Singapore is Southeast Asia’s largest financial center.
The tiny country’s economy is one of the best in the world in terms of GDP and transformational progress, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for top talent from all over the world.
However, Singapore takes great pride in its higher education system and is known for developing highly skilled and qualified graduates and post-graduates. Therefore, the majority of its workforce is homegrown.
Today, several universities are offering great bachelor programs, from engineering to medicine, accounting, computer science, and more.
However, many students looking to further their careers without opting for master’s degrees in their respective fields often opt for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
Getting an MBA degree in Singapore is an excellent way to obtain a world-class education and rewarding employment opportunities.
It also gives aspirant graduates and professionals the skills and knowledge to compete with the best talent in different industries and gain success.
However, make no mistake. Once you decide to pursue an MBA degree, you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Today, there are dozens of universities in Singapore offering different types of MBA programs. So, you need to do your homework and find one that’s the right fit for you.
In this post, we’ll share a simple guide for finding the best business school to advance your career.
We’ll also provide a list of the top MBA programs in Singapore to accelerate your transition back to school.
How to Choose the Right MBA Program in Singapore for Your Needs and Goals
1. Learn About the Different Types of MBA Programs
Most countries and education systems worldwide offer three types of MBA programs – Executive MBA, Online EMBA, and Weekend EMBA.
The traditional EMBA is the go-to choice for students looking to become full-time business and management professionals.
The program is similar to most master’s programs in which students study alongside classmates for five days a week.
Alternatively, you can opt for an online executive MBA that teaches a specific portion of the program in person and the majority of it online.
This program is the go-to choice for mobile professionals or international students looking to attend class from anywhere using their devices.
Finally, there’s the weekend executive MBA program designed specifically for students who don’t want to leave their jobs to pursue a master’s degree.
However, to opt for this 18-month program in Singapore, you need at least three years of work experience.
2. Determine Your Desired Outcomes
The next factor you need to consider is the desired outcomes of successfully graduating.
In other words, you need to consider your personal and professional reasons for opting for a particular university or MBA program.
For instance, some students want to go to the top schools with excellent reputations in the community.
Meanwhile, others want to pick programs based on specializations offered, such as finance or project management.
From the curriculum to the university’s culture, facilities, and ranking, you need to figure out what you truly want before proceeding further.
3. Understand Your Academic Needs
Most Singapore university graduates are well aware of their learning styles and habits.
Therefore, one important aspect of choosing a university or MBA program involves understanding your academic needs and preferred learning environments.
For instance, some students thrive in huge classrooms with plenty of other students and extracurricular activities.
In contrast, introverted students prefer smaller study and play circles and are more likely to opt for online or hybrid programs. Yes, you need to be realistic about your choices.
However, you shouldn’t compromise your happiness and satisfaction levels in an unsuitable learning environment just to get a degree.
4. Think About Your Career Goals
When choosing an MBA program in Singapore, you must evaluate your career trajectory and establish future goals.
Everything, from the location of your university to the quality of the program, specialization, and connections will have long-term implications for your career.
For instance, many universities in Singapore have a history of fitting students and alumni in partnered companies for internships or even full-time positions.
Therefore, you have to consider everything a program offers from a career viewpoint before applying.
5. Consult Present Students and Alumni
One of the best ways to learn about the quality of an MBA program is to talk to present students and alumni.
Unlike professors, admission departments, and other stakeholders invested in attracting students, students are more likely to share their honest opinions and feedback regarding their experiences.
They’re likely to provide the biggest benefits of opting for a particular program or share some personal reasons not to apply.
You can also meet some like-minded people with similar career goals and experiences who can put you on the right track to find the right program.
Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements for MBA Programs
Now that you’re well-versed with the key factors to consider when choosing the right MBA program for you in Singapore, you need to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and admission requirements of your preferred institutions, such as:
1. Bachelor’s Degree
To apply for any MBA program in Singapore, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from any recognized and accredited university.
2. English Proficiency Test
International students applying for an MBA degree in Singapore need to take IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE and score a minimum of 6.5 bands (IELTS), 70 (TOEFL), and 60 (PTE).
