SG · Bachelor's
Singapore Management University
Bachelor of Science (Economics)
Singapore Management University
Course Overview
SMU's BSc Economics at the School of Economics is Singapore's most quantitatively-rigorous undergraduate economics degree — taught seminar-style (max 45 students per class) with a heavy emphasis on data analysis, econometrics, and applied policy work. SMU's School of Economics is consistently ranked #1 in Asia for Econometrics Research (RePEc) and produces strong feeders into the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Ministry of Trade & Industry, plus regional central banks.
The four-year programme is built around three tracks: Quantitative Economics (heaviest maths, econometric / machine learning rigor); Applied Economics (policy, behavioural, development); or a Double Major with Finance, Computational Mathematics, or Computer Science. Sri Lankan applicants from Combined Maths A/L streams are very well-positioned — the curriculum assumes calculus, linear algebra, and probability from semester one.
SMU's campus is in the city centre (Bras Basah / Bugis) rather than the outskirts — embedded in Singapore's financial district, with formal recruitment partnerships at DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citi Singapore, Standard Chartered, GIC, Temasek, and MAS itself. The university is also the regional anchor for Big Four advisory (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and tier-1 consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) Singapore office recruiting.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan A/Ls: AAB minimum with Mathematics at A — Combined Maths or Pure + Applied Maths required. Cambridge International / Edexcel A-Levels accepted at the same standard.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 38+ points with HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) at 6+.
- check_circle SAT 1450+ (or ACT 32+) as an additional signal — strongly recommended for international applicants.
- check_circle Personal essays (2-3 short essays via the SMU online application) and one academic reference.
- check_circle SMU interview — held online for international applicants in admissions cycle.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 93 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English C1 Advanced: 180 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification (A/Ls, IB, Cambridge International, Edexcel) was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium streams qualify with an MOI letter from the school.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (SGD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, with MOE Tuition Grant) | SGD 53,000 | Rs. 12,720,000 |
| Tuition Fee (without Tuition Grant) | SGD 72,000 | Rs. 17,280,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Singapore) | SGD 14,000 | Rs. 3,360,000 |
| Student Pass + Insurance + Establishment | SGD 1,500 | Rs. 360,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment (with MOE Grant) | SGD 68,500 | Rs. 16,440,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
MOE Tuition Grant recipients serve a 3-year Singapore work bond. SMU Economics grads have the highest first-year graduate employment rates of any Singapore university (~98%, ~5 months) — top destinations include DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citi Singapore, Standard Chartered, GIC, Temasek, MAS, plus McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Big Four advisory. Singapore starting salary SGD 60,000–80,000 (front-office banking SGD 90,000+ base).
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