MSc (Pharmaceutical Science & Technology) Programme – Full-time

MSc (Pharmaceutical Science & Technology) Programme – Full-time

MSc (Pharmaceutical Science & Technology) Programme – Full-time

Admission Requirements

To be admitted directly into the MPST full-time programme, candidates must be holders of at least a 2nd Class Lower Honours classification (or equivalent) in one of the following degrees, or their equivalent:

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry, or
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Sciences, or
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Food Science & Technology, or
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Applied Chemistry (Drug Option), or
  • Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (Honours), or
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)

 

TOEFL/IELTS and GRE requirements (where applicable)

  • When applying to MPST full-time programme, if the medium of instruction for the candidate’s undergraduate degree programme is not in English, a copy of the official score sheet of the ^Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or ^International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has to be provided as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. Such candidates, if found suitable, would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • The submission of GRE results is not mandatory. However, it is recommended for candidates who do not meet the stipulated degree/honours classification or hold equivalent degrees from overseas universities to apply to MPST full-time programme with their ^^GRE results (for the GRE General Test) submitted as a supporting document for consideration. Such candidates, if found suitable, would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

^The minimum required score for the TOEFL internet-based test is 85 for tests taken prior to 21 January 2026, or 4.5 for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards, while the minimum overall band score for IELTS is 6. Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and must not be expired at the point of application; expired scores will not be considered. Home Editions of IELTS or TOEFL, as well as digitally issued IELTS scores, are not accepted, and only physical test score reports are eligible for submission.

^^GRE scores are only valid for 2.5 years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.

 

 

 

Updated as of May 2026

Application

Application period for August 2027 intake (early admission cycle): 16 May 2026 – 15 July 2026

Application period for August 2027 intake (regular admission cycle): 01 October 2026 – 15 March 2027

The programme only has one intake per academic year in August. 

 

Instructions for Application

  • All applicants should apply online via the Graduate Admission System.
  • Applicants should browse the User Guide before applying.
  • All supporting documents must be uploaded (in pdf format) in the online application in the Graduate Admission System by the application closing date. English translations should accompany supporting documents that are not in English. There is no need to print and post the hardcopy application to the Department.
  • No changes are allowed once the application is submitted.
  • Inaccurate/incomplete applications will not be processed.
  • No candidate may concurrently be a student for more than one degree or register as a NUS candidate and of another university/ institute.

 

Application Fee and Acceptance Fee

  • There is an application fee of S$100 (inclusive of GST) which is non-refundable.
  • An acceptance fee of $5,000 is applicable upon acceptance of admission offer and will be applied to offset tuition fees in Semester 1. The acceptance fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • All fees quoted here are exclusive of prevailing GST, unless otherwise stated. The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.

     

