AI is no longer a buzzword or trend; quite evidently, it has firmly established its presence across multiple industries and is here to stay. Recently, the Singapore Government announced an update of the National AI Strategy 2.0[i], which includes increasing the AI practitioner pool to 15,000 strong, developing targeted AI training programmes and promoting AI adoption.
If you want to pick up some AI skills in light of this, you’re in luck! There are many avenues in Singapore for you to do so, with plenty of courses to pursue. And right here already are some that may be of interest!
All course fees are for 2024/25 intakes unless specified and are subject to changes depending on the school; fees do not include miscellaneous fees. Do note that this is a non-exhaustive list!
Degree
1. SIM General Education – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence)
This degree is awarded by the University of London, UK. Students can transfer to the London campus at Goldsmiths after one or two years at SIM. Students will be take specialist modules in their final year and get to explore directions they have developed an interest in through specialist elective modules such as Games Development and Virtual Reality.
Programme Duration: Three years, full-time, with a maximum candidature of six years. SIM IT diploma and selected local polytechnic graduates may be exempted for up to one year.
Accreditation: SIM General Education is EduTrust certified.
Curriculum: Study modules such as Discrete mathematics, Agile software projects, Software design and development, as well as specialist modules such as Natural language processing and Virtual reality
Course Fees: SGD 31,220 to S$48,470 (approximate)
Prospects: Potential roles for graduates include Machine Learning Engineer and Systems Analyst
2. Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) – Bachelor of Science with Honours in Applied Artificial Intelligence
The programme teaches you how to make AI systems and software that uses AI. It covers software engineering, machine learning and professional skills. As part of coursework, students will undergo an an eight-month Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) on top of the capstone/final year project.
Programme duration: Three years, full-time
Curriculum: Study modules like Artificial Intelligence in Business and Society, Embedded Systems Programming, Computer Vision and Deep Learning, as well as Natural Language Processing
Course fees: Approximately SGD 22,950 for Singaporeans, SGD 100, 062 for non-subsidised fees
Prospects: Potential roles for course graduates include AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer (Machine Learning Specialist as well as AI Application Engineer
3. Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Artificial Intelligence
Awarded by Teesside University, the programme covers theoretical and practical knowledge and in computer science as well as artificial intelligence. Students will be exposed to machine learning, intelligent support systems, hybrid algorithm design and more.
Programme duration: 32 months full-time, 36 months part-time. You may be able to matriculate directly into Year 2 or Year 3 depending on your previous qualifications.
Curriculum: Study modules like Relational and NoSQL Databases, Agent Based Systems, Algorithms and Data Structures, as well as Internet of Things
Course fees: SGD 10,355.00 (Full fees). Amount does not include miscellaneous fees.
Diploma
1. Singapore Polytechnic – Diploma in Applied AI and Analytics
This is the first diploma level AI and analytics course, and here's what you can expect if you choose to study this diploma:
- Multiple learning pathways: you have the option of choosing the Industry Now Curriculum (where you'll begin working on real client industry projects from Year Two in lieu of classes), a year-long internship instead of the standard 22-week internship, or the university pathway where you can take modules taught by Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) or Singapore Management University (SMU) and complete your degree with either university earlier.
Programme Duration: 3 years full-time
Curriculum: Study modules such as AI and Its Impact, AI & Machine Learning, Mathematics for AI,
DevOps & Automation for AI, as well as Persuasive Communication with Data Storytelling
Course Fees: SGD 3,077.07 for Singaporeans <40, SGD 6,307.07 for Permanent Residents, SGD 12,132.66 for International Students
Prospects: Data Analyst, Application Developer, Associate AI DevOps Engineer, Business Intelligence Specialist and more
2. Temasek Polytechnic – Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Launched in 2021, you will learn how to develop chatbots, use machine learning and deep learning algorithms, and more in this course. You will also get to hone your skills in the TP-Nvidia AI Technology Centre, which is currently the only centre of its kind to be set up in a Polytechnic.
Programme duration: Three years, full-time
Curriculum: Study modules like Cloud Technologies, Deep Learning and Object Recognition, Computational Thinking, AI Essentials, as well as Database Application Development
Course fees: SGD 3,087.65 for Singaporeans <40, SGD 6,317.65 for Permanent Residents, and SGD 12,143.25 for international students
Prospects: Potential roles for course graduates include AI or machine learning engineers, application developers and data analysts.
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Short Courses
1. Oxford Online Programmes – Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme
Entirely online, this programme is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service and forms part of the Oxford Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Series and the Oxford Artificial Intelligence in Trading Series from Oxford Saïd.
