Singapore vs South Korea
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison for international students deciding between studying in Singapore or South Korea. Compare tuition fees, living costs, visa policies, university rankings, and career outcomes.
Tuition Fees (Avg Range)
SGD 20,000 - SGD 40,000
KRW 3,000,000 - KRW 8,000,000
Monthly Living Cost
~€2,000/mo
~€1,000/mo
Average City Living Cost
~€1,962/mo
N/A
Post-Study Work Visa
LTVP (Long Term Visit Pass)
6-month D-10 Job Seeker Visa
Part-Time Work Hours
16 hours/week during term & full-time in vacations ONLY for approved institutions (e.g. NUS, NTU, SMU)
20 hours/week during semester (D-2 visa), unlimited during official university vacations. Requires immigration permit.
Minimum Wage
No universal statutory minimum, Progressive Wage Model applies; market rate is S$8 - S$13 / hour
KRW 10,320 / hour universal national statutory minimum wage
Average Starting Salary
SGD 50,000 / year
KRW 70,000,000 / year
Top Industries
Finance, Biotech, Data Science, Logistics
Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Entertainment
Climate Overview
Tropical rainforest climate; hot, humid, and rainy year-round with little seasonal variation.
Temperate with four distinct seasons; heavy rain in summer and cold, dry winters.
Safety Index
Exceptional (Global Peace Index 2025 Rank: #6)
High (Global Peace Index 2025 Rank: #41)
Total Universities Listed
20 universities
20 universities
Scholarships Available
4 scholarships
3 scholarships