Introduction
The National University of Singapore (NUS) MBA is one of the most respected MBA programs in Asia, attracting experienced professionals from different countries and industries. Known for its strong academics and global exposure, the program looks for candidates who can handle a rigorous classroom environment and contribute meaningfully to peer learning.
The expected GMAT score for the NUS MBA is 670, based on the official class profile. While there is no fixed minimum cutoff, applicants with scores in the 650 to 700 range are generally considered competitive. However, the NUS MBA GMAT is only one part of a holistic review. In this blog, we explain how the GMAT score is evaluated and what it means for your chances of admission.
What Is the Average NUS MBA GMAT Score?
The average NUS MBA GMAT score is 670, with the official class GMAT score range between 600 and 780. NUS Business School officially publishes this data in its MBA class profile. The GMAT score is used to assess academic readiness for the program’s rigorous curriculum. While a strong score helps, there is no fixed minimum cutoff. The admissions committee follows a holistic review process that also considers work experience, academics, leadership, and career goals.
NUS MBA GMAT Score Overview
| Metric | NUS MBA Details |
|---|---|
| Test Accepted | GMAT / GMAT Focus / GRE |
| Average GMAT Score | 670 (official class profile) |
| GMAT Score Range | 600 – 780 |
| Average GRE Score | ~155 Verbal / 165 Quantitative |
| Test Preference | GMAT and GRE treated equally |
| Average Work Experience | 6 years |
Minimum GMAT Score Accepted for NUS MBA
There is no minimum GMAT score officially set by NUS for its MBA program. NUS Business School does not publish a fixed cutoff score and evaluates applications through a holistic admissions process. While candidates with GMAT scores below the class average may still be considered, they are expected to demonstrate strong performance in other areas such as academics, work experience, leadership potential, and career clarity.
In practice, most admitted students score within the competitive GMAT range discussed earlier. Applicants with lower scores should clearly highlight quantitative coursework, professional achievements, and impact at work to strengthen their overall profile.
GMAT Focus Edition for NUS MBA Applicants
Does NUS accept the GMAT Focus Edition?
Yes. NUS Business School officially accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for MBA admissions. The GMAT Focus is treated as a valid test to assess academic readiness, similar to the earlier GMAT format.
According to the official NUS MBA class profile, the average GMAT Focus Edition score is 615. NUS publishes this score as part of its official admissions data. There is no minimum cutoff score for the GMAT Focus Edition, and results are reviewed as part of a holistic application process.
How NUS Interprets GMAT Focus Scores:
- NUS evaluates GMAT Focus scores to assess quantitative and verbal readiness
- Scores are reviewed in the context of the overall applicant pool
- There is no published minimum or preferred GMAT Focus score
- GMAT Focus and classic GMAT scores are assessed independently
Because the GMAT Focus Edition follows a new scoring scale, NUS does not directly compare it with older GMAT scores. Applicants are encouraged to focus on presenting a balanced academic and professional profile alongside their test results.
How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the NUS MBA?
Your NUS MBA GMAT score is reviewed in context, not in isolation. NUS Business School compares your score with the current class profile and then evaluates it alongside your work experience, academic background, leadership potential, and career goals. Below is how different GMAT score ranges are generally viewed during the admissions process.
GMAT Below Class Average (≤640)
A GMAT score below the class average places you at a relative disadvantage, but it does not automatically rule out admission.
This range can still work if you have:
- Strong academic performance, especially in quantitative subjects
- Solid work experience with clear progression and responsibility
- Demonstrated leadership or measurable impact at work
You should be cautious if:
- Your academic background is weak
- Your role has limited analytical or quantitative exposure
- Your career goals are unclear or unrealistic
At this level, the rest of your application must clearly compensate for the GMAT score.
GMAT Around Class Average (650–690)
This range is considered competitive for the NUS MBA. A large portion of admitted students typically fall within this band.
