EXPLORE

WIDELY.
WANDER
FEARLESSLY.

UNDERGRADUATE
PROSPECTUS
for International Students
2020/2021
Life is one big adventure. Map
out your
So pack your university
bags and… pathway.

34
Single
Degrees
Learn
something
at a top
university.
23
Double

1
Majors
st
in Asia

11 th worldwide 30
QS World University Major-Minor
Rankings 2020 Options

field
Widen your
e
of knowledg k
r passport t
o
yo u ca n e v en pic
Yo u (
Broaden your
taking cours
es
m in or or second
intellectual a
horizons. that pique y
our
r ou ts id e o f your
interest majo y)
home facult
• Grade-Free First Year
• General Education
Curriculum
• University Scholars
nus.edu/gradefree
Programme

re at
nus.edu/studyoptions
Find out mo
usp.nus.edu.sg

02 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

 g rad uates are the
Prepare for NUS able
th most employ
your dream job. 10
• Workshops in the world
• Internships
• Career Advisory
• Career Fairs according to the Times Higher
Education Global University
nus.edu.sg/cfg
Employability Ranking 2018

oos e fr om more than

Ch niversities
a rtn er u
See the rest 300 p ries
of the world. in 43 count
• Student Exchange
Programme (SEP)
• NUS Overseas

neurial
Colleges (NOCs)

e en tr e pre
For th rn at a
type s – in te
fo r u p to a year
start-u p
nus.edu.sg/gro

Have fun in a
safe destination.
njoy your nights out 2 nd
E often)
(but not too safest city
in the world
The Economist Intelligence
Unit Safe Cities Index 2019

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 03

Ideas for your
bucket list.

Make the most of

campus life.
With more than 100 student clubs and
campus events happening every week,
it can be overwhelming – at first. But
don’t worry. Our line-up of freshmen
orientation camps and the Student Life
Fair gives you all the introduction you
need. After that, it’s up to you to create
the campus life you want.

Find a second
place to call home.
Why stay anywhere else when
you can stay on campus? We
offer all international students
accommodation for the first two
years, so you can jump right in
and get to know NUS. Choose
from Student Residences, Halls
of Residence and Residential
Colleges.

ey ar e a ll special
Th way,
in th eir ow n
t your
so figure ou s at
preference
nus.edu/hosteloptions

04 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

 Venture off-campus.
You can find most of what you need
here, but you should get to know the
rest of Singapore. Try local cuisines
and check out places islandwide
without fear of getting stranded,
because getting around is easy with
a comprehensive network of buses
and trains.

t a t ra ns port
Ge r d for
sio n c a
conces es
unlimited rid

Explore
Southeast
Asia.
Yes, we get it. Your
wanderlust is still calling.
Singapore is surrounded
by exotic locations in the
region, which means: quick
getaways during recess
week. Some of your more
adventurous peers even do
it over the weekends, but
make sure you turn up for
class on Monday morning!

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 05

Course
Prerequisites
Admission to NUS is based
on academic merit and open
competition. Before you apply,
ensure that you satisfy the subject
requirements.

Courses Requiring Tests

and/or Interviews

Degree Programme Minimum Subject Requirements

Architecture Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry or Mathematics or
arch.nus.edu.sg Physics or Physical Science
Dentistry Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry and either Biology or
dentistry.nus.edu.sg Physics
Industrial Design Year 12 or higher level pass in Arts or Economics or Chemistry or
did.nus.edu.sg Mathematics or Physics
Landscape Architecture Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry or Mathematics
arch.nus.edu.sg or Physics or Physical Science
Law High level of proficiency in the English Language (e.g. General
law.nus.edu.sg Paper B, IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100 or SAT Critical Reading or
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 700 or AP
English Language Grade 4)
Medicine Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry and either Biology or
medicine.nus.edu.sg Physics
Music Refer to course website to file a separate application
music.nus.edu.sg
Nursing Year 12 or higher level pass in any two of the following:
medicine.nus.edu.sg/nursing Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Physics, Physical Science, either
Mathematics or Further Mathematics
Note: Shortlisted applicants will be notified via the Online Application Status Facility in April.

