How to Get Into NUS Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025 Applicants
For aspiring doctors, gaining admission into the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is an extremely competitive and multi-step process. With only 280 places available annually and thousands of applicants vying for a spot, a strategic approach is essential to standing out.
This guide breaks down key requirements, application components, and expert strategies to maximize your chances of admission to NUS Medicine in 2025.
π What NUS Medicine Looks for in Applicants
The NUS MBBS programme is designed to train clinically excellent, research-savvy, and empathetic doctors who will shape Singaporeβs healthcare system. The admissions team evaluates candidates holistically, considering academic qualifications, extracurricular achievements, and alignment with the medical profession.
β Academic Requirements for NUS Medicine
Applicants must meet one of the following academic benchmarks:
β Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels β AAA/A, with a pass in H2 Chemistry and either H2 Biology or H2 Physics
β Polytechnic Diploma β GPA of 3.93 (90th percentile) or 3.74 (10th percentile) in an accredited diploma
β International Baccalaureate (IB) β Pass in HL Chemistry and either HL Biology or HL Physics
β NUS High School Diploma β Minimum Major CAP of 2.0 in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics, and a CAP of 1.0 in another major
β Other International Qualifications β Year 12 or equivalent pass in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics
π Additional Requirements for Predicted Score Applicants:
If submitting predicted scores, applicants must provide supplementary qualifications, such as:
UK/ANZ UCAT
SAT/ACT with Writing
AP Exams
π Aptitude-Based Admissions Scheme (ABAS) for Non-Traditional Applicants
For repeat applicants or those who do not meet the standard academic cut-off but have exceptional extracurriculars, NUS offers the Aptitude-Based Admissions Scheme (ABAS). This route ensures a holistic review of your portfolio alongside academic results.
Applicants via ABAS must submit:
β A Medicine Portfolio (details below)
β Additional evidence of leadership, research, or community contributions
π The NUS Medicine Portfolio
All applicants must submit a comprehensive Medicine Portfolio, which serves as a personal and professional snapshot for the admissions team. This includes:
β 500-word Personal Statement β Demonstrating motivation for medicine and alignment with NUS Medicineβs values
β List of Top 10 Achievements & Activities (Past 4 Years) β Evidence of leadership, commitment, and medical-related experiences
β Official School Testimonial β Written endorsement from school faculty
β Two Letters of Reference β Support from teachers, mentors, or healthcare professionals
π‘ Expert Tip:
The quality of your experiences matters more than the quantity. Focus on impactful and meaningful contributions rather than listing numerous superficial activities.
π€ NUS Medicine Admissions Assessment
If shortlisted, applicants must undergo the Focused Skills Assessment (FSA) and Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
π Focused Skills Assessment (FSA)
The FSA consists of multiple mini-interviews (MMI) and interactive tasks to evaluate:
β Your motivation for studying medicine
β Your ability to handle stress and ethical dilemmas
β Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
β Alignment with NUS Medicineβs research culture and values
π Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
β Online assessment that measures ethical decision-making and professional behaviour
β Tests how applicants respond to real-world medical scenarios
π‘ Expert Tip:
The SJT is designed to assess how you think, not just what you know. Practice with mock tests to familiarise yourself with the format.
π Strategies to Strengthen Your NUS Medicine Application
With so many qualified applicants, excelling beyond grades is critical. Hereβs how to stand out:
1οΈβ£ Gain Meaningful Medical Experience
One of the biggest challenges applicants face is demonstrating genuine exposure to the medical field. Without this, many struggle to articulate:
β Why medicine (vs. pharmacy, bioengineering, public health)?
β How do their experiences reinforce their motivation?
π Ways to Build Experience:
β Medical Internships & Job Shadowing β Observe doctors in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions
β Volunteer in Healthcare Settings β Nursing homes, hospices, or community health initiatives
β Research Attachments β Work on biomedical or clinical research projects
β Medical & Ethical Debates β Join forums or competitions related to healthcare policy and bioethics
π‘ Why This Matters:
NUS looks for candidates who understand the realities of medicineβboth the intellectual demands and emotional challenges.
2οΈβ£ Craft a Standout Personal Statement
Many applicants make the mistake of writing generic or overly dramatic essays. Instead, your statement should:
β Tell a compelling personal story (avoid clichΓ©s like βIβve always wanted to be a doctorβ)
β Showcase direct medical-related experiences (e.g., a pivotal patient interaction or shadowing experience)
β Demonstrate self-reflection β What did you learn from your experiences? How has it shaped your aspirations?
π‘ Example:
β βI love helping people, and medicine is the best way to do that.β
β
βDuring my hospital attachment, I saw first-hand how doctors balance patient care with research. I was particularly drawn to the diagnostic process in internal medicine, where my mentor demonstrated how a single symptom could lead to multiple potential diagnoses. This reinforced my passion for problem-solving in a medical context.β
3οΈβ£ Prepare for the FSA & SJT
β Practice mock interviews with real MMI-style questions
β Develop structured responses using ethical reasoning frameworks
β Work on clear, confident communication β clarity and composure matter
π‘ Expert Tip:
Many applicants underestimate the role-playing and teamwork scenarios in the FSA. Be prepared to think on your feet and adapt.
π Final Thoughts: Start Your NUS Medicine Journey Today
Getting into NUS Medicine is challenging, but thorough preparation and strategic application planning can significantly increase your chances.
β Start early β Build meaningful experiences before applying
β Craft a compelling portfolio β Focus on depth, impact, and reflection
β Prepare for interviews & admissions tests β Know the format, key skills, and evaluation criteria
At MCC Global Education, we offer expert guidance to help students navigate the complex NUS Medicine application process with confidence.
π MCC Global Education: Your Partner in Local Medical School Admissions
With years of expertise in Singapore medical school admissions, MCC Global Education ensures your application is polished, competitive, and compelling.
πΉ Personalized Coaching β One-on-one UCAT & MMI training with expert tutors
πΉ Bespoke Personal Statement Editing β Ensure clarity, impact, and authenticity
πΉ Mock FSA & Interview Prep β Get realistic practice with expert feedback
πΉ Comprehensive Application Strategy β Tailored guidance for every application component
π Maximize Your Chances for NUS Medicine Admission!
π§ Email: admin@mccglobaleducation.com
π± WhatsApp: +65 81812406
π Visit: www.mccglobaleducation.com