Do I need to appear for GMAT or any other test to apply for other universities in Singapore for a Master's?
It depends on your program. Business and management Masters at NUS, NTU, and SMU typically require a GMAT or GRE, with competitive scores around 650 to 700 plus. Technical Masters in engineering or computing often make the GRE optional. Private institutions frequently skip it entirely, relying on your GPA instead.
You will not need the GMAT for every Singapore Masters program, since the requirement depends heavily on whether you are applying to a business school or a technical field. Business-focused programs at NUS, NTU, and SMU tend to hold firm on GMAT or GRE scores, while technical and private programs are often far more flexible.
Test Requirements By Program Type
| Program Type | Typical Test Requirement |
|---|---|
| Business or management Masters (NUS, NTU, SMU) | GMAT or GRE required, 650 to 700 plus competitive |
| Engineering, computing, science Masters | GRE often optional; some accept GATE for Indian applicants |
| Private institutions or branch campuses | GMAT or GRE frequently not required |
| English proficiency (if prior degree not in English) | IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL almost always required |
Where Waivers Usually Apply
- Some business schools waive the GMAT or GRE for candidates with substantial professional work experience or exceptional transcripts.
- Certain schools, such as SMU, run their own internal admissions test as an alternative in specific cases.
- Requirements vary drastically even within the same university, so an MBA needing GMAT does not mean an MS in Applied Economics will.
My Advice
Check the exact course page for your target program before you invest months in GMAT prep, and if you have several years of strong work experience, email the admissions office directly to ask about a waiver first.
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