top of page
-RGB.jpg){kind=small}
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
27 July 2024
Admissions Faculties Sharing Session
Prior Experience
1. Does prior knowledge of Computing give an advantage during application to SoC?
Prior knowledge of Computing is not a mandatory admission criteria for regular admission to School of Computing undergraduate programmes. This includes that we do not expect students to have prior programming experience. At the School of Computing, we train our students "from scratch" to ensure a level playing field for everyone.Of course, prior knowledge and experience can be a great plus for Aptitude-Based Admissions. ABA looks for applicants that stand out beyond just good grades. This can be the creation of a website or mobile up, or the successful participation in national or even international hackathons or competitions.
Academic and General Questions
1. Can we learn more than one course from Computing?
Students doing undergraduate programmes at NUS Computing are not allowed to do second majors or minors within the School. Some exceptions are granted for joint minors such as Data Engineering (jointly offered by the College of Design and Engineering, CDE) and Interactive Development Media (jointly offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, CHS). However, students may take classes from other Computing Degree programmes.
2. If I take CS, can I take Mechanical Engineering as my second major?
The College of Design and Engineering (CDE) does not offer a second major in Mechanical Engineering. Outstanding CS students may submit an ad-hoc DDP application via the Computing Office of Undergraduate Studies to pursue a second degree in Mechanical Engineering with CDE.
3. What are the major differences between Computing Engineering at SoC and CDE?
Both programmes are the same. The Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering programme is jointly offered by the School of Computing and the College of Design and Engineering. The only difference would be where students choose their home faculty to be.
4. Is there a difference between the certificates for my main major and second major?
Undergraduates will complete their degree programme as their main major, and can opt to complete either a second major outside the School or minors hosted by another faculty or joint minors offered by the School. This is different from a double degree where both degrees will be the main majors.
5. As someone who is interested in both cybersecurity and machine learning, which degree should I apply for (computer science or information security)?
Both are possible pathways. The choice will mainly depend on students' interests and also their career goals. The CS degree is more broad and encompasses Computer & Information Security among other fields such as machine learning, database systems, multimedia, etc. CS also allows students to declare a focus area in Computer Security! While narrower, a degree in Information Security sends a clear signal to prospective employers of your interest in security topics.
6. What kind of hands-on lab work will there be in CS?
The form of work and assessment varies per course and programme. There is no single methodology that is used, and courses usually have a mix of activities to cater for the student learning outcomes. Almost all courses in CS (and all other Computing degree programs) will have practical components! It’s not just theory but also putting theory into practice! For example, in certain courses, there are programming or robotics labs that require computer or hardware programming, as well as hardware construction and assembly.
7. What is difference between CS with second major math in NUS and Math with double major CS in NTU?
We can't speak for NTU, so students will have to do the comparison on their own. Broadly, these two programmes are comparable. Students could do a double major in Math at NTU for equivalency, or choose to design their own double major at NUS if your desired second major is not Math.
8. In computer science, will building AI also be there or only how to efficiently use them will be taught as I am intrigued by AI and how it works?
For the CS programme, CS2109S Introduction to AI and Machine Learning, a core course, is designed to prepare CS students for internships and more advanced work in AI/ML in CS3263 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, CS3264 Foundations of Machine Learning, CS4246 AI Planning and Decision Making, CS4248 Natural Language Processing, etc. CS2109S is designed to build on previous courses taken by CS students (such as CS2040S Data Structures and Algorithms and CS1231S Discrete Structures). It is taught from a perspective that focuses more deeply on algorithmic fundamentals, as well as with more rigorous implementation and programming experience. Please check nusmods.com for course descriptions of our AI/ML courses.
9. How many semesters are there for Computer Science major?
Computer Science is a 4-year programme leading to a possible honours classification and most students complete it within their normal candidature. That is, most students will complete it over 8 semesters (two semesters per year). This assumes an average workload of approx. 5 classes/courses pro semester. Students are able to overload if they are doing well which can shorten the programme.
10. What is the difference between Maths in Computing and Maths in a Maths degree? Do you still write mathematical proofs in Computing? What are the real life applications of proofs in the working world?
