Top 10 Cheapest Part-Time Degree Courses in Singapore 2023

 

 

Update: Price updated for 2023.

Hey there!

If you’re looking to further your career, getting a Bachelor’s degree is almost always a requirement.

But let’s be real, these degrees are getting increasingly expensive. That’s why our list of the cheapest part-time degree courses in 2017 was such a hit.

Now, in 2023, we’re back with an updated list of the cheapest part-time degree courses in Singapore.

We’ve included Top-Up programmes as well as regular Degree Courses to give you even more options to choose from.

Without further ado, we’ve compiled all the basic information you need to find affordable and suitable part-time degree courses that can complement your academic and work qualifications.

And if you have other questions about studying part-time, don’t forget to check out our definitive guide on studying for a part-time degree too!

1. Top 10 Cheapest Part-Time Degree Courses in Singapore
(Top Up)

A Top Up Degree allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree using current diplomas or other accepted qualifications to shorten your studies. This may be taking one or two years off the degree course or studying just the last year of it.

2. Top 10 Cheapest Part-Time Degree Courses in Singapore
(Full Degrees, Non-Top Up)

Unlike top-up degrees, full Degrees are degrees that take a complete course of study and are typically longer than Top Up Degrees. Normally, Bachelor’s Degrees are instead undertaken through full-time study. The good news is there are schools that offer a Bachelor’s Degree in a part-time mode of study!

10. University of Essex (Kaplan)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance (Top-Up)

The top-up degree programme, awarded by the University of Essex, is suitable for those who intend to pursue a career in Accountancy as well as Financial Services. Additionally, what’s great about this programme is that students who finish it will get exemptions from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), as well as Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation level).

Further, this programme aligns with the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) syllabus, providing the best possible foundation for people aspiring to enrol in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme which covers 30% of the CFA Level I curriculum.

The qualifications that this top-up degree programme accepts are as follows:

• Polytechnic Diploma
• Kaplan Diploma
• Other Private Diplomas and/or Foreign qualifications: this is subject to the university’s assessment

In addition to this, student applicants must be able to meet the University’s English language requirements. Learn more about it by going to this webpage.

In detail, students who finish the programme can have exemptions from the following:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA): up to 7 papers
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA): up to 6 papers
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW): up to 5 papers for Accounting, up to 6 papers for Accounting and Finance
• Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation level): up to 2 foundation level papers (for Accounting and Finance only)

Tuition Fee: S$22,363 (payable in 6 instalments)

Duration: 18 months

Intake: 2 intakes

University Ranking: Top 30 in the UK

9. Northumbria University (Kaplan)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting (Top-Up)

Northumbria University’s top-up programme seeks to offer the most relevant work skills for individuals in order to qualify for the standards of professional accounting bodies with its modern syllabus. Moreover, it is designed to maximise exam exemptions, and the course currently has 42 individual exemptions.

In particular, a maximum of 9 paper exemptions may be gained under the applied knowledge and applied skills papers. Further, students who are able to complete the ACCA Foundation papers are allowed to apply for exemptions for a maximum of 6 subjects.

One thing that must be remembered about Northumbria University is that it was awarded ‘Business School of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards (2015).

Top-Up Degree Requirements:

• Polytechnic Diploma
• Kaplan Diploma
• Other Private Diplomas and/or Foreign qualifications: subject to assessment by the university
• English requirements: successful completion of an approved Diploma qualification or higher, where the language of instruction was English can be considered.

Fees: S$22,363 

Duration: 16 months

Intake: March as well as September

University Ranking: 401-500

 

 

8. Murdoch University (Kaplan)

Bachelor of Business in Accounting (Single Major)

The programme awarded by Murdoch University enables students to learn also develop key skills in accounting topics and areas. In particular, the subjects and topics involved are accounting and auditing standards, financial statement analysis, forecasting and budgeting, negotiation, ethical decision-making and problem-solving.