    Supporting Documents

    • Proof(s) of Identity
      • Applicants who are Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents are required to upload a copy of their Singapore NRIC (front and back).
      • Applicants with Employment/Dependant’s Pass are required to upload a copy of their Employment/Dependant’s Pass card and their passport information page.
      • International applicants are required to upload a copy of their passport information page.
    • University Transcript
      • Applicants should upload the official transcript from each university they have attended
      • Applicants who have not yet graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application are required to submit their most updated unofficial transcript.
      • The transcript must clearly state the applicant’s particulars and the undergraduate degree programme that the applicant has completed or is completing.
    • Degree Scroll or Student Status Letter
      • Applicants who have graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application are required to upload a copy of their official degree scroll.
      • Applicants who have not yet graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application are required to upload a copy of the Student Status Letter (i.e. an official university letter with letterhead) stating their particulars, enrolment status and candidature period (i.e. start and expected degree completion date).
    • Valid GRE score for GRE General Test (Not mandatory. Recommended for candidates who do not meet the stipulated degree/honours classification or hold equivalent degrees from overseas universities to provide.)
      • GRE scores are only valid for 2.5 years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
    • Valid TOEFL/IELTS Score (if applicable)
      • If medium of instruction for applicant’s undergraduate degree programme is not in English, applicants will have to upload the official score sheet of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language in the Graduate Admission System.
      • The minimum required score for TOEFL (internet-based test) is 85 (test taken prior to 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (test taken from 21 January 2026). 
      • The minimum IELTS score required is 6 (overall).
      • TOEFL/ IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application. 
      • We do not accept Home Editions of IELTS or TOEFL, nor do we accept digitally issued IELTS scores. Only physical test score reports are eligible for submission.
    • Referee Reports
      • Recommendations from 2 referees are to be submitted via the Graduate Admission System. It is not mandatory for applicants to get an academic referee. The referee can also be someone (e.g. supervisor/superior) from the applicant’s past/current workplace who knows the applicant well and able to comment on his/her abilities.
      • Once applicant’s online application is submitted, an automated email (with the referee report URL) will be sent to their referees at their email address indicated in the Graduate Admission System.
    • Financial Document e.g. bank statement / original sponsor’s letter
      • Applicants are required to provide documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (e.g. a bank statement) indicating the availability of funding of at least S$30,000.
      • Applicants who are sponsored by an individual (e.g. applicant’s parent(s)) should upload a letter from the sponsor (i.e. declaration about the sponsorship) and a copy of the sponsor’s bank statement (i.e. indicating the availability of funding of at least S$30,000) as documentary proof of the sponsorship.
      • Applicants who are sponsored by an organisation should upload a letter from the sponsor with details as documentary proof of the sponsorship.
      • Recent pay slip/an official HR-issued employment letter for applicants applying for a part-time candidature load and currently on full-time employment in Singapore (if applicable).
      • Applicants must ensure to have adequate funds (for tuition fees and living expenses) to support the entire duration of their course of study in Singapore before accepting any offer of admission. Candidates who require additional time to prepare financially are encouraged to apply for admission in the subsequent intake.

     

    Application Outcome

    Completed applications (with all the required documents submitted online before the respective application closing date) will be processed and applicants will be informed officially of the outcome of their application via email by the following date (may be subject to changes):

    • August 2027 intake (for early admission cycle): 31 August 2026
    • August 2027 intake (for regular admission cycle): 30 June 2027

     

    Correspondence from the University

    The Department may correspond with applicants primarily via email to convey messages such as requesting for outstanding documents etc. Therefore, it is very important that applicants provide a valid and correct email address and maintain their email account regularly. The University will not be responsible for undeliverable emails and their consequences.

     

     

    Important note:

    The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake graduate student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programmes are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission.

     

     

    Updated as of May 2026

    Early Admission Cycle

    The early admission cycle empowers applicants to make a choice and secure a position in the graduate programme early. On the other hand, the regular admission cycle has its important practical advantages, such as the later deadline for preparation and application. We invite candidates with consistently strong academic record and accomplishments to apply in the Early Admission Exercise.

    Application period for August 2027 intake (early admission cycle): 16 May 2026 – 15 July 2026

     

    Instructions for Application

    • All applicants should apply online via the Graduate Admission System.
    • Applicants should browse the User Guide before applying.
    • All supporting documents must be uploaded (in pdf format) in the online application in the Graduate Admission System by the application closing date. English translations should accompany supporting documents that are not in English. There is no need to print and post the hardcopy application to the Department.
    • No changes are allowed once the application is submitted.
    • Inaccurate/incomplete applications will not be processed.
    • No candidate may concurrently be a student for more than one degree or register as a NUS candidate and of another university/ institute.

     

    Application Fee and Acceptance Fee

    • There is an application fee of S$100 (inclusive of GST) which is non-refundable.
    • An acceptance fee of $5,000 is applicable upon acceptance of admission offer, and will be applied to offset tuition fees in Semester 1. The acceptance fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
    • All fees quoted here are exclusive of prevailing GST, unless otherwise stated. The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.

