NUS vs NTU Medicine: A Comprehensive Comparison

Written By Medicine Coaching Centre .

Aspiring to study Medicine in Singapore? You’re likely considering NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS YLL) and NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (NTU LKC)—the two prestigious institutions offering an MBBS degree in Singapore. But which one should you choose?

This detailed comparison breaks down the key differences in curriculum, admissions, career prospects, and student life to help you make the best decision for your future.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Established: NUS YLL (1905) | NTU LKC (2013)

  • Global Ranking: NUS YLL (#16 THE 2024) | NTU LKC (#100 THE 2024)

  • Degree Awarded: NUS MBBS | NTU & Imperial MBBS (NTU-only from 2024)

  • Teaching Hospital: NUS YLL (NUH) | NTU LKC (TTSH)

  • Cohort Size: NUS YLL (~280 students) | NTU LKC (~160 students)

  • Tuition Fees (SG Citizens): NUS YLL (S$30,200/year) | NTU LKC (S$35,000/year)

  • Admissions Test: NUS YLL (None) | NTU LKC (UCAT required)

  • Interview Format: NUS YLL (FSA & SJT) | NTU LKC (MMI)

  • Anatomy Learning: NUS YLL (Real cadavers) | NTU LKC (Plastinated specimens & 3D models)

  • Teaching Style: NUS YLL (Lecture-based) | NTU LKC (Team-Based Learning - TBL)

1. School & Career Prospects

  • NUS YLL: Established in 1905, one of Asia’s oldest medical schools. Ranks 16th globally in THE World University Rankings 2024.

  • NTU LKC: Established in 2013, ranks 100th worldwide with a curriculum developed with Imperial College London.

  • Both schools offer a 5-year MBBS degree.

  • Graduates must serve a 5-year MOH bond (6 years for non-Singapore Citizens).

  • Both schools have 100% employment rates upon graduation.

2. Curriculum & Teaching Style

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-2)

  • NUS YLL: Traditional lecture-tutorial system.

  • NTU LKC: Team-Based Learning (TBL), with pre-recorded lectures and group discussions.

Anatomy Learning

  • NUS YLL: Uses real cadavers for dissection.

  • NTU LKC: Utilizes plastinated specimens, 3D-printed models, and the Anatomage Table (a digital dissection platform).

Clinical Years (Years 3-5)

  • NUS YLL: Pre-Clinical Apprenticeship & Clinical Experience (PACE)

  • NTU LKC: Early Patient Contact (EPC) & Long-Term Patient Project (LTPP)

  • Clinical training occurs across all public hospitals, regardless of school affiliation.

3. Student Life & Support System

Cohort Size & House System

  • NUS YLL: 280 students, 10 Houses.

  • NTU LKC: 160 students, 5 Houses with House Fams (smaller groups for peer support).

Extracurricular Activities

  • Overseas exchange programs

  • Community service projects (local & overseas)

  • Research opportunities

  • University-wide CCAs & sports events

4. Admissions Process & Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

  • Both schools require:

    • H2 Chemistry & H2 Biology/Physics (A-Levels)

    • Equivalent qualifications (IB, NUS High, Polytechnic, etc.)

Admissions Tests & Interviews

  • NUS YLL:

    • No admissions test required.

    • Personal Statement: 500 words.

    • 2 Referee Reports required.

    • Interview: Focused Skills Assessment (FSA) & Situational Judgement Test (SJT).

  • NTU LKC:

    • UCAT admissions test required.

    • Personal Statement: 300 words.

    • 2 Referee Reports required.

    • Interview: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).

5. Tuition Fees & Financial Aid

Annual Tuition Fees

  • NUS YLL:

    • Singapore Citizens: S$30,200

    • Singapore PRs: S$44,900

    • International Students: S$68,950

  • NTU LKC:

    • Singapore Citizens: S$35,000

    • Singapore PRs: S$50,250

    • International Students: S$77,600

  • Both schools offer scholarships and financial aid.

Which Medical School Should You Choose?

Choose NUS YLL if you prefer:

✅ A globally prestigious institution with a long-standing reputation.
✅ Traditional lecture-based teaching.
✅ Learning from real cadaver dissections.
✅ A larger cohort size with a well-established alumni network.

Choose NTU LKC if you prefer:

✅ A modern, research-driven curriculum with Team-Based Learning.
✅ Advanced technology-driven anatomy learning (plastinated specimens, 3D models).
✅ A smaller, close-knit cohort with personalized mentorship.
✅ Exposure to Imperial College London’s academic standards.

Regardless of your choice, both NUS and NTU offer world-class medical education that will set you up for a successful career in healthcare.

Need Expert Guidance on Your Medical School Application?

At MCC Global Education, we specialize in Singapore medical school applications (NUS & NTU Medicine). Our expert consultants provide: 🎯 Personalized coaching for admissions & interviews

✍️ Winning personal statement guidance

📚 Exclusive study materials & mock interviews

🚀 Maximize your chances of getting into Singapore’s top medical schools!

📩 Book a consultation with us today!

📧 Email: admin@mccglobaleducation.com
📱 WhatsApp: +65 81812406
🌐 Visit: www.mccglobaleducation.com

FAQs

Q: Is it harder to get into NUS or NTU Medicine?
➡️ Both schools are competitive. NUS Medicine has more slots (~280), while NTU offers ~160 places. NTU’s UCAT requirement adds another layer of assessment.

Q: Does NTU’s collaboration with Imperial College London matter?
➡️ Yes, but NTU will award degrees independently from 2024 onwards. However, LKC graduates still benefit from Imperial’s curriculum and research influence.

Q: Which school has better residency placements?
➡️ Both schools have 100% graduate employment rates. Residency placements depend more on individual performance than school ranking.

🚀 Ready to ace your medical school application? Contact MCC Global Education today!

Medicine Coaching Centre .
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