Singapore has one of the highest quality of life indicators in the world and a dedicated amount of money spent on research and medical care. Although there are only three medical schools in the country, doctors are held in high regard and, as the population grows, so does the demand for medical professionals that are well-trained and competent. In this article, we will be going over the National University Of Singapore Medicine Entry Requirements.

Admission Requirements for MD

In alignment with the education mission, NUS reviews all applicants holistically. Only individuals who not only have the potential to excel academically, but also possess personal attributes and competencies that align with the NUS mission and values are considered.

The Admissions Committee reviews all application material, reference letters, and interviewer comments carefully to better understand each applicant. The university seeks to identify those with the traits and skills that will help them succeed not only as clinicians but also clinicians-plus. These attributes include competent communication and interpersonal skills, integrity, teamwork, altruism, resilience, and critical thinking.

PRE-REQUISITES

• All applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of, a bachelor or honours degree. MBBS holders will not be considered for admissions.
• Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results. 
• 3 – 5 references, typically from professors, mentors and/or employers. 
• Applicants are also required to meet the “Other Requirements” and “Technical Standards” below.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Introduction

All candidates for the M.D. degree must possess the physical and mental skills and abilities necessary to successfully complete the medical school curriculum. To achieve the optimal educational experience, students are required to participate in all phases of the training programme.

The study of medicine is not a pure intellectual exercise. Rather, a specific set of minimum physical, mental, emotional and social abilities are needed to be a successful student. Students must possess all of the abilities listed in the five categories below. The use of an intermediary that would, in effect, require a student to rely on someone else’s power of observation and/or communication will not be permitted.

The faculty of the NUS Graduate Medical School recognizes its responsibility to present candidates for the M.D. degree who have the knowledge, attitudes and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. Candidates for the M.D. degree at NUS Medical School will be prepared to enter postgraduate medical education as general physicians able to undertake specialty education.

The Committee on Admissions is responsible for adhering to these technical standards during the selection of medical students.

I. Observation

II. Communication

III. Motor

IV. Intellectual/conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

V. Behavioral, Emotional and Social Attributes

English Proficiency requirements in Singapore

In order to become a medical doctor in Singapore, the easiest way is to study in one of its medical universities. Either to enter university or to practice as a doctor in Singapore afterward (assuming you get your degree abroad and come to settle in Singapore), you will need to be fluent in English and also speak Malay, Singapore’s official language.

However, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University, and the Duke-NUS Medical School programs are taught in English. If this is not your native language, you’ll be required to submit proof of your language level, otherwise, you can simply apply to university with your high school records.

Required tests and residency

The Singapore Medical Council requires all medical school graduates to complete a housemanship after being awarded the medical degree. Once this is completed, you will need to register at SMC and seek employment in a medical institution. Becoming accredited to work as a doctor means you have become a House Officer, and this is conditional upon getting a work offer and filing the appropriate paperwork, as described here depending on whether you have just graduated or are a practicing specialist or non-specialist.

Becoming a Licensed Doctor in Singapore

The process for getting a medical license once you have graduated with an MBBS degree in Singapore, is to register with the Singapore Medical Council and submit all your credentials in order to be allowed to practice. Once you have this sign-off as described above, your employer will be notified by the SMC and you will be able to work as a doctor.

If you are a foreign-trained doctor, getting a medical license involves first having your medical degree certified by the Singapore Medical Council, and there may be additional tests required before the SMC is satisfied to award you a medical license. In order to then work as a doctor, you’ll also need to obtain an Employment Pass.