Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Geopolitics of South Asia

The Graduate Diploma in Geopolitics of South Asia is a one-year program launching in AY2026/2027. This program provides students with both breadth and depth of knowledge in the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia. Designed to attract a diverse cohort of students and professionals from various backgrounds, the program equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of the region and its evolving role in global affairs.

Admission Requirements

• Academic:
  • A good NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to South Asia or Asia;
  • A good Bachelor's degree in related disciplines with evidence of having read subjects related to South Asia or Asia and successful completion of a placement test;
  • Other relevant qualifications and experience, and successful completion of a placement test, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Candidates whose native tongue and medium of undergraduate instruction is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 85 (with a minimum of 22 for the writing section) is required for the internet-based test.
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all sections and overall score is required.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are only valid for two years from the test date and the validity should not expire before the beginning of the application period for the program.

Programme Requirements

• Mode of Study: Full-time or Part-time.
  • International students on student visa must be enrolled for full-time study.
  • Students residing in Singapore may enrol for part-time study.
• Duration of Degree:
  • Full-time: Minimum duration of 12 months, maximum duration of 18 months.
  • Part-time: Minimum duration of 18 months, maximum duration of 36 months.
• Workload per Semester:
  • Full-time: Maximum of 24 units, minimum of 12 units.
  • Part-time: Maximum of 12 units, minimum of 4 units.
• Coursework Requirements: Complete and pass 24 units which include:
  • Two core courses:
    • SNG5101 The Making of Modern South Asia (4 units)
    • SNG5102 Introduction to the Geopolitics of South Asia (4 units)
  • Four elective courses, with specific requirements for each type of course.
• English Language Requirements:
  • Students may be required to take the Diagnostic English Test (DET) to determine their English proficiency.
  • Depending on their DET results, students may be required to take Graduate English Course(s) or be exempted from taking the course(s) altogether.
  • Students who are required to take the Graduate English Course(s) must obtain at least grade 'C' in the course(s) at intermediate level.
• Graduation Requirements:
  • Complete and passed 24 units.
  • Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 for the relevant courses.
  • Where applicable, obtained at least grade 'C' in Graduate English Course(s).

Programme Fees

• Tuition Fee: S$22,890 (inclusive of GST) for both full-time and part-time, irrespective of nationality.
• Application Fee: S$60 (inclusive of GST), non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Acceptance Fee: S$5,450 (inclusive of GST), payable upon acceptance of offer of admission, non-refundable and non-transferable, and will be credited towards tuition fee.
• Miscellaneous Student Fees: As published by NUS Office of the University Registrar, payable every regular semester.