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FAQs

General
Admissions​​​
BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)​​​
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Financial Information​
​General​​
 
  • Why has Nanyang Technological University set up a medical school?

    The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) was set up to meet an expected rise in the health​care demands of a growing and ageing Singapore population. Formed through a partnership between two world-class universities, Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Imperial College London (Imperial), LKCMedicine is training a generation of doctors who will put patients at the centre of their exemplary medical care. Named after local philanthropist Tan Sri Dato Lee Kong Chian, the School, which was officially opened by the then Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Teo Chee Hean on 28 August 2017, is a model for innovative medical education and a centre for transformative research.

    LKCMedicine will augment Singapore’s healthcare manpower by producing top-quality doctors and medical leaders who are attuned to the needs of patients and the Singapore community. The School will provide more opportunities for Singaporeans to pursue a high-quality medical degree locally. The School also partners with hospitals, polyclinics and specialist centres within the other healthcare clusters, SingHealth and National University Health System (NUHS). Farrer Park Hospital and Raffles Medical Group are also teaching sites for our students, making them the first private hospitals in Singapore to be officially involved in undergraduate medical education.
  • ​What programmes does LKCMedicine offer and what will students learn?

    LKCMedicine offers a five-year full-time Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) undergraduate programme. Upon completion of the programme, students will gain an MBBS degree awarded jointly by both NTU Singapore and Imperial. The programme adapts the best of Imperial’s world-renowned curriculum and leverages on NTU’s strengths in engineering, technology and biomedical research to provide students with an innovative, multidisciplinary curriculum aimed at developing doctors of tomorrow. Students will be taught the scientific basis of medicine and how to handle the doctor-patient relationship. The National Healthcare Group (NHG), a leader in public healthcare recognised for the quality of its medical expertise, facilities and teaching is LKCMedicine’s primary clinical teaching partner, offers students exposure to clinical experience relevant to Singapore’s healthcare needs. The School’s first cohort has graduated in August 2018.

    LKCMedicine also offers a PhD by Research programme for the brightest students from a variety of backgrounds – natural sciences, medicine, social sciences and engineering – and expose them to a range of topics and disciplines such that upon completion, graduates will have a deep knowledge and appreciation of both translatable and translational medical research methods. More about LKCMedicine’s PhD programme can be found here.
  • How does the curriculum at LKCMedicine differ from what is offered by
    the other local medical schools?

    All local medical schools will primarily equip students with the knowledge and skills to become doctors and clinicians. LKCMedicine pioneers a modern curriculum characterised by its innovative approaches in pedagogy, utilising team-based learning and other leading-edge technology. LKCMedicine’s educational model focuses on interdisciplinary learning and draws on synergies from the fields of medicine, sciences, engineering, technology and the humanities.
  • What are the entry requirements for the undergraduate MBBS programme?

    The entry requirements and selection criteria can be found here.
  • Does the Joint Degree allow students to practise in the UK after completing​
    the programme?

    LKCMedicine’s MBBS degree which is jointly awarded by NTU Singapore and Imperial is not considered a UK Primary Medical Qualification and hence will not entitle the holder to provisional registration with the General Medical Council in the UK. LKCMedicine graduates who wish to practise in the UK should follow the registration process for graduates from outside the UK and European Economic Area as described in the link here. Upon successful completion of the MBBS programme with local universities, graduates are to fulfil a service obligation of five years (for Singaporeans) or six years (for non-Singaporeans) in the local public healthcare sector.
  • What are the quality assurance processes in place to ensure that the MBBS programme is delivered with a high standard?

    Imperial is closely involved in the development and implementation of the curriculum as well as the recruitment of top faculty members and students. LKCMedicine also adheres to Imperial’s robust quality assurance procedures. The MBBS programme falls under the regulations of the Quality Assurance Agency, and also conforms to local quality assurance requirements imposed by the Singapore Medical Council, NTU Singapore and LKCMedicine. Academic subject and professional experts from local and overseas institutions are appointed as external examiners for LKCMedicine. The team of external examiners includes a Joint External Examiner who is also an external examiner for Imperial’s MBBS programme. This ensures that the standard of LKCMedicine’s MBBS programme is consistent with Imperial’s and on par with the other medical schools recognised by the Singapore Medical Council.
  • Where do students attend lessons?

    Depending on their timetables, students attend lessons at both the Novena and Yunnan Garden campuses in the first two years of the programme. Students spend a half day per week at a polyclinic. In the next three years, students are based primarily at healthcare facilities throughout Singapore, under the three healthcare clusters – NHG, SingHealth and NUHS.
  • Will LKCMedicine students spend time at Imperial College London?