Computing is a very broad field. There are a lot of theoretical focus areas, fields or specialisations. A solid background in topics such as algebra, calculus, probability theory, set theory, and discrete math is required for doing well on our CS programme. Students pursuing computational theory will be required to write proofs, for example, to be absolutely sure that an algorithm does perform exactly as intended.
Maths courses are hosted by the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science. Each faculty prescribes the necessary Maths courses needed as part of the training required for their undergraduates.
11. Is it possible to study a minor or elective relating to cybersecurity if I choose to pursue a major in CS?
No, it is not possible to acquire a minor in Information Security – or in any of the other 4 domains – for CS students. This is because cybersecurity courses are already listed as part of the Information Security focus area in CS. A focus area of Information Security serves as the correct means to achieve credentials similar to a cybersecurity minor. However, students can choose to take courses in Cybersecurity, Business Analytics or Information Systems.
12. Is having Mathematics mandatory in Class 12, for Computer Science/Engineering courses?
Computer Science requires a solid foundation of various fields in Maths. So, yes, Maths is one of the subjects being considered for admissions to Computer Science and Engineering programmes. Please check the subject requisites at https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/docs/default-source/international-qualifications/cat-d-sdp.pdf
13. How is the future prospect for Computer Science compared to Information Systems?
Despite their different focus, Computer Science and Information overlap, and having a degree in either allows one to find jobs in both fields. Based on the recent graduate employment survey (GES20023) conducted jointly by the Ministry of Education and NUS, all graduates from the School of Computing enjoy high employment rates. More details can be found at: https://www.moe.gov.sg/-/media/files/post-secondary/ges-2023/web-publication-nus-ges-2023.ashx
14. Thoughts on a degree that teaches hard skills (like CS) versus a more general degree that teaches soft skills (like business)?
Each course has different skills and mindsets that are specially catering to mastery of the degree's subject of study. Many of these learning outcomes align well with specific jobs that are pertinent to that sector. The preference for hard skills over soft skills, and vice versa, is also very personal and not up to us to evaluate. You should consider your desired outcomes of your university study and future job prospects to consider which outcomes are more important to you individually.
15. What is the general teaching/assignment style for CS courses like CS1101S? For example, are the assignments similar to National Informatics in Olympiad questions?
CS1101S Programming Methodology is designed to give Computer Science majors a rigorous and thorough introduction to programming methodology. The course follows the didactic strategy of the classic textbook Structure and Interpretation of Computer programs (SICP), developed at MIT, but has undergone substantial revisions and additions. Some of the assignments may be similar to those featured in Olympiad training, but are scaffolded to ensure students can understand the abstractions needed.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
1. Can I get 100% scholarship if my high school academics are good in the computer science department?
NUS offers different types of undergraduate scholarships to recognise academic excellence, leadership qualities and special talents of our freshmen and undergraduate students. Applicants apply for them on a competitive basis, and our selection committee for admissions and scholarship examine candidates holistically, not solely based on a single criterion of prior Computing experience and performance. Scholarship awards are not guaranteed with any level of achievement; that is, there is no cutoff for scholarships. Scholarships may also be offered by external organisations, and, depending on your socioeconomic status, there are bursaries as well.
Research
1. Is there any research opportunity in NUS CS or specialisation?
Yes, NUS Computing offers amply research opportunities to its undergraduates. Students passionate about CS research may consider pursuing the Turing Programme in Computer Science. For other students, they may also undertake Undergraduate Research courses such as CS2309 (CS Research Methodology), CP3209 (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme) and Final Year Projects as part of their means for satisfying the course requirements.
Internship
1. I understand that undergrads in SoC will be required to undergo 6-months worth of internships. Will I be able to attend internships in Year 1, or do I have to wait until my final year of study?
The different programmes may have different requirements for internships, but undergraduates typically will complete their industry experience requirements in their third year of study. This ensures that students have acquired sufficient Computing knowledge and experience, before their skills can be put to practical use in companies. In certain cases, students may be able acquire internships earlier. We have students who self-sourced their own non-credit bearing internships during summer vacations for their professional, soft and personal skills growth.
