Exams Required for Admission to Universities in Singapore
GRE
Admission to Singaporean universities typically requires strong academic records, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo), and sometimes subject-specific tests or interviews. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT may be considered for undergraduate programs, while GRE/GMAT is often needed for graduate studies.
Singapore is quickly becoming a destination of choice for students from India. The proximity, consistent economic growth, value for money and good placement options have created a unique demand for Singapore Universities. There are many reasons to choose Singapore as a study abroad destination such as top-ranked universities, academic standards, multicultural society, and much more. If you are planning to study here, then you should know about the popular exams required for getting admission to the Universities in Singapore.
Singapore, like other favourite destinations across the world for Study Abroad aspirants, is also an English-speaking country and English is the official language for instruction. Hence, it gives merit to almost all the exams which are accepted widely in USA, UK and Australia. But before we go ahead and explore the various examinations accepted by Singapore Universities, it would be important to note that, unlike the universities in the USA, UK and Australia where excellence across varied fields is added to your application, Singapore is more aligned to scholastic excellence.
Singapore University Admission Exams
In other words, while they would politely nod that you were a school captain and won many awards in dance and drama, they would not necessarily be impressed. An exceptional high score or a good rank in JEE Mains/ Advanced on the other hand would make them sit up and notice. So, for Singapore Universities…remember, think high! This however may not be the case for International Universities with campuses in Singapore as they might still follow the international admission policies.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| Popular Standardized Test to Study in Singapore | |
|---|---|
| Language Proficiency Exams | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
| Aptitude Tests | GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT |
Language Proficiency Exams
As mentioned, English is the official language for instruction in Singapore and proving competence in the language might be necessary. We say it might be because some of the top universities might not require you to take the language proficiency tests. Also, while a university might not require the score, it might be a prerequisite for seeking a Student Visa for Singapore. So taking either of the following exams would be a good idea, both for undergraduate and graduate students.
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is conducted by the University of Cambridge – Local Examination Syndicate. Used widely in over 110 countries, the exam is generally accepted by the Universities in Singapore as well. The exam is divided into four parts names, listening, reading, speaking and writing and scores you on a band that ranges from good to bad. The overall score for IELTS is then calculated by combining scores across all sections and varies from 1 – 9. Usually, an accepted average for Singapore Universities for an overall IELTS score is 6.5.
- TOEFL: Singapore Universities also accept the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) which is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), USA. The aim of the test is to check the ability of a person to understand and communicate in standard North American English. The tests, like IELTS, tests you on spoken, written and listening skills and is also widely accepted. Both written and internet versions of the test is available. While many universities would accept TOEFL, some might specifically ask for other exams and hence it would be better to check the tests accepted by the universities you are applying to.
- PTE: There are other tests like PTE (Pearson Tests of English) which are also widely accepted. While Universities often accept the scores interchangeably, some universities might ask for a specific course. For the same, it is always advisable to check the University for the Tests required.
Aptitude Tests for Singapore
Singapore, as already mentioned, gives importance to academic and scholastic aptitude. Here’s a look at the various tests accepted by different universities in Singapore for undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses.
- SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Tests or SAT is a standardized exam developed by the College Board. The test evaluates the students on their aptitude in written, verbal as well as quantitative skills. It is for admission to undergraduate courses and is widely accepted across various countries. It is important to note that some of the top universities of Singapore would not require a SAT score from you if you have appeared in and have a good score in CBSE or ISCE boards in India. However, state board students might be asked for the same.
- GRE: GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and is a measure of a student’s aptitude for postgraduate courses across many countries. The test scores are valid and acceptable at most of the Top Singapore Universities. It is important to note that while universities accept the tests, they might require you to take a subject test as well.
- GMAT: GMAT or Graduate Management Aptitude Test is widely accepted across Singapore for post graduate courses in management/ business/ finance. Conducted by GMAC, the GMAT is an accepted measure of aptitude of a candidate for management courses. It is important to note that some universities might require a GRE instead of a GMAT for the MBA programs as well.
Q: Is Singapore Management University hard to get into?
Q: What is the maximum and minimum score in GRE to get admission for MS in USA?
GRE is a popular standardised test for getting admission in MS program in the world. However, there are many universities in the USA that offer admission to MS courses without GRE scores. There is fixed minimum or maximum GRE score for admission. However, even if your GRE score is below the average for a particular program, you may still be considered for admission if you have strong qualifications in other areas. It is adviseble to check university website for the exact information.
Q: How can I apply for NUS Singapore from India?
Applications to all the courses offered by NUS are done via online application portals of the university. Check out the steps below to see how to fill undergraduate and postgraduate applications on dedicated portals:
Undergraduate Applicants:
International applicants need to follow these steps to apply to an undergraduate programme at NUS:
Step 1: Visit myaces.nus.edu.sg/uasonline2/catD/catDapplform.do and sign up to apply.