    LKCMedicine has established an exchange programme with Imperial to encourage interactions between the two institutions. Selected second-year students participate in the Imperial Immersion Week programme in March each year. 

    Final-year LKCMedicine students also embark on a six-week overseas elective at Imperial and in various countries including the UK, Australia, Japan, India, Thailand, India and others.
  • Does LKCMedicine offer postgraduate programmes?

     
    LKCMedicine launched its inaugural four-year PhD by Research programme in January 2016. The PhD programme by Research is shaped by Singapore’s healthcare needs and delivered with several innovative features. The programme includes clinical attachments for students from a non-clinical background to receive a deeper understanding of local healthcare needs. There are also laboratory rotations which broaden the students’ range of skills, as well as overseas attachments with academic medical centres which will giv​e students an international perspective. Capitalising on LKCMedicine’s strategic partnerships, students will be able to choose from three different pathways for their research training. More about LKCMedicine’s PhD programme can be found here.
  • Where is LKCMedicine’s MBBS degree accredited?

    The MBBS degree is accredited in Singapore and its accreditation is in line with the requirements set by the Singapore Medical Council and Singapore Ministry of Health.
  • What is the make-up of the LKCMedicine faculty?

    The faculty at LKCMedicine consists of a core team of experienced clinician-educators and faculty members from NTU Singapore and Imperial. The School also has a prominent research faculty, made up of internationally renowned clinician-scientists and researchers. NTU Singapore and Imperial will continue to recruit excellent faculty committed to delivering world-class medical education.
  • What is the governance structure of LKCMedicine?

    LKCMedicine’s Governing Board comprises representatives from the Singapore Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health Holdings, NHG, NTU Singapore, Imperial, LKCMedicine and other industry leaders who hold the expertise and experience to help the School achieve its goals. Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of the Singapore Food Agency and a member of NTU Singapore’s Board of Trustees, leads the School’s Governing Board.
  • Where can I get more information?

    For more information, please visit our website at http://www.lkcmedicine.ntu.edu.sg or contact us at adm_LKCMedicine@ntu.edu.sg

    For enquiries on financial aid, please contact:

    NTU Office of Admissions (NTU OA)
    Website: http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg
    Email (Local Qualifications): adm_local@ntu.edu.sg
    Email (International Qualifications): adm_intnl@ntu.edu.sg
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​​
​Admissions​​
 
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  • When was the first cohort of students admitted?

    LKCMedicine admitted its first cohort of students in August 2013.
  • How many students will LKCMedicine accept each year?

    The School has an annual intake of 150 students. As the School is set up to train doctors for Singapore and Singaporeans, priority for admission will be given to Singaporeans.
  • When does LKCMedicine start accepting applications?

    Applications can be made from October the year before admission to typically mid-March in the year of admission.
  • Who is responsible for the admissions process and what are the admissions criteria?

    NTU is responsible for the admissions process and criteria for LKCMedicine, in consultation with Imperial College London.
  • Who can apply to LKCMedicine?

    We welcome applicants who have taken the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT), with any of the following qualifications:

    (a) Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level 
    (b) Local Polytechnic Diploma
    (c) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
    (d) NUS High School Diploma
    (e) Relevant international qualifications

  • What are the selection criteria for admission to LKCMedicine?

    Apart from the motivation for study, an interest in medicine and the potential to contribute to the course, applicants will also be assessed based on the following:

    (a) Academic performance
    (b) BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) results
    (c) Personal statement
    (d) 2 Referee reports
    (One of the referees must be the applicant's Civics tutor/form teacher (GCE A-level, IB, NUSHS and international qualifications) or personal tutor/mentor (Polytechnic). The online referee report is in question-and-answer format. There are two questions which will take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Instructions and login details are provided to applicants who will in turn forward the login information to their referees.
    (e) Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)
    Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the MMI. Successful applicants will be offered a place at LKCMedicine, subject to clearing their health requirements check. 
  • What are the minimum academic requirements for admission to
    LKCMedicine?

    The minimum requirements for the various qualifications are given in the table below:

    Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-level Certificate
    - H2 Pass in Chemistry and H2 Pass in either Biology or Physics
    ​- All H2 subjects and attempted General Paper (GP) or Knowledge & Inquiry (KI) must be taken at one sitting
    - Meet Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirement.
    - More details here.