     

      Supporting Documents

      • Proof of identity
      • Degree Scroll or Student Status Letter
        • Applicants who have graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application are required to upload a copy of their official degree scroll.
        • Applicants who have not yet graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application are required to upload a copy of the Student Status Letter (i.e. an official university letter with letterhead) stating their particulars, enrolment status and candidature period (i.e. start and expected degree completion date).
      • Transcript of undergraduate degree, or at least five semesters of academic records for current Year 3 undergraduate students
      • GPA Ranking Certificate (if applicable)
      • Valid TOEFL/IELTS Score (if applicable)
        • If medium of instruction for applicant’s undergraduate degree programme is not in English, applicants will have to upload the official score sheet of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language in the Graduate Admission System.
        • The minimum required score for TOEFL (internet-based test) is 85 (test taken prior to 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (test taken from 21 January 2026). 
        • The minimum IELTS score required is 6 (overall).
        • TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
        • We do not accept Home Editions of IELTS or TOEFL, nor do we accept digitally issued IELTS scores. Only physical test score reports are eligible for submission.
      • Two Referee Reports
        • Once applicant’s online application is submitted, an automated email (with the referee report URL) will be sent to their referee(s) at their email address indicated in the Graduate Admission System.
      • Financial Document e.g. bank statement / original sponsor’s letter
        • Applicants are required to provide documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (e.g. a bank statement) indicating the availability of funding of at least S$30,000.
        • Applicants who are sponsored by an individual (e.g. applicant’s parent(s)) should upload a letter from the sponsor (i.e. declaration about the sponsorship) and a copy of the sponsor’s bank statement (i.e. indicating the availability of funding of at least S$30,000) as documentary proof of the sponsorship.
        • Applicants who are sponsored by an organisation should upload a letter from the sponsor with details as documentary proof of the sponsorship.
        • Recent pay slip/an official HR-issued employment letter for applicants applying for a part-time candidature load and currently on full-time employment in Singapore (if applicable).
        • Applicants must ensure to have adequate funds (for tuition fees and living expenses) to support the entire duration of their course of study in Singapore before accepting any offer of admission. Candidates who require additional time to prepare financially are encouraged to apply for admission in the subsequent intake.

         

        The MPST Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional documentation at any stage of the review process.

         

        Updated as of May 2026

        Programme Structure

        Candidature period for MPST full-time programme
        • Minimum candidature: 2 semesters (1 year)
        • Maximum candidature period: 4 semesters (2 years)
        For AY2023/2024, AY2024/2025 and AY2025/2026 cohorts, please refer to the respective programme structure published via the NUS Bulletin

         

        For AY2026/2027 Cohort

        Candidates admitted into the MPST full-time programme must read and pass a total of 40 units1, comprising 16 units of core courses and 24 units of elective courses:

        Core/Elective Courses in the MPST Programme Structure Units

        MPST Full-time Programme

        Offering Semester

        – Please note that the courses offered may be subject to changes. The courses may not be offered every academic year or the semester indicated.

        16 Units of Core Courses
        PR5211 Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 4 Semester 1
        PR5217 Formulation Science 4 Semester 1
        PR5218 Methodologies in Product Development
        (CAPSTONE lab-based course)
        4 Semester 2
        PR5304 Fundamental Topics in Pharmaceutical Science  4 Semester 1
        24 Units of Elective Courses (To be chosen from the following)2
        Drug Discovery Focus/Cluster
        PR5212 Advanced Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 4 7 Semester 1
        PR5221 Molecular Targets in Drug Discovery 4 7 Semester 1
        PR5222 Drug Metabolism 4 7 TBA
        PR5227 AI in Pharmaceutical Applications 4 7 Semester 2
        Pharmaceutical Process & Technology Focus/Cluster
        PR5213 Pharmaceutical Process Validation OR PR5203 Pharmaceutical Process Optimization and Control 4 7, 8 Semester 2
        PR5216 Advances in Drug Delivery 4 Semester 2
        PR5220 Bioprocess Technology OR PR5210 Biologics: Processes and Technology 4 7, 8 Semester 2
        PR5245 Solid-State Drug and Manufacturing REFRESHED! 4 7, 9 Semester 2
        Product Development & Management Focus/Cluster
        PR5219 Product Development & Quality Management 4 Semester 2
        PR5224 Pharmacoepidemiology  4 Semester 1
        GMS5011 Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Regulation OR GMS5003 Fundamentals of Health Products Regulation  4 3 Refer to NUSMODS
        GMS5012 Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls OR GMS5004 Regulation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing  4 3 Refer to NUSMODS
        Innovation & Enterprise Focus/Cluster
        MT5912 Frugal Innovation 4 4 Refer to NUSMODS
        MT5913 TechLaunch 4 4 Refer to NUSMODS
        MT5920 Enterprise Development – Experiential Innovation 4 4

