The NUS MBA  Prospective Students  FAQ
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Matters

  • What is the duration of the NUS MBA Programme?

    Full-time programme
    The full-time programme can be completed typically in 17 months.
    This 17-month programme allows students to enrich their learning experience by spending one or two additional semesters on student exchange programmes at our partner universities or internships at top companies.

    Part-time programme
    The part-time programme allows working managers and professionals to update their managerial skills and pursue further professional growth opportunities.
    The part-time programme can be completed between 24 and 72 months, depending on how each student plans his/her schedule. On average, a part-time student takes around 30 months to complete the NUS MBA Programme.

  • Is there any difference in the curriculum for the full-time and part-time NUS MBA Programme?

    No, there is no difference in terms of curriculum and teaching for the full-time and part-time programme. The same lecturers teach the same module offered in the day (for full-time students) and in the evening or weekends (for part-time students). In some cases, part-time and full-time students share the same classes.

  • How many modules must I complete in order to graduate with the NUS MBA Degree?

    You need to complete 68 Modular Credits (MCs) in order to qualify for graduation. A typical module comprises four MCs. There are some modules that comprise only two MCs.

  • What are the specialisations offered by the NUS MBA programme? How do I graduate with a specialisation?

    There are five specialisations offered:

      • Finance
      • Marketing
      • Strategy & Organisation
      • Real Estate*
      • Healthcare Management*

    To be able to graduate with a specialisation, you need to fulfill at least 24 modular credits of electives from that specialisation.
    * For specialisations in Real Estate and Healthcare Management, you need to indicate your choice at the time of application. Selection interviews for these specialisations are conducted by the faculty staff from both NUS Business School and the departments involved in these specialisations.

  • Can I opt not to specialise and graduate with a General MBA degree?

    Yes you can opt for a general MBA degree by fulfilling the 32 core modular credits and 36 elective modular credits from any of the electives offered.

  • How many modules am I allowed to take per semester?

    Full-time students must enroll in modules totalling up to at least 12 MCs and up to 24 MCs per semester. During special terms, full-time students can only enroll for modules up to a maximum of 16 MCs for each special term.
    Part-time students must enroll for modules totalling up to at least 4 MCs and not more than 16 MC of study per semester. For each special term, part-time students can register for up to 12 MCs.

  • What is the class schedule like?

    A four MC module typically meets once a week during semesters and twice a week during special terms.
    The duration of each class is three hours during semesters and 3½ hours during special terms.
    Classes for full-time students are held on weekdays.
    Classes for part-time students are held typically on weekday evenings (6:00pm to 9:00pm) or weekends.

  • What is a typical academic calendar like?

    A typical academic year consists of two regular semesters and two special terms.


Admissions

  • What are the NUS MBA entry requirements?
    • Bachelor's degree
    • A minimum of two years' full-time work experience
    • Good Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is required.
    • Good minimum TOEFL/IELTS score (if medium of instruction in undergraduate study was not in English).

     

    1. How do I apply? What documents are required?

      You can apply online at mba.nus.edu. Application starts from 01 October 2012 onwards.

      The following required documents needs to be sent in ONE package:

        • Resume
        • An original or attested copy of your degree scroll
        • An original or attested copy of your transcripts
        • Official GMAT score
        • TOEFL/IELTS score (required if the medium of instruction for your undergraduate degree is not in English)
    2. When should I submit my application?

      The online application for 2013 Intake is open from 01 October 2012.

      Application dates for the various programs are:


      The NUS MBA

      Round 1 – 01 October 2012 – 31 January 2013
      Round 2 – 1 February 2013 – 31 March 2013 (15 May 2012 for Part-time)


      The NUS MBA Double Degrees with Peking University

      01 October 2012 – 28 February 2013


      The NUS MBA Double Degrees with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

      01 October 2012 – 30 April 2013


      The NUS MBA Double Degrees with HEC Paris

      01 October 2012 – 30 April 2013


      S3 Asia MBA

      01 October 2012 – 30 April 2013


    3. How many intakes are there per year?

      There is only ONE intake per year in August.

    4. When will I know of the results of my application?

      If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be informed within 2-3 months of the date of submission of your online application together with all required documents.

      After your interview, you will be informed of the status of your application within 2-3 weeks.


    Admissions Tests

    • What is Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)?

      The GMAT is a standardised management examination widely used by business schools to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. It has proven to be a good predictor of performance in business school.
      For more information about the GMAT test, visit www.mba.com.

    • How long is my GMAT score valid for?

      The GMAT score is valid for five years.

    • Is GMAT compulsory?

      Yes, GMAT is compulsory for all applicants. There will be no waiver.

    • How do I send my GMAT scores to NUS Business School?

      You can make your requests to GMAC after taking your test to send your scores to us.

      GMAT codes:

      The NUS MBA full-time Programme – DRT-MK-35
      The NUS MBA part-time Programme – DRT-MK-59
      S3 Asia MBA – DRT-MK-81
      The NUS MBA Double Degree with Peking University – DRT-MK-50

       

      For students applying to the NUS MBA Double Degrees with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and NUS-HEC Paris Double Degrees MBA, please send your scores to the NUS MBA full-time or part-time Programme.

      To speed up your application, you are encouraged to fax us your unofficial score after completing the GMAT. Our fax number is +65 68724423. Otherwise, you can email to us at mba@nus.edu.sg. You will still be required to request for GMAC to send your official score to us.

    • What is the acceptable GMAT score?

      The Admissions Committee will review your application and assess your profile as a whole (work experience, undergraduate grades, essays in the online application, interviews, etc). There is no minimum score but a GMAT score of 600 will be a good gauge.

    • Can I substitute GRE for GMAT?

      No, you cannot substitute GRE for GMAT as these two tests measure different skill sets.

    • Is TOEFL mandatory? Can I ask to be exempted?

      TOEFL is mandatory if English is not your native tongue and instruction in your undergraduate degree was not in English. However, if instruction in your undergraduate degree was in English, you may ask to be exempted. Please provide us with a letter or certificate from the Registrar's Office in your undergraduate university stating this.

    • What is the minimum TOEFL score?

      Our guideline for the minimum TOEFL score is 260 for computer-based exam, 100 for Internet-based exam and 620 for paper-based exam.

    • Can I substitute IELTS for TOEFL?

      Yes, we accept IELTS as a substitute for TOEFL. The minimum band score is 6.5.

    • I've taken my GMAT test already. Can TOEFL/IELTS scores be waived?

      No, the GMAT is a different test from TOEFL or IELTS. While the former evaluates your analytical skills as well as quantitative skills, the latter assesses your language skills.


    Application Status

    • I have been placed on a waiting list, what does this means and what should I do?

      Being put on the waiting list is not an offer of a place, but neither is it a rejection. The Admissions Team will place a candidate on the waiting list if they are not willing to offer his/her a place outright, but consider him/her strong enough to potentially be given a place on the programme. After more applications have been reviewed, the waiting list candidates are re-assessed by the Admissions Team and they will make a final decision.

      You do not need to do anything, please allow up to 8 weeks for the Admissions Team to revert to you via email with the final decision.

    • What number am I on the waiting list?

      The waiting list is not numbered or ranked in order of merit. The Admissions Team may contact the waiting list candidates either via email or phone should they be re-assessed during the 8-weeks time period.

    • If I get an offer on my second choice, will I still be considered for the programme I am on the waiting list for?

      Yes. If you are made an offer for your second choice, the Admissions Team will make a final decision on your application. Any offer for your first choice will take precedence. It is not possible to hold more than one offer of a place.