MComp (InfoSec 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?

Please ensure that all mandatory and supporting documents are uploaded in the online Graduate Admission System before submitting your application. The School will not assist to upload documents on behalf of applicants.

Can I apply without TOEFL/IELTS or GRE/GMAT test scores?

TOEFL/IELTS test scores are a separate requirement from the GRE/GMAT test scores. Applicants who have graduated from Universities where English is not the main medium of instruction are required to submit their TOEFL/IELTS test scores as proof of English proficiency.

A GMAT/GRE score is not mandatory, however, a good GMAT/GRE score will strengthen your application.

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

2. Admission

Are there any interviews for MComp applicants?

Generally, there are no interviews unless otherwise informed by the School.

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?

You may either visit http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/programmes/ or email socadmissions@nus.edu.sg.

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 provide postgraduate diploma or short courses?

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 students to take up work arrangements so that they can support themselves?

Students should take into consideration that a high level of commitment is expected of all graduate students enrolled in full-time programmes. Taking on part-time work arrangements to supplement your personal income is generally not encouraged.

Full-time international students who intend to take up personal work arrangements are advised to check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Singapore and Ministry of Manpower websites and adhere to all Student’s Pass regulations. Please refer to https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students for more information.

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

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

You may apply for NUS accommodation when the application is open. Please ensure that your admission status is reflected as “Offer Accepted” in the Graduate Admission System otherwise you would not be able to access the online hostel application portal.

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 April 2025