National University of Singapore MFin Review

Key Takeaways

Program Overview: The NUS MSc in Finance is a full-time, one-year program designed to provide a thorough understanding of financial principles and practices. The curriculum includes core modules such as Corporate Finance, Asset Management, and Financial Markets, along with a range of electives that allow students to tailor their studies to their career aspirations. The program emphasizes practical application through projects, case studies, and internships, preparing graduates for successful careers in finance.

Class Profile: The NUS MSc in Finance Class of 2023 comprises 100 students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The class includes 45% female students and 55% male students, representing over 20 nationalities. The average age of the cohort is 26, with students bringing an average of 3-4 years of professional experience, fostering a dynamic and multicultural learning environment.

Tuition Fees: The tuition fee for the NUS MSc in Finance program is SGD 50,000. This fee covers the cost of tuition, essential course materials, and access to university facilities. Additional expenses such as accommodation, travel, and personal costs are not included in this fee.

Average Salary and Employment: Graduates of the NUS MSc in Finance program enjoy strong career prospects, with an average starting salary of SGD 100,000. Many alumni secure positions in top financial institutions, consulting firms, and multinational corporations. The program boasts a high employment rate within three months of graduation, reflecting its strong industry connections and comprehensive career support services.

Introduction

Applying for the National University of Singapore (NUS) MSc in Finance program is a crucial step for professionals aiming to enhance their careers in the finance sector. Renowned for its rigorous curriculum and strategic location in one of Asia's leading financial hubs, the NUS MSc in Finance attracts ambitious individuals from around the globe.

The application process, particularly the essays and interviews, offers a platform to showcase your academic achievements, professional experience, and personal strengths. This blog will provide essential tips and strategies to help you craft compelling essays and excel in the interview process, ensuring your application stands out for NUS MSc Finance program.

NUS MFin Class Profile

A diverse mix of students from different backgrounds and nationalities characterizes the class profile for the NUS MSc Finance program. With a class size of around 60-70 students per cohort, the program attracts students from various academic disciplines, including business, economics, engineering, mathematics, and sciences.

The average age of students in the program is typically mid-20s to early 30s, and the gender ratio is fairly balanced, with slightly more males than females. In terms of nationalities, the program attracts a diverse mix of international and local students, with representation from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and other regions. Some students may have prior work experience in finance or related fields, while others may be recent graduates seeking to enter the finance industry. As the program is conducted in English, students are expected to have a good command of the language. Overall, the program aims to foster a dynamic and collaborative learning environment where students can learn from each other's diverse perspectives and experiences.

NUS MSC Finance Rankings

The National University of Singapore (NUS) consistently stands out as one of the leading institutions for finance education globally. Its Master of Science in Finance (MSc Finance) program is highly recognized and attracts students worldwide. Below are some key insights into its rankings:

Program and Curriculum NUS MSC Finance

The NUS MSc Finance offers a vibrant curriculum that leverages self-directed and experiential learning. It provides you with a fundamental understanding of the industry and helps you build your analytical skills to tackle real-world challenges. With 139 distinguished international faculty from more than 20 countries, offering broad industry experience, the academic structure provides you access to the complete toolset needed to understand financial management, asset pricing, financial intermediation, and current trends in financial markets.

Core Course

• Applied Corporate Finance
• Foundation of Investments
• Options & Fixed Income
• International Finance & Economics
• Introduction to Finance
• Financial Modelling
• Accounting for Finance Professionals
• Statistics & Data Analysis for Finance

Electives Cource

• Advanced & Applied Investment Strategies
• Technological Disruptions in Finance & Data Analytics
• Banks & Non-traditional Financial Intermediaries
• Financial Statement Analysis and Value Investing
• Analytical Portfolio Management
• Venture Capital & Private Equity

Research Centre

The National University of Singapore (NUS) MSc in Finance program benefits greatly from a strong ecosystem of research centres. These centres are at the forefront of financial innovation, contributing not only to academic excellence but also bridging the gap between theory and industry practice. Key Research Centers are:  Business Analytics Centre, Centre for Governance & Sustainability (CGS) and Centre for Investor Protection (CIP). 

Fees & Financing

The NUS MSc Finance program offers structured fees and financing options that include tuition fees payable in installments. Potential scholarships or financial aid opportunities are available for eligible candidates, helping to make the program more accessible. payment plans, and available scholarships,

NUS  offers various financial aid options to help manage the costs: Student Loans, Assistantships and Grants Fellowships.

