FAQs
 

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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, CURRICULUM AND ATTENDANCE
  • What is the structure of the programme?
    The Master of Science in Applied Finance is an intensive 18 months part time programme to be completed in 3 terms.

    The courses you take fall into two categories: Core and elective courses. The core courses will be taught in Term 1 and 2. The elective courses will be taught in Term 3. You are required to complete 15 compulsory modules and 5 elective modules.

    See Programme Structure
  • Do you have full-time MSc in Applied Finance programme?
    No, only part time programme is available.
  • Can I apply to enter the programme in January? When is the next intake?
    No, we have changed our intake to July instead of January. This is to cater to students who are sitting for their CFA Level 1 and 2 examinations in December and June respectively. There is only one intake for the programme in July every year.
  • Can I get any exemption from the requirements of the degree?
    Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with former training in certain compulsory modules may be granted exemptions of up to 4 modules of 2 course units.
  • What are the course attendance requirements and workload?
    You are expected to attend all the lectures and classes scheduled for each of the core and elective courses. The pace is rapid, and sessions follow a building-block approach, with each lecture building on material covered earlier.

    You will need to set aside considerable amount of time for preparation, reading, group work, project work, private study, the completion of assignments, and revision/consolidation for examinations. The pace at which individuals work will obviously vary, but as a rough rule of thumb, you will need to put in two to three hours of work outside of the classroom for every hour actually spent in the formal sessions.

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ADMISSIONS AND ELIGIBILITY
  • Am I eligible for the programme?
    Individuals who hold a good university degree or an equivalent professional qualification can apply for admission to the programme. Applicants will also be expected to have a minimum of two years working experience. GMAT is a compulsory requirement for admission to this programme. Most applicants are likely to be in their mid-twenties to mid thirties. We are looking for individuals for whom the programme is a good "career-fit", and who are likely to have successful future careers. Above all, candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the commitment, experience, motivation and potential to benefit from, and contribute to, the programme.

    For admissions requirements, click here
  • What are our typical students like (age, experience, nationality etc)?
    The average age of students on entry to the programme is 28. 80% of our students are Singaporeans and 20% participants come from Asian countries. Our students’ work experience is varied and they work in a rich diversity of sectors, activities, job responsibilities and professional backgrounds. Hence, each student brings a wealth of experience to the programme.

    For detailed class statistics click here.
  • I have just graduated with an excellent degree - why won't you consider me?
    We will not normally admit an applicant with less than two years work experience, because (i) we believe you will get a great deal more out of the programme if you come to SMU with prior work experience, and (ii) we are seeking candidates who can contribute to the programme based on their past experience, thereby enriching the programme for other participants.
  • What kind of academic record do I need?
    We would expect applicants to have a good basic degree. However, we look at many other aspects of your application such as drive and motivation. We also conduct interview sessions to select each cohort of students.
  • Do I need work experience for admission into the programme?
    We expect applicants to have at least two years work experience after graduation. Based on our past intakes, the typical student has four or five years prior working experience.
  • Does my work experience need to be in finance?
    No. We admit students from all backgrounds and working experience. In fact, some of our students are using their knowledge and skills learnt in the programme to enable them to enter the finance and banking industries.
  • What previous finance training is required?
    All the courses require no previous formal training. However, the pace builds up quickly, and is rapid and demanding. Preparatory classes will be available before classes commence.
  • Can I apply if I have an ACCA qualification?
    Yes, we consider ACCA holders for admission too. However, you must also meet the other requirements - a good GMAT score and minimum two years working experience.
  • Do I stand a better chance of being accepted if I am sponsored by my employer?
    In general we regard sponsorship by current or future employers as an important additional piece of evidence of your value to the employer and future career potential, but the admissions committee will not place undue weight on this.
  • How quantitative is the programme?
    You need to be numerate, rather than have particularly strong mathematical skills. You certainly do not need to have an undergraduate degree in maths or the pure sciences. Some calculus will be required for some modules in the programme.
  • What is GMAT?
    We require applicants to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). The GMAT measures general verbal and mathematical skills, and the score report gives separate scores for the quantitative and verbal sections of the test, as well as a total score. There is also a short analytical writing section. The GMAT is used to promote fairness, objectivity and validity in selection and provides supplementary information to that contained in the application form.
  • How do I find out more about preparing and registering for GMAT?
    Please log into GMAT website.The website provides information about preparing and registering for the GMAT test.
  • What is the minimum GMAT score?
    We do not have a minimum GMAT score as we have to view your whole application for admission to this programme.
  • Can I retake GMAT?
    Yes, you can retake GMAT but retaking the test is only recommended if you believe you are under-performed significantly at the first attempt. However, please be well prepared before you go for your GMAT test as GMAT can only be taken once a month.
  • Can I apply before I have taken GMAT?
    If the rest of your application is completed, you can send it to us, even if you have not taken the GMAT. However we will not process your application without your GMAT score. You should fax us your unofficial scores as soon as you receive them and arrange with the test centre for the official score report to be send to SMU.
  • Can I be exempt from taking GMAT?
    No, every applicant is required to take GMAT, regardless of their academic background or prior qualifications. This is for a variety of reasons: (i) we receive applications from virtually every country (and educational system) in the world, so it is very helpful to have one measure on which we can compare all candidates in the applicant pool; (ii) all business schools have to provide summary data on applicants and students to various external bodies, and this invariably includes the average GMAT score, and (iii) it would lead to inconsistencies and unfairness in our admissions processes if we were to require all applicants to take GMAT, but then exempt a few.
  • I took GMAT a long time ago; will you accept my old score report?
    GMAT scores are valid for 5 years after the test date.

