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:
If you have questions on Early Acceptance, please go to our FAQ page.
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:
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
Our Admissions Committee will use the following academic measures to help evaluate applicants:
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.
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.
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