At this level, the GMAT:
- Meets NUS’s academic expectations
- Does not significantly help or hurt on its own
What decides outcomes here:
- Quality and relevance of work experience
- Leadership examples and impact
- Clarity of career goals and fit with NUS
Common mistakes at this band:
- Assuming the GMAT score alone is enough
- Weak or generic essays
- Poorly defined post-MBA goals
In this range, execution across the application matters more than the score itself.
GMAT Above Class Average (700+)
A GMAT score above the class average strengthens your academic profile and reduces concerns about classroom readiness.
What it helps with:
- Signals strong analytical and quantitative ability
- Supports ambitious or academically demanding career goals
What it does not guarantee:
- Admission
- Interview invitations
- Scholarships or funding
Overconfidence can hurt applicants when:
- Essays lack depth or reflection
- Leadership experience is weak
- Career goals feel unrealistic or poorly researched
At this level, NUS expects the rest of your profile to match the strength of your GMAT score.
NUS MBA Class Profile 2026
The NUS MBA Class of 2026 reflects a diverse and experienced cohort of professionals from across the world. Students come from different industries, academic backgrounds, and nationalities, creating a strong peer-learning environment. The class profile highlights NUS’s focus on global exposure, balanced representation, and meaningful work experience.
| Class Profile Metric | NUS MBA Class of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Class Size | 120 students |
| Average Age | 29 years |
| Average Work Experience | 6 years |
| Women | 43% |
| Nationalities | 21 |
| International Students | 92% |
| Industries Represented | 24 |
| Average GMAT Score | 670 |
| Average GMAT Focus Score | 615 |
| Average GRE Score | 157 Verbal / 165 Quantitative |
Should You Retake the GMAT for the NUS MBA?
Many applicants face this question while planning their NUS MBA application. Retaking the GMAT can help in certain situations, but it is not always the right decision. The choice depends on your current GMAT score, overall profile strength, academic background, and application timeline. Retaking the exam without a clear reason can increase pressure and take time away from other important parts of the application. This section explains when a retake helps, when it does not, and how to decide wisely.
When Retaking the GMAT Helps
Retaking the GMAT can be a good idea if:
- Your GMAT score is well below the competitive range for the NUS MBA
- Your academic background is weak or lacks quantitative coursework
- Your post-MBA career goals require strong analytical credibility
- You have enough time before application deadlines to prepare properly
In these cases, a higher GMAT score can reduce academic risk and improve overall competitiveness for the NUS MBA.
When Retaking the GMAT Does Not Help
Retaking the GMAT may not be worth it if:
- Your score is already close to or above the NUS MBA class average
- Your work experience shows strong impact and leadership growth
- Your essays, recommendations, or career goals need more attention
- You are very close to application deadlines
In such situations, improving other parts of your application often has a greater impact than a small increase in GMAT score.
Timing Risks and Deadline Considerations
Timing plays a critical role when deciding on a GMAT retake.
- Late retakes can clash with essay writing and application preparation
- Rushed preparation often results in similar or even lower scores
- Delaying your application to a later round can reduce competitiveness
If a GMAT retake pushes your application timeline, the potential risk may outweigh the benefit.
Opportunity Cost vs Benefit
Preparing again for the GMAT requires time, focus, and energy.
Before retaking, ask yourself:
- Will a higher GMAT score clearly improve my chances at NUS?
- Or would this time be better spent strengthening essays, recommendations, and career clarity?
A GMAT retake makes sense only when the expected improvement is meaningful, not marginal.
NUS MBA GMAT Waiver & GRE Option
No. NUS Business School does not offer a GMAT waiver for its MBA program. All applicants are required to submit a valid GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE score as part of the admissions process. If you do not plan to take the GMAT, the GRE is a fully accepted alternative for the NUS MBA. Both tests are used to assess academic readiness and are reviewed as part of a holistic evaluation.