Overseas Opportunities
1. What are some NOC places we can go to?
There are many interesting destinations and they change quite regularly. For Southeast Asia, there is Bangkok, Bandung, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Jakarta. For Asia, there is Beijing, Nagoya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Israel. For North America, there is New York, Silicon Valley, and Toronto. For Europe, there is Munich, Norway, and Stockholm. You can find the complete listing of NOC destinations at: https://enterprise.nus.edu.sg/education-programmes/nus-overseas-colleges/programmes/our-noc-locations/
Entrepreneurship
1. Will computer science help me build a start-up?
Yes! There are several programmes where SoC students are provided with excellent resources and mentoring for building startups and enhancing their entrepreneurship profile. For example, NUS Computing sends many of our students to the NUS Overseas Colleges program (NOC). We even have our own startup incubator called “The Furnace”, as well as Venture Initiation Programme (VIP) whereby students apply for grants for up to $10,000 to fuel their entrepreneurial journey. More details can be found at: https://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/entrepreneurship/awards/iepsoc/.
Application
1. Would taking an online course help in Aptitude-Based Admissions?
The University adopts a holistic approach when assessing applicants for admissions into their chosen degree programmes. For Aptitude-Based Admission (ABA), we look at applicants' long-term interests, passions, drive and commitment beyond school grades. This can be personal achievements, co-curricular activities, or non-academic activities (e.g. volunteering work, competitive sports). In contrast, taking an online course is easy and this alone does not show the long-term commitment we are looking for. Of course, Taking one or more online courses to educate yourself and to prepare for an ABA interview is never wrong, but it is unlikely to be a deciding factor for admission.
2. What are some tips for interviews should I get shortlisted for one under ABA?
The ABA interviews are no formal process. Different interviewers pose different questions to assess the applicants. The interviews are for applicants to show themselves in their best light and convince us that they are right and ready to join our programmes. So think about what makes you stand out, how best you can articulate it and provide evidence for it. In short, be yourself, be interesting, be remarkable.
3. Would securing an internship in Computer Science-related fields benefit my application?
Completing an internship in Computer Science would be a supplemental factor when holistically assessing a candidate under the Aptitude-Based Admissions route. However, an internship alone does not make applicants stand out. But if you can show that you have done something amazing with that internship (e.g. followed up with your own successful project), then this should be highlighted for your ABA application.
4. Do achievements such as medals in National Informatics Olympiad or Singapore Mathematical Olympiad help with admissions?
Yes, getting a medal in some of these Olympiads is quite an achievement, and NUS Computing recognises such achievements under the Aptitude-Based Admissions (ABA). Such achievements demonstrate the skills and passions we are looking for. More details can be found at: https://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/programmes/ug/exemptions/olympiad/
5. Is there a requirement for GP?
For undergraduate admissions, the University expects applicants to have a minimum level of English Proficiency, so a GP result is recommended. Please check requirements from the Office of Admissions website which you can find at https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam.
6. I assume there are a lot of applicants each year to SOC. May I know what's the selection/shortlist criteria if the basic requirement of SOC are met for the large number of candidates?
There is no simple checklist. The University adopts a holistic approach when assessing applicants for admissions into their chosen degree programmes. This means that besides academic grades, other factors, such as the applicant’s interest, aptitude, and prior preparation, may be used to admit the applicant. This holistic assessment subsumes the Aptitude-Based Admission of earlier years. Besides providing grades, all applicants for all degree programmes will now be required to list up to three achievements, co-curricular activities, or non-academic activities (e.g. volunteering work, competitive sports) and answer short response questions. All of these criteria are used in our admissions process.
7. What are the admission dates and deadlines?
Application for admission to NUS undergraduate programmes opens in mid-October or early November each year, with different closing dates for each applicant category / qualification. For the current application details, please refer to https://nus.edu.sg/oam/admissions.
8. Does NUS accept IT A levels for Computing?
A Level Computing subject is one of the subject prerequisites for the Computer Science programme. More details can be found on our application page at: https://www.join.comp.nus.edu.sg/apply
9. What are the 10 and 90th percentile grade statistics for admission in Acedemic Year 2023/24?
The indicative grade profiles for undergraduate admissions are publicly listed on the NUS admissions website https://nus.edu.sg/oam/admissions/indicative-grade-profile
10. If I am a polytechnic business student, will I still get a fair chance to get into SoC?
For diploma holders, their diplomas must be accredited for undergraduate admissions for programmes offered by the School. Please check https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/admissions/polytechnic-diploma-from-singapore/admission-requirements for the accepted list of diplomas for undergraduate admissions. There are different pathways and criteria to admission, depending on applicants background, with the intention to make it as fair as possible.
