)

AUD 2,178 (~SGD 1,860)

 

UK Medical Schools:
SMC-Recognised Institutions and Variable Costs


The UK is another popular choice, though tuition fees are often subject to change, especially for clinical years. The cost of attendance for international students in the UK is significantly higher than for home students.

SMC-Recognised UK Medical School Fees (Indicative Per Year)

The list of SMC-recognised universities is extensive and provides a wide range of academic and financial options.

 

University (SMC-Recognised)

Annual Tuition Fee Estimate (GBP/SGD)

Imperial College London

£55,800 (~SGD 95,333)

University of Oxford

£46,600 (pre-clinical) (~SGD 79,615)

University College London (UCL)

£53,400 (~SGD 91,232)

University of Edinburgh

£51,961 (~SGD 88,774)

University of Manchester

£38,000 (Years 1-2) (~SGD 64,922)

Cardiff University

£45,450 (Years 1-2) (~SGD 77,650)

University of Glasgow

£58,890 (~SGD 100,612)

University of Liverpool

£47,600 (~SGD 81,323)

University of Leeds (From 2025)

£47,000 (~SGD 80,235)

University of Birmingham

£31,390 (pre-clinical) (~SGD 53,630)

 

Note: These figures are indicative and may change. Check university websites for the latest fees.

 

Estimated Annual Living Expenses in the UK

Living expenses vary significantly based on whether you are in London or a regional city.

City / University

Estimated Annual Cost (GBP/SGD)

London (Imperial College)

~£21,171 (~SGD 36,142)

Oxford (U of Oxford)

£16,140–£23,460 (~SGD 27,553–40,049)

Edinburgh (U of Edinburgh)

£11,040–£27,084 (~SGD 18,847–46,236)

Manchester (U of Manchester)

~£12,435 (~SGD 21,228)

Cardiff (Cardiff University)

~£10,809.65 (~SGD 18,454)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Financial Aid and Scholarship Options for Singaporean Medical Students


Despite the high cost, various grants and scholarships are available to help fund your medical education, both locally and abroad.

 

Grants from Singapore (Local & Overseas)

  • MOH Pre-Employment Grant: A merit-based scheme for Singaporean students at SMC-recognised overseas schools. It covers up to 60% of the remaining tuition fees, capped at S$50,000 per year, up to a maximum of S$150,000. Recipients are encouraged to return and practice locally.
  • The Lee Foundation Overseas Medical Bursary Educational Fund: A merit-based, bond-free financial aid scheme for Singaporeans studying medicine abroad at an SMC-recognised school. Successful recipients receive S$30,000 in the year of the award.

Australian University Scholarships

Australian universities offer a range of merit- and need-based scholarships. Examples include:

  • Califole Melbourne Medical School Scholarship: Provides a living allowance of AUD 15,000 per year for the 4-year Doctor of Medicine program.
  • JW Dunhill Biomedicine Scholarship (U of Melbourne): Covers up to 15% of tuition fees.

UK Scholarships

While many UK medical school scholarships focus on postgraduate research, prestigious options like the Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) or the UK government's Chevening Scholarship are available to exceptional students.

 

Key Takeaways for Med School Planning and Budgeting

 

  • Tuition and Cost Fluctuation: These figures are estimates and are subject to change, particularly tuition for clinical years in the UK. Always verify the latest rates on official university and immigration websites.
  • Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can significantly impact your budget when studying overseas.
  • Application Timelines: Singaporean universities (NUS and NTU) have application windows that differ based on the applicant's qualifications (e.g., A-Level, IB, Polytechnic). UK applications via UCAS must be submitted by the October 15th deadline for the following September intake.
  • SMC-Recognised Advantage: Opting for an SMC-recognised school in Australia or the UK ensures you maintain the option to return and practice in Singapore.

Studying medicine is a substantial commitment, but with careful research into tuition, living costs, and available financial aid, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and financial goals.
View full post