06 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

Specific
Requirements

Architecture, Dentistry, Law or Yong Siew Toh

Dentistry, Industrial
Design, Landscape
Architecture, Law,
Medicine or Nursing
Courses:
Look out for notification
via the Online Application
Status Facility to attend
additional tests and/or
interviews in April.
Medicine Courses:
Submit actual results by the
closing dates applicable to
the qualification you are
offering, as shortlisting
for tests and interviews is
based on actual results.
Conservatory of
Music Programmes:
Apply separately to the
Conservatory. Applicants
will be informed separately.
An audition will be
conducted for shortlisted
applicants.

nus.edu/oasf

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 07

Single Degree Courses *

Degree Programme Minimum Subject Requirements

Arts and Social Sciences Refer to fas.nus.edu.sg/prospective/undergrad

fas.nus.edu.sg for additional information on the respective
Majors: Chinese Language, Chinese Studies, majors.
Communications & New Media, Economics, English
Language, English Literature, Geography, Global Studies,
History, Japanese Studies, Malay Studies, Philosophy,
Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, South
Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, Theatre Studies

Arts (Philosophy, Politics, and Applicants would be required to submit an

Economics) essay as part of the selection process. Refer to
nus.edu/fass-ppe fas.nus.edu.sg/ppe-academics/admission-
requirements.html for additional information.
Biomedical Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
bioeng.nus.edu.sg either Physics or Chemistry
Business Administration Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics
bba.nus.edu
Business Administration (Accountancy) Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics
bba.nus.edu
Business Analytics Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics
comp.nus.edu.sg
Chemical Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics,
chbe.nus.edu.sg Physics and Chemistry
Civil Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
eng.nus.edu.sg/cee either Physics or Chemistry
Computer Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
ceg.nus.edu.sg either Physics or Chemistry
Computer Science Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics
comp.nus.edu.sg
Data Science and Analytics Very strong Year 12 or higher level pass in
science.nus.edu.sg Mathematics or Further Mathematics and
Biology or Chemistry or Computing or Physics or
Physical Science
Electrical Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
ece.nus.edu.sg either Physics or Chemistry
Engineering Science Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
eng.nus.edu.sg/esp Physics

* You can also apply for Double Degree, Double Major or Major-Minor Programmes after your first year at NUS
(subject to approval from Faculties and Schools). For more information, visit nus.edu/studyoptions

08 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

 Degree Programme Minimum Subject Requirements

Environmental Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics,

eng.nus.edu.sg/cee Physics and Chemistry
Environmental Studies Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
envstudies.nus.edu.sg either Biology or Chemistry
Food Science & Technology Strong Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry
fst.nus.edu.sg and Biology or Computing or Mathematics
or Further Mathematics or Physics or Physical
Science
Industrial & Systems Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
isem.nus.edu.sg either Physics or Chemistry
Information Security Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics
comp.nus.edu.sg
Information Systems Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics
comp.nus.edu.sg
Materials Science & Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
mse.nus.edu.sg either Physics or Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering Year 12 or higher level pass in Mathematics and
me.nus.edu.sg either Physics or Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Science Strong Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry
pharmacy.nus.edu.sg and Biology or Mathematics or Physics
Pharmacy Strong Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry
pharmacy.nus.edu.sg and Biology or Mathematics or Physics
Project & Facilities Management Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry or
bdg.nus.edu.sg Mathematics or Physics
Real Estate Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry or
rst.nus.edu.sg Mathematics or Physics
Science Year 12 or higher level pass in any two of the
science.nus.edu.sg following: Biology, Chemistry, Computing,
Majors: Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Computational Physics, Physical Science, either Mathematics or
Biology, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Quantitative
Further Mathematics
Finance, Statistics

Note: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma applicants, refer to nus.edu.sg/oam/apply-to-nus/international-

baccalaureate-(ib)-diploma/subject-pre-requisites for subject requirements.

For more information on course and subject prerequisites, visit

nus.edu.sg/oam/apply-to-nus/international-qualifications/before-you-apply/course-pre-requisites

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 09

Qualifications
& Admission
Requirements
To apply, you should fulfil the
following academic qualifications
and have either completed or are
in your final year of High School.

A Level (AQA, Cambridge, Edexcel,

London, OCR, Oxford International
AQA)*
Completed A Level with at least three
Advanced Level subject grades. Grades
from two sittings taken within a 12-month
period can be considered. Applicants
with good grades in four Advanced Level
subjects are preferred.
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
American High School Diploma Examination (CAPE)
Completed High School and supported with Completed CAPE with at least Grade II
either ACT with Writing or SAT, together passes in all six subjects of which three
with SAT Subject Tests. subjects are two-unit subjects.

