MSc in BMI - FAQ
Application for Admission
When/how will I receive the application outcome?
You should receive an outcome by end April of your application year via the email you submitted your application with e.g. if you are applying for AY24/25 intake that commences in August 2024, you will receive outcome by April 2024.
The official application requires us to submit a documentary proof of financial support in English. What does this refer to? What document can I submit as financial proof?
- You may submit a bank statement (original, certified true copy or electronically generated statements will be accepted) OR a certificate of deposit (Chinese: 存款证明) in English issued by the bank as a proof that you (or your parent) have the stated amount in the bank account.
- If you are not the account holder indicated in the bank statement, attach another document stating your relationship with the account holder.
- The financial proof should certify your financial ability to make payment for the Miscellaneous Student Fees (MSFs) and tuition fees for at least 2 semesters.
For the actual rates of MSF, please refer to this page.
There is a ‘Referee’ section on the application page. Is this compulsory?
Referees are not required for the MSc in BMI programme.
Can I upload supporting documents that are not in English?
All supporting documents which are not in English must be accompanied by an official certified English translation.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I reapply?
Yes, applicants who are unsuccessful in their application can submit a new online application with all the relevant and updated supporting documents uploaded, if they are interested to be considered for the programme again in the next intake.
International Applicants
I am an international student, what document do I need to study and stay in Singapore?
All international students must hold a valid Student's Pass (SP) issued by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for their studies at NUS.
How do I apply for a student’s pass?
Upon acceptance of your offer of Admission, the University will apply for the Student’s Pass on your behalf via the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) SOLAR system.
Once NUS has successfully registered your information, you may login to SOLAR to submit eForm 16. Please refer here for the information required.
I have applied to more than one institution. Can I hold more than 1 student’s pass?
ICA will only issue one Student’s Pass to a student at any one time. You may apply to more than one institution, but you may only accept one offer. If you have earlier accepted an offer from another institution but now wish to accept NUS offer instead, you would have to inform the other institution to cancel their Student’s Pass application before you can proceed to submit your eForm 16.
Please refer here for the steps to submit eForm 16.
Pre-Admission Medical Examination
As an admission condition, all incoming students (excluding non-graduating students and continuing & professional education students) are required to undergo a medical examination. The University reserves the right to refuse admission to or exclude a student from any particular course of study if he/she declines to undergo the health examinations or refuse any prescribed tests. All international students who plan to stay in Singapore for 6 months or more will need to undergo and pass an additional medical examination which must include a HIV test for the application of the Student's Pass.
Please refer here for more information.
Must the medical examination be done in Singapore?
You may complete the medical examination (i) at the University Health Centre (UHC); (ii) with your own physician either in Singapore; or (iii) in your home country. If you choose to consult your own physician, please submit the completed medical examination report, written in English, to UHC before the stipulated deadline.
Please refer to the UHC website for more information.
Hostel/Accommodation
Will NUS help to arrange for my accommodation in Singapore?
Only Full-time NUS graduate students may apply for a place in selected Student Residences. Being a research-intensive university, new Graduate students by Research are prioritised for campus accommodation. As demand far exceeds supply, not all applicants will be successful in their applications. With the present high demand for campus housing, Graduate students by Coursework are unlikely to be offered campus accommodation in Kent Ridge Campus with the exception of College Green. It is advisable to budget for off-campus housing and source for one early.
More information on off-campus housing can be found here.
* Any agreement signed between a Student and the Private Hostel is deemed to be a private arrangement between the two parties. NUS is unable to mediate in the event of a dispute. Students are advised to practice due care and diligence prior to any contractual commitments.
What are the alternative options for accommodation in Singapore if I am not successful in my hostel application?
We strongly encourage students to arrange for temporary or short-term accommodation before they leave their home country if they have not secured the accommodation for the duration of their course. You may refer to the website for the lists of private short-term and long-term accommodation in Singapore.
Please note that students are responsible to source for their own accommodation in Singapore. You may refer here for a list of contacts and resource references to help facilitate your arrangement of alternative accommodation.
How much would accommodation cost in Singapore per month?
The average monthly rental rate can cost anywhere from SGD $500 - $2,000 and above, depending on the type of housing, geographical location, size, facilities etc.
How much would it cost to live in Singapore during the course of my studies?
Please refer here for a list of estimated expenditure a single student may likely incur during his or her stay in Singapore. These amounts will vary accordingly depending on your personal needs and lifestyle pattern. You are advised to refer to the sample data as a rough guide for planning your expected living costs.
Matriculation
How/when will I receive my NUS student card?
You will be notified to collect your student card on campus once it is ready.
Is there orientation for newly matriculated students?
Orientation session will be held in-person in July/August before the term commences in August annually.
Curriculum
For accepted and existing students
You may refer to the Student Handbook.
I am not allocated the elective of my choice, what should I do?
Electives are subjected to availability and popular courses are often over-subscribed. You may try to register for the elective in subsequent semesters or choose an alternative course. Students should choose their electives wisely and to drop the course only, if necessary, as hogging the seats deprive other students of a place in the course.
Can I apply for other courses in other faculties?
You may apply for other courses. However, they are subjected to their availability and approval by respective faculties. Do take note that the other courses will not be included as part of your 10-course graduation requirements and additional fee charges apply as per the other faculties’ guidelines.