The Ultimate Guide to Medical School Applications in Singapore (2025)

Applying to medical school in Singapore is a highly competitive and rigorous process, with only two universities offering the undergraduate MBBS degree—NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

This guide is designed to help students and parents understand the application process, entry requirements, and selection criteria, ensuring the best possible chance of securing a spot in medical school.

Key Deadlines for 2025 Applications

If you're applying for Medicine in Singapore, mark these important dates:

• 5 March 2025 – Deadline for NUS Medicine Aptitude-Based Admissions Scheme (ABAS)

• 19 March 2025 – Final application deadline for NUS Medicine (Standard Scheme) and NTU Medicine

Entry Requirements

Both NUS and NTU Medicine have similar academic prerequisites. Here’s a breakdown of the required qualifications:

• GCE A-Level: H2 Chemistry and H2 Biology or Physics

• IB Diploma: Higher Level Chemistry and either Biology or Physics

• NUS High School Diploma: Major CAP of 2.0 in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics

• Polytechnic Diploma: Strong GPA in a Health Science-related diploma

• International Qualifications: Equivalent passes in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics

Each school also has specific document requirements:

• NUS Medicine

  • List of achievements

  • Official testimonial

  • 500-word personal statement

  • 2 referee reports

• NTU Medicine

  • Academic results

  • UCAT scores (from 2024 onwards)

  • 300-word personal statement

  • 2 referee reports

Application Process

1. Request Referee Reports

Both NUS and NTU require two referee reports. For NTU Medicine, one referee must be the Civics Tutor/form teacher.

2. Prepare Your Portfolio

A strong portfolio enhances your application and highlights your achievements. Organize it into these sections:

• Academic Achievements – Awards, research projects, H3 subjects

• Leadership Roles – Student council, CCA executive positions

• Community Service – Volunteering, overseas service projects

• Work Experience – Internships, medical attachments, job shadowing

• Extracurricular Activities – Sports, music, coding, personal projects

Each activity should include dates, role, organization, and a brief impact statement (max 100 words).

3. Take the UCAT (For NTU Medicine Only)

Starting 2024, NTU Medicine applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), which assesses:

• Verbal Reasoning

• Decision Making

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Abstract Reasoning

• Situational Judgement

4. Write a Strong Personal Statement

If applying to both NUS and NTU, start with the 500-word NUS statement, then condense it to 300 words for NTU. Your statement should cover:

• Why Medicine? – Motivations and career aspirations

• Relevant Experiences – Clinical attachments, volunteering, leadership roles

• Personal Attributes – Empathy, resilience, teamwork, communication

5. Submit Online Application

• NUS Medicine: Apply via NUS Office of Admissions and submit a portfolio (including a List of Achievements with your top 10 activities).

• NTU Medicine: Apply through NTU’s online portal.

Admissions Assessments & Interviews

NUS Medicine Selection Process

• Focused Skills Assessment (FSA) – 5-7 stations including role-play, group tasks, and interview questions.

• Situational Judgement Test (SJT) – A 60-minute multiple-choice test assessing ethical decision-making and professionalism.

NTU Medicine Selection Process

• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) – 8 one-on-one interviews, each lasting 5 minutes.

How to Prepare for Medicine Applications?

Strengthen Your Portfolio

• Gain clinical exposure through hospital attachments and shadowing doctors.

• Engage in medical-related volunteering (e.g., Red Cross, hospices, Special Olympics).

• Participate in science competitions (e.g., Singapore Science & Engineering Fair, Biology Olympiad).

• Take part in research projects and H3 science courses.

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

• Be authentic – Avoid generic statements like “I want to help people.”

• Show, don’t tell – Use real-life examples to illustrate your motivations.

• Highlight medicine-specific skills – Teamwork, leadership, resilience, and problem-solving.

Master the Interview

• Understand medical ethics – Read case studies and Singapore’s healthcare policies.

• Practice mock interviews – Improve confidence, articulation, and clarity.

• Stay informed – Keep up with current healthcare issues and medical advancements.

Common FAQs on Medicine Applications

How competitive is Medicine in Singapore?

• NUS Medicine: 2000+ applicants for 280 spots (~14% acceptance rate)

• NTU Medicine: 160 available spots annually

Does taking Physics instead of Biology put me at a disadvantage?

No. Both Biology and Physics are accepted. The BMAT (previously required) tested all three sciences, leveling the playing field.

What if my A-Level grades aren’t perfect?

While academic results matter, extracurricular activities, UCAT scores, and interview performance play a key role. If medicine is your goal, apply anyway and give it your best shot.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Spot in Singapore’s Top Medical Schools

Getting into NUS or NTU Medicine is tough, but with the right preparation and expert guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.

💡 MCC Global Education specializes in local medical school applications, providing expert coaching in:

✅ Personalized application strategy

✅ UCAT, SJT & interview preparation

✅ Personal statement coaching

✅ Mock interviews & role-playing scenarios

📌 Let’s make your medical dream a reality!
📧 Email: admin@mccglobaleducation.com
📱 WhatsApp: +65 81812406
🌐 Visit: www.mccglobaleducation.com