Australian Qualifications Danish Studentereksamen*

Completed High School with at least ATAR Completed Danish Studentereksamen (STX,
of 90 or OP of 6. HHX or HTX) with an overall average score
of 9 or better and similar scores in relevant
Brunei A Level* Level A and B subjects. C1 Advanced, IELTS
Completed A Level with three Advanced or TOEFL is required.
Level and two AS Level subjects (including
GP) in the same sitting of the examination. European Baccalaureate Diploma*
Completed Diploma with at least 80% pass
Canadian High School in 10 subjects.
Qualifications*
Completed High School with at least 85% French Baccalaureate Diploma*
for each subject. Completed Diploma with an average of 15
or better. C1 Advanced, IELTS or TOEFL is
required.

10 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

 Gao Kao or PRC National College
Entrance Examination
Completed Gao Kao with C1 Advanced,
IELTS or TOEFL. Senior Middle 3 students
who are not taking the Gao Kao
examination should apply under ‘Other
High School Qualifications’.
German Abitur*
Completed Abitur with an overall average
of 2.0 or better. C1 Advanced, IELTS or
TOEFL is required.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary
Education (HKDSE)
Completed HKDSE with passes in four Level
3 core subjects, with English Level 4 or
better, and two elective subjects.
Indian Standard 12
(All Qualifications)
Completed or are completing Indian
Standard 12 in the year of admission. State
Board applicants must submit either ACT
with Writing or SAT, together with SAT
Subject Tests in addition to their Standard
12 results.
* Applicants without actual results must submit either ACT with Writing or SAT, together with SAT Subject Tests
for consideration. Applicants may submit ACT with Writing in lieu of SAT.
NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021
Applicants completing Standard 12 in the
year of admission are not eligible to apply
for Dentistry, Law, Medicine and Nursing.
(The University may conduct additional
Architecture and Industrial Design aptitude
tests in June subject to availability.)
Indonesian Ujian Nasional (UN)
Completed UN with C1 Advanced, IELTS or
TOEFL.
Applicants completing High School in
the year of admission will compete for
the University Entrance Examination; C1
Advanced, IELTS or TOEFL will not be
required for these applicants.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Diploma
Completed or are completing the IB
Diploma in the year of admission with at
least three HL and three SL subjects, plus
TOK and EE. English must be one of the
subjects. IB Certificate is not eligible
to gain admission.
11
Italian Diploma di Esame di Stato*
Completed Italian Diploma di Esame di
Stato with an overall average of at least
88%.
Kazakhstan Certificate of General
Secondary Education*
Completed High School qualification
supported with either ACT with Writing
or SAT, together with SAT Subject Tests.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Secondary School Graduation
Certificate*
Completed High School qualification
supported with either ACT with Writing or
SAT, together with SAT Subject Tests.
Mauritius High School Certificate
Completed Mauritius A Level with a good
pass in at least three A Level subjects and
two AS level subjects (including GP), taken
in the same sitting.
New Zealand National Certificate
of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
Level 3
Completed NCEA at Level 3 with Merit, and
attained University Entrance Certificate.
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
(STPM)
Completed or are completing STPM with at
least B for all subjects and MUET of 200.
Sri Lanka A Level
Completed Sri Lanka A Level with C1
Advanced, IELTS or TOEFL.
Taiwan Senior High School
Completed General Scholastic Ability Test
(GSAT) with C1 Advanced, IELTS or TOEFL.
Applicants who are not taking the GSAT
should apply under ‘Other High School
Qualifications’.
12 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.
Thai Mathayom 6
Completed Mathayom 6 with overall
GPA of at least 3.0 with C1 Advanced, IELTS
or TOEFL.
Unified Examination Certificate
(UEC)
Completed UEC with EL1119 or
C1 Advanced or IELTS or MUET or TOEFL.
Applicants applying for Dentistry, Law,
Medicine, Pharmaceutical Science,
Pharmacy and Nursing will compete for the
University Entrance Examination.
Vietnam National High School
Graduation Examination
Completed High School Graduation
Examination with C1 Advanced, IELTS or
TOEFL.
Applicants completing High School in
the year of admission will compete for
the University Entrance Examination; C1
Advanced, IELTS or TOEFL will not be
required for these applicants.
Other High School Qualifications
Completed High School qualification
supported with either ACT with Writing or
SAT, together with SAT Subject Tests.
* Applicants without actual results must submit
either ACT with Writing or SAT, together with
SAT Subject Tests for consideration. Applicants
may submit ACT with Writing in lieu of SAT.
For other qualifications, please refer to
our website:
nus.edu/internationalqualifications
English Language
Requirement

English Language is the University’s

English Language Test Minimum Acceptable
language of instruction. Besides
Score for Admissions
submitting your high school
qualifications for admission C1 Advanced or Cambridge 180
consideration, you may also need to English: Advanced
submit an English Language Test score EL1119 C6
or sit for the Qualifying English Test
(QET). IELTS* 6.5 for overall, reading and
writing
To check if you are required to submit MUET 200
an English Language Test score, refer to
pages 10 to 12. English Language Test TOEFL* 580 for paper-based;
scores are valid for two years. 92–93 for internet-based

To check if you need to sit for the QET, * Different English Language requirements apply for Law courses.
visit Refer to page 6 for more information.

nus.edu/qet

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 13

Additional
Qualifications

You may need to submit additional

tests or qualifications on top of your
high school qualifications. Refer to the
Qualifications & Admission Requirements
from pages 10 to 12 to check if you are
required to do so.