Step 2: Enter personal details and contact information.
Step 3: Enter details of academic qualifications.
Step 4: Enter information on university/tertiary education.
Step 5: Enter the information on all outstanding achievements.
Step 6: Insert the programme details and paste the application material in the boxes provided.
Step 7: In this step, input the following:
- Next-of-kin information
- Personal identification number
- Application fee
- Financial aid
- Other information
- Tuition grant
Step 8: Read the declaration carefully.
Step 9: Press the ‘Continue’ button to complete the application.
Graduate Applicants
International applicants need to follow these steps to apply to a graduate programme at NUS:
Step 1: Sign up on the university’s application portal at inetapps.nus.edu.sg/gda2/Applicant.aspx/Account/SignUp.
Step 2: Click on ‘Create New Application’ and choose the following:
- Programme type
- Faculty
- Programme
- Department
- Specialisation (area of study)
- Source of finance
- Specify in case of ‘other source of finance’
- Academic load
Step 3: Read the instructions from the faculty/department/school carefully.
Step 4: Fill up the information as stepping through the application process.
Step 5: The system will perform an application completeness check for the selected programme.
Step 6: Once the above steps are completed, fill up the declaration section.
Step 7: Click on the 'Submit' button in the declaration page to complete the submission.
Step 8: To make an online payment for the application/acceptance fee and view details of your application (e.g. application status and admission status), click ‘View Application/Make Payment/Submit Reply on Offer of Admission’ at the menu on the left.
Step 9: To make changes to basic programme information for an application, click ‘Edit’.
Step 10: To apply to multiple programmes within the same application cycle and to change the order of preference, please click on the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ links as required.
Q: What is the best GRE score to get admission in a good university?
300+ score in Graduate Record Examination is a good score for getting admission in a reputed university. Here it is important to understand that a good GRE score can increase the chances of your admission but not gurantee it. There are some other factors such as academic performance, SOP, LOR, and score in language proficiency exams.
Q: Is it right? Many universities offer seats without GRE.
There are many universities around the world that don't ask for the GRE score to offer admission. The administration of these universities asks other requirements like a high GPA score, letter of recommendation, work experience or research experience and more. It's recommended to check the eligibility criteria of the course you want to pursue on the university website before applying.
Q: How do I apply for admission to a graduate course at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore with a GATE score?
International students must submit a valid GATE score for most of the graduate courses at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. They meet the general NTU eligibility criteria to get admission to graduate courses. Mentioned below are the Nanyang Technological University admission requirements for graduate courses:
- Must have at least a good Bachelor degree
- Final year undergraduate applicants may apply for admission with provisional degree certificate and / or yearly examination results to date
- Submit a valid TOEFL/IELTS score if native language is not English
- A Valid GRE/GMAT scores required
- An updated CV/Resume (if applicable)
- Other Supporting documents (if applicable)
Q: How can I apply for Nanyang Technological University?
International students can apply for Nanyang Technological University admissions using the official website by the deadline. The NTU deadline vary by course for international students. All applicants will receive a confirmation email with application number after successfully completing the university application form. Mentioned below is the Nanyang Technological University application process for undergraduate admission:
Step 1: Submit application form
Step 2: Pay application fee
Step 3: Submit supporting documents
Step 4: Update/Track progress of application
Check below the Nanyang University Singapore graduate application process:
Step 1: Visit 'wis.ntu.edu.sg/webexe/owa/coal_main.notice' to submit application for MS admission.
Step 2: Click on NEW application and continue.
Step 3: Now, select your programme and provide other detail
Step 4: Add personal background, academic detail, test scores, etc.
Step 5: Review and pay a non-refundable NTU application fee (SAD 100) to submit application.
Q: I scored 303 marks in GRE. Can I get admission in Georgia Tech University, Atlanta?
The score is good enough to apply for admission in the Georgia Tech University. However, GRE score is no longer required to get admission here but important to be submitted. Keep in mind the minimum GRE score is 155 in Quantitative section only and no minimum score band for other sections.
For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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Comments
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3 years ago
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3 years ago
Hello Priyannshu. You can get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors. They assist students with their university admissions at no added cost. You can request a call back on https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
3 years ago
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3 years ago
Hello Priyannshu. You can get in touch with our Shiksha study abroad counsellors. They assist students with their university admissions at no added cost. You can request a call back on https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
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3 years ago
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3 years ago
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4 years ago
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4 years ago
Hello Dharini. Check out popular MS Courses in Singapore here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/singapore/ms-colleges-dc https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/singapore
According to various sources, Singapore Management University has an acceptance rate of around 45% which makes it moderately selective for international student admissions. Some of the general admission requirements at the university are given as follows:
After the student receives an offer letter, they are required to give the admission interview to be enrolled.