HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

Nanyang Technological University vs University of California, Los Angeles

Nanyang Technological University Logo
Nanyang Technological University

Singapore, Singapore

QS World: #1218% Admit
University of California, Los Angeles Logo
University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States

QS World: #499% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Overall Verdict: Nanyang Technological University provides a cutting-edge, industry-aligned STEM education within Singapore's efficient ecosystem, boasting exceptional global prestige in technology. University of California, Los Angeles offers a broader, research-intensive American university experience with strong global brand recognition across diverse disciplines and a vibrant campus culture.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

Discipline Match: For future engineers and technologists, Nanyang Technological University's Electrical & Electronic Engineering is globally unmatched due to its research and industry integration. Conversely, students aspiring for careers in creative industries or public service will find University of California, Los Angeles’s Film and Television or Political Science programs superior for their comprehensive training and alumni networks.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Final Choice Rule: Choose NTU if your primary goal is a specialized, industry-focused STEM career with strong Asian job market ties; opt for UCLA if you desire a comprehensive, culturally rich American university experience with broader career paths and global recognition.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 5 Advantage
Comparative DimensionNanyang Technological UniversityUniversity of California, Los Angeles
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#12 (2027)+37 places
#49 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#28 (2027)
#20 (2027)+8 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#84 (2026)
#14 (2026)+70 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#27 (2027)
#11 (2027)+16 places
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
18%
9%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$26,640Lower tuition
$46,296
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1991
1919Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
37,458
46,430
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
95 / 100Lead
90 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Nanyang Technological University · Specialist Subject Standings

Communication and Media Studies#2
Library and Information Management#3
Materials Science#3

California, Los Angeles · Specialist Subject Standings

Anatomy and Physiology#6
Anthropology#7
English Language and Literature#9
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Singapore vs Los Angeles alongside annual international tuition.

Tier-1 Global Metropole

Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)

$3,400/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,600/mo
Food & Groceries$650/mo
Local Transit & Personal$150/mo
Est. International Tuition$26,640/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$67,440/yr
Major Urban Hub

California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$46,296/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$79,656/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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