Programme Duration: 6 weeks, excluding 1 week orientation. Self-paced learning.
Curriculum: The certificate programme comprises six modules: they are Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem, AI and machine learning: Understanding the black box, Understanding deep learning and neural networks, Working with intelligent machines, The ethics of AI intelligence and How to drive AI in your business.
Course Fees: SGD 4,012.00. Do check the webpage regularly for promotional codes.
Prospects: You will receive a digital certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the course.
2. ITE-Intel® AI For Citizens: – A Global AI Public Awareness Program
This self-paced course is free to Singaporeans and was developed by Intel. Its content is suitable for those with no knowledge of AI and is hosted on the Gnowbe self-learning platform. All course-takers will be awarded personalized, shareable and printable badges (one per track) after successfully completing in-course quizzes.
Programme duration: Four hours
Curriculum: Two tracks called AI Aware and AI Appreciate.
Course fees: Starting at $8.33/month (billed annually), with a monthly plan available at $9.99/month. This gives you access to the GnowbeLearn General Library, which contains a host of microlearning courses
Prospects: NA
3. Ngee Ann Polytechnic (CET Academy) – Artificial Intelligence in Finance (Online course)
The first-industry led course for AI in Finance, this online course comprises video lectures by senior lecturers, readings and video interviews from industry experts. There are a total of 19 modules and you will have to complete a quiz after each one. There will be online discussion forums that let you discuss learnings and insights with fellow course takers. You do not need to have prior knowledge in AI to take this course, although some knowledge in fintech will be helpful.
Programme duration: 10-12 hours, self-paced
Curriculum: Four topics, with a total of 19 modules. The four topics in question are An Industry Overview of AI, AI Technologies, Implementing AI in an Enterprise, and Applications of AI in Finance respectively.
Course fees: SGD 111.60-972.00 (full fee)
Prospects: You will complete the course with a Certificate of Completion of “Artificial Intelligence in Finance”.
4. AI Singapore – AI for Everyone (AI4E)® courses
AI Singapore is a national research and innovation programme launched by the National Research Foundation (NRF). It offers AI training and learning courses for everyone interested in developing AI literacy and capabilities. Professionals can benefit from various free courses and Corporate Memberships for organisations, while students can participate in the Student Outreach Programme that offers opportunities to acquire course certifications and a paid internship opportunity with the organisation.
Programme Duration: Dependent on chosen course
Accreditation: NA
Curriculum: Dependent on chosen course
Course Fees: Free, but premium courses are available. You must purchase a Premium membership (annual).
Prospects: AI enthusiasts can consider applying for the AI Apprenticeship Programme (AIAP®)
5. Singapore Management University – 5-Day AI Bootcamp
An intermediate-level course catering to professionals looking to pick up applied deep learning techniques, this bootcamp helps you grasp the fundamentals of AI and machine learning. SMU Academy (SMU’s professional training arm) has partnered with WeCloudData, Canada’s leading data and AI training company, to offer this course, and course will be awarded a digital Certificate of Completion.
Programme Duration: 5 days (9am–5pm on weekdays)
Accreditation: NA
Curriculum: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Active Learning, Natural Language Processing and a milestone project
Course Fees: SGD $1,635 for Singaporeans aged 40 and below. Fees can go as low as SGD 635.00 after maximum funding. The full fee for the course is SGD 5,450, and it is SkillsFuture credit claimable.
6. MIT Professional Education – Drive innovation with AI & Machine Learning
The unique selling point of this course is its “no-code” aspect; it teaches students how to apply machine learning concepts through no-code platforms such as RapidMiner. Students learn via recorded lectures and will have support via live mentorship from industry experts.
Programme Duration: 12 weeks (with 2 breaks, 6-12 hours weekly)
Accreditation: NA
Curriculum: The certificate programme comprises ten modules: they are Introduction to the AI Landscape, Data Exploration – Structured Data, Prediction Methods – Regression, Decision Systems, Data Exploration – Unstructured Data, Recommendation Systems, Data Exploration – Temporal Data, Prediction Methods – Neural Networks, Computer Vision Methods, and Workflows and Deployment
Course Fees: USD 2,850 (approximately SGD 3,833)
Prospects: You will receive a Certificates of Completion upon successful completion of the course, and 8.0 Continuing Education Units. At the end of the course, you will have built a portfolio of at least 3 industry projects and 15 real world case studies.
7. Aventis Graduate School – Advanced Certificate in Sustainable AI for Business
This is a 100% online and coursework assessment-based course. You must be at least 21 years old with a degree in any discipline, or be at least 30 years old with minimum 8 years of working experience.
