FAQ

• Applicants must demonstrate good prior academic performance in an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution of higher learning.
• Applicants must have sufficient background in Mathematics/Calculus.
• GMAT or SMU Admission Test* is a compulsory requirement for admission to this programme.
• Applicants with post-undergraduate working experience will have an added advantage.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by members of the MPA Admission Panel. For international students, telephone interviews will be conducted if they are not in Singapore.
• Applicants must show proficiency in the English language. A TOEFL or IELTS test is required if the applicant's undergraduate degree was not conducted in English.

*More information about SMU Admission Test is available here. Candidates may only take the SMU Admission Test after they have submitted the online application form. Please contact the administration office to take the SMU Admission Test.

As a number of our courses in the programme are quantitative in nature, a good background in mathematics/calculus is essential to enable you to progress through these courses. Some of the criteria that will be used in evaluating the applicant's background in mathematics/calculus include:

• GMAT score with a minimum score of at least 60 percentile for quantitative component; or
• Satisfactory completion of some mathematical courses at a university level; or
• Have completed at least two mathematical courses at polytechnic level with minimum B grade; or
• An acceptable foundation in mathematics at GCE A-level or O-level or its equivalent.

At least seven years of full-time, relevant work experience

We require applicants to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed over a long period of time in your education and work. The score report gives separate scores for the quantitative and verbal sections of the test, as well as a total score. There is also a short analytical writing section. The GMAT is used to ensure fairness, objectivity and validity in selection and provides supplementary information to that contained in the application form.

More information is found in the GMAT website. The website provides information about preparing and registering for the GMAT test.

In Singapore, the computerised GMAT can be taken at Pearson Professional Centers.

Address: 10 Anson Road , Level 30, Unit 3, International Plaza , Singapore 079903
Tel: 6225 2027

Seat availability for taking the GMAT can be checked online here; tests are generally available in the morning at 9 am from Monday to Friday and the second Saturday of every month. Test takers are generally required to report half an hour earlier. The GMAT takes less than 4 hours, and can only be taken once every calendar month, for up to 5 times every 12 calendar months. Enquiries can be made at GMAT's Regional Registration Center:

Prometric
PO Box 12964
50794 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Phone: +60-3-7628-3333 (also 02-03-7628-3333 if calling from Singapore)
Fax: +60-3-7628-3366
E-mail: searrc@prometric.com

We have not set a minimum GMAT score. We adopt a holistic approach in our selection process and the overall quality of the applicant determines the admission to the programme. This would include prior academic performance at university, work experience, referees reports, interview scores, etc. However, we consider scores above 600 to be competitive.

Yes, you can retake GMAT but retaking the test is only recommended if you believe you have under-performed significantly at the first attempt. Please be well prepared before you go for your GMAT test as GMAT can only be taken once a month. We will use your highest valid GMAT score.

If the rest of your application is completed, you can send it to us, even if you have not taken the GMAT. However, we will require your GMAT score to evaluate your application. You should email us your unofficial scores as soon as you receive them and arrange with the test centre for the official score report to be sent to SMU. SMU's GMAT institution code for MPA is F8D-3B-56.

No, every applicant is required to take GMAT, regardless of their academic background or prior qualifications. Our applicants come from very diverse backgrounds with different types of academic qualification. GMAT is a useful common benchmark to assess the applicants objectively and fairly.

GMAT scores are valid for 5 years after the test date. If your GMAT results are older than 5 years, you will need to re-sit your GMAT.

TOEFL or IELTS test is required if the medium of instruction in your undergraduate or graduate education was not English. More information can be obtained from the TOEFL website and the IELTS website. SMU's institution code for TOEFL is 9014.

We do not have a minimum TOEFL/IELTS score as each applicant is evaluated on all the credentials.

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.

Application starts in August , and closes in in May for August intake. Early application is encouraged.

You may sign up to attend one of our Information Sessions; please check for available dates. You may also email your queries to mcfo@smu.edu.sg.

Yes. We accept applicants with degrees in any discipline.

We generally expect applicants to have at least an undergraduate degree. Those without a university degree but have outstanding career profiles may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

As this is a programme for middle to senior executives, we regret that only applicants with at least five years of full-time work experience can be considered.

Yes, as long as your experience involves managerial and business decisions. We are keen on a good mix of candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Candidates who do not have any prior demonstrated knowledge in introductory accounting and finance may be guided with relevant preparatory courses before the start of the programme.

There is only one intake per year in August.  Each cohort begins the programme in August each year and ends in June of the following year.

GMAT/GRE tests are conducted internationally throughout the year. To register for a test date and venue in your vicinity, please visit the testing institutions’ respective websites:

• GMAT:  www.mba.com/the-gmat
• GRE:  www.ets.org/gre

In Singapore, the computerised GMAT can be taken at Pearson Professional Centers, 10 Anson Road, Level 30, Unit 3, International Plaza, Singapore 079903, Tel: 6225-2027. GMAT is generally conducted in the morning from Mondays to Fridays and the second Saturday of every month. The test takes up to four hours, and can only be taken once every calendar month for up to five times every 12 calendar months. 

Yes, you may submit your programme application first, and then submit your test score to us once you have completed the test. However, we will not be able to provide you with any decision on your application until we have received your official test score. 

We encourage applicants to take the GMAT or GRE. However, those who are unable to do so may opt to take the SMU Admission Test by indicating this option in their online application to us. As the SMU Admission Test is not available to the general public, we must receive your completed programme application first before we can arrange for you to take the test.

Yes.  All shortlisted applicants will be invited for a face-to-face interview as part of the admissions process.

Shortlisted applicants will be informed by email regarding their interview date and venue. Interviews are held either on SMU campus or at a location mutually convenient for the candidate and interviewer.

Shortlisted overseas applicants may request for an interview in Singapore on specific dates should they be visiting here.  Depending on schedule availability and suitable arrangements, we may also interview candidates overseas.

All classes are conducted full-time during each academic session of 8 days.