This program spans 4 years and graduates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) jointly by Duke University and NUS. The application to our program opens annually in April, and remains open until December 1 each year. Particularly strong candidates are encouraged to apply by September 1 to be considered for early acceptance. Admissions requirements are the same for both the early and regular acceptance options. We select and accept candidates throughout the application period. Admissions decisions are made by the Duke-NUS Admissions Committee and are final.

Admission to Duke-NUS is highly selective. The MD curriculum at Duke-NUS is rigorous and proven academic success is key for gaining admission to the program. Our Admissions Committee evaluates all applications based on a variety of criteria to enroll truly talented individuals. These criteria include, but are not limited to:

  • Outstanding academic qualifications
  • Voluntary or community work experience, especially in the medical field
  • Research experience
  • Social maturity
  • Servant leadership

If you have questions on Early Acceptance, please go to our FAQ page.

Service Commitment

In return for generous educational subsidies provided by the government of Singapore for the full tuition, all medical students are required to sign a service commitment agreement prior to entry in Duke-NUS.

For students enrolled in Duke-NUS, the service commitment period is as follows:

  • 4 years for Singapore citizens
  • 5 years for international students and Singapore permanent residents

Residency

After completing their MD degree, all Duke-NUS graduates are expected to begin their specialty training in US-style residency programs in Singapore. Total time taken to complete one’s medical training depends on the specialty requirements. Detailed information about residency options in Singapore can be found here http://www.physician.mohh.com.sg/residency/about_residency.html

During the first year of residency, our graduates complete the requirements for full registration as a physician in Singapore (licensure). Time spent in residency training in Singapore after licensure counts toward fulfillment of the service commitment. Total time to complete medical school, the 1st year of residency and the subsequent service commitment is 9 years for Singaporeans, and 10 years for Singapore permanent residents and international students. Residents will be paid and receive benefits.

Please note that all information provided by the Admissions Department is for information purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between Duke-NUS and any other person or entity unless otherwise specified. The terms of admission (e.g. tuition fees and the service commitment agreement) and these admissions documents are subject to change without prior notice with input from Duke-NUS stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and NUS. Although every reasonable effort is made to present accurate information at the time of publication, Duke-NUS gives no warranties and accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Read about the technical standards for Duke-NUS medical students

Requirements

1) Academic Requirements

Our Admissions Committee will use the following academic measures to help evaluate applicants:

  • Attainment of at least a Bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation at Duke-NUS. Candidates with higher postgraduate qualifications such as Masters or PhD degrees are strongly encouraged to apply. Formal or informal training in the sciences or engineering is particularly welcome. Students with MBBS or MD degrees are not eligible. If you hold any other Bachelor's or Master's of Science in the field of medicine, especially one that involved significant clinical training, please contact the Admissions Office to confirm your eligibility to apply at info@duke-nus.edu.sg
  • MCAT results (Medical College Admission Test). All applicants are required to report their Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores as part of their application. We encourage all applicants to take the exam as early as possible. Making arrangements for taking the MCAT is straightforward. For more information, click here (link to entrance exam site, especially to MCAT)
  • Results of TOEFL or IELTS are required only if English was not the language of instruction during undergraduate studies. English is the language of instruction at Duke-NUS. Applicants whose medium of instruction during undergraduate studies was not English must submit either TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) scores or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL paper test (or 213 on the computer-administered test) or an overall band score of 7 on the IELTS should be achieved. Duke-NUS does not accept TOEFL or IELTS scores earned more than two years ago. Visit the official TOEFL Web site and IELTS Web site for more information.
  • Proof of meeting health requirements, including negative Hepatitis B status and Hepatitis B immunity. Applicants are strongly encouraged to be screened for Hepatitis B virus to determine their immune status before applying to Duke-NUS. The current policy from the Singapore Ministry of Health does not allow Hepatitis B carriers (as shown by a positive Hepatitis Surface Antigen) to enter medical school. Candidates selected for admission are required to submit a HBV status report to verify that they meet the HBV requirements before they can register as Duke-NUS students. Click here for details (the original site is missing from the website; please revert back to that site).

2) Submission of Reference Letters

Submission of 3-5 recommendation letters from mentors who can testify to the varied exemplary performance and capabilities of the candidate. At least 1 of the recommendation letters should be an academic reference. If you are attending or have attended university in the US, please approach your Pre-Professional Health Advising Office for guidance on putting together your reference letters. Please check with the Office for any application assistance deadlines that are particular to your university. All letters received by Duke-NUS will be kept confidential.

3) Submission of official transcripts:

Applicants who are graduates from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) or any US University should request their respective institutions to send their official transcripts directly to Duke-NUS at the address below.

All other applicants must request their institutions to submit their transcripts to both Duke-NUS (at the address below) and the World Education Services for a course by course evaluation. A detailed report by WES will be directly sent to Duke-NUS. Please visit www.wes.org for further details.Applicants from Canadian Universities may contact the Admissions Office at info@duke-nus.edu.sg to see if a WES report is required from your institution.

Contact Address

All supporting documents (transcripts, reference letters) should be sent to the following address. Once we have received your completed online application, our admissions staff will check if your supporting documents are in. If not, they will be following up with you.

Dr Craig Stenberg, Associate Dean (Student Affairs & Admissions)
c/o Ms Tammie Zhu, Assistant Admissions Manager
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
Admissions Department
8 College Road
Singapore 169857

The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programs are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission and the University reserves the right to reject such applications without giving reasons.

Graduates from Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School receive a degree jointly conferred by Duke University and the National University of Singapore.  Duke-NUS is a Singapore based medical school which utilizes the Duke University curriculum for its students.  Medical degree graduates from Duke-NUS are eligible for post graduate training in Singapore and for subsequent licensure for practice by the Singapore Medical Council. Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award undergraduate and graduate degrees. Duke-NUS is not accredited by the Commission on Colleges and the accreditation of Duke University does not extend to or include Duke-NUS or its students.

To Learn more about the MD Curriculum, please click here

For gifts-in-kind (shares, planned gifts, IT and lab equipment etc) or other any enquiries, please contact Mr. Dickson Lim at 6516 6696 or dickson.lim@duke-nus.edu.sg to discuss your gift.