A-Level results are out. You're staring at your rank points and wondering: "NUS, NTU, or SMU?" This guide cuts through the noise with real data — rankings, fees, IGP, graduate salaries, and campus culture — so you can make an informed choice.
At a Glance: NUS vs NTU vs SMU
| NUS | NTU | SMU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1905 | 1991 | 2000 |
| QS World Ranking 2026 | #8 | #12 | #511* |
| Campus | Kent Ridge | Jurong West | City (Bras Basah) |
| Undergrad Enrollment | ~30,000 | ~24,000 | ~10,000 |
| Teaching Style | Lecture + Tutorial | Lecture + Tutorial | Seminar (small class) |
| Known For | Research, Medicine, Law, Computing | Engineering, Science, Art & Design | Business, Law, Accountancy, IT |
*SMU's lower overall QS ranking reflects its smaller size and specialised focus. In subject rankings, SMU places Top 50 globally for Business & Management. Source: QS World University Rankings 2026
World Rankings: What Do They Actually Mean?
NUS — #8 Globally (QS 2026)
NUS is Asia's #1 university and ranked #8 worldwide by QS. Its research output is among the highest globally. Strong across virtually every discipline — from Medicine and Law to Computing and Business.
Source: QS — NUS Profile
NTU — #12 Globally (QS 2026)
NTU jumped from #15 to #12 in QS 2026 — one of the fastest risers. Dominates in Engineering and Materials Science. Its stunning Yunnan Garden campus has won architecture awards. Also home to the National Institute of Education (NIE) — Singapore's sole teacher training institution.
Source: QS — NTU Profile
SMU — Specialist Powerhouse
SMU doesn't compete on overall rankings — it's a specialised university modelled after UPenn's Wharton. What matters: SMU's Business & Management is ranked Top 50 globally, and its Accountancy programme is #1 in Asia. Its city campus offers unmatched access to Singapore's financial district.
Source: QS — SMU Profile
Tuition Fees Comparison (2025/26)
All Singapore citizens receive the MOE Tuition Grant automatically. Fees below reflect subsidised rates after the grant.
| Programme | NUS (SC/yr) | NTU (SC/yr) | SMU (SC/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Social Sciences | $8,250 | $8,250 | $11,350 |
| Business / Accountancy | $9,050 | $9,050 | $12,200 |
| Computing / IT | $9,450 | $9,450 | $12,200 |
| Engineering | $9,450 | $9,450 | — |
| Law | $12,650 | — | $14,550 |
| Medicine | $32,200 | $32,100 | — |
Fees shown are per annum for Singapore Citizens with MOE Tuition Grant (AY2025/26). Excludes GST which is separately subsidised. Singapore PRs pay approximately 40% more. International students pay $17,000–$32,550 (with MOE Tuition Grant) per year.
Sources: NUS Registrar | NTU Admissions | SMU Admissions | Yahoo Finance SG
IGP Cut-Off: How Competitive Is Each Course?
The Indicative Grade Profile (IGP) shows the 10th percentile A-Level rank points of applicants who were offered a place. Lower = more competitive. These are indicative — not guaranteed cut-offs.
| Course | NUS (RP) | NTU (RP) | SMU (RP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 90 | 90 | — |
| Law | 87.5 | — | 86.25 |
| Computer Science | 85 | 83.75 | 83.75 |
| Business / BBA | 83.75 | 80 | 82.5 |
| Accountancy | 78.75 | 76.25 | 80 |
| Engineering (General) | 72.5 | 70 | — |
| Arts & Social Sciences | 72.5 | 70 | 78.75 |
IGP data is the 10th percentile rank points for AY2025/26 intake (A-Level applicants). Rank points: 3H2 + 1H1, max 90.
Sources: NUS IGP | NTU IGP | SMU IGP
Use our IGP tool: Check your A-Level rank points against all courses at NUS, NTU, and SMU on our University IGP Explorer.
