Should You Take a Part-Time Master’s Degree at NTU? Here’s What I Learnt ππΈπ¬
As someone juggling full-time work and personal commitments, the idea of taking on a part-time master’s degree at NTU felt intimidating at first. But after deep-diving into NTU’s offerings and hearing from alumni, I realised it could actually be one of the smartest moves for career growth in Singapore’s competitive job market.
If you’ve been considering further studies but worried about the time or cost, this guide is for you.
π Why I Considered a Part-Time Master’s Degree at NTU
NTU (Nanyang Technological University) is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. It’s especially known for strengths in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science—industries closely tied to Singapore’s future economy.
But the biggest draw for me? Flexibility. NTU’s part-time programmes are designed for working professionals like me who want to upgrade without hitting pause on life or career.
Key Benefits I Found:
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Evening/weekend classes π
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Career progression without career break π
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Real-time application of new knowledge at work π§
π§π« Types of Part-Time Master’s Programmes at NTU
NTU offers both coursework-based and research-based part-time programmes. I found that most working professionals go for the coursework route, which includes modules, group projects, and a capstone.
Popular Faculties for Part-Timers:
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Nanyang Business School (MBA, Finance, Analytics)
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College of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
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School of Computer Science & Engineering (AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity)
If you’re exploring shorter options, NTU also offers Graduate Diplomas, which can sometimes be stacked toward a full Master’s.
π NTU Part-Time Master’s: Admission Requirements You Should Know
I initially worried about whether I’d qualify, but the process was quite transparent.
General Eligibility Includes:
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A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
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Relevant work experience (especially for MBA and specialised tech programmes)
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English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) if your undergrad wasn’t in English
Documents I Prepared:
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Updated CV
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Academic transcripts
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Statement of purpose (be honest, clear, and career-focused)
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Letters of recommendation (for some programmes)
π‘ Tip: Some programmes offer admission even without Honours, especially if you have strong work experience.
π Programme Structure & Duration: How Long Will It Take?
Most part-time master’s degrees at NTU take 2 to 4 years, depending on your course load and whether you take breaks between semesters.
Study Modes That Worked for Me:
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Evening classes (6.30–9.30pm) during weekdays
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Weekend intensives (especially for MBA/Executive programmes)
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Hybrid learning: Some modules are online or blended
With proper planning, I managed about 1–2 modules per semester, which was manageable even with a full-time job.
π° Tuition Fees, Scholarships & Financial Aid
Let’s talk numbers. Tuition varies depending on faculty and nationality.
Typical Tuition Costs (Estimate):
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Engineering: ~$18,000–$30,000
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Business & MBA: ~$35,000–$60,000
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Computing & AI: ~$25,000–$45,000
Available Financial Support:
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NTU scholarships (merit-based, limited slots)
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SkillsFuture Credit (for eligible courses)
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MOE subsidies (for Singaporeans and PRs in selected programmes)
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Employer sponsorship – I found some companies are open to partial or full support if the course is relevant to your role
π Career Prospects: Is It Worth It?
For me, this was the dealbreaker. A part-time Master’s only made sense if it led to better opportunities and NTU delivered.
What I Noticed:
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NTU grads are highly valued across Tech, Finance, R&D, Education, and Public Sector
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Many alumni I met during info sessions had progressed to management, regional roles, or even PhD programmes
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There’s strong industry partnership, especially in STEM-related degrees
Plus, the NTU career services and alumni network are actively involved even for part-time students.
π§♀️ How I Balanced Work, Study & Life (Without Burning Out)
Balancing everything wasn’t easy, but it was doable with some discipline.
My Key Strategies:
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Pomodoro method for focused revision
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Time-blocking my week (including self-care time!)
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Using NTU’s library access and online databases to cut down research time
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Connecting with study groups to share notes & keep motivated
Also, mental health is no joke. NTU offers counselling and peer support groups don’t hesitate to use them.
π₯️ Facilities & Online Support for Part-Time Students
I was pleasantly surprised by how much support part-time students get.
What I Used:
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NTU’s online learning portal (NTULearn) for lecture replays
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Access to libraries, digital journals & research tools
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Invitations to career fairs, networking events, and industry seminars
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Free software licenses (e.g. MATLAB, SPSS, Python tools)
Even though I wasn't a full-time student on campus, I never felt left out.
π― How NTU’s Part-Time Master’s Compares to NUS, SMU & Others
Every university has its strengths, so I did compare.
Why I Chose NTU:
Feature | NTU | NUS | SMU | SUSS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Specialisation in STEM | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Affordable tuition | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Evening classes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Research facilities | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Strong alumni network | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
NTU stood out for its engineering, tech, and research strengths, especially for someone like me in the STEM field.
✅ Final Thoughts: Is a Part-Time Master’s at NTU Worth It?
Absolutely if you’re ready to commit, it can be a life-changing experience. For me, it led to new skills, more confidence, and better career options.
What Helped Me Decide:
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Clear goals on why I wanted the degree
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Support from employer and family
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Choosing a programme aligned with future demand (e.g., AI, sustainability, digital transformation)
π Next Step: Visit NTU's Graduate Admissions Portal to explore upcoming intakes, speak to a faculty member, or join a webinar. It’s the first step to a smarter future.
π¬ Got questions? Feel free to ask I’m happy to share more about my application experience or study routine! ππ¨πΌ
Additional Explanation Through YouTube Video Reference
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