OVERVIEW
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science (Social Impact & Nonprofit Leadership) (MSc (SINL)), is a multidisciplinary graduate degree programme that taps on the deep expertise of four NUS academic units and its community leadership centre in areas pertinent to social impact and nonprofit leadership:
Social needs are growing in complexity, and charitable organisations face mounting expectations to deliver measurable, equitable outcomes — often under significant resource constraints and amid shifting donor and regulatory requirements. Leaders must navigate interconnected challenges spanning ageing populations, inequality, mental health and climate risk, all while maintaining mission clarity and organisational rigour. The rapid emergence of AI adds further urgency, requiring leaders who can navigate data governance, the ethical use of technology and the potential of digital tools to strengthen service delivery, fundraising and impact evaluation — without compromising trust or inclusivity.
The MSc (SINL) prepares leaders to meet these demands. The programme builds practical competencies across strategy, governance, finance, people leadership, partnership development and social impact measurement, with an emphasis on integrated approaches to policy and programme design across sectors. Graduates will be equipped to take on leadership roles in charities, social service agencies, foundations and social enterprises — including those transitioning from corporate or public sector careers — as well as positions managing philanthropic portfolios or engaging with international humanitarian organisations across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asia. Above all, they will be prepared to lead organisations that are adaptive, accountable and effective in responding to the communities they serve.
Why This Programme?
- Draw on the combined expertise of NUS academic units to build the strategic, governance and regulatory fluency that social sector leadership demands.
- Build hands-on capability across strategy, governance, finance, people leadership and impact measurement — the full toolkit for accountable, outcomes-driven nonprofit leadership.
- Step confidently into mission-driven leadership from any sector, and position yourself for high-impact roles across nonprofits, foundations and humanitarian organisations throughout ASEAN and East Asia.
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Application Period
An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term (which occurs during the Semester 2 Vacation, and is divided into two parts of six weeks duration each):
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Semester 1: Aug–Dec
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Semester 2: Jan–May
- Special Term (Part 1): May–Jun
- Special Term (Part 2): Jun–Jul
For the MSc (SINL) programme, there is one application period for each AY:
| Programme |
Intake |
Application Dates |
| MSc (SINL) |
Semester 1
(Aug Intake) |
1 Nov of preceding year to 31 Jan of intake year |
Additional Information
Click on the links below for more information:
Onboarding Guide
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the MSc (SINL) programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements:
| Academic |
Bachelor's Degree (preferably with Honours)
|
| Skill/Experience |
At least one year of work experience preferred
Applicants should demonstrate a strong aspiration to lead in social impact and nonprofit sectors, including charities, foundations, social enterprises and civil society organisations
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English Language
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Applicants whose native tongue is not English:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 85 (Internet-based), or
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum Academic score of 6.0
Note: TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
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Other
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an admission interview, attendance of which is mandatory in order to be considered for admission to the programme
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Note: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application information and all supporting documents are truthful and correct. NUS reserves the right to verify information provided as part of an application. False or misleading information in an application (including but not limited to test scores, resumes, certificates, transcripts, etc.) is grounds for admission rejection, revocation and/or dismissal from the University.
MODE OF STUDY AND PROGRAMME CANDIDATURE
The MSc (SINL) programme is offered on the following basis (with estimated time to complete the programme indicated below):
| Full-time |
12–24 months |
| Part-time |
24–36 months |
Note: International applicants must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore to apply for a Student’s Pass. For more information, refer to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Elective Courses
Students must complete 20 Units of elective courses, inclusive of 4 Units for the Capstone Project. Elective course offerings are subject to change and may not be offered every semester.
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View Courses
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| CLC5200 |
Building Communities for Collective Impact |
4 |
| MSL5007
|
Topics in Social Impact Management
|
4 |
| NMC5306 |
Communications and Leadership |
4 |
| NMC5323
|
Crisis Communications and Leadership |
4 |
| NMC5363 |
AI, Media, and Social Transformations |
4 |
| SWM5106 |
Social Policy and Welfare Services
|
4 |
| SWM5206 |
Mastering Leadership |
4 |
SWM5215
|
Poverty and Asset-Building Policy
|
4 |
| SWM5217 |
Continuum of Care and Healthy Ageing |
4 |
| SWM5253 |
Volunteer Management |
4 |
Note: Courses are subject to change. For more information about the courses listed above (as well as other courses offered in the current academic year), please visit NUSMODS.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate from the MSc (SINL) programme, students must meet the following requirements:
| Programme and/or Specialisation |
Read and pass a total of 40 Units, comprising:
- 20 Units of core/essential courses, and
- 20 Units of elective courses
Note: Additional Core courses taken above the required 20 Units may be counted towards fulfilling the elective requirements.
|
| Course and/or Qualification |
As above (refer to section on Programme Structure for details)
|
| Grade Point Average (GPA) |
Minimum 3.0 (out of maximum 5.0)
Please see also the University’s minimum standards for Continuation and Graduation Requirements; specific programmes may implement stricter or additional requirements.
|
| Other |
Not applicable
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FEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.
|
Tuition Fee
|
S$54,000 (excluding GST) /
S$58,860 (including 9% GST)
Note: The tuition fees for this programme are payable based on the number of Units taken in a semester. The amount stated above is for 40 Units. Students who are required to take more than 40 Units for programme completion may be subjected to additional tuition fees.
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Financial Assistance
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Students in this programme may be eligible to receive funding support from some of the following scholarship and financial assistance schemes*:
* Subject to terms and conditions. Kindly refer to respective bodies offering the scholarship or financial assistance scheme for more information. NUS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information provided here.
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Application Fee
|
S$150.00 (excluding GST) /
S$163.50 (including 9% GST)
- Non-refundable and non-transferable
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Acceptance Fee
|
To be confirmed
- Payable upon acceptance of offer
- Non-refundable (even if the Student's Pass application is not approved by ICA) and non-transferable
- Will be credited towards tuition fees
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Miscellaneous Student Fees
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As published by Office of the University Registrar
- Payable every regular semester
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