Duke-NUS Medical School stands apart as Singapore's only graduate-entry medical school, requiring applicants to hold a Bachelor's degree. Its Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme is globally renowned and highly selective, with an acceptance rate estimated to be around 3.2%.
Gaining admission to Duke-NUS requires a unique blend of exceptional academic performance in undergraduate studies, a top-tier score on a standardised admissions test (MCAT or GAMSAT), and a proven record of research and healthcare commitment. This guide provides the mandatory requirements and strategies for Singaporean applicants aiming for the 2026 intake.
Duke-NUS adopts a holistic, U.S.-style admissions process, prioritizing candidates who demonstrate the potential to excel as "Physician-Scientists." The four core pillars of the admissions process are:
Academic Excellence: Performance in your Bachelor's degree (GPA).
Standardised Aptitude: A top score on the MCAT or GAMSAT.
Extracurricular Profile: Proven commitment to leadership, research, and healthcare.
Fit and Motivation: Demonstrated passion and suitability during Applicant Day (Interviews/Written Tasks).
All applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of, a Bachelor's degree or Honours degree from any discipline. Unlike undergraduate programmes, there are no specific subject prerequisites, but a science background is advantageous for the MCAT/GAMSAT.
| Metric |
Average for Admitted Class (Reference: Class of 2025) |
Competitive Target |
| Undergraduate GPA (out of 4.0) | 3.62 | 3.7 and above |
| MCAT Score (out of 528) | 513 | 515 and above (approx. 90th percentile) |
| GAMSAT Score | Not officially stated, but highly competitive. | 68 and above (approx. 90th percentile) |
The submission of either the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) score is a mandatory and critical component of the application.
| Test | Key Differences | Strategy |
| MCAT | Focuses heavily on foundational sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry) and reasoning. Total score is 472-528. | Best for applicants with a strong background in physical and biological sciences (e.g., NUS/NTU Science/Engineering graduates). |
| GAMSAT | Focuses more on scientific reasoning, essay writing (Section II), and humanities/social sciences (Section I). | Often preferred by applicants from non-science backgrounds (e.g., Humanities, Business, Law), but still requires science preparation. |
The Duke-NUS application is a comprehensive package, requiring a significant amount of detailed documentation: admissions panel in identifying candidates actively committed to healthcare.
| Component | Requirement | Notes |
| Essays | Personal Statement and Supplementary Essays | Questions focus on motivation, research interest, and personal background. Released with the application in June. |
| Reference Letters | 3 to 5 references | At least one must be an academic reference (e.g., Professor/Supervisor). Others can be from employers or mentors. |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. | Non-Singapore/US degree holders must submit transcripts to World Education Services (WES) for evaluation. |
| Research/Activities | Detailed listing of all extracurricular activities, volunteering, and research experience. | Research experience is highly valued and often a key differentiator. |
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an Applicant Day, which typically involves a full day of evaluations and activities. This process is highly focused on assessing non-cognitive traits and your alignment with the school's mission.
| Assessment Component | Purpose |
| Interviews | Typically includes multiple interviews with faculty and alumni to assess communication, motivation, and ethical reasoning. |
| Discussion Sessions | Small group interactions designed to evaluate teamwork, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. |
| Written Exercise | A written task to gauge your ability to analyze, synthesise, and present information clearly under pressure. |
| Faculty/Student Interaction | Opportunities to interact with the Duke-NUS community to determine mutual fit. |
Prioritise Research Experience and a High-Impact GPA: Duke-NUS places an exceptionally high value on research. Your application must demonstrate a sustained commitment to research (ideally a year or more) resulting in a poster presentation or publication. Maintain a high GPA (3.7 and above) to ensure your foundational academic competency is unquestionable.
Aim for the 90th Percentile on the Standardised Test: With average MCAT scores around 513, you must target the 90th percentile (515+) to be competitive. Choose between the MCAT and GAMSAT based on your academic strengths, but dedicate a structured 4-6 months to preparation to hit this benchmark.
Curate the "Physician-Scientist" Narrative: Your essays, recommendation letters, and interview performance must clearly articulate how your interest in clinical care (Physician) intersects with your passion for discovery (Scientist). Avoid generic goals; link your research background and clinical volunteering to the Duke-NUS mission of translating research into better health outcomes.
Admission to Duke-NUS is a rigorous process that assesses intellectual capacity, aptitude, and maturity. As a graduate-level MD programme, it requires a depth of experience—both academic and professional—that far exceeds undergraduate entry. Successfully navigating the MCAT/GAMSAT, multiple essays, and the Applicant Day requires specialised guidance.
If you are a graduate student or current undergraduate aiming for the competitive 2026 intake, strategic preparation starting well over a year in advance is essential.
Get in touch with one of our consultants today for specialised preparation in MCAT/GAMSAT, essay refinement, and interview training to maximise your chances of joining the next Duke-NUS MD class.
Additional resources
https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/sg-med-guide
https://youtube.com/difference-between-nus-and-ntu-medicine
https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/day-in-the-life-of-a-doctor-uk-vs-singapore