What are the admission requirements?

(1) A bachelor's degree from a reputable university.

(2) A minimum of two years full-time work experience (after graduating with a bachelor's degree) measured at July of each year (our program commences in August). While military service is not a general substitute for managerial experience, service as a commissioned officer will be taken into consideration. We may provide special consideration for outstanding applicants, such as those with a 1st Class Honours degree or other higher degrees. 

(3) A GMAT score.

(4) A good score on TOEFL is required if the medium of instruction during undergraduate studies was not English. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 260(CAT) or 620(paper).

(5) Applicants may also be required to take further evaluation tests and/or attend a selection interview.

What is an acceptable score for GMAT?

There is no minimum score for GMAT. The GMAT is just one of the criteria for admission. Obviously, a higher score is better. But we do not accept some applicants with GMAT scores in the high 700s, and have accepted some applicants with much lower scores. The overall quality of the applicant determines admission. We encourage you to apply, so that we can evaluate your record in totality.

I have several GMAT results. Which will you use?

We will use your highest GMAT score. We accept all scores taken within 5 years of application.

Can TOEFL or GRE substitute for GMAT?

As with most top MBA programs, the GMAT is a requirement for admission.TOEFL is a test of English and hence, is not a substitute for GMAT.

Can NUS accept IELTS or GRE as a substitute for TOEFL?

We accept IELTS as a substitute for TOEFL. The minimum Band score is 6.5.

[Hide] Application Procedure

How can I get a copy of your application form?

We only accept online applications. You may apply here.

How much is the application fee?

There is no application fee.

What is the application deadline?

31 March for the Full-Time August intake. 15 May for the Part-time August intake.

However, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications are accepted from October, and are reviewed on a rolling basis. We will make our first decisions by December and start informing applicants by January. We receive about 4,000 registrations each year, and accept about 150 for the Full-time program, so admission is competitive.

How will I know if my application is complete?

Your application is complete when your online submission is completed and all supporting documents are received. We will inform you when this happens. Until then, we will remind you of missing documents via regular emails. You may also verify your application status online.

What is the duration of your MBA program?

The Full-time program is 18 months long.
The Part-time program last for at least 28 months long, but candidates often extend this to 36 months because of work commitments.

What is the maximum period of candidature?

The maximum periods of candidature for full-time and part-time candidates are four years and six years respectively, inclusive of approved medical leave and leave of absence.

What are the class timings and schedules?

Students in the Full-time program typically attend classes in the day. They are also free to register for Part-time program class, which are  typically held from 6pm to 9pm weeknights, and in some cases, in the day on Saturdays.

Are there examinations in the NUS MBA?

We use a range of evaluation approaches. For most modules, continuous evaluation accounts for between 20% and 60% of final grades. Many classes do not have examinations at all, and relying on continuous assessments (e.g., project presentations, case studies, industry studies) for 100% of the grade. Many examinations are "open-book". While we are strict with our standards, we are flexible with our teaching approaches, adopting methods that are most effective for learning.

How Asian is the NUS MBA?

Our MBA content and structure are based on theoretical knowledge and practices, which are not region specific. But this content is contextualized to Asia and applied to the problems and issues in this part of the world. Many of the cases you will study are based on Asian firms, and are written by our own faculty. Many of the textbooks and readings on Asian and global business that you will use have also been authored by our faculty. The NUS MBA program is truly Asia's global MBA, and offers the "Best of East and West" in business education.

Do MBA students participate in student exchanges?

Yes. In recent years up to 60% of each cohort has spent a semester away at one of our many exchange partners. In addition, many other students participate in overseas tours, visits. 

Can part-time MBA students participate in student exchanges?

Yes, and many do. Even working adults will gain from the opportunity to study in a foreign country.

Are there any internship/placement offers?

Yes, internships are offered all year round. The MBA Career Services Office invites firms to on-campus for recruitment and internships. In addition, many of our students locate internships themselves. Internships are not compulsory, and many students chose to travel during the vacation months, or to take classes to speed up their program.

Is it necessary to have a laptop? How can I purchase one?

NUS has a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, which includes a campus-wide high-speed wireless network. Students are encouraged to have their own laptops. The university has a laptop ownership scheme which offers attractive prices for notebook. More information is available here.

How do I apply for an entry visa and student pass?

We will provide entry visas for admitted students from countries requiring visas for Singapore (such as China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Myanmar). Student passes for the duration of your study will be arranged after your arrival.  be For more information about immigration-related issues, visit Immigration.

Can I get sponsorship for my spouse or children?

NUS offers sponsorship for your spouse, but not for your children. You should get your spouse to apply for an entry visa at the nearest Singapore Embassies or Consulate (if you require a visa for entry into Singapore). Your spouse will be provided a 2-week social visit pass at the airport. We will sponsor the conversion of the social visit pass for the duration of your studies in the NUS MBA.

Can international students work on internships during the program?

Yes, but only after the first semester, and for a maximum of 16 hours per week during regular semesters. There are no work restrictions during vacations.

Can international students work in Singapore after graduation?

Yes. Most graduates of the NUS MBA work in Singapore with local firms or MNCs after graduation, and most end up as permanent residents or citizens. Many other graduates chose to work in other countries, while some return home. The mobility of our students is demonstrated with our second place global ranking for International Mobility in Financial Times MBA survey in 2006. 

Is medical insurance required?

All full-time international students are required to take up the Group Medical Insurance Scheme (GMIS) to cover hospitalisation/surgical expenses, unless they are have proof of subscription to a similar medical insurance scheme. The GMIS scheme is not extended to family members of the students. More information on the GMIS is available here.

Do you have scholarships?

We have a wide range of scholarship. Approximately 30% of each cohort receive some form of funding. Our admissions are "need-blind". However, sponsors of some scholarships impose specific terms for applications. More information on scholarships is available here.

Note that only Full-time students are eligible for scholarships.

Can I use my funds in CPF to finance my MBA study?

No. The Singapore CPF Board has decided that CPF balances may not be used to finance graduate studies.

Are there loans available?

NUS does not provide loans. However some banks in Singapore do provide student loans. However, these typically require guarantors, who must be citizens or permanent residents of Singapore. 

Is on-campus accommodation available ?

Graduate students may apply to reside in the University's hostels, subject to availability. Many MBA students prefer to live in apartments within walking distance to campus or a short bus ride away. Senior students often have the best information on such housing. The Residential Services section of the Office of Student Affairs provides assistance to students on accommodation. More information is available here .

Do you have accommodation for married students?

Married students can apply for one of 200 Studio Apartments at the Prince George's Park residence, which is on-campus and close to the Business School. Alternatively, the Residential Services has a database of apartments in nearby private housing estates. More information is available here.

What is the cost of living in Singapore?

Full-time graduate international students studying in NUS, living conservatively, may reasonably incur the following expenses:

Rent: S$350-700 (per month)
Utilities: S$50-100 (per month)
Books and Stationary: S$200-300 (per semester)
Travel (off campus): S$50-100 (per month)