Graduate Employment & Starting Salary
The Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (GES) tracks outcomes 6 months after graduation. Here's the latest data:
| Metric | NUS | NTU | SMU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Employment Rate | 88.1% | 90.0% | 89.8% |
| Full-Time Permanent Employment | 82.0% | 85.0% | 83.4% |
| Median Monthly Salary | $4,600 | $4,500 | $4,600 |
| Highest Earners | Law $7,000 · Computing $6,500 | Biz+CompEng $6,000+ | Law $7,000 · CS $6,000 |
Data from the GES 2024 (Class of 2024, published Feb 2025). Employment rates reflect full-time permanent positions within 6 months of final exams. NUS and SMU tie at $4,600 median; NTU close behind at $4,500. MOE GES Results | NUS GES 2024 | NTU GES 2024 | SMU GES 2024
Campus Life & Culture
NUS — The Heritage Giant
Kent Ridge, Bukit TimahSingapore's oldest and largest university. The Kent Ridge campus is a sprawling 170-hectare green campus with its own internal shuttle bus system. NUS offers the widest range of faculties — 17 faculties and schools — from Medicine and Law to Music and Design.
Culture: Research-intensive, competitive, prestigious alumni network. Strong residential college system (Tembusu, RC4, CAPT, Ridge View).
NTU — The Young Powerhouse
Yunnan Garden, Jurong WestNTU's campus is one of the most beautiful in Asia — the iconic "Hive" learning hub, green rooftops, and Yunnan Garden make it feel like a resort. Strongest in Engineering, Science, and Art & Design (home to ADM — School of Art, Design and Media).
Culture: More campus-centric (it's far from town), strong hall culture, tight-knit student community. Major research partnerships with industry.
SMU — The City Campus
Bras Basah, City CentreSMU's campus is in the heart of the CBD — surrounded by museums, MRT stations, and the financial district. All classes are seminar-style (max 45 students), with mandatory class participation graded. Every student does a compulsory internship.
Culture: Professional, networking-heavy, business-oriented. Students are known for being articulate and career-ready. Strong industry connections.
Application Deadlines (2026 Intake)
Key Dates for A-Level Applicants
- A-Level results release: Late February 2026
- NUS, NTU, SMU application deadline: 19 March 2026
- Scholarship deadlines: Vary — check each university's scholarship portal
- Offers released: May–June 2026
Source: NUS Important Dates | NTU Admission Guide
Full deadline details: See our comprehensive University Application Deadlines 2026 guide for polytechnic, IB, and international applicant deadlines.
Which University Should You Choose?
Choose NUS if you...
- • Want the widest range of courses (Medicine, Law, Computing, Arts, Music, Design)
- • Value research opportunities and the prestige of Asia's #1 university
- • Prefer a large, diverse campus with residential colleges
- • Plan to study overseas — NUS has 300+ partner universities globally
Choose NTU if you...
- • Are passionate about Engineering, Science, or Art & Design
- • Want a beautiful campus with strong hall culture
- • Prefer a tight-knit community (more campus-centric than NUS)
- • Are interested in teaching — NTU houses the National Institute of Education
Choose SMU if you...
- • Want to specialise in Business, Law, Accountancy, or IT
- • Thrive in small seminar classes with active discussion and participation
- • Value internship experience — compulsory for all students
- • Want a city campus close to Singapore's financial hub
The Bottom Line
There is no objectively "best" university. NUS has the highest world ranking, NTU is the fastest riser (#12 in QS 2026), and all three produce graduates with comparable median salaries ($4,500–$4,600). The right choice depends on your course, your learning style, and your career goals. Visit each campus during open house. Talk to current students. Trust your instinct.
Explore Our University Tools
A-Level Rank Point Calculator
Calculate your rank points and see which courses you qualify for.
University IGP Explorer
Compare IGP across NUS, NTU, SMU for every course.
Scholarships Guide 2026
Complete guide to university scholarships — NUS, NTU, SMU & more.
Application Deadlines 2026
Every deadline for NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SUSS, SIT.