Students will have access to all learning materials for up to 12 months from the Programme start date.
Programme Duration: 6 months part time (4 times weekly, 8pm-10pm)
Curriculum: The certificate programme comprises four modules: they are Artificial Intelligence Strategy For Business, Digital Business Strategy, Enabling A Responsible And AI-Ready Culture, and Design & Innovation Thinking.
Course Fees: SGD 7,770 (before GST)
Prospects: According to Aventis Graduate School, careers you can consider include UI / UX Engineer, Digital Workplace Manager, Data Analyst and Machine Learning Engineer or Specialist.
8. The Institute of Data – Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Program
Open to both IT and non IT professionals, this course is taught by trainers who are active in the industry. Comprising both in-person and remote classes, there will also be pre-course work (python-based, 30-40 hours long) to complete, in the form of an online interactive experience, to ensure you will have the best learning.
Programme Duration: 24 weeks part time, 12 weeks full time
Curriculum: The certificate programme covers topics such as Databases and APIs, Natural Language Processing, Classification and Supervised/Unsupervised Learning (Machine Learning).
Course Fees: SGD 15,000
Prospects: You will receive a Certificates of Completion upon successful completion of the course. All students will also undergo a Job Outcomes Program to enhance their prospects; this includes chances for exclusive contract work and participation in exclusive industry hiring events.
Graduate/Postgraduate
1. Nanyang Polytechnic – Specialist Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Nanyang Polytechnic’s Specialist Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence will cover AI concepts and practical AI skills, with the goal of producing graduates who are able to solve real-world problems.
Programme Duration: 19 weeks long (6:30-9:30pm, three times weekly)
Curriculum: The course comprises two PDCs. The first is the PDC in AI Foundation and Machine Learning, made up of the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Data Science Foundation, Essentials of Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms and a Machine Learning Project. The second is the PDC in Deep learning and AI Applications, made up of Foundations of Deep Learning, Deep Learning Networks, AI Application with Deep Learning, Application Development using AI services and a Deep Learning Project.
Course Fees: SGD 1,226.25 for Singaporeans < 40, SGD 817.50 for Singaporeans ≥ 40 and above, and SGD 3,417.15 for Permanent Residents. SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents will have to pay SGD 851.25 and SGD 1,032.15 respectively. The full course fee is SGD 7,479.30.
Prospects: Course takers will be presented with a Specialist Diploma qualification upon successful completion of the course.
2. Temasek Polytechnic – Specialist Diploma in AI Solutions Development
This diploma caters to fresh graduates and working professionals with a Polytechnic diploma in a technology-related field. You will be assessed via class participation, class tests, assignments and projects.
Programme Duration: One year, part-time, twice-weekly (7-10pm)
Curriculum: The course comprises two PDCs. The first is the PDC in Machine Learning in AI, made up of the Principles of Machine Learning and the Machine Learning Solutions Development modules. The second is the PDC in Deep Learning AI, made up of the Principles of Deep Learning and Deep Learning Solutions Development modules. This course is SkillsFuture credit claimable.
Course Fees (old): SGD 941.76 for Singaporeans < 40, SGD 627.84 for Singaporeans ≥ 40 and above, and SGD 2,642.16 for Permanent Residents. SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents will have to pay SGD 627.84 - 653.76 . The full course fee is SGD 6,696.96,
Prospects: Entry-level positions such as Application Developers
3. Singapore Polytechnic – Specialist Diploma in Data Science (Artificial Intelligence)
According to the course page, this specialist diploma caters to working adults and will teach course takers how to “apply machine-learning algorithms to design and develop intelligent software applications and cognitive products”. It will teach foundational training in data science, before going into specialised skill sets in the areas of Applied Machine Learning and AI Interfaces.
Programme Duration: One year, part-time (evenings)
Curriculum: The course comprises two PDCs. The first is the PDC in Fundamentals of Data Science, made up of the Introduction to Statistics for Data Science and the Introduction to Programming for Data Science modules. The second is the PDC in Artificial Intelligence, made up of the Applied Machine Learning and AI Human Interface modules.
Course Fees: SGD 1,059.48 for Singaporeans < 40, SGD 706.32 for Singaporeans ≥ 40 and above, and SGD 2,972.43 for Permanent Residents. SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents will have to pay SGD 735.48 and SGD 893.43 respectively. The full course fee is SGD 6,852.60. This course is SkillsFuture credit claimable.
