The Complete Guide to the MBBS Degree in Singapore

Metadescription: Explore how Singapore is one of the best destinations for students to pursue MBBS for a brighter future. Here’s a detailed overview of what it can offer.

Introduction

 

In the spectrum where the demand for medical professionals is on the rise, but at the same time, medical education is highly competitive, Singapore stands out as a top international location for aspiring doctors. Owing to the high standards of living, the unmatchable quality of education, clinical research, and practical learning. It is home to top universities like NUS and NTU that consistently rank among the top 20 universities worldwide for education and research.

The universities in Singapore blend the traditional knowledge of medical sciences with a team-led learning environment, cutting-edge research, support at every phase of the curriculum, and a practical-led approach. These are the prime reasons as to why many students worldwide, like indian students, opt for Singapore to build a strong future and become reputable doctors.

 If you are thinking about pursuing MBBS abroad, Singapore is a destination worth considering in depth.

Why Choose Singapore for Pursuing an MBBS Degree?

 

Becoming a medical professional is a long-term, dedicated process; so it is important to choose the right institution and country to study abroad. Singapore distinguishes itself among many countries for aspiring medical candidates due to its high standards of curriculum and teaching personnel. 

Sharing some reasons as to why Singapore can be the right choice for your dream of pursuing MBBS abroad:

  • High Employment Rate: Singapore has a high employment rate of 88% with an employment rate as low as 2.2% i.e, you can get a reputable job right after you complete your education.
  • Strong Focus on Education: The country shows strong emphasis on high-quality education and well-trained and professional personnel. The government prioritizes dedicated focus on research and development and education. It is also home to NUS and NTU, which rank among the top 50 universities in the world. 
  • Diversity in Ethnicity and People’s Culture: Singapore has a diverse culture with people from all over the world, inviting environment for students. The multicultural environment with four official languages – English, Tamil, Malay, and Singaporean Mandarin- establishes how Singapore can be ideal for Indian students with fewer barriers to language.
  • Affordable and Safe Environment: Singapore is a safe country. It has low crime rates with a high point of 77.4 as per the Numebo crime index rates (2025). So, if you were worried about whether it offers a safe environment or not, this answers it. The universities here ensure students can prioritize what’s most important- their education and development, with the best safety practices and accommodations.

Top Singapore Medical Universities for International Students

MBBS in Singapore can be fruitful for international students coming from India or elsewhere, as the universities are recognized by global institutions like the WHO, MCI, UCMLE, AMC, etc. The course curriculum in all the universities is in English, which helps international students get familiar with the course and understand it efficiently.

There are primarily two universities in Singapore that offer MBBS for students. Here’s a glance at them.

University 

Offered Courses

2025 QS Rankings

Highlights

NUS or National University of Singapore

MBBS (5 years)

8

  • Holistic learning experience with traditional and modern ways of learning
  • Emphasis on collaborative efforts from teachers at every course phase for better understanding
  • Curriculum teaches students the skills to have a better grasp of the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of people.

NTU or Nanyang Technological University

MBBS (5 years)

15

  • Use of team-based learning, digital learning, practicals, and simulation to grasp the concepts.
  • Hands-on experience with practicals 
  • Connecting with real patients

Note: Refer to the universities’ websites for updates and changes, or new developments in the curriculum, if any.

What Is the Application Process for Applying for MBBS in Singapore?

 

Studying for the MBBS degree program in Singapore requires that students take the application process with careful consideration and prepare beforehand to avoid any last-minute surprises, like unable to find the necessary documents or not being able to get entrance exam results on time.

On top of this, while the top universities in Singapore have similar application processes and eligibility requirements for all students, you may have to present specific documents based on the specification you’re applying for, or if any more documents are required for verification.

Here’s a glance at the common prerequisites and application process that you can expect when you’re applying for any of the universities in Singapore.

Eligibility Requirements for Students

 

Here is the common eligibility criteria for Indian students who wish to study for MBBS in the prestigious universities in Singapore.

  • The candidate must have passed higher secondary (10+2) in the science stream with subjects like physics, chemistry, maths, and/or biology, with a minimum of 50%
  • 10+2 must be by a recognized educational board in India, like CBSE, ICSE
  • Must be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission
  • Have qualified for the English proficiency tests, standardized tests, and NEET

Application Process for MBBS in Singapore

 

This is the application process you can find in the universities when you apply for the program in NUS and NTU.

  • Submit the admission form online or by contacting the office of Admissions at NTU or NUS.
  • Keep your portfolio handy- Academic performance and standardized test results. Then, attach it to your form via ABAS.
  • Appear for admission tests- UCAT for NTU and BMAT for NUS. Then, attach the scores to your portfolio after you clear the exam. 
  • Make sure the information and details and try and updated before the final submission.
  • Attend the portfolio, FSA, and SJIT assessment rounds. After you qualify,  you will be invited for a personal interview.
  • You will receive an offer letter and an acknowledgement letter that confirms your admission after you qualify for each round.

Documents and Tests Required to Pursue the MBBS Degree Program in Singapore

 

You must submit the following documents during the admission process to secure a seat at your desired university.