    International Baccalaureate Diploma
    - Pass in HL Chemistry and Pass in either HL Biology or Physics
    - Meet Mother Tongue requirement.
    - More details here

    NUS High School Diploma
    - Major CAP of 2.0 in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics
    - CAP of 1.0 in one other major and in English Programme
    - Meet Mother Tongue requirement.
    - More details here.
    ​
    Polytechnic Diploma
    - A good GPA in a Health Science-related diploma.
    - A list of relevant diplomas

    International Qualifications
    - List of acceptable international qualifications
    - For further advice on other international qualifications, you may contact NTU Office of Admissions (NTU OA).

    Mother Tongue Language (MTL) requirements:
    1. Minimum of D7 for the higher MTL paper taken at the 'O' Level examination.
    2. Minimum of ‘S’ grade for the H1 MTL paper or General Studies in Chinese.
    3. Minimum of 'S' grade for the H2 MTL paper taken at the 'A' Level examination.
    4. Pass in the MTL 'B' Syllabus paper at the 'A' Level examination.

    If an applicant has been exempted from MTL as approved by MOE, the MOE-approved subject-in-lieu will be considered the MTL subject.
  • If I am unsuccessful in my application, can I reapply in future admission exercises?

    Applicants who have previously attended the MMI will be allowed one chance of reapplication under the Aptitude-based Admissions scheme. The applicants will have to present valid BMAT scores.
  • I am currently pursuing an undergraduate programme at university. Can I
    apply to the MBBS programme at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine?

    Our MBBS programme has very limited places and entry is highly competitive. We therefore accord priority to applicants who have not previously pursued undergraduate studies. Applications from those who have started, are pursuing, or have completed an undergraduate programme at any University are generally not considered.
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​BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)​​

  • What is the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)?​
     
    The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMA​T) is a two-hour subject-specific admissions test taken by applicants who wish to read M​edicine, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science at certain medical schools in the UK as well as the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine). It is a pen-and-paper test consisting of three (3) separate sections. It is an aptitude test and it relies on skills and knowledge that candidates should already have. The BMAT is produced, administered and marked by the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, a department of Cambridge English Language Assessment, which also facilitates an extensive worldwide centre network at which candidates can sit for the test. Registration for BMAT takes place every September.
  • Why is BMAT required for admission to LKCMedicine?

    The BMAT, which is currently being used for top-level medical schools in the UK including Imperial College London, Cambridge and Oxford universities to name a few, provides information about a student’s aptitude for medicine and has been a good predictor of a student’s performance in a medical school. As LKCMedicine’s MBBS programme is a joint degree between Nanyang Technological University and Imperial College London, the use of BMAT for admission to LKCMedicine will ensure parity of student selection.
  • How can an applicant prepare for BMAT?

    BMAT is a test of skills and knowledge that learners are expected to have already and there is no evidence at present to suggest that extra preparatory study is linked to improved performance. However, familiarity with the test format (question-and-answer style) may help. You can familiarise yourself with the test format by practising with specimen test papers available for download here​​.

    There is a range of resources available online to help one prepare for BMAT, including a test specification, sample test papers, past papers, format familiarisation and sugg​ested reading material.
  • Are there any BMAT preparatory courses recommended by LKCMedicine?

    LKCMedicine does not endorse any preparatory courses for BMAT. You can access sample and past papers from the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing website. ​
  • When should an applicant take the BMAT?

    If you are applying to the AY2021-2022 intake of LKCMedicine, you should take the BMAT in November 2020, prior to applying to LKCMedicine. Only results of the BMAT taken in the 12-month period prior to application to LKCMedicine will be considered in the selection process. This year's BMAT will take place on 4 November 2020. Results will be released on 27 November 2020. 
  • What is the fee for BMAT?

    The BMAT fee payable to Regional Language Centre Examinations Bureau (RELC EB) will be advised at a later date. Students from the Singapore school system should register with RELC EB.

    Students outside the Singapore school system should register with the British Council, Singapore. Please contact the British Council​ for confirmation of the BMAT registration fee.  
  • Is financial aid available to students needing help?

    Financial assistance is available to students in need. Students may approach their schools for advice on the process to obtain assistance.
  • Where and how do I register for BMAT?

    You can register for the BMAT with RELC EB (for students from the Singapore school system) or the British Council (for students outside the Singapore school system). For students not residing in Singapore, you can find an authorised test centre here.

    There is a registration form which you can download from the RELC EB and British Council​ websites.

    (a) Registration via RELC EB
    i. Make payment for BMAT fee at AXS station or RELC office.
    bmat payment1.jpg
    ii. Submit the Online Registration Form via the RELC EB website by the next day after making payment. Submission must be done by 1 October, 1200hrs for Standard Entry; or 15 October, 1200hrs for Late Entry.

