NUS Fee Payment Options: GIRO, PayNow & CPF Loans

Trying to figure out how to pay your NUS tuition fees can feel like decoding a puzzle, with GIRO, PayNow, CPF loans, and international payment platforms to consider. The good news? NUS has built a system that gives both local and international students fee-free options, and we’re here to map them all out.

Annual subsidized tuition fee for Singaporean undergraduates (AY2025/26): S$8,200 · Application fee for international applicants: S$20 (non-refundable) · GIRO payment deadline for Semester 1: 27 August · Payment methods with no processing fee: GIRO, PayNow QR, Flywire, Convera (via NUSFastPay) · CPF Education Loan coverage: Up to 100% of subsidized tuition fees

These five snapshot facts summarise the core payment picture for AY2025/26.

How to pay for NUS fees?

Overview of payment methods

NUS encourages students to use GIRO, PayNow QR, Flywire, or Convera via NUSFastPay because these methods do not incur processing fees, according to the NUS Office of Finance (official payment page). Credit card and telegraphic transfers are also accepted but may come with bank charges. The NUS payment page lists Interbank GIRO, e-payment methods (PayNow QR, Flywire, Convera, credit card, debit card, Alipay) as valid channels.

Step-by-step guide to using NUSFastPay

1. Log in to the NUS student portal and navigate to the fees section.
2. Select the option “Pay via NUSFastPay”.
3. If using Convera, choose “Education Records System” in the dashboard first, otherwise the Convera tile will not appear (NUS Convera user guide (PDF)).
4. Follow the prompts to enter your amount, currency, and payment method.
5. Note down the ESG reference number provided by Convera for tracking.

Setting up GIRO for automatic deduction

GIRO is a one-time setup, free of charge, and automatically deducts fees on scheduled due dates. It works for Tuition Fee, Miscellaneous Student Fees, Hostel Fees, and other charges like Transcript Fees (NUS GIRO payment guide). The bank account can be the student’s or a parent’s.

Paying via PayNow QR

PayNow QR allows instant payment from a local Singapore bank app with no processing fee. It’s a one-time payment per invoice, ideal for students who don’t want recurring deductions (NUS payments page).

How to pay for NUS application fee?

Application fee amount and payment methods

The non-refundable application fee is S$20 for international applicants (NUS payments page). Local applicants may pay via eNets or credit card directly through the online application system. International applicants can use credit card or Flywire via the NUS applicant portal.

Paying through the NUS applicant portal

When submitting an application, the portal prompts payment at the final step. For local applicants, eNets deducts funds from a Singapore bank account instantly. For overseas applicants, the portal redirects to Flywire’s secure interface.

International payment options via Flywire

Flywire offers competitive exchange rates, real-time tracking, and the ability to pay in 140+ currencies. There are no processing fees for the student when using Flywire through NUSFastPay (NUS Office of Finance).

What this means: applying from abroad is straightforward as long as you use the portal’s integrated payment step. No separate bank transfer needed.

Can I use CPF to pay for NUS?

CPF Education Loan Scheme (CELS) eligibility

Only Singapore citizens can use CPF savings to pay for tuition under the CPF Education Loan Scheme (NUS Financial Aid & Loans page). The loan covers up to 100% of subsidised tuition fees for full-time undergraduates in MOE-subsidised courses. Other fees (Miscellaneous Student Fees, Hostel Fees) must be paid separately via GIRO or other methods.

How to apply for CPF loan for tuition fees

Students apply through the CPF Board’s online portal or by submitting a paper form endorsed by NUS. The loan amount is disbursed directly to NUS each semester. NUS’s financial aid page provides the application link and instructions.

Limits and repayment terms

The loan must be repaid with interest after graduation. The interest rate is pegged at the CPF Ordinary Account rate (currently 2.5% per annum). Repayment starts one year after graduation or after leaving the course (NUS Financial Aid & Loans).

The pattern: CPF is a powerful tool for Singaporean families to avoid upfront cash outlay, but it’s not a full coverage solution.

What are the different types of NUS fees?

Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs

Tuition fees vary by nationality and program. For AY2025/26, Singaporean undergraduates in subsidised courses pay approximately S$8,200 per year. International undergraduates pay between S$17,550 and S$38,200, depending on the faculty. Graduate fees are structured differently, often per module or per semester (NUS Student Finance Matters).

Miscellaneous student fees (Student Services Fee, Health Service Fee)

Every semester, students pay a compulsory Student Services Fee (about S$100) and a Health Service Fee (about S$50). These cover campus facilities, counselling, and health services. They total roughly S$150–S$200 per semester (NUS Student Finance Matters).

Hostel fees and other charges

Hostel fees depend on room type and meal plan. A standard double room with meals costs around S$3,600–S$4,500 per academic year. Other charges include transcript fees (S$10–S$20 per copy) and late payment penalties (5% of outstanding amount).

The trade-off: the low tuition for Singaporeans is offset by the need to cover miscellaneous and hostel fees separately, often requiring a second payment setup.

How much are NUS fees for Singaporeans?

Annual tuition fee for Singaporean undergraduates (subsidized)

Subsidised tuition for Singaporean undergraduates is approximately S$8,200 per year. This is after the MOE tuition grant subsidy, which covers about 75% of the full fee. Students who do not take the grant pay the full unsubsidised rate (NUS Student Finance Matters).

Fee comparison with international students

International students pay significantly more: S$17,550–S$38,200 per year. They are not eligible for the MOE tuition grant. This gap explains why NUSFastPay and fee-free international payment methods are so important for foreign students.

Additional costs: application, hostel, and miscellaneous fees

• Application fee: S$20 for locals (via eNets/credit card)
• Hostel: S$3,600–S$4,500 per year
• Miscellaneous fees: S$150–S$200 per semester
• Transcripts: S$10–S$20 per copy

The pattern: NUS fee structure creates two distinct paths — one for locals with subsidy and CPF support, another for internationals who must cover the full amount but can use competitive transfer services.

Step-by-Step Payment Guides

How to pay NUS fees online — a walkthrough

1. Log in to the NUS student portal (EduRec).
2. Go to “Student Finance” → “Pay Fees”.
3. Select your preferred method: GIRO (if already set up), PayNow QR (generates a QR code), or NUSFastPay (for international).
4. Complete the payment and save the receipt/transaction ID.

Setting up GIRO — full process

1. Download the GIRO application form from the NUS GIRO page.
2. Fill in your bank account details (student’s or parent’s).
3. Submit the form to NUS Office of Finance (in person or by mail).
4. Once approved, future fee amounts are automatically deducted on the 27th of each month.

Using NUSFastPay for international students

1. Access NUSFastPay from your EduRec dashboard.
2. Choose between Flywire or Convera.
3. Enter the fee amount and your home currency.
4. Pay via bank transfer, credit card, or e-wallet (depending on region).
5. Receive a confirmation email with a tracking code.

A Reddit user in the NUS community notes: “27 Aug is the due date for non-GIRO payment for semester 1 so you should pay before then! unless you register for GIRO which means your fees will be deducted.“

Choosing the right payment setup before the deadline avoids penalties and saves money.

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For Singaporean students, the choice is clear: set up GIRO for automatic payments and apply for CPF Education Loan to cover tuition. For international students, NUSFastPay offers the most cost-effective route. The deadline pressure is real — missing the GIRO setup means you’re on the 27 August deadline for Semester 1. Students should plan early, pick a fee-free method, and avoid last-minute bank charges.