Top-Up Degree Requirements:

• Polytechnic Diploma
• Kaplan Diploma
• Other Private Diplomas and/or Foreign qualifications (subject to assessment)

Some future jobs:

• Accountant including Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA)
• Auditor or Bookkeeper
• Financial Analyst or Planner
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Credit Manager

Fees: S$20,672.40, payable in 4 instalments

Duration: 28 months (16 months for students with Murdoch University-recognised Kaplan Diplomas, Private Diplomas or Polytechnic Diplomas)

Intake: January, May, as well as September

University Ranking: 401-500

 

 

7. Birmingham City University (Kaplan)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) International Finance (Top-Up)

The programme awarded by Birmingham City University consists of core units such as Globalisation, Comparative International Reporting, Current Issues in Company Reporting, Financial Management, International Business Strategy, and International Corporate Finance.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Administration (Top-Up)

On the other hand, this programme consists of core units such as Business Operations and Systems, Relationship Marketing, The Real World of Management, Managing and Leading Strategic Change, Sustainable Marketing, International Business Strategy and International Marketing.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) International Business (Top-Up)

Meanwhile, this programme consists of core units such as Globalisation, The Real World of Management, Business Operations and Systems, Managing and Leading Strategic Change, Making Sense of Organisations, International Business Strategy, and International Marketing.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) International Marketing (Top-Up)

This programme consists of core units such as Digital Marketing Strategy, Contemporary Advertising, Relationship Marketing, Sustainable Marketing, Social Marketing, Marketing Strategy and Planning, and International Marketing.

Top-Up Degree Requirements:

• Polytechnic Diploma
• Kaplan Diploma
• Other Private Diplomas and/or Foreign qualifications: subject to assessment

Fees: S$14,445 (payable in 3 instalments)

Duration: 12 months

Intake: 3 intakes

University Ranking: 83 in the UK

6. University of Derby (Aventis School of Management)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Management (Top Up)

Top-Up Requirements:

• HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject.
• General entry requirements

The programme allows students to learn in specialised areas of management, leadership and marketing by providing hands-on business knowledge, strategic business perspectives, and management concepts and trends altogether. It also helps students understand the modern business world.

Fees: $13,800.00

Duration: 9 months

Intake: February, June, October

University Ranking: 801-1000

The University of Derby prides itself on becoming UK’s overall best modern university for multi-cultural learning. What’s more, this institution is top 10 in the world for its international student learning experience (ISB 2018). It is also top 11 for its postgraduate student experience according to the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (2021).

5. University of Sunderland (MDIS)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Accounting and Financial Management (Top-Up)

Top-Up Degree Requirements (Any of the following):

• Higher National Diploma in Business related discipline
• MDIS Advanced Diploma in Management Studies (Business Administration/Accounting and Finance)
• Business-related diplomas from local/overseas polytechnics with entry requirements of 10 years of formal education.
• PEIs qualification (equivalent to 1st as well as 2nd-year external degree programme) with entry requirement of 112 years of formal education

The University of Sunderland is basically known across the globe for its world-class quality of teaching and research. Additionally, all research-active staff also provide education to students, meaning that the students could benefit from cutting-edge research at every step of studying for their degree.

Furthermore, the University of Sunderland ranked 27th and 52nd in The Guardian University Guide 2018 for League Table for Accounting & Finance, as well as League Table for Business, Management & Marketing respectively.

Fees: $13,349.20

Duration: 12 months

Intake: February, June, October

University Ranking: 151-200

 

 

4. University of Sunderland (MDIS)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business and Management (Top-Up)

This programme offered by MDIS seeks to enable students to be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external environment in which they operate, and how they are particularly managed. Further, the goal of the top-up programme is to enhance the students’ awareness and understanding of business in a regional, national, and international context.

Top Up Requirements:

Year 2 Entry (Any of the following)

• MDIS Diploma in Management Studies
• Higher National Certificate in a business-related discipline
• Non-business related Diploma from local/overseas polytechnic as well as an entry requirement of 10 years of formal education
• Business-related PEIs Diploma (as well as an entry requirement of 12 years of formal education)

Year 3 Entry (Any of the following)

• Higher National Diploma in a business-related discipline
• MDIS Advanced Diploma in Management Studies
• Business-related Diploma from local polytechnics
• PEI’s business-related Diploma as well as Advanced Diploma (equivalent to 1st and 2nd-year external degree programme) with an entry requirement of 12 years of formal education.