    * At the AXS machine, students should choose the Services tab, then select the Education tab, select RELC EB and follow the payment process instructions. Note that this service is currently not available on the AXS e-station and AXS m-station.
    ​^ Address of RELC: Level 3 RELC Building, 30 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258352

    (b) Registration process for students requesting financial assistance

    Students requesting financial assistance will need to submit a copy of the printed Online Registration Form and the non-subsidised portion of the fees to their school by 15 September 2020. 

    (c) Registration via BC
    If you are registering via British Council, you can submit the completed form and make payment in person at the British Council or post the form together with a cheque to the British Council.
     
  • When can I register for BMAT?

    Registration opens on 1 September and will close on 1 October. Registration and payment must be completed by the closing date for standard fees. Late fees will apply for applications received after from 2 October to 15 October 2020.

    Students are advised to visit RELC EB and British Council websites from August to obtain registration details.
  • Why is the BMAT conducted in the middle of the GCE ‘A’ level examinations?

    BMAT is a global examination taken by students all over the world who apply to the Universities of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London, Imperial College London, LKCMedicine and others. Hence, the date of examination is synchronised in October/November, at a time when Singapore students take the GCE ‘A’ Level or IB examinations. This should be advantageous for students who have already studied related subjects (Sciences) and help in the students’ preparation for the BMAT.
  • What are the BMAT cut-off scores for admissions to LKCMedicine?
     
    The cut-off scores for BMAT differ yearly as they are dependent on the strength of the application cohort. As a guide, the table below which shows the 10th and 90th percentiles of BMAT scores of our students admitted in Academic Year 2020-2021.
    cutoff1 (Custom).jpg
  • Once the BMAT results are out, what do I do if I wish to apply to LKCMedicine?

    At the time of registration, you will need to indicate that you are applying to LKCMedicine. Once the results are released, they would then be forwarded directly to LKCMedicine/NTU by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing. We also encourage you to remember your BMAT candidate number as this would have to be provided when you apply to LKCMedicine. 
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​Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)​​
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​Financial Information​​

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  • What are the tuition fees for the medical programme?

    All students admitted to LKCMedicine are eligible for subsidised fees, subject to service obligation. The subsidised fees information for students can be obtained here.
  • What is my service obligation?

    Students admitted to LKCMedicine are required to serve the public healthcare sector upon successful completion of the MBBS programme. Singaporeans serve a five-year service obligation and non-Singaporeans serve a six-year service obligation, excluding housemanship or first-year residency training. More information on the Medical Undergraduate Agreement can be obtained here​. 

    PSC scholarship recipients who are concurrently awarded the President’s Scholarship to read Medicine will also have a service obligation according to the terms of the scholarship. For more information about PSC scholarships, please visit
    https://www.psc.gov.sg/Scholarships.

    For other scholarship or financial assistance recipients, please refer to the terms of agreement of the respective schemes.
  • Is there financial assistance available for the medical student?

    LKCMedicine has in place needs-based student financial aid programmes that ensure no deserving student is denied an education because of financial constraints. Through endowed gifts from our principal donor, the Lee Foundation, as well as other donors such as the Renee Parrish Trust, students who face financial hardship will be able to apply for student bursaries, travel bursaries and emergency grants, in addition to interest-free tuition fee loans. Details are available here.
  • Specifically, what do the bursaries cover?

    One can apply for the LKCMedicine and E I Parrish bursaries that cover part of the tuition fees. These will be funded primarily through the generous endowment by the Lee Foundation and E I Parrish Trust, part of which has been designated to help financially needy students. Qualification for student bursaries will be based on applicants’ monthly household Per Capita Income (PCI). Students can take loans to cover the remaining tuition fee payable if they need further aid. Student bursaries are tenable on a yearly basis.
  • How does an applicant apply for the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine’s Scholarship​?

    Applicants must submit a scholarship application in the NTU admissions portal before the admissions closing date. Applicants of scholarships that are based on merit and financial need will also need to provide household income details in the same portal. Only those who are shortlisted for scholarship would be notified of their scholarship interview date, around late April.​
  • Will applicants be able to apply for a tuition fee loan?

    Yes, applications for a tuition fee loan that covers up to 90 per cent of tuition fees can be made through either DBS or OCBC. Refer to the NTU website for details here.
  • Can applicants who have been awarded a bursary still apply for a
    tuition fee loan?

    Yes. However, the combination of loans and any bursaries that are meant to cover the fees cannot exceed 100 per cent of the fees payable. ​​​​
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