  • Where is GMAT test centre in Singapore ?
    GMAT can be taken at Pearson Professional Centers
    10 Anson Road, Level 30, Unit 3, International Plaza, Singapore 079903
    Tel : 6225 2027

    SMU's GMAT institution code for MSc in Applied Finance is F8D-7V-27.

  • Am I required to take TOEFL test?
    TOEFL test is required if the medium of instruction in your undergraduate education was not English. SMU's institution code for TOEFL is 9014.

  • Do you accept GRE ?
    Yes. GRE scores are valid for 5 years after the test date. SMU's GRE institution code is 5757.
  • I am a foreigner. Am I eligible to apply?
    Foreigners are eligible to apply as long as they hold an employment or dependent pass. For more information, please visit: http://www.ica.gov.sg

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APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS
  • When is the application deadline?
    Early application is greatly encouraged. For more information on the application deadline, please click here.
  • What are the procedures for application to the programme?
    All applicants must complete an online application form and arrange for two personal references. The application form requires details on educational background, professional training, employment and work experience, personal information, employer's support, etc. Applicants must also append a one-page personal statement explaining why they want to take the programme and how it fits with their career aspiration. You will also need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and arrange with the test center for the score report to be sent to SMU. SMU MSc in Applied Finance instituition code is F8D-7V-27.
  • Who should I give as my referees?
    Of the two personal references, one should typically be from a current or previous employer, a colleague, or someone else who knows you well at work; the other referee could be someone who taught you at university or college, or another person who knows you in a professional capacity.
  • Is there an application fee for the MAF?
    Yes, online application fee will be S$50. You are encourage to pay by credit card or cheque payable to Singapore Management University.
  • Are all applicants invited for interview?
    Only those who are successful after the initial short listing process are invited for a personal interview.

 

PROGRAMME FEES

  • Will I get a receipt for my application fee (S$50) and registration fee (S$400 or S$500)?
    If it is an online payment, you should receive an online acknowledgement of the status of the transaction (not a receipt). If it is payment by cheque, you will receive a receipt from Office of Finance.

  • When do I pay my tuition fee?
    First installment of S$10,000 payable by 30 June annually.
    Second installment of S$9,000 payable by 31 December annually.
    The last installment of S$9,000 payable by 30 June the following year.

  • How and when do I get my tuition fee invoice?
    Student will receive the invoice electronically via SMU email account. The invoice for the first installment should be ready by 1 June. The invoice for the second installment should be ready by 1 December and the last invoice should be ready by 1 June the following year.
  • What should I do if I did not receive my electronic tuition fee invoice by the stipulated date?
    Please check with your programme administrator at 6828 0280 or 6828 0145. Always ensure your SMU mailbox does not exceed the size limit.

  • Will I get a receipt for my tuition fee payment?
    Yes. You should get your electronic receipt within 2 months upon payment.

  • What should I do if I need the invoice and receipt in hardcopies?
    Please call Office of Finance at 6828 0559 during office hours (9 am to 5:45 pm).

  • How do I pay my tuition fee?
    We accept cheque or credit card payment for first installment of S$10, 000 payable by 30 June annually.

    Cheque
    Please issue the cheque payable to “Singapore Management University”. Write your name / programme / mobile number clearly behind your cheque. You may mail or submit your cheque personally to Ms Ang Bee Fong from Office of Finance. You could reach her at 6828 0559.

    Singapore Management University
    Administration Building
    Office of Finance
    Level 12
    81 Victoria Street
    Singapore 188065

    Credit Card
    Please fill in the credit card payment form and fax it to Ms Ang Bee Fong at 6828 0220.

    We accept cheque, credit card or GIRO payment for second and last installments.

    GIRO
    Please fill in the GIRO payment form and fax it to Ms Ang Bee Fong at 6828 0220.

  • May I use more than one credit card to pay my tuition fee?
    Yes. Please indicate the amount clearly in the credit card payment form.

  • Am I liable to pay fees if I withdraw from my course?
    A student who leaves / requests to withdraw from the University and/or Programme two (2) weeks or more after the commencement of a Term, is liable for the payment of fees for the entire Term. Request for partial payment will not be considered.

  • Is there any penalty charge for late payment?
    If fees are not paid, or only partially paid, by the payment deadline indicated in the bill from the Office of Finance, a penalty charge of S$100 will be imposed for late payment.

  • Are there any scholarships or financial assistance available?
    As this is a part-time programme, no scholarships or financial assistance is available.

 

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

  • Who will be teaching in the programme?
    The programme will be taught by well-qualified and experienced SMU faculty and industry professionals. Syllabus is customized for local and regional financial environment with international perspectives.

    For more information on the faculty, please click here.
  • What is your grading system ?
    SMU has a 4-point grading system. If computations result in the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) exceeding the 4-point grading system, a round down approach will be adopted. The highest cumulative GPA attainable by a student is 4.0.

    All students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and above in order to graduate from the programme. If a student does not meet the GPA requirement in any particular semester, he or she will be issued a warning letter. Those with GPA below 2.5 for two consecutive semesters will be asked to leave the programme.

  • If I fail my exam , is there a supplementary paper?
    Within two weeks of announcement of final results, a supplementary paper must be set for students who failed the module. If the student fails the module again, he or she will be asked to leave the programme.

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Last updated on 26 September, 2008 by Lee Kong Chian School of Business.