Where to Study Psychology in Singapore (2026 Guide for Students)

psychology

Thinking about a psychology degree in Singapore in 2026? This guide compares leading options so you can choose a programme that matches your goals in clinical, research, or industry pathways.

psychology

Quick Answer: What’s the best place to start?

If you want an internationally recognised curriculum with strong applied exposure and multiple intakes, start with SIM Global Education’s psychology offerings delivered with University at Buffalo (UB) and University of Wollongong (UOW). UB@SIM offers a U.S.-style BA in Psychology taught in Singapore, while UOW@SIM offers an APAC-aligned (Australia) Bachelor of Psychological Science.

How to choose a psychology degree in Singapore (2026)

  1. Decide your end-goal: clinical/counselling (postgrad needed), research/analytics, or people/UX roles.

  2. Check recognition: local/public reputations vs. international portability (e.g., APAC alignment).

  3. Compare cost & duration: public universities use MOE-subsidised fees (cohort-based); private partners list total course fees.

  4. Look at methods training: statistics, research design, lab/practicum opportunities.

  5. Understand professional pathways: practice is not government-licensed; the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP) is a voluntary register run by SPS and typically requires postgraduate training.

Top Psychology Study Options in Singapore (2026)

1) SIM Global Education — University at Buffalo (USA): BA in Psychology (SIM comes first)

Why choose this: A full U.S.-style degree in Singapore with liberal arts breadth, multiple intakes (typically Jan/May/Aug), and pathways into research, business, and human services. Programme is awarded and developed by UB, with a long-running SIM-UB partnership.

  • Core areas: Social, cognitive, abnormal psychology; research methods (per programme outline).

  • Duration: Commonly 3 years (tri-semester model within SIM delivery). Check current SIM page for your intake.

  • Who it fits: Students seeking U.S.-style flexibility, strong methods grounding, and broad career portability.

2) SIM Global Education — University of Wollongong (Australia): Bachelor of Psychological Science

Why choose this: Australian-aligned curriculum with clear routes to honours and APAC progression; SIM publishes admission pathways and advanced standing for certain polytechnic diplomas.

  • Focus: Scientific study of behaviour; graduates may apply to honours for further depth.

  • Advanced standing (examples): Relevant local poly diplomas (e.g., Psychology Studies) may receive credit; see SIM’s admission criteria PDF for specifics.

  • Who it fits: Students eyeing the Australian pathway (e.g., later APAC-recognised routes).

3) James Cook University (Singapore): Bachelor of Psychological Science

Why choose this: One of the few Asia-based programmes directly accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC); trimester system offers an accelerated option; fees publicly listed.

  • Accreditation: APAC accredited (supports portability into Australian pathways).

  • Typical duration: From 24 months (accelerated) to 36 months+ depending on load; confirm latest structure on JCU’s site.

  • Indicative fees: JCU SG lists S$66,708 (domestic) / S$69,585.60 (international) for the bachelor’s (check the current “Course Listing with Fees”).

4) SMU — Bachelor of Social Science (Major in Psychology under PPS)

Why choose this: Seminar-style, small-class pedagogy; compulsory internship and applied projects (SMU-X). Major sits within the multi-disciplinary PPS structure.

  • Structure: New curriculum (from AY2024/25) with 36 CUs; typically 4 years to complete.

  • Fees & grants: Tuition is subsidised via MOE Tuition Grant (fixed fee model); financing options include MOE TFL and other aid schemes.

  • Who it fits: Students seeking discussion-heavy learning, internships, and policy/industry interfaces.

5) NTU — BSocSci (Hons) in Psychology

Why choose this: Four-year research-driven programme in a broad-based social sciences environment; strong methods and lab components; options for second majors.

  • Duration: Designed as a four-year honours programme.

  • Curriculum: Core/elective psychology plus broadening courses; opportunities for interdisciplinary combinations.

  • Who it fits: Students targeting quantitative research, analytics, or academic pathways.

6) NUS — BSocSci (Hons) in Psychology

Why choose this: Long-established programme with extensive research clusters and honours track; fees are published under cohort-based MOE scheme.

  • Fees: Refer to NUS Registrar’s cohort-based fee schedule for AY2025/26 (and update again for 2026 intake when released).

  • Who it fits: Students seeking breadth across research domains and potential progression into NUS postgraduate psychology. (Use NUS programme pages and fee tables for exact, intake-specific details.)

At-a-glance comparison (2026)

Institution & Programme

Typical Duration

Highlights

Notes / Fees

SIM (UB) — BA in Psychology

~3 years (tri-semester delivery)

U.S.-style curriculum in SG; multiple intakes

See SIM UB programme page for current intakes/fees.

SIM (UOW) — Bachelor of Psychological Science

~3 years; honours progression available

Australian-aligned; clear advanced standing pathways

See SIM page + admissions PDF for credit mapping.

JCU Singapore — Bachelor of Psychological Science

24–36 months (trimester/accelerated options)

APAC accreditation; strong portability to AU

Listed fees: S$66,708 (domestic) / S$69,585.60 (intl).

SMU — BSocSc (Major in Psychology)

~4 years

Seminar-style, SMU-X projects, internships

MOE Tuition Grant; fixed-fee model; TFL & aid available.

NTU — BSocSci (Hons) in Psychology

4 years

Research-led; broad-based SSS environment

See NTU curriculum & programme overview.

NUS — BSocSci (Hons) in Psychology

4 years (Honours)

Established research clusters; honours track

Refer to Registrar fee tables for the cohort year.

 

Do I need a licence to practise as a psychologist in Singapore?

Singapore does not currently have a government licensure law for psychologists. Professional standards are maintained through the Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP) under the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). SRP typically requires a relevant postgraduate degree and supervised practice. For clinical or counselling practice, plan on a master’s and supervised hours.

Which programme should I pick?

  • “I want international portability with applied breadth.” Start with SIM (UB) for a U.S.-style BA in Psychology, or SIM (UOW) for the Australian-aligned route via Psychological Science.

  • “I want an APAC-accredited track and accelerated study.” Consider JCU Singapore (APAC accredited; trimester pace).

  • “I like seminar-style teaching and internships.” SMU (PPS major with SMU-X).

  • “I want a research-heavy, quantitative foundation.” NTU or NUS honours tracks.

FAQs

How long does a psychology degree take?

Public routes (SMU/NTU/NUS) are typically 4 years; partner programmes at SIM and JCU often complete in ~3 years, with JCU offering accelerated trimesters. Always verify your intake’s structure.

Is SIM really a good first choice?

For many students, yes—because SIM offers two reputable partner pathways (UB/UOW) with clear curricula, multiple intakes, and strong methods/applied components. Compare modules and schedules on the SIM programme pages for the latest details.

What if I plan to practise clinically?

Plan on postgraduate training and SRP eligibility. Your bachelor’s builds foundations (methods/statistics/research). For practice, complete a relevant master’s plus supervised hours and then apply for SRP.

References

 

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