FAQs

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Questions related to academics such as grading system, cumulative average point and modules are answered here.

How will this programme be beneficial for international students given that the curriculum and teachings will be centred to Real Estate in Singapore?

Many countries look to Singapore as a model for real estate development. We have a well established real estate industry and they will be able to learn from Singapore. For example, we have a very developed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market and many emerging economies want to come and learn from Singapore’s experience.

Would there be an option for converting from part-time to full-time?

Students will be required to put in the request for conversion of candidature type using the prescribed form.

Do you need a work experience to apply for the programme?

Yes, we require at least 2 years of post-degree relevant working experience.

For part-time students with a standard part-time module load how frequently are classes conducted and are they at NUS or virtually?

Usually, part-time students take 3 courses per semester and can expect to attend one class per week per course. Classes are conducted in person at NUS.

What are the differences between MSc in Real Estate and MSc (Real Estate & Urban Economics)?

The MSc in Real Estate is a coursework degree programme while the MSc (Real Estate & Urban Economics) is a research degree programme.

How does the MSc in Real Estate courses’ content differ from the BSc (Real Estate) course?

The BSc (Real Estate) is a 4-year full-time degree course while the MSc (Real Estate) can be completed in 1 year. The BSc programme covers the whole spectrum of the real estate industry while the MSc focuses on economics, finance and appraisal. Students on the MSc course are also able to share their work experience which enhances learning.

What is the minimum GPA to apply for the MSc in Real Estate?

Admission would require a good Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a four-year undergraduate programme. A good three-year degree with very strong academic results may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

There is no minimum undergraduate grade required to apply. However, a GMAT score is highly recommended if your GPA is not strong. All applications will undergo a thorough process to evaluate potential and readiness for graduate study in Finance. Performance in relevant coursework will be evaluated during this process.

How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated?

The GPA, which is the weighted average grade point of all courses taken by a student in NUS, is represented as follows:

How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated?

In NUS, each letter grade corresponds to a grade point as shown below:

Grade	Grade Point
A+	5.0
A	5.0
A-	4.5
B+	4.0
B	3.5
B-	3.0
C+	2.5
C	2.0
D+	1.5
D	1.0
F	0

Students in the NUS MSc in Finance programme, must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0. More information on the NUS grading system can be found here.

When do classes start?

Classes begin in early August for Semester 1 and January for Semester 2. There is only one intake per year in August

What is the difference between the MBA in Real Estate specialisation compared to MSc (Real Estate)?

For MBA in RE, students are required to complete 68 units for the degree, comprising 44 business and 24 real estate units. The degree requirement for the MSc in Real Estate is 40 units.

Where do most of your alumni work now?

Our graduates are employed at major property consultants, developers, sovereign wealth and real estate funds, banks, government bodies etc.

Do you have a detailed curriculum for part-time applicants?

We advise part-time students to complete the core courses first followed by electives. The usual workload is 3 courses per semester.

Is the Tuition Fee Loan Scheme applicable for the MSc (Real Estate) Programme?

MSc in Real Estate is a self-funded programme and the Tuition Fee Loan Scheme is not applicable to students in self-funded programmes.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Questions on moving to Singapore, housing and transition.

Where can I go for advice regarding my transition to Singapore?

The International Students Section within the Office of Student Affairs provides a wide range of services for all international participants studying in NUS. Please click here for more information.

To ease the transition for new international students to NUS, the programme office will also arrange a buddy for each student to share practical information. Pre-arrival connections with the buddies can be done via email or Facebook.

How do I apply for housing?

Please refer here for housing information.

THE GMAT/GRE

A GMAT/GRE score is not compulsory, however, a good GMAT/GRE score will qualify you for study awards and priority in exchange placements

This section will answer your questions on GMAT/GRE.

Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE score that I should attain?

Generally, a score of 700 out of 800 for the GMAT, or the GMAT equivalent in GRE is expected. If you wish to be considered for a study award, a GMAT/GRE score needs to be submitted.

What can I do if the official GMAT score is not available before the application deadline?

You may submit the preliminary GMAT scores, i.e. the Verbal and Quantitative scores. These scores are known immediately after a GMAT test.

Where can I take the GMAT/GRE?

For GMAT, please visit the official GMAT website. Please designate “National University of Singapore” GMAT Code: DRT-MK-56 (MSc in Finance) as your GMAT score recipient.

For GRE, please visit the official GRE website. Please designate “4642 – NUS Business School MSc Programmes” as your GRE score recipient.