Singapore Expands Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees
Singapore has taken a significant step to address its growing healthcare demands by recognizing medical degrees from nine international institutions, including India’s Manipal Academy of Higher Education. This decision opens up new pathways for aspiring doctors who wish to pursue their medical education abroad and later practice in Singapore.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Doctors
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) issued a joint statement on Tuesday confirming that the newly approved schools will help the country better manage the rising need for medical professionals amid an aging population. This move reflects Singapore’s proactive approach to strengthening its healthcare workforce for the future.
With the addition of these eight universities, the total number of recognized foreign medical schools in Singapore has increased from 112 to 120 as of February 1, 2025. The ministry has accepted the SMC’s recommendation to include these institutions in the Second Schedule of the Medical Registration Act 1997.
Complete List of Recognized Institutions
Beyond Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India, the newly recognized medical schools include:
- University of Adelaide in Australia
- University of Galway in Ireland
- Universiti Sains Malaysia in Malaysia
- Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan
- Tsinghua University in China
- University of Exeter in the United Kingdom
- City St George’s, University of London in the United Kingdom
Application Window Opens in 2026
Starting from 2026, students seeking medical degrees can apply to these recognized foreign institutions. The SMC regularly reviews its list of registrable medical qualifications to ensure that foreign-trained doctors applying to practice in Singapore have received training equivalent to that provided by local schools.
The evaluation process takes into account several factors, including the international rankings of these institutions, the use of English as the medium of instruction, and the performance of graduates who have obtained their medical degrees from these universities.
Registration Guidelines and Requirements
The SMC has clarified its registration policies for medical graduates. All students graduating from medical schools, whether they completed their studies before or after 2026, can register with the SMC to practice medicine in Singapore. This applies regardless of whether they hold Singaporean citizenship.
According to the official statement, the inclusion of these institutions will enable Singapore to better meet the increasing demand for doctors serving its aging population. This comes even as the country has already expanded annual admissions to local medical schools from approximately 440 students in 2014 to 555 in 2025.
Ongoing Supervision for Foreign-Trained Doctors
The SMC will continue to evaluate foreign-trained doctors during their initial years of practice through a supervisory framework. This oversight mechanism is designed to maintain high standards of medical practice in Singapore while ensuring that international medical graduates receive appropriate guidance as they transition into the local healthcare system.
This development represents a meaningful opportunity for medical students worldwide, particularly those from India and other Asian countries, who aspire to build their careers in Singapore’s healthcare sector. The recognition of these additional institutions demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and well-trained medical workforce capable of serving its population’s evolving healthcare needs.
