If you are looking for a comfortable place to live, Singapore offers high living standards, efficient public transportation, and a clean environment. Known for its safe, welcoming atmosphere, strict laws, and low crime rates, it is an ideal destination for students.

Singapore’s universities are among the best in the world, providing high-quality education and extensive career support. The top-ranked education system offers a wealth of resources and support for international students. You can also experience a rich mix of multi-ethnic cultures with English as the primary medium of communication, making it easy to adapt.

The healthcare system in Singapore is highly efficient and globally praised. Leading hospitals like Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National University Hospital (NUH) offer state-of-the-art facilities, ideal for medical training. In 2000, WHO ranked it as the sixth-best health system globally. Bloomberg named Singapore’s healthcare system the most efficient in the world in 2014, and the city-state topped the Global Food Security Index in 2019, reflecting excellent living standards.

Pursuing an MBBS in Singapore provides rigorous academic and practical training, preparing students to become skilled medical professionals recognized worldwide. This degree not only kick-starts successful careers in medicine but also equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in healthcare globally.

Let’s explore more about pursuing an MBBS in Singapore, shall we?

Quick Facts

• Capital: Singapore
• Official Languages: English, Singaporean Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
• Population: Approximately 5.7 million (2022)
• Area: 734.3 km²
• International Students: About 65,400 international students (2022)
• Academic Year: August to May
• Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
• Calling Code: +65
• Time Zone: GMT+8
• Climate: Singapore experiences a relatively moderate climate due to its maritime location and constant humidity. Daily temperature variations average around 13° F (7° C), with the highest recorded temperature being 97° F (36° C).

Why Study MBBS in Singapore

1. Expenditure on Education: Singapore spends 19.6% of its total revenue on education, with 35.28% dedicated to higher education. The literacy rate is about 94.45%, and there are roughly 2.35 doctors for every 1,000 people.
2. High Employability: Singapore boasts a high employment rate of nearly 88% and a low unemployment rate of 2.2%.
3. Accessible Scholarships: The Ministry of Education offers tuition grants to international students, who can stay and work in Singapore to repay their loans after graduation.
4. Permanent Residency: Approximately 82% of applicants are granted Permanent Residency, with a steady increase in international students obtaining PR over the years.
5. Safe Environment: Singapore consistently ranks high in safety, topping the Law and Order Index for five consecutive years as of 2018. According to Gallup, 94% of adults in Singapore feel safe traveling at night, much higher than the global average.
6. Multicultural Ethnicity: Singapore is a cultural melting pot with four official languages: English, Malay, Tamil, and Chinese. This diversity creates a rich, inclusive environment for students.
7. Language and Transportation: English is widely spoken, minimizing language barriers for international students. The city also has one of the best transportation systems, making travel convenient and comfortable.

Overview of MBBS Programs in Singapore

The MBBS program in Singapore typically spans five years, divided into two main phases:

• Pre-Clinical Phase: The first two years focus on the basic medical sciences, providing a strong foundation in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.
• Clinical Phase: The final three years emphasize clinical training, with students rotating through various medical specialties. This phase includes hands-on patient care under the supervision of experienced doctors.

Top Universities for MBBS in Singapore

There are only two universities in Singapore that offers MBBS:

1. National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine: Ranked 11th globally and 21st in the Medicine school category by QS World Rankings 2022. This school is the oldest and most prestigious medical school in Singapore, known for its comprehensive MBBS program and strong emphasis on research.
2. Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Known for its innovative curriculum and patient-centered approach.

Application Process for MBBS in Singapore

Eligibility Requirements

• Academic Qualifications: Strong performance in science subjects at the high school level.
• Standardized Tests: BMAT for NUS and UCAT for LKCMedicine.
• Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) or panel interviews to assess suitability for the program.

Application Steps for NUS

1. Apply to NUS: Submit an application to NUS Office of Admissions.
2. Submit Portfolio: Submit academic grades and a portfolio via ABAS or Standard Scheme.
3. Attend Assessment: Undergo portfolio review and attend FSA and SJT assessments.

Application Steps for NTU

1. Register for UCAT: Between May to mid-September.
2. Sit for UCAT: Between July to end of September.
3. Online Admission Application: October to mid-March.
4. Selection Interview (MMI): April.
5. Offer and Acceptance: April to June.
6. Health Screening: June to July.
7. Matriculation: July.