11. For the Aptitude-Based Admissions (ABA), can we put in achievements that are unrelated to Computing?
Yes, applicants may put in non-Computing achievements in their applications for review by our selection committee. Sometimes this helps to show a more holistic view of an applicant. This can be long-time volunteering, tutoring, leadership work, etc.
12. Is there any record for grades or basis on which international students from different countries got admission in past years?
No, NUS does not segregate admission statistics based on country of origin. Admission to the university is based on academic merit and open competition among the applicant cohort. The admission criteria vary from year to year depending on the competitiveness of the applicant cohort. Therefore, there is no fixed minimum mark/grade to secure admission. For the holistic benefit of the student body and university culture, we examine the diversity of international applicants in undergraduate admissions by centrally qualifying a list of acceptable international qualifications at the NUS Office of Admissions.
13. If A level students take PCME (Physics, Chemistry, Math, Economics) and not Computing, are they still eligible to apply?
Yes, applicants can apply for Computing programmes in the absence of a Computing subject grade at A-level examinations.
14. Do Computer Science and Information Security have different intake quota?
Yes. The CS intake (about 1000) is much larger than the Info Security intake of about 60 students. Numbers may vary for each intake.
15. Does Computing have aptitude tests under ABA other than having interviews?
The NUS Computing ABA scheme includes processes which could take in the form of tests, individual or group interviews, as determined by our respective departments.
16. How does early admission work for NUS CS course? Does NUS send invites to JC or does the JC choose the top performing students to apply for early admission
Annually, the NUS Office of Admissions writes to each JC to recommend their top performing students to apply for early admission. The respective schools will evaluate their applications and make their recommendations. To be clear, our departments make the final decision for admissions, but do factor in a JC's recommendation in on that decision.
17. If I did not have Mathematics as a subject during my schooling, am I still eligible to apply for computer engineering/science degrees?
Yes, you are eligible to apply if you meet the application requirements in the admissions portal. Maths subjects are important subject prerequisites to do Computing degrees, so our selection committee pays close attention to this subject. However, candidates without such background may be examined holistically on other merits as well.
18. How many students are admitted per year for CS and IS?
Our Computer Science intake is currently about 1,000 students per year. It is much larger than the Information Systems intake of about 100. Of course, intakes vary in number per year.
19. What if my school does not offer A-level Further Mathematics?
You may wish to take the subject as a private candidate.
20. I have NS next year so does that mean that I can apply for the same course for 2 more years?
Yes, NS men have up to three application chances (one per year) to secure their preferred programme of study before they complete their NS obligations.
21. Is there any exam to get in SoC?
No, there is no official examination. Under NUS Aptitude-Based Admissions (ABA), candidates may be invited to undergo further assessments by the school via interviews or other online / face-to-face assessments, as determined by the selection committee.
22. I scored 137 in Mensa IQ test will it be considered for ABA or will separate tests be taken?
Mensa IQ test results are not specifically considered as admissions criteria. You may still disclose this information to the admissions committee for their holistic consideration of your application.
23. How many seats quota for international student are in each programme offered by the School of Computing?
The quotas set aside for international applicants for each admission cycle are determined by Singapore Ministry of Education as the training for Singaporean undergraduates take precedence to ensure a highly-skilled and competitive workforce for Singapore. Unfortunately, we cannot divulge the specific number which is also subject to change. We do consider the diversity of candidates in undergraduate admissions too.
Others
1. What made you want to study Computing?
This is a personal question and if you ask 10 of our current students you might get 10 very different answers. You can find testimonials that answer this question on our website at http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg. That being said, Computer Science is a very wide and important field with many applications. Basically no industry can function without CS anymore. CS also taps on many skills, not just mathematics, logic, and programming, but also, design, creativity, or community.
2. In your opinion, is it better to have multiple participations in Computing competitions, but only have 1-2 significant achievements, or just 1-2 competitions that have significant achievements?
We look for outstanding achievements especially in Computing competitions, as compared with other competitions. As most candidates would need to compete in several competitions prior to participating in international competitions, it may be the case that you need to compete in multiple competitions to have significant output. Quality is preferred over quantity.
bottom of page