Why should an MBA aspirant consider Singapore as a place to earn the degree and build a career? There are plenty of positive points about the tiny island nation that has been rated the top Asian country to work, live and play by Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey 2016 and ranked by World Bank as the world’s easiest place to do business.
Thus the location may seem to be spot-on. Now, let us consider the options. The Singapore Management University (SMU) offers a 12-month Full-time MBA program and an 18th-month part-time program with classes on weekday evenings and some weekends.
SMU says it focuses on training Asia’s next generation of business leaders with a curriculum that concentrates on raising the level of analytical skills as well as negotiation, leadership and communication skills. A world-class faculty known for its teaching excellence and mentorship, peer engagement with a diverse student body, and networking opportunities with industry business leaders provide a rich learning experience.
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About 65% of the class comprise international students. The participants have an average work experience ranging from 5-7 years. SMU has 14-19 nationalities for each cohort. The small class size facilitates greater interaction between students.
The average age of the current batch is 27-34. The average GMAT score is 660. The students have an average work experience of 5-7 years.
The core curriculum has 8 courses that includes communication across cultures, negotiation & conflict resolution, and Leadership in a Global Environment.
A minimum of 10 electives is required to complement the core curriculum. Participants will choose from a number of electives based on their interest and knowledge gaps. The electives range from subjects as diverse as Private Equity and Venture Capital, Innovation Management, Customer Relationship Management, and Supply Chain Management to Managerial Decision Making.
SMU uses the case study method of teaching. The case studies written in house are used by 52 universities worldwide. The school also focuses strongly on Asian companies to empower an economic shift.
They also get the opportunity to go on student exchange trips to Canada, Japan, Korea, UK or Spain and on Business Study Missions (BSMs) to ASEAN countries. Students have access to alumni network and mentorship programs.
A Bachelor’s degree (any field of study)
Two years of post-degree working experience.
GMAT or GRE
Transcripts
Résumé
Essays (2)
Recommendation forms (2)
TOEFL or IELTS (for those whose medium of instruction was not English)
Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills and an international outlook. They should be able to work in diverse groups. The applicants should also present evidence of strong professional accomplishments, leadership experience and potential, academic ability and community impact.
Application: S$ 100 Non-Refundable
Tuition fees (GST included):
Full-time S$62,209.80
Part-time: S$64,392.60
Start date (1 intake per year):
Full Time: January intake
Part Time: July intake
International students must have a valid passport for international travel with a validity of at least six months and a photocopy of the bio-data page of the passport. They should carry Student pass In-Principal-Approval (IPA) Letter, Form 16 – to be presented when collecting student pass from ICA and Pre-enrolment medical report.
They should also have SMU’s Letter of Offer (printed copies from email are also acceptable) along with all original academic transcripts and educational documents. Official translations of documents are required if they are not in English.
Other forms of personal identification are needed such as an identity card and birth certificate. Candidates should bring six passport-sized photographs (35mm X 43mm) taken in their home country. They should also have a letter or email confirming accommodation plans in Singapore.
SMU has one on one career advisory and compulsory paid internships within the program duration (full time only).
In placements, 90% of graduates get employment offers 6 months after graduation. More than 2000 global companies come up with internship and placement offers.
The average annual salary is Singapore $80,000. Post MBA average salary is between Singapore $80,000 to S$100,000 per year. (Image Courtesy: Singapore Management University)