NUS MBA Application Guide

The NUS MBA program seeks highly motivated and talented individuals with a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of full-time work experience, along with strong GMAT/GMAT Focus/GRE scores. It also looks for candidates with a strong ability to learn and adapt, resilience, and a clear understanding of their career goals. The program values candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, experience in diverse industries, and a desire for global learning and networking.

Bachelor’s degree

• Scanned copies of transcripts and degree scrolls are acceptable
• Non-English transcripts will need to be officially translated

Minimum 2 years of post-bachelor’s full-time work experience

• NUS MBA application requires a one-page resume along with details about your employment and academics

GMAT/GMAT Focus/GRE score

• All full-time MBA candidates are required to provide a GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE score, irrespective of their work experience. However, part-time MBA applicants with five or more years of professional experience have the option to submit an Executive Assessment (EA) score in place of the GMAT or GRE
• Candidates who provide a GMAT or EA score will have their integrated reasoning (IR) scores evaluated as well. It’s important that score reports remain valid for a minimum of one month following the application submission. Scores from the latest GMAT Focus Edition and the new GRE are also accepted
• The average GMAT score for the NUS MBA program is 670 for the full-time MBA, 650 for the part-time MBA

TOEFL/IELTS

• Required if the medium of instruction during undergraduate studies was not English
• Minimum required score for TOEFL is 100, for IELTS is 7.0

One referee report to be submitted before the referral link expires and before the application deadlines.

Recommendations from individuals who can offer direct insights into the applicant’s management skills are highly valued, as they reflect real-world experience. Professional recommendations are considered more significant than academic ones, emphasizing the need for applicants to seek references who can attest to their managerial capabilities.

Essay 1: How have people, events, and/or situations in your life influenced who you are today? (250 words/ 3500 characters)

• Begin by recognizing the individuals, events, or circumstances that have profoundly influenced your life. This may encompass family members, mentors, educators, friends, or even unforeseen encounters that shifted your viewpoint. Offer concrete examples of how these influences have molded you. Detail the nature of these relationships or situations and clarify their significance. If referring to a person, what qualities or principles did they impart to you? If discussing an event, how did it alter your perspective on life?
• Reflect on the enduring effects these influences have had on your character, values, and ambitions. How have they played a role in your personal development or shaped your dreams? Think about the lessons learned from these experiences and how they have steered your decisions. Draw connections between these influences and the individual you are today. Consider how they have affected your decision-making, career paths, or personal connections. Illustrate how they continue to influence your daily life.
• Keep your writing within a limit of 250 words or 3500 characters, ensuring it is succinct and focused. Avoid lengthy narratives and concentrate on the key points that best demonstrate the impact of these influences. Write in a manner that feels personal and sincere. This is your narrative, so be honest in your reflections and steer clear of exaggeration. Share your thoughts and emotions candidly
• Before completing your essay, take the time to edit and refine it. Look for clarity, coherence, and grammatical mistakes. Make sure your story flows logically and stays on topic.

Essay 2: How do you plan to spend your time on The NUS MBA to transform yourself personally & professionally? Briefly describe your experience to date, and how this and The NUS MBA can help you achieve your mid and long term career goals. (350 words)

• Start by providing a concise overview of your career and personal journey thus far. Include important roles, responsibilities, and notable accomplishments that have shaped your professional path. Emphasize experiences that have influenced your insights into business, leadership, or personal development, and outline your aspirations for The NUS MBA
• Outline your strategy for engaging with The NUS MBA program, including the courses, specializations, clubs, associations, and other resources you intend to use. Describe how these experiences will enhance your personal and professional development throughout the program. Clearly define your mid- and long-term career objectives and explain how The NUS MBA will help their achievement
• Establish a direct link between your current experiences, the competencies you aim to gain from the program, and your future career goals. Conclude your essay by conveying your excitement for The NUS MBA and your readiness to embark on this transformative journey. Emphasize how your experience at NUS will shape your career path and express your enthusiasm for being part of the program

Optional Essay: Is there any additional information relevant to your application that you’d like to share with the Admissions Committee? (200 words/3500 characters)

• The optional essay serves to clarify any irregularities or gaps in your application, such as periods of unemployment, lower grades, or other circumstances that may need explanation. Use this opportunity to provide context rather than reiterating your entire application or listing further accomplishments
• Keep it brief and focused, as admissions committees expect a concise ‘optional’ essay. If discussing a gap in employment or a low GPA, be truthful about the reasons without making excuses. Acknowledge any missteps or difficulties and illustrate how you’ve learned and evolved from those experiences
• If you’ve faced challenges or made notable progress, share those instances to highlight your potential for growth. After addressing the concern, reaffirm why you consider yourself a strong candidate for the program

Once the online application is submitted, candidates will receive an email invitation to participate in a video assessment. This email will arrive within 1 to 3 business days after the Admissions Committee has verified the application. It’s important to note that this video assessment is an additional step and does not replace the live admissions interview.

Candidates will have the opportunity to access a practice recording before answering one interview question. For this question, candidates can attempt it twice, with a preparation time of 2 minutes and a maximum of 3 minutes for each recording. The entire assessment should be completed in one go and will take around 10 minutes. Candidates should ensure that they finish the video assessment within 7 days of receiving the email invitation, as it is a necessary step to proceed in the admissions process.

Candidates who make the shortlist will receive an invitation for a 30-minute online interview, scheduled to take place two to four weeks after their video assessment submission. Please note that only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.

The admissions interview plays a crucial role in the application process. Candidates should ensure that they are dressed appropriately and presentable. It is advisable to find a quiet space with good lighting and a reliable internet connection for this virtual interview. The session will last around 30 minutes, so it’s essential to make a strong first impression and accurately grasp the interviewers’ questions to deliver suitable responses.