Applications must include academic results, UCAT scores, personal statements, essays, and two referee reports.

Fees

Tuition fees for MBBS programs in Singapore vary depending on the university and the student’s residency status. For example:

• At NTU:
  • Singapore Citizens: SGD 35,550 per year
  • Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 51,050 per year
  • ASEAN Students: SGD 79,650 per year
  • Non-ASEAN Students: SGD 83,350 per year
• At NUS:
  • Singapore Citizens: SGD 31,200 per year
  • Singapore Permanent Residents: SGD 46,400 per year
  • ASEAN Students: SGD 71,250 per year
  • Other International Students: SGD 76,450 per year
  • Students Not Receiving MOE Tuition Grant: SGD 175,500 per year

Available Scholarships for MBBS in Singapore

Several scholarships and financial aid options are available to help offset the cost of studying MBBS in Singapore:

• MOE Tuition Grant: Available for local and international students. Recipients must serve a three-year bond working in Singapore after graduation.
• ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship: Provides financial support to students from ASEAN countries, covering tuition fees and providing a living allowance.
• Dr. Goh Keng Swee Scholarship: Open to students from specific Asian countries, covering tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses.
• NUS Financial Aid Schemes: More than 90 needs-based scholarships and bursaries are available to assist students with financial difficulties. In AY2023/24, more than 90% of applicants received financial aid.
• NTU Scholarships: Various scholarships are available for non-Singaporean citizens, such as the NTU-University Scholars Programme (NTU-USP) Scholarship, Nanyang Scholarship, CN Yang Scholars Programme Scholarship, NTU Talent Scholarship, and more. These scholarships are administered by NTU and external organizations.
• Scholarships Administered by NUS: Including the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship, Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship, and NUS International Undergraduate Scholarship.

Career Prospects for MBBS Graduates in Singapore

Graduates from Singaporean medical schools are highly regarded worldwide. They can pursue various career paths, including:

• Residency Programs: Specialize in fields such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc.
• Research and Academia: Engage in medical research and teaching.
• Healthcare Administration: Take on leadership roles in hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Life in Singapore

Cost of Living

Living expenses for students in Singapore include accommodation, meals, personal expenses, transportation, and books/supplies. The average expense per academic year is approximately SGD 6,000 excluding accommodation and SGD 10,600 including accommodation. On-campus accommodation costs between SGD 4,600 and SGD 5,500 annually, while off-campus accommodation is available at market rates.

Quality of Life

• Safety: Singapore is known for its low crime rates and efficient public services.
• Healthcare: Excellent healthcare system accessible to all residents.
• Recreation: Numerous recreational options, including parks, cultural attractions, and shopping districts.

Student Life

NUS and NTU students thrive inside and outside the classroom. Opportunities for extracurricular activities abound, ranging from sports and community service to music and dance. Each incoming cohort is grouped into houses with their own identity, fostering a sense of community. These houses engage in fun and meaningful activities, helping students build bonds that last through their undergraduate years and beyond. These relationships are crucial for their future work in Singapore’s hospitals and clinics.

Students learn the importance of teamwork in healthcare, working alongside peers from medicine, nursing, dentistry, and social work. Realistic and challenging situational experiences in safe environments help them learn under the guidance of experienced clinical faculty. Close interaction with patients in hospitals and clinics is part of the curriculum, aiming to nurture compassionate and socially responsible doctors.

Education System in Singapore

Singapore’s education system is structured to provide quality education at all levels. It includes public and private schools, as well as international branches of other schools. The duration to complete degrees in Singapore is similar to European countries:

• Undergraduate Programs: Typically take three to four years. Specialized programs, such as medicine or engineering, usually take four years.
• Postgraduate Degrees: Normally destination for aspiring medical professionals.

Apply to Study in Singapore 

Pursuing an MBBS in Singapore offers a blend of high-quality education, global recognition, and a multicultural environment. With excellent career prospects and a vibrant living experience, Singapore stands out as an ideal destination for aspiring medical professionals.

If you are interested in studying MBBS in Singapore, you can browse and apply to programs through the Global Admissions platform.