Admissions criteria for applicants with international qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age by the commencement of the freshmen academic year.
• At least 12 years of education and have taken a national/international examination that is recognised for the purpose of admission. Please click here for a list of international qualifications.
• SAT Reasoning Test scores* (> 1300 for old SAT format and > 1900 for new SAT format would be minimally sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. But please note that meeting the SAT guidelines does not guarantee admission). Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that SAT scores are sent to SMU. SMU will consider SAT scores for tests up to and including the May SAT. Scores from June SAT will not be considered. For example, to be considered for 2009-10, the last test to be considered will be the May 2009 SAT. Test scores from the May SAT must reach SMU by 31 May to be considered. If your scores do not reach SMU by 31 May, your application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn from consideration. Applicants should therefore take their SAT early.
• ACT(including the writing test) or GMAT (If SAT/GMAT is not available) - ACT/GMAT scores must reach SMU by 31 May to be considered.
• For applicants whose medium of instruction in high school is not in English, TOEFL or IELTS or other recognised English proficiency tests (for example, Malaysian University English Test - MUET), are not compulsory, but may be submitted on an advantage basis. They do not replace the SAT Reasoning. For those intending to take TOEFL or IELTS or MUET, please note the following minimum scores:



• TOEFL (Paper-based): 550
• TOEFL (Computer-based) : 213
• TOEFL (Internet-based): 79 - 80


• IELTS: Overall band of 6.5


• MUET : Overall band of at least 5
• Interview for all short-listed candidates. Candidates who are not residing in Singapore will be interviewed by telephone.
• With effect from Academic Year 2008-09, SAT Reasoning is no longer compulsory for IB Diploma graduates who have studied and taken their IB Diploma examinations in IB World Schools based in Singapore. For such applicants seeking admission into the Law programme, please note that a Grade 7 in English A1 (Standard level) or a Grade 6/7 in English A1 (Higher level) are minimum requirements. Though SAT is not compulsory, applicants who have done well in SAT are encouraged to submit their scores on an ‘advantage' basis. This is to help strengthen their academic credentials. IB Diploma graduates who studied in schools outside of Singapore and applicants with non-IB international qualifications are required to submit SAT Scores in their application.

*Applicants for Bachelor of Laws must take the SAT Reasoning Test and achieve the following requirement:

• Old SAT Format: A minimum score of 700 for the verbal component
• New SAT Format: A minimum combined score of 1400 for both Critical Reading and Writing Components

In addition to the SAT requirements, IB Diploma graduates must meet the minimium English A1/Theory of Knowledge scores to be considered.

SMU does not conduct any entrance examinations.

SAT Reasoning Test

Applicants taking the SAT Reasoning Test should indicate 2861 (SMU Institution Code) on their SAT Registration forms. A copy of your SAT scores will be sent directly to SMU*. SAT Subject Tests are not required for admission.