Where to apply
The serious public options are NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD and SIT. Private institutions (SIM, James Cook University Singapore, Kaplan, MDIS) are options but carry a weaker brand, check accreditation and graduate outcomes carefully before paying.
Application basics for Indian students
- Direct online application through each university's portal, there's no single common app.
- Most postgraduate programmes intake in August; some have January intakes. Apply 6-12 months ahead.
- Strong Class XII / undergraduate results, SOP, recommendations, and GMAT/GRE where required.
English test reality
Typical asks: IELTS ~6.5 (range 6.0-7.0 by programme) or TOEFL iBT ~85-100. Many universities waive the test for English-medium degree holders, check each programme.
After the offer: pass and arrival
- Accept your offer, then apply for the Student's Pass via SOLAR+/ICA (2-3 months before course start).
- Arrange housing early, campus hostels are cheapest but limited and ballot-based.
- Buy mandatory health insurance.
First-week checklist
- Collect Student's Pass, complete medical if required
- Open a local bank account (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB)
- Get an EZ-Link/SimplyGo card for MRT and buses
- Get a local SIM (~SGD 20-40/month)
- Map your nearest hawker centre, cheapest reliable food
Want your application and timeline checked by someone who got in? Connect with an Aurora mentor.