ACT with Writing

The ACT consists of five sections:
English, Mathematics, Reading, Science
and Writing Test (optional). Apart from
the cut-off composite score of 29;
the writing component score of 8 has
to be met. The writing component is
compulsory if you are submitting ACT
with Writing in lieu of SAT. All ACT
sections (inclusive of writing) have to be
taken in one sitting. We do not accept
a combination of scores from different
sittings. The validity of ACT scores is
five years.

www.act.org

SAT
The redesigned SAT (from March 2016)
consists of two sections: Evidence-Based
Reading & Writing, and Mathematics.
All SAT sections have to be taken in one
sitting. We do not accept a combination
of scores from different sittings. The
minimum acceptable test scores are 600
for Evidence-Based Reading & Writing,
and 650 for Mathematics.

14 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

 SAT Subject Tests
You must submit three subject tests as
follows:

• Mathematics Level 2*
• A second subject of your choice
(excluding Mathematics Level 1)
• A third subject of your choice
(excluding Mathematics Level 1)

* Mathematics Level 2 is a compulsory

subject for all courses except Law. Applicants
applying for admission to Law may take any
subject combination for the SAT Subject Tests.

For SAT Subject Tests, we accept scores

for three subjects that are taken within
two sittings over 12 months. Please
choose the second and third subject
based on the subject prerequisites of
the courses you are applying for. The
minimum acceptable SAT Subject Test
score is 650 for each subject.

You may submit your valid SAT and

SAT Subject Tests scores for admission
consideration. SAT and SAT Subject Test
scores are valid for five years.

sat.collegeboard.org

University Entrance
Examination (UEE)
You may need to take the UEE if you
present certain academic qualifications in
your admission application. If you are taking
the UEE, your admission eligibility will be
based on your performance. Unless invited,
you cannot take or appeal to take the UEE.
The UEE will be conducted in February in
Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.

nus.edu/uee

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 15

Scholarships
As an international applicant, you will
automatically be considered for the
following scholarships without needing to
submit a separate application. You will be nus.edu/internationalscholarship
informed if you are shortlisted.

Scholarship Nationalities Eligibility Qualifications

ASEAN Citizens of ASEAN All undergraduate Qualifications that
Undergraduate countries, except programmes leading to render students eligible
Scholarship Singapore a first degree for undergraduate
Science & Citizens of Asian Any Computing, admission to NUS
Technology countries, except Engineering or Science
Undergraduate Singapore undergraduate
Scholarship programme except
Pharmacy

16 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

Financial Aid
Estimated Living Expenses Tuition Fee Loan
A full-time international undergraduate A Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) is also available
student incurs about S$10,000 in living on top of the MOE Tuition Grant to offset
expenses per year, based on a conservative your tuition fee. The value of the TFL
estimate of expenses required for a is up to 90% of the subsidised tuition
comfortable lifestyle on campus. fee payable by Singapore Citizens for
the same course. Please refer to the
nus.edu/livingexpenses
calculation scenario below to understand
how it works.
Financial Assistance Schemes
Loans, bursaries and work-study
opportunities are available to needy
Tuition Fee and Living Expenses Singapore
students. Simply apply for financial aid
Dollars (S$)
online from mid-October to 1 April.
Subsidised Tuition Fee Payable 17,550
nus.edu/applyfinancialaid after deducting the MOE Tuition
Grant
MOE Tuition Grant Estimated Living Expenses including 10,000
A Tuition Grant, provided by the Ministry on-campus accommodation
of Education, is awarded to international
Total Amount Payable (A) 27,550
students on a competitive basis to help
defray the costs of university education. Financial Aid Funds Singapore
Dollars (S$)
If your application for a Tuition Grant is Tuition Fee Loan 7,380
successful and you have accepted it, you 90% of Singaporean subsidised
will pay subsidised fees, and are required to tuition fee (i.e. 90% of S$8,200)
work for a Singapore entity for three years
NUS Study Loan 4,420
upon graduation. If you are not successful,
10% of Singaporean subsidised
or have chosen not to apply for a Tuition
tuition fee + S$3,600 living allowance
Grant, you will pay non-subsidised fees.
You will also not be eligible for NUS and NUS Bursary 1,050
MOE-funded or administered Financial Aid Total Financial Aid Funds (B) 12,850
and Scholarships during your entire course
Estimated Annual Out-of-pocket 14,700
candidature.
Amount Payable (A) – (B)
nus.edu/ugfees

