SOP for Singapore: Format, Samples & Writing Tips

Content Curator

SOP for Singapore is a supporting document submitted with the online application for numerous undergraduate, postgraduate-taught, and research programs, including BBA, M.Eng., and PhD. Generally, it is a 500 to 1,000-word essay acting as a medium of information exchange between the applicant and the admission committee. The better the statement of purpose, the more the chances of admission. An SOP for Singapore is not a compulsory requirement for the admission process. However, applicants with an impressive statement of purpose hold a better chance of securing admission at their desired university in Singapore.

SOP for Singapore Format

A statement of purpose is a simple but effective way of applying to a university in Singapore and presenting the candidate's profile. Just like every other essay, it also follows a specified format which is given as follows:-

The essay must be written or translated in English.
It must start with an incredible introductory paragraph talking about the inspiration for the application.
The paragraphs that follow should make a clear outline of the applicant’s academic progress and career goals.
The expectations from the degree and college will be elaborated in the concluding paragraph.

SOP for Singapore: Guidelines of the Universities

The top 3 universities in Singapore are listed below along with their corresponding top courses and SOP requirements:-

National University of Singapore

One of the topmost universities in Singapore, the National University of Singapore caters to a number of undergraduate programs including BBA, BS, LLB, etc. The following are the guidelines for submitting the personal statement for the National University of Singapore:-

The essay should contain around 2,000 characters or 300 words
The SoP should be written as an MS Word document and then pasted into the section given in the application form
The motivation for specialisation and the intent for further studies should be specified
A paragraph or two must be dedicated to educational background and academic achievements

The application to the graduate schools of NUS also requires a personal statement explaining the research intent and academic background of the applicant. Here’s what information should be incorporated in the motivational letter:-

The past research experiences of the candidate
Academic areas of interest and thesis proposal
Long-term and short-term goals
Professional career and internships done by the applicant
Expectations from the degree and inspiration towards the field of study

Singapore University of Technology and Design

The application to the doctoral programs of Singapore University of Technology and Design, such as Master of Engineering (Research), PhD programs, etc., includes the submission of a 3,000-word Statement of Objectives. It must contain:

The essay must be written in English
SoP submitted in a foreign language must be attached with a certified English translation
As the name suggests, the statement of objectives must highlight the future goals and objectives of the candidate
Moreover, a brief explanation of any delay in studies, drops, or backlogs should be explained
The educational background, i.e., the schooling and college studies of the applicant must be pointed out in chronological order

The SOP for research programs at Singapore University of Technology and Design is to be submitted in the online application form. For further information, you may refer to the official website of the university.

Singapore Management University

Singapore Management University offers an MSc in Applied Finance and its application requires candidates to answer a questionnaire in the name of SOP:

“Explain your career and personal aspiration and your motivation for pursuing the MAF program”. This is the essay topic/question.
The specified word limit is 500 to 600 words.
The personal statement is to be submitted in PDF or MS Word format.
The SOP for MSc in Applied Finance should contain distinct information as compared to the applicant’s Resume.

SOP Sample for Singapore

Since I was a kid, I was intrigued by the technicalities and particulars of financial matters as I observed my father getting dealing with cash and finance as he was the Manager in a bank. In my childhood days, I used to follow my father to his work, and he used to explain the financial and economic policies of the bank to me. All these things inspired me to pursue a career in a business-related field, and thus, I completed my Bachelor of Business Management in Finance from IIM, Ahmedabad.

I was exposed to numerous business-related subjects in my graduation years which allowed me to improve my managerial and marketing skills. I also developed team-leading abilities and business development skills. In my final year, I took part in the National Marketing Campaign, judged by executives from the top establishments. I, along with the other participants, designed marketing models for a hypothetical firm, as well as its business model and revenue collection scheme. The top 3 contestants were guaranteed an internship at a leading business firm, and I finished the campaign as the runner-up.

I graduated in 2018, and as promised, I was selected as an intern in PB Shelton and Co. only to be selected as the Financial Analyst in the company. With responsibilities like analysing financial data, preparing financial reports, exploring investment opportunities, etc. I remained dedicated to the establishment with loyalty and hard work for around 5 years. A career in such an esteemed firm developed a number of skills in me including patience, team-spirit, work ethics, analytical thinking, and the practical aspects of the corporate industry. This experience offered me valuable insights into the complexities of a business establishment. It also strengthened my resolve to pursue further education and specialisation in Finance, as I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a skilled financial analyst can have on an establishment in the long term.

Speaking of aspirations, I wish to pursue a professional career in Marketing and Finance as a short-term goal. On the other hand, I am looking forward to opening my own FinTech firm in the long-term, adding my own experience and my father’s expertise to thriving it to the top most positions in the world. With the solid theoretical foundation, practical skills, and international perspective gained from ABC University, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the field and effect positive change. Engaging in advanced studies in marketing and finance will also provide excellent preparation for diverse career paths.

I am interested in pursuing an MBA in Marketing and Finance at ABC University keeping in mind the numerous exceptional opportunities it offers. Throughout the year, each research centre of ABC School of Management organises seminars and symposia that are open to all postgraduate students. Additionally, the college hosts annual lectures delivered by leading business executives and entrepreneurs. By pursuing an MBA in Marketing and Finance at ABC University, I am confident that I will gain a comprehensive financial education, establish valuable connections with experts in the field, and be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my chosen career path. I look forward to being an active participant in the vibrant academic environment and contributing to the scholarly community at ABC University’s School of Management.

Tips for Writing SOP for Singapore

An SOP for Singapore includes several pieces of information but presenting them in an effective manner is what makes it unavoidable to reject The following are some suggestions you can use while writing the personal statement to make it acceptable:-

Take inspiration from sample essays but write the statement in your own words.
Make sure the SOP does not contain any plagiarised text or AI-generated content.
Make sure you follow the guidelines of the university you are applying to.
Do not exceed the word limit.
Make sentences in active form to sound more confident.
Longer sentences are prone to errors. So write shorter sentences.
Make sure you answer all the questions asked by the university.

SOP for Singapore is one of the crucial documents that can lead to the acceptance or rejection of the application, therefore, it should contain precise, relevant, and to-the-point information. Applicants must note that the presentation of information is more important than the information itself. Hence, revising, introspecting, and improvising is the key to writing the ultimate SOP for Singapore.