        Refer to NUSMODS

        Research & Internship Focus/Cluster
        PR5198 Graduate Seminar Course in Pharmacy  4 Semester 2
        PR5299 Research Project in Pharmaceutical Innovation 8 5 Semester 1 (2 regular semesters)

        PR5399 MPST Industry Exposure Internship
        (Prerequisites apply)

        4 6 Special Term (spanning Special Term 1 and 2), and Semester 1

         

        1 Candidates enrolled in the MPST programme must meet the programme requirements as listed in the above table, or any other PR5XXX courses as approved by the Department, with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.00 for successful completion of the MPST.
        2 For the elective requirements (i.e. to complete 24 units of level 5000 elective courses taken from the list of courses in the above table), a maximum of 8 units (2 elective courses) may be counted from GMS5XXX and/or MT5XXX, subject to approval from the Department.
        3 GMS5003/GMS5011 and GMS5004/GMS5012 are offered by Centre of Regulatory Excellence (CoRE), Duke-NUS Medical School.
        4 MT5912, MT5913 and MT5920 are offered by Institute for Design and Engineering Leadership (IDEL), College of Design and Engineering.
        5 For PR5299, it is an 8-unit elective course over two regular semesters with students actively engaged in daily activities in research labs and facilities during the day, working under the supervision of selected faculty members.
        6 PR5399 is a 4-unit elective course which offers MPST full-time students the opportunity to engage in experiential learning beyond the classroom and to gain transferable skills to be career-ready in the workplace. Prerequisites apply. 
        7 PR5221 elective course is added to the curriculum w.e.f. AY2023/2024 Semester 1.
         PR5203, PR5210, PR5212, PR5215, PR5222 and PR5227 are elective courses added to the curriculum w.e.f. AY2024/2025 Semester 1. 
         MT5920 elective course is added to the curriculum w.e.f. AY2025/2026 Semester 1.
         PR5245 elective course is added to the curriculum w.e.f. AY2026/2027 Semester 1.
        8 Students who have taken PR5213 and PR5220 before AY2024/2025 Semester 2 are precluded from taking PR5203 and PR5210, respectively.
        9 Students who have taken PR5214, PR5215, or PR5225 before AY2026/2027 are precluded from taking PR5245. 

         


        Click here for the course descriptions.

         

        As the programme progresses, the Department will introduce new courses to suit the changing needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

         

         

        Updated as of May 2026

        Fees

        A summary of the tuition fee payable for the MPST full-time programme is shown below, for Academic Year 2025/2026 cohort and onwards. An acceptance fee1 is applicable upon acceptance of admission offer and will be applied to offset the programme fee. Besides the full programme fee, students are liable to pay Miscellaneous Student Fees (MSF)2 as well.

        The full programme fee is payable in 2 instalments over 2 regular semesters. The acceptance fee will be applied to offset Semester 1 fee.