Online Financial Needs

Calculator For information on Financial Aid, visit

nus.edu/financialneedscalculator

nus.edu.sg/oam/financialaid

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 17

Every great journey
starts with a plan. • Real Estate
lytics
So let us walk • Business Ana n
Des ig
• Industrial
you through. • Computer En gineering
• Science
#2.
Check the
#1. requirements.
Pick your
o u can in dicate up to Before you come, you need
course. Y
on your
to have basic knowledge

What are you interested in? five ch oice s from subjects taken in high

form
school. So be sure to look

application
Explore the faculty websites and up the requirements for the
make a list of your top choices. courses you have chosen.

For the full list of courses, visit Turn to pages 6 to 15 for

qualifications and subject
prerequisites

nus.edu.sg/oam/undergraduate-programmes

#3. #4.
Submit your Keep an eye
application. on the status.
Once you are ready, set aside 20 We might ask you to come
to 30 minutes to complete the down for extra tests or
online application form. interviews, so check the
Online Application Status
Submit your application at Facility (OASF) often.

Check for updates at

#5.
Get ready for
nus.edu/apply
nus.edu/oasf
your next big
adventure.
You will hear from us latest
by July. In the meantime,

a ke sure to gather start thinking of what you

M ting
want to do here.

your suppor t Get some ideas at

rs
documents fi
nus.edu/campuslife

18 Explore Widely. Wander Fearlessly.

Things to Prepare Dates to Remember

October
Online Application Opens
Submission of your online application and
Online Application Form payment of the application fee

Financial Aid Application

Application Fee (S$20) Submit an online application for financial
aid by 1 April if you require financial
assistance for your studies
A completed Application
Checklist
February
Copy of all Academic University Entrance Examination (UEE)
Qualifications Sit for UEE, if shortlisted

Copy of Additional
Qualifications and Results April
(if applicable) Admission Tests and/or Interviews
Attend admission tests and/or interviews
in Singapore, applicable to shortlisted
Copy of your Passport
applicants of selected courses
or Birth Certificate or
Identification Card (clearly
reflecting your full name and
date of birth)
March to July
Release of Admission Outcome
If you are successful, you will receive
Copy of Medical Report(s) if
an email notification. You will also be
you have or had any illnesses
informed of your financial aid application
or disabilities
status

Criminal Record(s) Be sure to check for exact dates and latest

(if applicable) updates at

nus.edu/internationalapply

NUS Undergraduate Prospectus for International Students 2020/2021 19


Office of Admissions &
Financial Aid
National University of Singapore
University Town, Stephen Riady Centre
2 College Avenue West, #01-03
Singapore 138607
nus.edu.sg/admissions/undergrad
Have a question about Undergraduate
Admissions and Scholarships?
T +65 6516 1010 | F +65 6778 7570
www.askadmissions.nus.edu.sg
Have a question about Undergraduate
Financial Aid?
T +65 6516 2870 | F +65 6774 4021
www.askadmissions.nus.edu.sg
Spend a Day in NUS
Experience the life of an NUS student –
watch a student performance, dine at
a canteen or simply wander around the
campus.
nus.edu/experiencenus
Go on a Campus Tour
Explore the unique University Town
and visit the vibrant Central Library
area solo or with a guided tour to soak
in the friendly atmosphere.
nus.edu/campustour
Chat with Our Students
Talk to our student ambassadors to
glean real-life personal insights into
student life at NUS or get that burning
question of yours answered.
nus.edu/chatwithus
All information is correct at the time of printing in
October 2019. Updates will be posted at nus.edu.sg/
admissions/undergrad
The National University of Singapore (“the University”)
gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability
for the accuracy or the completeness of the information
provided in this brochure.
By referring to this brochure, the reader acknowledges
and agrees that the University shall not be held
responsible or liable in any way for, and no right of
action will arise as a result of, and/or any consequences
(including, without limitation, personal injury or property
damage), howsoever arising, sustained as a result of
reference to, or reliance upon, any information contained
in, or omitted from this brochure, whether through
neglect or otherwise.
Co. Registration No. 200604346E
@NUSadmissions