Prospects: Course takers will be presented with a Specialist Diploma qualification upon successful completion of the course, and will also be eligible for credit exemptions on SUTD’s ModularMasters in Data Science programme.
4. Republic Polytechnic – Specialist Diploma in Applied General Artificial Intelligence
This diploma is offered as both a specialist diploma and a Work-Study Post-Diploma. It covers both AI theory and practicum, such as the application of recommender systems and how to use tools like Raspberry Pi. It involves blended learning; participants will take classes weekly either 1) 3 times on weekday evenings, or 2) 2 times on weekday evenings and once on Saturday morning.
Programme Duration: 270 hours (approximately one year)
Curriculum: The course comprises two PDCs. The first is the PDC in Applied Artificial Intelligence, made up of the Programming for Artificial Intelligence, Data Management and Ethics
, Deep Learning Fundamentals, and Machine Learning Fundamentals modules. The second is the PDC in Generative Artificial Intelligence, made up of the Developing Ethical AI Systems: Data, Values, and Process, Vision Models for Generative AI Applications and Large Language Models for Generative AI Applications modules.
Course Fees: SGD 1,226.25 for Singaporeans < 40, SGD 817.50 for Singaporeans ≥ 40 and above, and SGD 3,417.15 for Permanent Residents. SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents will have to pay SGD 851.25 and SGD 1,032.15 respectively. This course is SkillsFuture credit claimable.
Prospects: According to Republic Polytechnic, this course prepare students for industry certifications, notably the AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty exam and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute certifications.
5. Singapore Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science with Honours in Applied Artificial Intelligence
The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Applied Artificial Intelligence is suitable for individuals exploring the implementation of AI within software systems. It provides students with knowledge in Core-Software Engineering, Core-Machine Learning and Professional Skills.
Programme Duration: 3 years full-time
Accreditation: NA
Curriculum: Study modules such as Web Systems and Technologies, Artificial Intelligence in Business and Society, Computer Vision and Deep Learning as well as Database Systems. There will also be an eight-month Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) and a capstone project.
Course Fees: SGD 22,950.00 for Singaporeans, SGD 40,500.00 for Permanent Residents, SGD 58,467.60 for ASEAN International Students, SGD 65,923.20 for other international students, and SGD 100,062.00 for non-subsidised fees
Prospects: Explore careers as an AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer (Machine Learning Specialist) or AI Application Engineer
6. Nanyang Technological University – Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Jointly run by the NTU School of Computer Science and Engineering and the NTU School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is a direct honours programme that allows students to develop solutions for different areas, ranging from science and technology to environmental sustainability.
NTU ranked sixth globally for Computer Science in the 2022-2023 US News and World Report’s Best Global Universities, and is the top university for AI research and citation impact. NTU was part of the team that launched the TR 99:2021 AI Security standard in 2021.
Programme Duration: 4 years full-time
Accreditation: NA
Curriculum: Study modules revolving around machine learning, data analysis and mining, discrete mathematics, software engineering, Algorithm Design and Analysis, and more
Course Fees: SGD 33,000.00 for Singaporeans, SGD 46,200 for Permanent Residents, SGD 71,800.00 for ASEAN International Students, 75,600.00 for international students and SGD 139,440 for others
7. Nanyang Technological University – Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
This is a Master of Science by coursework. Students will be taught by faculty from NTU
School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE), and other disciplines, on how to use AI theory techniques and tools to solve real world problems. There will be hands-on projects to help you reinforce your learning, and chances to work with AI faculty members for research or industrial related projects.
To enrol, you will require a degree-level qualification in computer science, computer engineering or a related discipline.
Programme Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Accreditation: NA
Curriculum: Core courses such as Deep Learning and Applications and Mathematics for AI, elective courses such as AI for IOT Data and AI for Image and Video Processing
Course Fees: SGD 39,785 for Singaporeans, SGD 47,415 for Permanent Residents and SGD 59,187 for International students. NTU alumni will enjoy a one-time grant giving them 10% off tuition fees.
Prospects: Graduates can explore careers as Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, Business Intelligence Developers and more
So, any of these courses meet your needs? Hopefully they did! And to end off, we wish you a fulfilling time exploring the world of AI!
[i] https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/why-Smart-Nation/NationalAIStrategy
[ii]https://filecache.mediaroom.com/mr5mr_ibmnews/190846/IBM%27s%20Global%20AI%20Adoption%20Index%202021_Executive-Summary.pdf
[iii] https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/tech-news/1-in-2-companies-in-singapore-has-sped-up-ai-roll-out-in-the-wake-of-covid-19-study
Tired of searching and comparing various AI course?
