Several Singapore universities including the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU) have increased hostel fees for the 2026/2027 academic year by 5% to 9% [1, 2, 3, 4]. Monthly rates at some halls rose by as much as $80.
At NTU's Hall of Residence 1, which was built in 1955, non-air-conditioned single en-suite rooms saw an 8% rise from $558 to $602 monthly. Non-air-conditioned double en-suite rooms increased from $381 to $412 per person, also about 8% [1, 2, 3, 4].
NTU's Hall of Residence 14, built in 2001, had air-conditioned single rooms climb from $593 to $642 monthly. Air-conditioned double rooms rose from $436 to $472 monthly [2, 3, 4].
At NUS, weekly fees for non-air-conditioned double rooms at King Edward VII Hall rose from $104 to $114, up from $86 four years ago [2, 3, 4]. NUS Eusoff Hall's non-air-conditioned single rooms increased weekly fees by about 9%, from $151 to $165 [1, 2, 3, 4].
The largest rise was at NUS’ UTown Residence, where air-conditioned double rooms increased from $255 to $275.50 per week, translating to a monthly increase exceeding $80 [1, 2, 3, 4].
SMU is expected to raise hostel fees for the 2027/2028 academic year but details have yet to be announced [1, 2, 3, 4].
Some international postgraduate students find on-campus accommodation less cost-effective than renting off campus due to higher fees and less optimal room options. NUS postgraduate student Fang Jiachen said, “虽然住校可以减少很多乘车时间，但是想要住得舒服一些，比如选择有冷气单人房，一周就要400元甚至更高，这个性价比不如在校外租房，居住空间和设施都会更好” which translates to concerns about the relatively high weekly costs and better value off campus [1].
The new academic year with increased hostel fees started in August 2026 at the affected universities [2, 3, 4].