Fees: $13,349.20

Duration: 24 months

Intake: January, May, September

University Ranking: 151-200

 

 

3. Edinburgh Napier University (PSB Academy)

Bachelor of Arts in Business Management (Top-Up)

Top Up Requirements (Any of the following):

• PSB Academy Diploma In Business Administration or equivalent
• Polytechnic Diplomas in Business, Management, Accountancy, Banking, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, as well as Industrial Management
• Other equivalent Diploma, advanced or higher diploma qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

The programme offered by PSB Academy and awarded by Edinburgh Napier University enables students to have an understanding of theories and concepts of business and management about organisations, processes and practices. It also hones competencies that are useful in practical business situations and builds a foundation for specialist studies.

Did you know that Edinburgh Napier University is ranked the top 1 university in the UK for Film Production & Photography? Not to mention, they are also the top 1 modern university in the UK for Music, Art & Design, Film & Media Studies and English.

Further, Edinburgh Napier University is accredited by China’s Ministry of Education.

Career Opportunities:

• Business Analyst
• General Management
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship

Fees: S$12,647.40

Duration: 12 months

Intake: March, July, October

University Ranking: 601-800

 

2. University of Hertfordshire (Dimensions)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Administration (Top Up)

To tell you about the University of Hertfordshire in brief, the university has been an innovative force in education since the 1950s, with its heritage in the pioneering aeronautical industry of Britain. At the present time, it is home to no less than 30,000 students who study 550-degree options at an inclusive and campus-based institution.

Top Up Requirements (Any of the following):

• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma either in Business, Business Management, or Accounting, as well as Finance
• SQA Advanced Diploma in Business or Business with Accounting
• 3-year Diploma or an Advanced Diploma from relevant disciplines or its equivalent

University of Hertfordshire‘s top-up programme, provided by Dimensions International College, is designed to lead to a wide of career paths. In addition, it offers combinations of learning structures and techniques such as academic study, skills development and practical training. The programme covers many study areas, i.e. accounting, finance, economics, human resources, marketing and operations.

The BA Business Administration of the University of Hertfordshire collaborates with the following professional bodies:

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Fees: $12,107.00

Duration: 12 months

Intake: January, April, July, September

University Ranking: 601-800

1. University of Portsmouth (MDIS)

Editor’s Note: This programme is currently not available as of 2022.

The Top 1 in our Top Up Cheapest Part-Time Degree Courses!

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business and Human Resource Management (Top Up)

Top Up Requirements (Any of the following):

Year 2 Entry / Level 5

• Diploma in Management Studies awarded by MDIS
• Higher National Certificate (HNC) in a business-related discipline
• Relevant diploma level qualifications awarded by other Private Education Institutions (PEIs)
• Recognised Higher Education providers in a business-related discipline, (which are deemed by the University to be equivalent to Level 4 / Year 1 of the University course) with an entry requirement of 12 years of formal education

Year 3 Entry / Level 6

• Relevant polytechnic diploma in a business-elated discipline that particularly focuses on Human Resource Management, (which are deemed by the University to be equivalent to Level 4 / Year 1 and Level 5 / Year 2 of the University course) with a passing grade
• Relevant overseas polytechnic diplomas, in a business-related discipline with a particular focus on Human Resource Management (which are deemed by the University to be equivalent to Level 4 / Year 1 and Level 5 / Year 2 of the University course) as well as with an entry requirement of 10 years of formal education
• Higher National Diploma (HND) in a business-related discipline that particularly focuses on Human Resource Management
• Relevant PEI qualification in a business-related discipline that is particularly focused on Human Resource Management (which is deemed by the University to be equivalent to Level 4 / Level 1 and Level 5 / Year 2 of the University course) with an. entry requirement of 12 years of formal education

The top-up programme provided by MDIS and awarded by the University of Portsmouth provides an understanding of human resource management functions combined with the study of business and business functional areas.

The University of Portsmouth was ranked 37th and 56th by The Guardian University Guide 2018 and The Complete University Guide 2018 respectively.

Fees: $12,005.68

Duration: 12 months

Intake: March, July

University Ranking: 501-600

10 Cheapest Part-Time Degree Courses (Non-Top Up)

 

 

10. Amity Global Institute

Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science

Awarding Authority: University of London

The programme hones the students’ overall practical skillset in computing and programming skills involving website coding, database management, and computer mathematics skills.

Not only that, but the course also teaches students in terms of project management, presentation and teamwork.

Further, the programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, business games and simulations.

