Singapore Expands Global Horizons

SINGAPORE – Exciting news for aspiring medical professionals! From January 1, 2025, students who wish to pursue a medical career will benefit from the addition of nine new overseas universities to Singapore’s list of recognised medical schools, increasing the total to an impressive 112 institutions.

This strategic decision, announced by the Health Ministry and the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on November 11, aims to address Singapore's growing demand for healthcare professionals as the population continues to age. This move aligns with the country’s effort to expand local medical school enrolment, which has seen an increase from around 400 students in 2013 to more than 500 anticipated in 2023.

Newly Recognised Institutions

Among the new additions, the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health in Australia stands out as the only Australian institution joining the list this time, bringing the total of recognised Australian universities to nine. Additionally, five British universities, including the renowned Leeds University’s School of Medicine, will now be acknowledged—resulting in a total of 24 UK institutions whose degrees can be accepted in Singapore.

The three universities from Ireland that have made the cut include University College Cork, University College Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Criteria for Recognition

This review by the SMC ensures that all foreign-trained medical doctors applying for licensure in Singapore receive comparable training to that provided locally. Key criteria for the selection included the international rankings of the institutions, the primary language of instruction, and the performance of graduates from these universities.

Eligibility and Future Evaluation

Graduates from any of the recognised medical schools will be eligible to apply for medical practice in Singapore upon completing their qualifications, although they may still need to meet certain additional requirements set by the SMC. Furthermore, the SMC is committed to continuing evaluation of foreign-trained physicians to uphold the high standards of healthcare in the country.

Impact on Healthcare System

Starting January 1, 2025, the updated list of approved medical schools will be available in the Second Schedule of the Medical Registration Act 1997, empowering Singapore to cultivate a robust healthcare system ready to meet the needs of its aging population.

Stay tuned for more updates! With these changes, Singapore is poised to enhance not only its medical workforce but also its global partnerships in healthcare education.