Graduates from Tsinghua and 7 other foreign schools can now practice medicine in Singapore

With the latest update, the total number of overseas medical schools recognized by Singapore will rise to 120, according to a joint statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), as cited by The Straits Times.

The eight newly recognized medical schools are: Adelaide University, College of Health (Australia); Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (India); University of Galway, School of Medicine (Ireland); Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Medical Sciences (Malaysia); the Aga Khan University Medical College (Pakistan); Tsinghua University, School of Medicine (China); City St George’s, University of London, School of Health and Medical Sciences (U.K.); and University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (U.K.).

The authorities said the expansion is intended to help Singapore better meet long-term healthcare needs, even as local medical school intake has been steadily increased. Annual enrollment at Singapore's medical schools has grown from about 440 students in 2014 to 555 in 2025, they noted, CNA reported.

All graduates from the newly recognized universities, regardless of nationality or year of graduation, including those graduating after 2026, may apply for registration with the SMC, subject to prevailing requirements.

MOH and SMC said the list of recognized overseas medical schools is reviewed regularly to ensure that foreign-trained doctors have received education and clinical training comparable to local standards.

In assessing overseas institutions, SMC considers factors such as international rankings, language of instruction, and the performance of doctors from those universities who have practiced in Singapore.

Newly registered foreign-trained doctors will continue to be assessed under a supervisory framework during their initial years to ensure patient safety and high standards of care.