I’m Prisha, and I completed the IB Diploma Programme at Greenwood High. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

During IB, my subject choices were heavily STEM-focused. I took Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics AA at Higher Level, along with French B, Business, and English Language & Literature at Standard Level. I graduated with an IB score of 44, which played a crucial role in my admission to NUS.

Why I Chose NUS

I chose NUS primarily because of the balance it offers between cost, academic rigour, and global reputation. Compared to universities in the US or Europe, the cost of education in Singapore is significantly lower, especially when combined with government support. At the same time, NUS maintains a level of academic rigour comparable to many top universities worldwide.

Given the broader economic uncertainty in other parts of the world, Singapore also felt like a safer and more stable option, both academically and economically. Overall, NUS felt like the most sensible and secure choice.

Cost and the MOE Tuition Grant

I received the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) Tuition Grant, which substantially reduced my tuition fees. Without the grant, my course would cost around 30,000 SGD per year, but with the grant, I pay approximately 10,000 SGD per year.

In return, international students commit to working in Singapore or for a Singapore-registered company for three years after graduation. This requirement is flexible—you can defer it if you decide to pursue a master’s degree. For me, the grant is an extremely worthwhile trade-off.

Admissions and the Role of Academics

NUS admissions decisions are released shortly after IB results or your board results are announced, which reflects a higher weightage on final grades. Yet, being consistently strong throughout high school matters more than just performing well at the end.

Extracurriculars are a part of the application process as well when applying to NUS, although historically, the reputation has been an academically focused one. Singapore universities have now been trying to shift this perception to a more balanced application process.

Extracurricular Activities

My extracurricular involvement was relatively focused:

• Ballet

• Mathematics-related activities outside school

These supported my academic profile but were not the defining factor in my application.

Life at NUS

Academically, NUS is extremely competitive. Students come from all over the world, many from very rigorous education systems. It can be intimidating at first—especially after being a topper in school—but the environment pushes you to grow quickly.

At the same time, NUS places a strong emphasis on student well-being. There are structured breaks, including reading weeks before exams, and frequent events encouraging students to socialise and take time away from academics.

Advice for Future Applicants

Consistency is key. A high IB score alone does not guarantee admission if earlier grades are weak or subject choices are unsuitable. For STEM courses, Mathematics AA HL is strongly recommended. Students who take Math AI often need to complete bridging courses, which can be avoided by choosing AA HL.