Home › Colleges › Singapore › National University of Singapore (NUS)
16%
Acceptance rate
~$30k
Tuition / yr
6.5
IELTS required
30%
Intl students
1905
Founded
#8
QS World rank
Asia's #1; global recognition, work hub. This guide covers National University of Singapore (NUS)'s courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at National University of Singapore (NUS)
National University of Singapore (NUS) is best known for Computer Science, Business, Engineering. Popular programs for international students include:
- MComp (CS)
- MSc Data Science & ML
- MBA
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Finance
Class profile: Avg GRE 320 · GPA 3.5. Notable alumni: 4 Singapore PMs.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 92 |
| PTE Academic | 65 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 |
| GRE | Recommended |
| GMAT (MBA) | 670 |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.3/4.0 |
| Work experience | 2 yrs (MBA) |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for National University of Singapore (NUS).
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | SGD 40–55k/yr |
| Application fee | SGD 100 |
| Living costs (est.) | SGD 12,000–18,000/yr |
| Scholarships | NUS Graduate, ASEAN awards |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Shortlist programs & check GRE/GMAT policy
- Meet IELTS 6.5; SOP, LORs, resume
- Apply online (Aug intake)
- Receive offer → accept
- Pay deposit
- Apply for Student's Pass
📄 Documents checklist
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- 2 LORs
- Resume
- IELTS / TOEFL
- GRE/GMAT (if required)
- Passport
- Financial proof
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · Singapore
- Student visa: Student's Pass
- Work while studying: 16 hrs/week during term
- Post-study work: 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to find work
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Beat the bar. With about 16% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 7+ and a strong GPA, and lead with research, projects or publications.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at National University of Singapore (NUS) and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. National University of Singapore (NUS) needs IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 92 / PTE 65. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (SGD 40–55k/yr) plus living costs (SGD 12,000–18,000/yr); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. National University of Singapore (NUS)'s main intakes are Aug (Fall) & Jan — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Aug (Fall), Jan |
| Typical deadline | Nov–Mar |
| Acceptance rate | 16% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (nus.edu.sg) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for National University of Singapore (NUS)?
- National University of Singapore (NUS) typically requires IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 92, PTE 65). GRE: Recommended.
- How much does National University of Singapore (NUS) cost?
- International tuition is approximately SGD 40–55k/yr, plus living costs of SGD 12,000–18,000/yr. Application fee: SGD 100.
- What is the acceptance rate at National University of Singapore (NUS)?
- National University of Singapore (NUS) has an indicative acceptance rate of about 16% (Avg GRE 320 · GPA 3.5).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at National University of Singapore (NUS)?
- Intakes: Aug (Fall), Jan. Typical deadline: Nov–Mar.
- Is National University of Singapore (NUS) hard to get into?
- National University of Singapore (NUS) is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 16%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does National University of Singapore (NUS) require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Recommended. GMAT (for MBA): 670. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at National University of Singapore (NUS)?
- 1-year Long-Term Visit Pass to find work (Singapore). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 16 hrs/week during term.
- What documents do I need to apply to National University of Singapore (NUS)?
- Typically: Transcripts, Statement of Purpose, 2 LORs, Resume, IELTS / TOEFL, GRE/GMAT (if required), Passport, Financial proof. Check program-specific requirements before applying.