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

National University of Singapore vs University of California, Los Angeles

National University of Singapore Logo
National University of Singapore

Queenstown, Singapore

QS World: #107% 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: NUS is a global research powerhouse, renowned for intense STEM rigor and an international outlook (QS #8). UCLA offers a premier, comprehensive US public university experience, known for its vibrant culture, strong liberal arts, and significant domestic prestige (QS #42).

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

Discipline Match: National University of Singapore's Computer Science program offers distinctly superior, cutting-edge research and industry ties in Asia. University of California, Los Angeles's Film and Television major dominates for unparalleled creative and technical training in US entertainment.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Final Choice Rule: Choose NUS if you prioritize a globally recognized, research-intensive STEM education and an international career in Asia. Choose UCLA for a broader, interdisciplinary US university experience with strong liberal arts and West Coast industry connections.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally6 — 2 Advantage
Comparative DimensionNational University of SingaporeUniversity of California, Los Angeles
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#10 (2027)+39 places
#49 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#15 (2027)+5 places
#20 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#53 (2026)
#14 (2026)+39 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#16 (2027)
#11 (2027)+5 places
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
7%More selective
9%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$31,000Lower tuition
$46,296
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1905Lead
1919
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
33,889
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.

National University of: 1 leads·California, Los Angeles: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)National University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles
Geography#4#10

National University of · Specialist Subject Standings

Civil and Structural Engineering#2
Materials Science#2
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence#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 Queenstown vs Los Angeles 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
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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