Fees: $30,000.00

Duration: 3 years

Intake: Click here

University Ranking: 350

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies

Awarding University: University of Northampton

The programme is designed to teach students complex business scenarios through case studies in order to hone students’ deeper and wider perspectives of business problems and challenges.

This involves modules that help students develop their critical thinking when it comes to theory and practice. The course also includes exercises for the analysis of financial statements.

The also programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, business games and simulations, and directed independent study.

Fees: $27,000.00

Duration: 3 years

Intake: Click here

University Ranking: 1826

9. Singapore University of Social Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Information Technology and Business (ERP)

The programme hones students with overall knowledge and competencies in IT and Business and to successfully perform in organisations. The programme also grants them industry recognised SAP certification and automatic membership in the Singapore Computer Society Student Chapter.

Fees: $26,790.66 (You may click the link to view other variations in fees for Singaporean Citizen 40 years old and above, Permanent Resident, Other Resident, and with or without Government Subsidy)

Duration: 3 years (basic undergraduate degree), 4 years (honours degree), 8 years maximum for all degrees

Intake: July 2022

University Ranking: 7,197

8. The University of Sydney (SIM Global Education)

Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)

This programme enables students to explore by and large contemporary research philosophy and methodologies, learn about ethical considerations, research design, data collection and analysis, thesis writing and familiarise themselves with research studies and research in a clinical setting.

Fees: $23,540.00

Duration: 2 years

Intake: January and July

University Ranking: 42

 

 

7. Singapore University of Social Sciences

Bachelor of Accountancy

The programme is structured to provide students with academic and professional training especially in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Assurance and taxation and general business knowledge.

Fees: $21,095.05 (You may click the link to view other variations in fees for Singaporean Citizen 40 years old and above, Permanent Resident, Other Resident, and with or without Government Subsidy)

Duration: 3 years (basic undergraduate degree), 4 years (honours degree), 8 years maximum for all degrees

Intake: July 2022

University Ranking: 7,197

 

 

6. Coventry University (PSB Academy)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance

The programme offers modules such as (Year 1) Mathematics Techniques for Accountants, Statistical Analysis for Accountancy and Finance, Introduction to Business Economics, Introduction to Personal Finance, Academic and Professional Training, Management Accounting Foundations, and Financial Accounting Foundations.

(Year 2) Financial Reporting and Analysis, Decision Management, Principles of Taxation, Principles of Financial Investment, Economics of Banking and Finance, and Professional and Academic Competencies.

(Year 3) International Finance, International Corporate Reporting, Audit and Internal Control, Performance Management, Corporate Financial Management, and Advanced Study for Accounting and Finance.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business and Finance

Meanwhile, this programme offers modules such as (Year 1) Fundamentals of Personal finance, Statistical Analysis for Accountancy and Finance, Introduction to Business Economics, Marketing essentials, Fundamentals of Business Organisation, Academic and Professional Training, and Academic Writing: Developing Critical Thinking Skills.

(Year 2) Marketing Planning, Business Management, Business Accounting, principles of Financial Investment, Economics of. Banking and Finance, and Professional Academic Competencies.

(Year 3) Investment Analysis, International Finance, Corporate Strategic Management, Services and. Retail Marketing, Corporate Financial Management, and Advanced Study for Accounting and Finance.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business and Marketing

On to the next, this programme offers modules such as (Year 1) Marketing Research I, Marketing Principles and Practice, Academic Study Skills, Communications for Marketing and Advertising, Organising for Business, Accounting for Business Managers, and Academic Writing: Developing Critical Thinking Skills.

(Year 2) Marketing Research II, Contemporary Issues in HR Service Delivery, Digital Marketing, Career Preparation, Effective Communication Skills II, Marketing Management, and Managing Business.

(Year 3) Advanced Marketing Study )Project), Brand and Corporate Communications, Global Marketing, Corporate Marketing Strategy, Contemporary Marketing Issues, and Innovation and Change.

Fees: $21,186.00

Duration: 16-28 months

Intake: March, July, November

University Ranking: 571-580

5. Murdoch University (Kaplan)

Bachelor of Business in Accounting (Single Major)

The programme enables students to hone skills that are particularly useful for accounting standards, auditing standards and taxation. Besides that, students shall learn financial analysis, forecasting and budgeting, negotiation, ethical decision-making and problem-solving.

