The National University of Singapore (NUS) is considered to be one of the top Asian universities in the world. As of 2020, NUS is ranked 11th in the world by QS World University Rankings. NUS was also named the world’s 4th most international university. 

It is the oldest higher education institute in Singapore and offers a variety of academic programs and research opportunities, which makes it a top choice among students applying abroad. Today, we will guide you in detail about the process of applying to NUS. 

Important Deadlines

The application for NUS opens in mid-October and closes by end-March. 

Application Portal for NUS

1. Personal Particulars

In the first section, you will be asked to fill in your personal details such as Full Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Home Address, Email IDs, contact numbers, parents’ details, identification document number etc.

2. Academic Qualifications

In this section, we will be listing down the application requirements for NUS. For an international student, you must have completed 12 years of formal education by July of the admission year. The following are the primary application requirements:

1. Class 10 grades
2. Class 12 grades (most recent results, if not completed 12th grade)

To get an offer from NUS, you will have to be in the top 5% of your cohort, as the competition is very high among applicants. For CBSE and ISC students, it is considered that a score of 95% and above will give you a good standing. Most offer holders have a score of around 97%, so it is extremely important for you to focus on your class 12 final examinations. 

Additional test scores like the SAT/ACT are not required for CBSE and ISC students. However, if you have studied under the State or other board then you will be required to provide the following:

1. SAT or ACT with Writing section
2. SAT Subject Tests

You are required to write three SAT Subject Tests. One has to be SAT Mathematics Level 2 and the other two can be any subjects of your choice (excluding SAT Mathematics Level 1). For example, if a student is applying for Chemical Engineering then he/she can write the following subject tests:

1. 1. SAT Mathematics Level 2
   2. SAT Chemistry
   3. SAT Physics

3. Course Choices

NUS allows you to choose up to 5-course choices. You should order your choices according to your preference with the topmost course choice being your highest priority. If you are unsuccessful for your first choice then you will be automatically considered for the other courses. 

To be considered for courses such as Medicine/Nursing/Dentistry/Law, you must have completed your 12th grade at the time of application. 

4. Outstanding Achievements (Optional)

NUS gives a very high weightage to academic merit while deciding the outcome of an application, however, an outstanding achievement can also influence an admission decision.

What is an outstanding achievement?

According to NUS, they also consider exceptional achievements in co-curricular activities and competitions. You should have attained a very high level of achievement or leadership positions in activities. Some examples of these types of achievements include International Olympiad medals, top national awards, national team sportsmen and exceptional rank in top university entrance examinations like IIT-JEE Mains and Advanced rankings. 

5. Personal Statement

NUS requires one personal statement of 2000 characters (about 300 words). Since you are limited to only this space to express yourself, you should write a concise, well-thought and focused summary instead of a prolonged essay. Some pointers to follow while writing your essay for NUS:

• Give a very brief overview of your background so that it gives a context to your interests and passions.
• Write down your significant achievements and choose 1-2 of these to explain in detail.
• Make sure you back your skills and strengths with examples and scenarios.
• Mention why you wish to study in NUS and what attracts you to their programme. Try to be specific to show your keen interest in NUS.
• Make sure that your sentences are well structured and coherent. 

6. Finalizing your application and payment

Before submitting your application, you will be asked to make a few declarations:

• Health & Support Declaration: Here the applicant will have to share any medical/mental conditions and/or any physical disabilities so that the university has an understanding of the support and resources needed to facilitate the student’s education.
• Financial Aid Declaration: The applicant will have to declare whether he/she is applying for financial aid. A separate application will then have to be filled out for Financial Aid & Scholarship.
• Tuition Grant Declaration: The applicant must declare if he/she is applying for tuition grant. The tuition grant allows the student to pay subsidized tuition fees for the duration of their course.
• Next-of-Kin information: The applicant must provide a contact person in case of any emergency.
• Criminal Offence Declaration: The applicant must declare if he/she has been convicted of any criminal offence in court.

After completing your declarations, you must make a payment of SGD 10 (approx ₹545).

7. Documents Submission

After you submit your application, you will be asked to submit scanned copies of your documents. The checklist of documents is:

1. Copy of Class 12 Final results (when available)
2. Copy of latest examination results (example Class 11 Final exam results)
3. Copy of University transcript (if applicable)
4. Copy of additional score reports (example SAT, SAT Subject Tests, IIT-JEE)
5. Copy of Passport (identity document)
6. Copy of International Olympiad Certificates (if applicable)
7. Copy of medical report of any existing conditions (if applicable)
8. Copy of Criminal record(s) (if applicable)

Now, you are done with the application process. After submitting all your documents, wait for the university to send out an invitation for an interview, if applicable. The hardest time during the application process is waiting for the results. Now that you have finished the application with a lot of hard work, it is important for you to not stress about the outcome of your application. 

Interviews

Applicants shortlisted for Architecture, Dentistry, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, Law, Medicine and Nursing courses will be required to attend additional tests and/or interviews conducted at the University in April each year to assess their suitability for the courses. 

Announcement of Offer

If you are successful, you will receive an offer by mid-July and will have to start the matriculation process. It is finally time to start your journey in your dream university!

Tuition and Other Fees

The cost breakdown of studying in NUS per annum is as follows:

1. Tuition Fees: varies by course, average is SGD 32,800 (approx ₹17,70,000)
2. On-Campus Accommodation: varies from SGD 2800 – SGD 5500 (approx ₹1.5L to ₹3L), depending on the hall and type of room.
3. Meals, personal expenses, transportation, books & supplies: around SGD 6000 (approx ₹3.25L)
4. Total average cost is around 23 to 25 lakh rupees.

At UniRely, your mentor from NUS will help you fill out your entire application to NUS. Please visit our website unirely.com to learn about the process of applying to universities in Singapore for an undergraduate degree.