Although Singapore is a relatively small nation, it is an important economic and multicultural hub in Asia. Because of its geographical position, it has long been a point where different religions, traditions, and ways of life meet. Singapore also offers a high standard of living.
Every year, many people decide to relocate to Singapore. With an aging population and evolving care needs, healthcare manpower remains an important priority. This article lays out the necessary steps to become a doctor in Singapore.
How to Become a Doctor in Singapore
Step 1. All Practitioners Are Required to Have a Medical Degree
As mentioned, Singapore is known as one of Asia’s most multicultural countries. Because of its unique cultural profile, many students decide to pursue their higher education here, and for medical students, this can be a plus. Once they have spent several years in Singapore, they can better understand the community they may treat one day.
Another reason to consider medical education in Singapore is the country’s strong university system and clinical training environment. Currently, Singapore has three medical schools: the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University, and Duke-NUS Medical School.
For the first two schools, applicants generally need excellent academic results and strong preparation in the sciences. NUS Medicine requires Medicine applicants to meet science prerequisites such as Chemistry and either Biology or Physics, depending on the qualification. NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine also requires Chemistry and either Biology or Physics for major pre-university routes and uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) as part of its admissions criteria. These undergraduate medical programs lead to an MBBS, which stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and take five years to complete.
Students also have the option to apply to Duke-NUS Medical School. Duke-NUS is a graduate-entry medical school, so applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of, a bachelor’s or honors degree. Applicants must also submit either MCAT or GAMSAT results. The Duke-NUS MD program spans four years, and graduates receive a joint Doctor of Medicine degree from Duke University and the National University of Singapore.
Students admitted to medical courses in Singapore should also be aware of service obligations. For medical courses at NUS and NTU, the service obligation is five years for Singapore citizens and six years for non-Singapore citizens. For the medical course at Duke-NUS, the service obligation is four years for Singapore citizens and five years for non-Singapore citizens.
Step 2. Language Proficiency
Since medical education in Singapore is conducted in English, students need strong English skills. NUS states that English is the medium of instruction, and applicants from some qualifications may need to submit English language test scores. Duke-NUS requires applicants who previously studied in a non-English-speaking curriculum to provide TOEFL or IELTS results. NTU also requires English language documents for relevant international qualifications and considers IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic scores within the required validity period.
Those coming to practice medicine in Singapore, rather than study there, may also need to show English proficiency if their basic medical qualification was not taught in English. Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Malay is the national language, but English is widely used in education, government, business, and healthcare settings.
Step 3. Obtain a Medical License
After completing a medical program, the next step to becoming a doctor in Singapore is obtaining the appropriate registration with the Singapore Medical Council. Local medical graduates and eligible fresh medical graduates typically apply for provisional registration so that they can complete 12 months of housemanship, also known as postgraduate year 1 (PGY1), in approved hospitals.
During this period, provisionally registered doctors work as house officers or PGY1 trainees. After successfully completing PGY1, obtaining the required certificate of experience, taking the Physician’s Pledge, and meeting the prevailing criteria, a doctor may apply for full registration. Overseas-trained doctors who have already completed housemanship or an equivalent internship generally apply through conditional registration first and work under supervision in an SMC-approved healthcare institution.
Step 4. Foreign Medical Workers will Need to Meet Several Other Requirements
Those coming to Singapore to practice medicine will need to meet additional requirements before they can be registered. International medical graduates must generally hold a basic medical degree listed in the Second Schedule of the Medical Registration Act or a postgraduate qualification recognized by the Singapore Medical Council. They must also meet SMC’s prevailing criteria, which include a job offer from an SMC-approved healthcare institution, satisfactory completion of housemanship or an equivalent internship, current active clinical practice, good standing with the relevant overseas medical council, and evidence of English proficiency if the medical degree was not taught in English.
Upon receiving an offer, foreign practitioners will usually need the appropriate Singapore work pass as well. For many foreign professionals, this is the Employment Pass. The Employment Pass is applied for through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower and is subject to qualifying salary and other eligibility requirements. As of the current MOM rules, the minimum qualifying salary for most sectors starts at S$5,600 per month and increases with age; higher thresholds apply in the financial services sector. Doctors should always check the latest SMC and MOM requirements before applying.
FAQs: How to Become a Doctor in Singapore
Is Singapore a Good Destination for International Students?
Singapore is a strong destination for international students because it has a well-developed education system, a multicultural environment, and universities that perform well in major global rankings. For example, the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are both ranked among the world’s top universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Students are also attracted by Singapore’s location in Asia and its links to regional and global career opportunities.
Is Singapore Known for Its Medical Programs?
Yes, Singapore is well known for medical education and healthcare training. Its medical schools are connected to major universities and healthcare systems, and NUS Medicine is also ranked highly in global subject rankings for medicine. If you want to become a doctor in Singapore, there are clear local and graduate-entry pathways, but admission is competitive and students should pay close attention to academic prerequisites, admissions tests, service obligations, and registration requirements. Eligible students may also find scholarships, grants, or financial aid through universities or Singapore government-linked schemes, though conditions vary.
In conclusion, there are several steps needed to become a medical doctor in Singapore, but the journey can lead to a promising career. Singapore offers strong value for both domestic and international students, and eligible students may have access to scholarships, tuition grants, or financial aid schemes that can make the journey more manageable.
We hope that you found this article on the steps to becoming a doctor in Singapore informative and helpful. To learn more information on studying abroad, check out the Study in Singapore Page and more Available Programs for International Students.
