Resources / Blog
Singapore Entry Requirements for Indian Students 2027: Marks, Tests and Documents
Entry requirements to study in Singapore for Indian students depend on your board, course and institution. At NUS, CBSE and ISC students don’t need the SAT or an English test, while state board students need SAT, ACT or AP scores, and competitive programmes usually expect 90% or more in Class 12. Private institutions such as James Cook, Curtin and SIM have more flexible entry and several intakes a year.
Singapore Entry Requirements at a Glance (2027 Entry)
| Board | Typical marks for competitive courses | SAT, ACT or AP | English test (NUS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBSE or ISC | 90%+ (95%+ for NUS computing and engineering) | Not required at NUS | Not required |
| State boards | 90%+ plus a strong test score | Required at NUS; required at NTU | Not required |
| IB Diploma | Around 36 to 42 points | Not required | Usually not required |
| Private institutions | Varies; foundation and diploma routes available | Not required | IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is common |
What Are the General Entry Requirements to Study in Singapore?
- Academic qualification: Class 12 for a bachelor’s, a bachelor’s degree for a master’s, and usually a master’s for a PhD
- Subject prerequisites: For example, Mathematics and Physics for engineering, and strong Mathematics for computing
- English proficiency: Through your board results, a medium of instruction letter or a test such as IELTS, depending on the institution
- Supporting documents: Transcripts, passport, and for many courses a statement of purpose, references, essays or interviews
Singapore has two very different types of institution. The autonomous universities, such as NUS and SMU, are highly selective and mostly admit once a year. Private institutions offer more flexible entry, but their students generally can’t work part-time or get the MOE Tuition Grant, which is worth weighing up before you decide to study in Singapore.
What Do Indian Students Need for a Bachelor’s Degree at NUS or SMU?
Your board decides which tests you need, and your marks and subjects decide how competitive you are.
- CBSE and ISC: NUS lists Indian Standard 12 from CBSE and ISC as a recognised qualification, with no SAT, ACT or English test needed. Around 90% is competitive, and NUS computing and engineering usually need 95% or more.
- State boards: NUS asks state board applicants for SAT, ACT or AP scores, and NTU also expects the SAT. A score of around 1400 or more is competitive.
- IB Diploma: Around 36 to 42 points, depending on the course.
- Subject prerequisites: Engineering usually needs Mathematics and Physics, computing needs strong Mathematics, and science courses may need Chemistry or Biology.
NUS applications usually open in December and close in February for August entry, so CBSE and ISC students apply with predicted or Class 11 results and upload final marks in May. SMU takes a more holistic approach, with essays and interviews alongside your marks.
Expert View
“State board students are most often caught out by the SAT requirement at NUS and NTU, and it can’t be fixed in February. If you’re on a state board and aiming for an autonomous university, sit the SAT during Class 12 so your score is ready when applications open in December.” – Rahul Chauhan, Counsellor, StudyIn.
What Are the Entry Requirements at Private Institutions in Singapore?
Private institutions are often a more accessible route for Indian students, with no SAT, several intakes a year, and foundation or diploma pathways if your marks fall short of direct entry.
- James Cook University Singapore: Australian degrees with trimester intakes and foundation options
- Curtin University Singapore: Australian degrees in business, IT and communications, with diploma entry routes
- SIM: Degrees from UK, Australian and US partner universities, each with its own entry criteria
- PSB Academy: Partner university degrees with diploma-to-degree progression
- SP Jain School of Global Management: Business programmes with their own admission tests and interviews
- Raffles College of Higher Education: Design and creative courses, often with a portfolio
Most ask for IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent for degree entry, or accept English-medium schooling. Requirements vary by partner university and course, so compare specific courses in Singapore before you apply.
What Are the Entry Requirements for a Master’s in Singapore?
You’ll need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related subject with strong grades, plus English proficiency, a statement of purpose and references. MBAs and some management programmes also expect work experience.
| Test | When it may be needed | What to aim for |
|---|---|---|
| GRE | Some STEM, data science and research master’s | A strong quantitative score |
| GMAT | MBAs and some business and finance programmes | Varies by school |
| IELTS, TOEFL or PTE | If your degree wasn’t taught in English, or where the programme requires it | Usually IELTS 6.5 overall, often with no band below 6.0 |
Most international master’s students pay full fees, as the MOE Tuition Grant mainly supports undergraduates, so check the cost of studying in Singapore and available scholarships in Singapore for Indian students early.
What Are the Entry Requirements for a PhD in Singapore?
PhD admission usually requires a relevant master’s degree, though exceptional bachelor’s graduates may be considered. Expect to provide a research proposal aligned with the department’s strengths, academic references and English proficiency, and many programmes require a supervisor’s support before you apply.
What English Language Scores Do Singapore Universities Accept?
| Test | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 to 6.5 overall where required | 6.5 overall, often with no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted by most institutions | Accepted by most institutions |
| PTE Academic | Accepted by many institutions | Accepted by many institutions |
NUS doesn’t ask Indian Standard 12 applicants for a separate English test, and many institutions waive it if you studied in English. If you do need a score, structured IELTS and TOEFL preparation can help you reach it before your application deadline.
What Documents Do Indian Students Need to Apply?
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets, plus degree transcripts for postgraduate study
- Valid passport
- SAT, ACT or AP scores, if you’re from a state board applying to NUS or NTU
- English test results, where required
- Statement of purpose, essays or interview, depending on the institution
- References, for postgraduate and some undergraduate programmes
- CV, for postgraduate applicants
- Portfolio, for design and creative courses
Once you accept an offer, your institution registers you with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority so you can apply for your Student’s Pass.
Plan Your Singapore Application With StudyIn
Meeting Singapore’s entry requirements comes down to matching your board, subjects and test scores to the right institution, and a CBSE profile and a state board profile can need quite different preparation.
StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, has over 20 years of experience across multiple study destinations. Our counsellors check your eligibility, shortlist autonomous and private institutions, help you plan tests and deadlines, review your statement of purpose and support your Student’s Pass application.
FAQs
What percentage is required in Class 12 to study in Singapore?
For competitive courses at NUS or SMU, around 90% or more is realistic, and NUS computing and engineering usually need 95%. Private institutions accept a wider range of marks and offer foundation routes.
Do CBSE students need the SAT for NUS?
No. NUS doesn’t require SAT, ACT or AP scores from CBSE or ISC applicants. State board applicants do need to submit them.
Do state board students need the SAT for Singapore?
For NUS and NTU, yes. State board applicants should submit SAT, ACT or AP scores, with around 1400 or more on the SAT being competitive. Private institutions don’t require the SAT.
Is IELTS required to study in Singapore?
Not always. NUS doesn’t ask Indian Standard 12 applicants for an English test, and many institutions waive it for English-medium students. Private institutions commonly ask for IELTS 6.0, and postgraduate courses often ask for 6.5.
Is GRE or GMAT compulsory for a master’s in Singapore?
No. GRE and GMAT depend on the programme, and are most common for STEM, research and MBA courses.
Can I study in Singapore with lower Class 12 marks?
Yes. Private institutions such as James Cook University Singapore, Curtin Singapore, SIM and PSB Academy offer degree, diploma and foundation routes with more flexible entry.