3. Work Experience
Before applying for an MBA program, you must acquire at least two years of full-time work experience at a managerial or executive level.
4. Documentation
Finally, students need to provide essential documentation for admissions, including academic transcripts, LOR, essays, resumes, and photographs, to name a few.
The Top MBA Programs in Singapore
Now that you’re aware of the essential requirements for admission into an MBA program in Singapore, let’s move on to the business end of our post.
Below are some of the best universities in Singapore offering world-class MBA programs.
Getting into any of these universities is potentially a life-changing opportunity for students looking to build a career in finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, and management:
1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is one of the country’s flagship national research universities, founded in 1905 and officially renamed to NUS in 1991 from the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School.
The university offers a multi-disciplinary curriculum with 50+ departments, from accounting to medicine and business.
NUS offers a 17-month MBA program with specializations in finance, accounting, and marketing.
It’s the go-to choice for high-performing students and professionals looking to take their careers to the next level.
As the leading university in Asia and one of the top-ranked higher-ed institutions worldwide, NUS offers an unequaled opportunity to build and establish an international network for success.
To enroll, you need an undergraduate degree from a recognized university along with an IELTS score of 6.5.
You can choose from a full-time MBA, an executive MBA, or a one/two-year MBA.
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a globally-renowned technological university with an excellent record of producing highly creative and innovative graduates in engineering, business, information technology, arts, and social sciences.
NTU offers a 12-month full-time and 18-month part-time MBA program for graduates with two years of work experience.
Both programs have been designed specifically for high-level professionals looking to develop their careers with modern academic content centered around an international perspective.
NTU also provides hands-on experience to students by exposing them to some of the best companies in Singapore to learn about different work environments and cultures.
3. James Cook University
James Cook University is an Australian public university based in North Queensland with one of its main campuses located in the international city of Singapore.
JCU is among the top 300 universities worldwide and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, law, social sciences, and business.
Its 12-month full-time and 16-month part-time MBA programs are considered one of the best in the country.
Moreover, only students with AQF level-7 UG degrees and two years of experience in management can apply.
Those who secure admission successfully enjoy a curriculum based on the latest technological and regulatory developments in business management with a specialization in innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial sustainability.
With an MBA degree from JCU, graduates can guarantee a well-rounded education and improve their chances of succeeding in any industry, including finance, marketing, healthcare, IT, and engineering.
4. SP Jain School of Global Management
SP Jain School of Global Management is an Australian business school offering a global 18-month executive MBA program designed to help students expand their leadership and managerial capabilities.
SP Jain is ranked 12th worldwide and is one of the go-to schools for professionals looking to position themselves at strategic levels in different organizations.
From general management to essential business functions and several other professional courses, the program curriculum offers in-depth knowledge related to business practices, technologies, and regulations.
5. INSEAD Asia Campus
INSEAD Business School or “Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires” is a global non-profit graduate-only business school with several campuses in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, including Singapore.
It is one of the world’s largest and leading business schools bringing hundreds of cultures, languages, and ideas into its campuses.
The school has also been recognized by Forbes as one of the best schools worldwide, in terms of the alumni network and connections from multiple industries.
INSEAD offers six master’s degrees in nine academic fields, including business administration, economics, and management.
Moreover, its programs are only 10 months long, making it an excellent choice for professionals looking to take a short break from work and study full-time while enjoying world-class facilities, from modern classrooms to huge libraries and advanced learning management systems.
However, to enroll in INSEAD, you need anywhere between two and ten years of experience along with a GMAT score between 70 and 75% or the GRE 80th percentile.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – Our top MBA programs in Singapore. Hopefully, with our guide, you can accelerate your journey to finding the best university for your specific education needs, budget, and other preferences.
You can also use our guide to research other universities in Singapore offering MBA programs if you’re looking for other options apart from our picks.
Getting an MBA degree is a great way to boost your career and become more financially stable.
However, not doing your due diligence to find the right program could make your life on campus not as great or rewarding as you’d hoped it to be.
So, take your time and find the best program for you.
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