         

        For students admitted in AY2026/2027 & AY2027/2028:

        August Intakes
        (Early & Regular Admission Cycles)
        Tuition Fee
        (after GST)
        Full Programme Fee S$57,061.50
        Acceptance Fee S$5,450
        Semester 1 S$23,080.75
        Semester 2 S$28,530.75

         

        For students admitted in AY2025/2026:

        August Intakes
        (Early & Regular Admission Cycles)
        Tuition Fee
        (after GST)
        Full Programme Fee S$53,791.50
        Acceptance Fee S$5,450
        Semester 1 S$21,445.75
        Semester 2 S$26,895.75

         

        NUS Master’s by Coursework Enhanced Tuition Fee Rebate

        Full-time Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Resident students may enjoy a 40% tuition fee rebate upon successful enrollment in the AY2026-27AY2025-26 and AY2024-25 intakes for the MPST programme. 

        Terms and conditions apply and are subject to change. 

        For more information, please refer to the details here

        Note: Tuition fee rebates for NUS alumni, Singapore Citizens, and Singapore Permanent Residents for intakes commencing after AY2026-27 are currently being reviewed. Further updates will be provided in October 2026.

         

        Additional Course Fees (if applicable) 

        For students who need to repeat or take additional course(s) to meet graduation requirements, they will be charged additional fees for each repeat or additional course taken, subject to prevailing GST. For example:

        • Students will be charged 10% of the full 40 unit programme fee (of their respective cohort) for repeating or taking an additional 4 unit course.
        • Students will be charged 20% of the full 40 unit programme fee (of their respective cohort) for repeating or taking an additional 8 unit course.

         

        1 The acceptance fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. 

        2 MSF is payable for every regular semester, subject to prevailing rates. For updates on MSF for matriculated students, please refer to Registrar’s Office website at Fees for Graduate Programmes.

         


         

        All fees shown here are in Singapore dollars and may be subject to minor rounding variances.

        All fees shown here are inclusive of prevailing 9% GST, unless otherwise stated.

        All fees are payable every regular semester, unless specified otherwise.

        The University reserves all rights to review and adjust fees and make changes to the programme structure and requirements as necessary and accordingly without prior notice.

         

        Updated as of May 2026

        Scholarship & Study Award

        NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship

        The NUS ASEAN Master’s Scholarship is a continuation of the DiscoverNUS scheme. It is an exclusive bond-free scholarship that covers full tuition fees for the normal candidature period of a Master’s Degree programme at NUS. The scholarship may be offered only to candidates who have met all the following requirements:

        • Hold citizenship in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam,
        • Have completed an undergraduate semester at NUS under the DiscoverNUS scheme,
        • Have earned an undergraduate degree from one of the partner universities in their country, and
        • Have been offered a place in one of the designated Master’s Degree programmes at NUS.
        • Students who apply for a Semester 2 intake are not eligible for the scholarship

        A separate application to be considered for the scholarship is not necessary.

        Recipients of the scholarship may not concurrently hold any other scholarship, fellowship, bursary, grant, award or allowance without notifying NUS. If a recipient withdraws from the University and/or terminates the scholarship prematurely, NUS reserves the right to impose repayment of all scholarship monies disbursed.

        Find out more about the scholarship here.

         

        Updated as of May 2026

        FAQs

         

        May I know when classes are conducted?

        Ans: Typically, classes are conducted on weekday evenings and/or Saturdays. The classes for most of the PR5XXX courses under MPST curriculum are generally held once a week, which are conducted either on weekday evenings (e.g. 6-9pm, 6.30-9.30pm) or on Saturday mornings and/or afternoons. 

         

        May I know what is the required Grade Point Average (GPA) for continuation and graduation?

        Ans: A student pursuing a Master’s degree by coursework must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 to be eligible for graduation. To continue in a Master’s programme, a student may not have:
        • GPA below 3.00 (but ≥ 2.50) for three consecutive semesters; or
        • GPA below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters.

        For more details, click here.

         

        Upon graduating from the MPST programme, can I be a registered pharmacist with the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC)?

        Ans: This is a Master’s degree programme in Pharmaceutical Science and Technology and is not a recognized degree for registration as a pharmacist in Singapore.

         

         

         

        Updated as of May 2026

        Contact Us

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