Average GRE Score for NUS MBA
NUS Business School does not publish an official average GRE score for its MBA program. However, based on the official class profile, admitted students typically present strong GRE results, with competitive performance in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. GRE scores are reviewed alongside academic background, work experience, leadership potential, and career goals.
A strong GRE score helps demonstrate academic readiness for the NUS MBA curriculum, but it does not guarantee admission on its own.
GMAT vs GRE: Which One Should You Take for NUS MBA?
NUS Business School has no stated preference between the GMAT and GRE. Both tests are accepted and evaluated in the same way. The better choice depends on your strengths and which exam allows you to present your strongest academic profile.
You should choose the GMAT if:
- You are comfortable with quantitative reasoning and data analysis
- Your career goals are in consulting, finance, or analytics-driven roles
- You want to strengthen your quantitative profile
You should choose the GRE if:
- You perform better in verbal reasoning and structured reading tasks
- You already have a strong GRE score
- You are applying to a mix of MBA and non-MBA graduate programs
The key is to submit the test where you can score higher and clearly demonstrate academic readiness. NUS focuses on the strength of your score, not on which test you take.
Tips to Prepare for the NUS MBA GMAT Score
Preparing for the NUS MBA GMAT requires a clear plan and realistic expectations. NUS does not expect perfection, but it does expect strong academic readiness. Your preparation should focus on improving weak areas while maintaining balance across sections.
Here are some practical tips to prepare effectively:
- Set a realistic target score: Aim for a GMAT score that aligns with the NUS MBA class profile rather than chasing an unrealistic jump.
- Build a structured study plan: Create a weekly plan that covers Quant, Verbal, and regular mock tests. Consistency matters more than long study hours.
- Focus on balanced performance: A strong overall score with a very weak Quant or Verbal section can raise concerns.
- Use mock tests wisely: Take full-length mock exams to track progress, improve timing, and reduce exam-day stress.
- Know when to stop: If scores plateau, shifting focus to essays, recommendations, and interviews may deliver better results.
A focused GMAT preparation strategy aligned with NUS expectations helps you prepare smarter and avoid last-minute pressure.
How to Improve Your Chances With Low GMAT?
A low NUS MBA GMAT score does not automatically end your chances of admission. NUS Business School follows a holistic review process and looks closely at your overall profile. If your GMAT is below the class average, the rest of your application must clearly show academic readiness, leadership potential, and strong career direction.
- Show clear impact at work: Focus on measurable outcomes such as revenue growth, cost savings, process improvements, team leadership, or project ownership. Concrete results help offset a lower GMAT by proving real-world problem-solving ability.
- Strengthen your academic signal: Highlight quantitative coursework, certifications, or professional training in areas like finance, analytics, engineering, or statistics. Strong academics reassure the admissions team about classroom readiness.
- Write focused and honest essays: Use essays to clearly explain your career progression, leadership experiences, and why NUS fits your goals. Avoid generic answers and show maturity, self-awareness, and purpose.
- Choose recommenders who add depth: Select recommenders who can give specific examples of your leadership, decision-making, and growth. Detailed stories matter more than impressive job titles.
- Prepare seriously for the interview: Strong communication, clear goals, and confident explanations during the NUS MBA interview can significantly reduce concerns about a lower GMAT score.
Related Blog:
- NUS MBA Fees
- NUS MBA Salary
- NUS MBA Essays
- NUS MBA Interview Questions
- NUS MBA Deadlines
- Is NUS MBA Worth It?
- NUS MBA Acceptance Rate
Conclusion
The NUS MBA is a strong choice for professionals aiming to build global careers, especially in Asia’s growing business ecosystem. While the NUS MBA GMAT score plays an important role in admissions, it is only one part of a holistic review. NUS looks closely at your academic background, work experience, leadership impact, and career clarity. A competitive GMAT score can strengthen your profile, but strong essays, recommendations, and interviews matter just as much. Whether your score is above or below the class average, a well-planned and honest application can still be successful. Focus on presenting a balanced profile that clearly shows your readiness for the NUS MBA experience.