  • Marksheet for higher secondary (10+2) with at least 50%
  • Valid and updated Passport and VISA
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Personal statement and essays
  • Two referral reports or a letter of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Medical fitness certificate to study abroad
  • Must qualify for the NEET exam
  • Must qualify for standardized exam tests like UCAT for NTU and BMAT for NUS
  • Must complete the interview/ screening process or panel interviews for admission
  • English proficiency test results. For instance- TOEFL and IELTS

Note: Kindly check the universities’ websites for the latest eligibility and document requirements for MBBS. You may need to share additional paperwork in case of further verification. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Studying in Singapore

 

Studying MBBS in Singapore requires that you plan your expenses well, including the tuition fee and day-to-day living expenses. For instance, you have to pay for books, study materials, travel costs to and from the university, costs for food, any activities, etc. This can make taking the first step daunting.

That’s why the universities in Singapore, i.e,  NUS and NTU, and the government offer financial aid and scholarships to local and international students to help cover costs.

Here are some scholarships available to students. But you can also check the universities’ websites for additional grants and scholarships.

 

  1. MOE Tuition Grant: The Government helps the students to cover costs for full-time programs for up to 10 semesters. This grant is available for both local and international students. To avail this, the students must sign a tuition grant agreement/bond that establishes that they must work in Singapore for 3 years after graduation.
  1. NTU University Scholars Program Scholarship: This is available for all students- local and international. Through this, you can avail full coverage of subsidized tuition fees and a living allowance worth 5,000 USD or 4,40,000 INR per year. They also offer other monetary benefits such as a travel grant, a computer allowance, and an accommodation allowance.
  1. NUS Scholarships and Financial Aid Schemes: As mentioned on the NUS website, they offer more than 100 scholarships and financial aid schemes for students in need. More than 90% of the students receive some form of financial support from NUS to study. Some of the aids are in conjunction with the MOE government grant. 
  1. ASEAN Undergraduates Scholarship: Students belonging to one of the 11 ASEAN countries can avail this scholarship. Use it to cover some of the portion of your tuition fee and day-to-day living fees in Singapore.

How Much Does It Cost to Study MBBS in Singapore?

 

To study MBBS in Singapore, there are some essential and miscellaneous charges. Some of these costs include: tuition fees per semester or year, application fees, travel charges, hostel or dorm charges (if any), trips, food, etc. 

Singapore offers a safe environment for the students. To ease some financial pressure on you, the Singapore government and universities offer grants, including scholarships, aid, financial schemes, and specialized grants.


Here is a breakdown of the type of expenses with estimated prices so you can budget in advance: 

Type of Expenses

Average costs (USD) per year

Average Costs (INR) in year (approx)

Tuition fees

30,000 to 50,000 USD

26,60,000 to 44,30,000 INR

Accommodation fees

800 to 1,500 USD

71,000 to 1,32,000 INR

Food and utilities

250 to 500 USD 

22,000 to 44,000 INR

Transportation

80 to 140 USD

7,000 to 12,400 INR

Books and study materials

300 to 600 USD 

26,000 to 53,000 INR

Note: These are the estimated prices for your reference and are subject to change.

What Is the Future Scope of Studying MBBS in Singapore?

 

Singapore has a high employment rate (88%) and a low unemployment rate (2.2%) because of its modern approach to medical sciences, ties with globally recognized associations, teaching personnel, and practical learning methods. These reasons make it establish itself among other countries as a great place to build a medical career for aspiring doctors. You can explore and build a career in fields like healthcare, academia, research, and management after graduation.

Profession

Average costs (USD) per year

Average Costs (INR) in year (approx)

Medical officer

46000 USD

47,00,000 INR

Specialist doctor

92000 USD

81,52,000 INR

Research scientist

61000 USD

54,00,000 INR

Healthcare administration

61000 USD

54,00,000 INR

Medical educator

62000 USD

55,00,000 INR

Note: These are the estimated average salaries of the medical professionals for your reference and are subject to change.

The Bottom Line

 

Choosing Singapore to study the MBBS degree program can be an excellent choice for international students, like indian students. This is due to the future-driven approach, availability of valuable resources, and much more. You can enjoy an English-based program at the globally renowned universities – NUS and NUT. On top of this, you have a strong, diverse community of other students and personnel who make studying efficient and offer support at all times. 

If you wish to pursue MBBS abroad, studying in Singapore can give you the environment, international exposure, opportunities, and practice you may need.

FAQs

Is Singapore a good choice for international students for MBBS?

Yes, Singapore can be an excellent country due to its high standards of theoretical and practical curriculum and well-trained personnel. Also, you can enjoy a high employment rate of 88%.

You can avail a salary up to 55,000 USD or 49,00,000 INR per annum in your early career years. Moreover, you may scale it to 93,000 USD or 82,42,000 INR per year after a few years with a comfortable lifestyle.

Yes, it is compulsory to qualify for NEET for indian students to apply for universities. It is also crucial is you wish to work in India after your degree completion.

You can build a career in hospital administration, medical research, specialist doctor, as a resident doctor, or physician after you complete your MBBS in Singapore.

Absolutely, you can work in India after completing your degree from Singapore as long as you have qualified for NEET.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top