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This is GL Academy, the best tuition centre in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.
For many students, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a dream university. According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, NUS ranks 8th globally and 1st in Asia, proving its world-class reputation. For parents considering overseas education, Singapore is often a top choice, offering high-quality education without being too far from home. With a growing preference for Singapore over Hong Kong, competition for admission to NUS is rapidly intensifying.
Today, based on real success stories, we will provide a detailed guide on what A-Level students need to achieve to gain admission to NUS.
Do You Really Need to Take 5 A-Level Subjects?
There’s a common belief among students preparing for the National University of Singapore (NUS):
“You need to take at least five A-Level subjects to get in.”
However, this is not an absolute requirement. Officially, NUS allows applications with a minimum of three core A-Level subjects. But looking at actual admission cases, most competitive applicants take four or five subjects. For instance, we’ve seen a student with A* grades in all five A-Levels accepted into the College of Humanities & Sciences (CHS), as well as a student with A* grades in four A-Levels accepted into the College of Design & Engineering (CDE).
On the other hand, a student who took five A-Levels but scored A*/A/A/B/B was rejected. This shows that the quality of your grades is far more important than the quantity of subjects. A strategy focused on achieving high scores in four subjects can be much more advantageous than overextending yourself with five.
Which Subjects Should You Choose?
NUS evaluates not just your grades but also your subject choices. Each major has different requirements, so it is crucial to check the mandatory and recommended subjects for the course you wish to apply for.
For example, for majors in the Computer Science/Engineering stream, Mathematics and Further Mathematics are considered almost essential. Student A, who achieved A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, was successfully admitted to Computer Engineering. In contrast, Student B, despite earning excellent A* grades in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Economics, was not accepted.
Although both students had identical grades, their subject combinations were significantly different. The decision to take Further Mathematics was likely the key factor in the admission outcome.
Are TOEFL, IELTS, or the SAT Required?
When applying to NUS with A-Levels, you are not officially required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT scores. However, submitting them can be advantageous.
To demonstrate English proficiency, you can submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores. Many students find the IELTS to be relatively more manageable, so it can be a good option. Additionally, if you have a high SAT score (around 1450-1500 or higher), submitting it can also strengthen your application.
The most important thing to remember is that your A-Level results are the core of your application. Be careful not to let your A-Level studies suffer while preparing for supplementary tests like the TOEFL or SAT.
Summary of a Successful NUS Applicant’s Profile
Finally, let’s look at the profile of a real student who excelled in A-Levels, standardized tests, and extracurricular activities, and was successfully admitted to NUS.
- A-Levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science (A* in all subjects)
- Standardized Tests: SAT 1520, TOEFL 104
- Key Activities: Olympiad awards, Student Council involvement, Club leadership experience
This student was admitted to NUS by taking only four A-Level subjects, demonstrating that a profile showcasing exceptional academic ability, leadership, and a strong co-curricular record is what truly makes a candidate stand out.
Located in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, GL Academy is the #1 tuition centre offering tailored university admission consulting and classes for students aiming for NUS and other top universities in Singapore. If you have more questions or want to learn more about how to prepare, don’t hesitate to start a conversation with our experts.
Thank you.
