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

National University of Singapore vs California Institute of Technology

National University of Singapore Logo
National University of Singapore

Queenstown, Singapore

QS World: #107% Admit
California Institute of Technology Logo
California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, United States

QS World: #73% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

NUS offers a globally-oriented, comprehensive education with strong Asian innovation ties. Caltech is a hyper-specialized, intensely rigorous STEM powerhouse, excelling in fundamental research within an intimate, elite setting. Both are world-class, but NUS provides broader exposure while Caltech prioritizes deep scientific inquiry.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

NUS is superior for its Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science), offering robust, industry-aligned education within a dynamic regional tech ecosystem. Caltech truly dominates in its Bachelor of Science in Physics, providing unmatched depth for students aspiring to fundamental research.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose NUS if you seek a comprehensive, globally-connected education and diverse career pathways across Asia. Opt for Caltech if you are a singularly focused STEM prodigy driven by extreme rigor and foundational scientific discovery.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 5 Advantage
Comparative DimensionNational University of SingaporeCalifornia Institute of Technology
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#10 (2027)
#7 (2027)+3 places
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#15 (2027)
#7 (2027)+8 places
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#53 (2026)
#10 (2026)+43 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#16 (2027)+7 places
#23 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
7%
3%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$31,000Lower tuition
$62,388
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1905
1891Lead
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
33,889
2,430
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
95 / 100Lead
92 / 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.

National University of: 2 leads·California Institute of: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)National University ofCalifornia Institute of
Chemical Engineering#3#12
Electrical and Electronic Engineering#3#14

National University of · Specialist Subject Standings

Civil and Structural Engineering#2
Materials Science#2
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence#3

California Institute of · Specialist Subject Standings

Geophysics#4
Earth and Marine Sciences#6
Geology#6
Discipline Focus: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Clear Filter ×

National University of Programs

Refer to the official National University of course catalog for current intake fees.

California Institute of Programs

Refer to the official California Institute of course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Queenstown vs Pasadena alongside annual international tuition.

Upper-Moderate Index

National University of (Queenstown)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$31,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$56,680/yr
High Cost Index

California Institute of (Pasadena)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$62,388/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$91,428/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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