MComp (Specialisation): Frequently Asked Questions

1. For Applicants - Requirements

I have a Bachelor's Degree in non IT/Comp Science/ Computing. Will 2 years of relevant working experience suffice?

Yes. You may send in your application for our consideration.  Submission of General GRE scores is highly recommended.  However, preference will be given to students with IT related job experiences and admission is not guaranteed.

I do not have a Bachelor's (Honours) Degree in IT/Comp Science/Computing. But the Bachelor (Honours) that I have completed includes a major in Computing. Am I eligible for the programme? Do I need to have working experience?

If your major is sufficiently computing-based (as decided by the School), then you do not need working experience.  Otherwise, yes.

The 2 years IT related job experience has to be gained AFTER the Bachelor’s degree is obtained.

I don't think I need to take TOEFL test, even though the medium of instruction of my degree is not in English. Can I be exempted?

No. However, you may want to include a letter in your application to the Graduate Studies, School of Computing, stating the reasons why you need not take the test and you are required to provide relevant supporting documents. The chances of being exempted will be very low.

Can I apply for more than one specialisation for MComp via the online Graduate Admission System?

Yes, you can. However, the system only allows you to select one specialisation, that is, your first preference. If you want to apply for your second and/or third specialisation preference(s), you will need to clearly indicate your additional preference(s) in your “Personal Statement”. The application fee is still S$100 (before prevailing GST) for such case.

When do I need to submit my supporting documents?

All supporting documents including recommendation letter, GRE/TOEFL /IELTS scores have to reach us by the application deadline. The School reserves the right to defer the application for consideration to the subsequent intake if documents and test scores are submitted after the application deadline.

Can I apply without GRE /GMAT or TOEFL scores?

In general, all applicants are required to submit GRE/GMAT or TOEFL scores. However, submitted applications without these test scores may be considered, subject to the admission committee’s decision. Please note that admission to the programme is on a competitive basis and there is no guarantee of admission.

I have submitted my MComp online application. Do I need to send my application package by post or submit it in person to NUS, SoC?

When submitting your application via the online Graduate Admission System, you are required to prepare your supporting documents for upload via the online system. You are not required to send the application package by post or submit it in person to NUS SoC.

Note:
All documents that are not in English must be accompanied by certified true copies of the English translation documents. Omission of required information and documents may render the application void. Please refer MComp submission checklist for details: https://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/programmes/pg/mcs/application/#submission

I have submitted my online application and uploaded my application materials via the online system. Why are the submitted documents not indicated in the system’s “Checklist”?

In general, applicants would have already uploaded all their supporting documents via the online application system. Therefore, it is not necessary to update the system checklist.

Important:
All required supporting documents must be uploaded at the point of submission in order to be considered for admission. The School will not upload documents on behalf of applicants.

All applicants are required to ensure that they have uploaded all their supporting documents including a personal statement (PS) before they proceed to make payment and make their submission online.

At least one referee’s report is required in order to process the application, please inform your referee to submit his/her recommendation in a timely manner.

How do I know that my application has been processed?

Your online application admission status will be updated from “Submitted Online” to Physical/ Online Application Verified”. If there are any outstanding documents, it will be updated as “Processing”.

In general, application status should be updated around two weeks after the application deadline

2. Admission

Are there any interviews for MComp applicants?

No.

Is it necessary for us to take Level 4000 courses? I will be working in the daytime when these courses are conducted and will not be able to attend.

It is not necessary to take Level 4000 courses.

Where can I find information on SoC's Undergraduate Programmes?
Can I switch from Master of Computing (MComp) to the Research Programme after being admitted?

We do not have the arrangement whereby you can switch from MComp to the Research Programme and vice versa.  If you are interested in pursuing the programme by research, you will need to submit a separate application form for the research programme.  There is no guarantee that you will be admitted as you will be competing with other applicants.

What is the difference between MComp part-time and MComp full-time?

Part-time students can take up to 3 courses per semester whereas full-time students can take up to 5 courses per semester.

Does NUS, School of Computing (SoC) provide postgraduate diploma or short course?

No. However, you may refer to NUS website for other postgraduate programmes: http://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions/graduate-studies/graduate-programmes.php

3. Others

How do I apply for the entry visa and Student's Pass?

Nationals from countries (such as PR China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, etc) will require entry visa. The School of Computing, Graduate Studies’ Office will apply a single-journey visa cum in-principle Student’s Pass approval on behalf of these students via the Student Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system administered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

We will inform you by writing on how to complete the application process at your end, if you have been selected for admission and are accepting the offer.

Is it possible for MComp students to have teaching assistantship so that they can support themselves?

Please refer to the Department’s websites (recruitment) for available positions. When considering part-time work arrangements, it should be noted that a high level of commitment is expected of all graduate students enrolled in full-time programmes, and the taking on of external part-time work to supplement personal income is generally not encouraged. Only students who have completed their registration formalities are allowed to apply the part-time appointment schemes where applicable.

I am a foreigner. Where can I find more information on accommodation and immigration matters?

Please refer to http://nus.edu.sg/osa/.

You can apply for NUS accommodation when the Accommodation System is open for application. Please check via the Graduate Admission System (GDA2) to ensure that your admission status has been updated to “Offer Accepted” before proceeding to make your accommodation application. SoC Graduate Office will update the admission status once we receive the duly signed form(s) that you have posted to us.

What is the estimated cost of living in Singapore?

You may refer to the OSA’s website for details – http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/

I’m interested to know more about the dissertation option. What is the dissertation option?

The School would like to encourage more of our high-ability MComp students to consider taking the dissertation option which aims to better-equip students as follows:

  • Acquiring competent knowledge and expertise in the area of the dissertation topic.
    • Opportunity to undertake a significant project with research and/or software development components.
    • A deeper learning experience through student/advisor mentorship.
    • Better preparation to handling large ICT projects or future PhD study

Students after completing the MComp dissertation will be much better prepared to undertake innovative projects which trains them in project conceptualisation and realisation.

Last updated on 14 August 2020