Singapore Medical College for Indian Students 

The MBBS program in Singapore is offered by only 2 universities. The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are the top most universities in Singapore. Both of these universities are ranked in top 5 universities in Asia by QS Rankings 2023. While in Medicine, the NUS ranked 21 and NTU ranked 93 worldwide. Both the Singapore medical universities offer quality education, top-notch infrastructure facilities, equipped with best faculty, and also guides in best clinical training. 

Duration of the course is 5-years in both the universities. While, coming to the fee structure for MBBS in Singapore, it ranges from 66,000 – 75,550 SGD (39.26 lakhs – 44.94 lakhs INR) per year. The tuition fee is relatively less when compared with tuition fee in USA and UK. 

Students also provided with merit scholarship and financial aid during their study. The scholarship covers tuition fee and living expenses. 

Also, there is a vide score for aspirants upon completing the MBBS course. The average salary for doctors will be 110,000 SGD (65.43 lakhs INR) per annum [approximately]. 

MBBS in Singapore: Highlights

MBBS Universities in Singapore Along with Fee Structure

• National University of Singapore (NUS) 
• Nanyang Technological University 

Aspirants applying for MBBS in Singapore can check the fee structure and other details from the university website of respective universities. 

Why Study MBBS in Singapore?

• Singapore is high in employment. The unemployment rate is only 2.2% and the employment rate is approximately 88% or above in Singapore. 
• The Ministry of Education in Singapore is providing scholarships for international students to encourage them to continue their academics without any disturbance. By availing the scholarship, students can easily repay their loans. 
• Approximately 82% of applicants are granted successful Permanent Residency in Singapore, making it a favorable destination for immigration. 
• Singapore has consistently topped the Law and Order Index for five consecutive years, according to a global study published in 2018. 
• The country provides a safe and secure environment, with 94% of adults feeling comfortable traveling at night, surpassing the global average. It was also recognized as the safest city in 2017 by the Global Smart City Performance Index.
• The healthcare facilities in Singapore are highly regarded and rank third in the world, according to the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy. 
• Medical practitioners in Singapore are held in high esteem, and they have the opportunity to work in both private and public healthcare sectors.

MBBS in Singapore: Admission Process

Students seeking MBBS Admission in Singapore can apply directly on university’s official portal after completing class 12 with major subjects as Bi.P.C. Students must have scored at least 75% in their class 12/Plus 2. 

Where to Apply: 

Visit the university official portal to apply for MBBS admission. 

Eligibility Requirements:

Documents required for MBBS Admission in Singapore

To apply for MBBS admission in Singapore, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

Personal Statement:

A personal statement of approximately 500 words, outlining your background, motivation, and reasons for pursuing MBBS in Singapore. This statement should highlight your passion for medicine, relevant experiences, and career goals.

Letters of References:

Two letters of reference from persons who can speak about your academic abilities, character, and potential as a medical student. These references should ideally come from teachers, professors, or professionals in the medical field who are familiar with your work and qualifications.

Alternatively, if the requirements call for a personal statement of 300 words, one letter of recommendation, and a criminal record declaration, you would need to provide the following:

Personal Statement:

A concise personal statement, approximately 300 words in length, focusing on your aspirations, experiences, and dedication to studying medicine in Singapore.

Letter of Recommendation:

A single letter of recommendation from a reliable source, such as a teacher, professor, or mentor, who can attest to your academic capabilities and suitability for MBBS admission.

Criminal Record Declaration:

A declaration stating your criminal record history, if applicable. It’s important, to be honest and transparent in this declaration.

Please note that specific requirements may vary among universities or medical schools in Singapore. It is advisable to refer to the official website of the institution you are applying to for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required documents for MBBS admission.

Visa Requirements for International Students

Upon receiving the letter of offer from the Institute of Higher Learning (IHL), students are required to register for a Student Pass in Singapore. The application process is done through SOLAR, which involves filling out e-Form 16. During registration, applicants need to pay a fee of 21.74 SGD (1,293 INR), and an additional fee of 43.48 SGD (2,586 INR) (approximately) is required upon successful acceptance.

To apply for a student pass, students must gather the following documents:

• Offer Letter from the college
• Notification from the applied institute
• Valid travel document
• Four passport-size photographs
• Information on parents (if necessary)
• Personal email ID
• Permanent address and contact information in Singapore
• Compilation of residential, academic, employment, and financial records
• Upon arrival, students need to submit three items: their passport, the original copy of the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and the Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) card.

Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge cutoff of September 2023, and there might be updates or changes in the application process. It’s always advisable to refer to the official guidelines or contact the respective authorities for the most up-to-date information.

MBBS in Singapore: Cost of Studying

Students seeking MBBS admission in Singapore can check the details of: Pre-arrival Cost, Tuition Fees and Cost of Living.

Pre-arrival Cost

Note: The pre-arrival cost might be subjective to change. Students aspiring to get admission in Singapore can check the fee while applying for the examinations. 

Tuition Fees

The MBBS program at the National University of Singapore has an annual tuition fee of 66,000 SGD (39.26 lakhs INR). 

At Nanyang Technological University, the program is slightly more expensive, with a tuition fee of 75,550 SGD (44.94 lakhs INR) per year.

Note: The fee structure mentioned above might not be accurate as the information collected from various sources. Check the University official website to check the accurate information about MBBS Tuition fee in Singapore. 

Cost of Living in Singapore

In terms of cost of living, Singapore is known to be the most expensive city in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s worldwide cost of living report. However, students can make choices to save more money. For example, they can opt for a shared apartment or on-campus residency instead of a fully-owned furnished flat. Additionally, choosing public transportation over owning a personal car can also help reduce expenses.

MBBS in Singapore: Course Curriculum

The MBBS curriculum in Singapore is structured into five phases, each focusing on different aspects of medical education.

Phases 1 and 2 are dedicated to introducing students to general subjects related to medicine and human anatomy. These phases establish a strong foundational knowledge for students, covering essential concepts and principles.

In Phases 3, 4, and 5, the curriculum delves deeper into the field of medicine and surgery, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. These phases focus on the specifics of various medical specialties, equipping students with in-depth knowledge and skills necessary for clinical practice.

During the latter three phases, students are also given the opportunity to choose electives. This allows them to explore specific areas of interest within the field of medicine and gain specialized knowledge in those areas.

Overall, the MBBS curriculum in Singapore progresses from building foundational knowledge to providing specialized education in medicine and surgery, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded medical education.

Some of the courses taught in various phases are:

• Foundations of Human Biology: The Cell
• Musculoskeletal System
• Endocrine & Reproductive Systems
• Cancer Biology
• Neuroscience & Musculoskeletal
• Medicine
• Forensic Medicine
• Principles of Pharmacology and Systemic Pharmacology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Clinical Skills Foundation Programme
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Acute Care comprising Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine
• Immunology

MBBS in Singapore: Scholarships

According to the Observatory on Borderless Higher Education, out of the 70,000 international students in Singapore, 3,000 are from India. Additionally, 52% of international students in Singapore are eligible to borrow from top banks.

Here are some grants and scholarships available for international students in Singapore:

MOE Tuition Grant Scheme:

• International students can borrow a loan amount after receiving a letter of invitation from their host college.
• There is no specified loan amount mentioned.
• Borrowers must sign a 3-year bond and stay in Singapore after completing their course to repay the grant money.
• Application deadlines vary depending on the host college.
• For example, for National University of Singapore (NUS), special term 1 is between 25th-29th May 2020, and special term 2 is from 6th-10th July 2020.

ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship:

• This scholarship is intended for undergraduate students studying in Singapore and covers the remaining tuition fee after the MOE grant is sanctioned.
• It offers a living allowance of approximately 4,206.42 SGD per year.
• Major institutions accepting this grant include NUS, NTU, and SMU.
• The scholarship deadline is on 14th-15th October.

Dr. Goh Keng Swee Scholarship:

• The Dr. GKS Scholarship is available to students from various countries.
• It is applicable for colleges like NUS, NTU, SMU, or SUTD.
• Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities and have a good record of co-curricular activities.
• The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, an annual allowance of 6,500 SGD, a hostel allowance based on the chosen college, and an additional allowance of 200 SGD after arrival.
• The official deadline for this scholarship is 15th March.

There are other scholarships offered by host colleges such as the Undergraduate Scholarships at NUS and the SMART Scholarship Program. These scholarships typically have high eligibility criteria, often based on merit. Applicants are usually required to have a GPA of 3.8 or above, an ACT score of 31 or an SAT score of 1430, and be in the top 5% of their class.

Please note that the information provided is based on the available data up until September, and it is recommended to refer to the official websites of the respective scholarships or contact the host colleges for the most up-to-date information.