For more detailed information about the NUS MSc Finance Fees & Financing, including exact tuition fees. 

Employment Upon Graduation

The NUS MSc Finance program has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in the finance industry, with a high employment and placement rate. According to the latest available data, the employment rate for NUS MSc Finance graduates was over 90%, with graduates being employed in a wide range of industries and roles.

Many NUS MSc Finance graduates go on to work in the banking and financial services sector, with top employers including major international and regional banks such as Citibank, J.P. Morgan, and DBS Bank. Other popular career paths for NUS MSc Finance graduates include consulting, asset management, corporate finance, and risk management.

Thus one can conclude that there are plenty of jobs after MFin.

Top Sectors Hiring from NUS MFin 

The NUS MSc Finance program prepares graduates for careers in a wide range of industries and roles. However, based on recent trends and industry demand, here are the top 3 sectors hiring NUS MSc Finance graduates and some examples of companies that have hired NUS MSc Finance graduates in each sector:

Companies Hiring From NUS MSc Finance

Banking and Financial Services:

• Citibank
• DBS Bank
• J.P. Morgan
• Goldman Sachs
• UBS
• Credit Suisse
• HSBC
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Consulting:

• McKinsey & Company
• Boston Consulting Group
• Bain & Company
• PwC
• Deloitte
• EY
• KPMG
• Accenture
• Oliver Wyman

Asset Management and Investment:

• BlackRock
• Fidelity International
• Capital Group
• State Street Global Advisors
• Invesco
• Franklin Templeton
• Vanguard
• Schroders
• Janus Henderson

Letter of Recommendation

The letter of recommendation (LOR) is an important component of the NUS MSc Finance application, as it provides insights into the applicant's academic and professional abilities from a third-party perspective. Ideally, the LOR should be written by a professor or supervisor who knows the applicant well and can speak to their academic achievements, work experience, leadership potential, and other relevant qualities. The LOR should be written in a professional and objective tone and should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the applicant's strengths and potential. The letter should also address the applicant's fit for the NUS MSc Finance program, and how the program can help the applicant achieve their academic and career goals. Overall, a strong LOR can help differentiate the applicant from other candidates and demonstrate their potential as a valuable addition to the NUS MSc Finance community.

NUS MFin Interview Questions

These are a few questions that can come in the NUS MSc Finance interview for admissions

Q. What motivated you to pursue a Master's degree in Finance at NUS?
Q. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the finance industry?
Q. Can you discuss a financial project that you have worked on in the past, and the skills you developed as a result?
Q. What are your career aspirations after completing the MSc Finance program at NUS?
Q. How do you handle difficult or ambiguous financial data or situations?
Q. What do you think are the key skills necessary for success in the finance industry?
Q. Can you discuss a time when you had to make a difficult financial decision, and how you approached it?
Q. What is your understanding of the current state of the global financial markets?
Q. How do you manage risk in your financial decision-making processes?
Q. How do you think the finance industry will evolve in the coming years, and how do you plan to adapt to these changes?

Why NUS MSc Finance Unique?

The NUS MSc Finance program has several unique features:

• Asia-focused curriculum: The program has an Asia-focused curriculum that covers the unique financial challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of financial markets and institutions in Asia, which will be valuable for those interested in pursuing a career in the region.
• Industry-relevant courses: The courses are designed to provide students with practical knowledge and skills that are relevant to the finance industry. Some of the courses include Corporate Finance, Investments, Derivatives, Fixed Income, Risk Management, and Quantitative Methods.
• Experienced faculty: The faculty members are experienced professionals with academic and industry backgrounds. They bring their expertise and knowledge to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
• Access to NUS Business School resources: As part of NUS Business School, the program provides students with access to the school's resources, including its world-class faculty, research centers, and networking opportunities.
• Internship opportunities: Students have the opportunity to complete an internship as part of the program, which can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
• Global exposure: NUS is a globally renowned university, and the program attracts students from all over the world. This provides students with a diverse and multicultural learning environment that can be invaluable in today's globalized business world.

Conclusion

The NUS MSc Finance program is a postgraduate degree program offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in finance theory and practice, as well as develop critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills.

Graduates of the NUS MSc Finance program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of industries and roles, including banking and financial services, consulting, asset management, corporate finance, and risk management. The program has a high employment and placement rate, with graduates being employed by top companies in Singapore and around the world.