The National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's premier world-class university. It is a member of several prestigious academic alliances, including:
- The Pacific Rim University Alliance
- The Asian University Alliance
- The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education
- The International Alliance of Research Universities
- Universitas 21
NUS is renowned for its research excellence, high academic standards, and global reputation.
Related Program List
The College of Design and Engineering at NUS offers several architecture-related programs, covering areas such as architectural design, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and sustainable architecture.
The following programs are frequently applied for by architecture-related students:
- Master of Architecture - Duration: 2 years
- Master of Landscape Architecture - Duration: 2 years
- Master of Arts in Urban Design -Duration: 1 year
- Master of Urban Planning - Duration: 2 years
- Master of Science, Integrated Sustainable Design (MSc ISD) - Duration: 1 year
Admission Requirements
- Master of Architecture (MArch)
Candidates must possess:
A BA (Arch) Hons accredited degree OR a BA (Arch) accredited degree
External candidates admitted to the MArch program must fulfill a minimum Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 2.5 and a minimum C grade for both AR5801 Options Design Research Studio 1 and AR5802 Options Design
Research Studio 2 to proceed to the final year of the MArch program.
Candidates must complete the Architectural Design track of the BA (Arch) concurrent degree (CDP) with a minimum CAP of 2.5, and a minimum B- average for Year 4 Design to proceed to the MArch program. - Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Completion of the first 3 years of the NUS 4-year BA(Arch) program, OR
Minimum 3 years of relevant architectural and environmental design education from other universities, OR
A Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree. - Master of Arts in Urban Design (MA Urban Design)
A Bachelor of Architecture / Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) (Hons), OR
Master of Architecture, OR
An Honours / Graduate degree in a related discipline (a minimum 4-year undergraduate degree is required). - Master of Science in Integrated Sustainable Design (MS ISD)
Evidence of a Bachelor’s degree with honours in Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Planning/Urban Design, Project and Facility Management, or any built environment-related programs or qualifications approved by NUS. - Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
Evidence of at least a bachelor’s degree in a spatial design discipline (architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning) or a related field of study (urban studies, geography, real estate, civil engineering).
A detailed curriculum vitae and/or project portfolio.
A minimum TOEFL score of 92 (internet-based testing) or equivalent for applicants whose first degree is not taught in English.
Language Requirements
Applicants whose undergraduate education was not in English must submit proof of their TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum scores required are:
- TOEFL Internet-based test:
92 for Master of Urban Planning (MUP) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
85 for all other coursework programs
The School’s TOEFL/GRE code is 9080. Certified true copies of the original TOEFL scores must be sent to DRGS along with the application. TOEFL score sheets should not be more than 2 years old when submitting an application. - IELTS-Academic:
Minimum score of 6.0.
It is strongly encouraged to submit an electronic copy of the TOEFL or IELTS score report rather than a hard copy. Please ensure the report is sent to the appropriate address as indicated by the testing organization.
Application Materials
- Online Application Form
- Application Fee
- Documents to Be Uploaded at GDA2:
All supporting documents must be uploaded at GDA2. Certified true copies of the English translation of any document not in English must be provided. Physical documents are not required at the application stage.
One recent passport-sized photograph
Scanned copy of Degree Scroll/Certificate
Official Transcripts/Result Slips
TOEFL/IELTS scores
Two Academic Referee’s Report Forms
Other Supporting Documents
If you are a full-time staff member at the university, include your department, staff number, and a photocopy of your appointment letter/letter from Department Head and Staff Card. - Additional Documents for Specific Programs:
Different programs require additional materials:
Design Portfolio (A4 size, 10-20 pages): For MArch, MLA, MA (Urban Design), MUP, MSc ISD
Form A: For MArch (Form A can be accessed here)
Personal Statement (1000 words): For MLA
Detailed CV: For MUP and MSc ISD
Essay: For MSc ISD
Personal Statement (400 words): For MSc (Environmental Management), MSc (Real Estate)
Frequently Asked Questions on Application Materials:
- Portfolio Requirements:
The portfolio should be in A4 size and contain 10-20 pages of undergraduate work, including complete drawings of each design project.
A professional portfolio may only be considered in exceptional cases (e.g., significant professional experience), with verification from the firm that the submissions reflect only the candidate’s input. - Form A:
Form A is specifically required for MArch applicants. Form A Link - Personal Statement (PS) Requirements:
The personal statement should briefly explain the reasons for wanting to pursue the program and highlight any relevant employment history and experience gained from work. - Essay Requirements:
For MSc ISD, the essay should explain how sustainability is important to the candidate’s home country/city/region, their plans after graduation, and why they have chosen the MSc ISD program. The essay should not exceed 2000 words.