Do I need to prepare Letters of Recommendation (LORs) for my application in Singapore for a Master's/MSc?
Yes, you typically need Letters of Recommendation for a masters or MSc in Singapore, though requirements vary by program type. Research based masters and PhDs almost always need two to three academic LORs, while some business or finance programs may skip them if GMAT or GRE scores are already submitted.
Yes, you will typically need to prepare Letters of Recommendation for your masters or MSc application in Singapore, though exactly how many and from whom depends on whether your program is research based or coursework based. Check your specific department page before assuming either way.
LOR Requirements by Program Type
| Program Type | LORs Needed | Best Referees |
|---|---|---|
| Research based masters or PhD | 2 to 3, almost always required | Professors or thesis advisors |
| Coursework based MSc | Usually 2 | Professors or direct managers |
| Some business or finance MSc | Sometimes not required | Resume, GPA, and GMAT/GRE used instead |
How Singapore Universities Collect LORs
- You do not upload PDF letters yourself, you enter your referee's official email in the portal instead.
- An automated email goes directly to your referee once you submit and pay your application fee.
- Most Singapore universities reject free email domains like Gmail or Yahoo, so referees must use institutional or corporate addresses.
- Check the exact admissions checklist for your target department at NUS, NTU, or SMU before finalizing referees.
My Advice
Identify your two referees at least four weeks before the deadline and confirm their official institutional or company email address in advance, since a rejected Gmail address at the last minute can delay your entire submission.
More expert answers
It depends on the specific university and master's program in Singapore. Some programs require letters of recommendation, while others do not.
For example:
- Some NUS master's programs (like MSc in Accounting and Financial Analytics, MSc in Marketing Analytics and Insights) do not require letters of recommendation.
- Some NTU programs (such as MSc in Psychology) do require them.
Requirements vary, so check the admission criteria for each program you’re interested in.
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