Fees: $19,966.20

Duration: 28 months, (16 months for students with Murdoch University-recognised Kaplan Diplomas, Private Diplomas or Polytechnic Diplomas)

Intake: January, May, September

University Ranking: 401-500

 

 

4. Murdoch University (Kaplan)

Bachelor of Business in Business Law (Single Major)

Overall, the programme provides core units of Finance Law, Marketing & Advertising Law, Workplace Law, Company Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Taxation.

Fees: $18,489.60

Duration: 28 months, (16 months for students with Murdoch University-recognised Kaplan Diplomas, Private Diplomas or Polytechnic Diplomas)

Intake: January, May, September

University Ranking: 401-500

 

 

3. Singapore University of Social Sciences

Bachelor of Communication

The programme basically offers a total of 130 credit units in Communication and Research core courses, Communication electives, Social Sciences core courses, General electives and SUSS core courses.

Fees: $15,623.07 (You may click the link to view other variations in fees for Singaporean Citizen 40 years old and above, Permanent Resident, Other Resident, and with or without Government Subsidy)

Duration: 3 years (basic undergraduate degree), 4 years (honours degree), 8 years maximum for all degrees

Intake: July 2022

University Ranking: 7,197

 

 

2. Singapore University of Social Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business

The programme is structured accordingly to the Business Excellence Framework. The curriculum focuses on areas such as Management, Marketing and Law, Accounting, Economics, Finance and Quantitative Skills and Strategy, IT, and Quality Management.

Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics

The programme is designed to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of business management and data mining. It also consists of learning capabilities in management, accounting, marketing, operations, and IT management.

Bachelor of Science in Finance

The programme hones students to be professionals in the financial sector with knowledge and skills suitable for careers in finance. Further, the courses are taught in a seminar-style approach with small size classes.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

The programme enables students to acquire knowledge and competencies in terms of marketing activities, business and also general management. In addition, the curriculum focuses on marketing in order to hone students as marketing professionals in the private and public sectors.

Bachelor of Human Resource Management

The programme contains topics in areas such as social science, business, and human resource functions. What’s more, it enables students to explore learnings in business with HR knowledge. The course is also essential for students who seek careers in terms of workforce building and management.

Fees: $15,128 (You may click the link to view other variations in fees for Singaporean Citizen 40 years old and above, Permanent Resident, Other Resident, and with or without Government Subsidy)

Duration: 3 years (basic undergraduate degree), 4 years (honours degree), 8 years maximum for all degrees

Intake: July 2022

University Ranking: 7,197

 

 

1. Singapore University of Social Sciences

The Top 1 in our Non-Top Up Cheapest Part-Time Degree Courses!

Bachelor of General Studies

Surprisingly, the programme is the only multi-disciplinary programme offered at the tertiary level in Southeast Asia. Moreover, it offers varieties of courses from humanities to sciences like art appreciation, music appreciation, human resource management and design thinking courses. Furthermore, SUSS offers 60 programmes and 200 courses from which you can design your own course of study.

Fees: $6,500.25 (You may click the link to view other variations in fees for Singaporean Citizen 40 years old and above, Permanent Resident, Other Resident, as well as with or without Government Subsidy)

Duration: 3 years (basic undergraduate degree), 4 years (honours degree), 8 years maximum for all degrees

Intake: July 2022

University Ranking: 7,197

 

In conclusion, pursuing a part-time degree can be an excellent choice for those who want to balance work and studies, save money, and upgrade their skills.

With the constantly changing job market and the increasing cost of education, it’s important to find affordable options that fit your needs.

By taking advantage of the cheapest part-time degree courses in Singapore, you can gain a competitive edge in your career without breaking the bank.

Remember, it’s important to do your research, ask questions, and weigh your options carefully before committing to a program.

Furthermore, always consider the reputation of the institution offering the program and ensure that it is accredited by the relevant authorities. While cost is certainly an important factor to consider, it should not be the only one.

In addition, if you’re considering pursuing a part-time degree, be prepared to manage your time effectively and stay motivated throughout your studies. It may be challenging to juggle work, studies, and personal responsibilities, but with dedication and determination, it is definitely achievable.

In conclusion, investing in a part-time degree can lead to a brighter future and provide opportunities for career advancement.

So, if you’re looking to upgrade your skills and further your career, don’t let the cost of education hold you back. Check out the affordable part-time degree courses in Singapore and take the first step towards a better future.