FAQs
1. How many intakes are there?
There are two intakes per academic year – in January and August. For January intake, the application usually opens from July to August. For August intake, the application usually opens from November (of the preceding year) to February. For the exact application dates, please check our website regularly for updates.
2. Where will the classes be conducted?
Classes are conducted on the NTU campus.
3. What is the frequency and duration of classes?
For each course, there would normally be one 3-hour session per week for 13 weeks.
A typical MA Linguistics class schedule is as follows:
Weekday evenings (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Saturday mornings (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Saturday afternoons (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Example: If a student takes 2 courses per semester, he/she will attend classes twice a week for a total of 6 hours.
4. What are the differences between full-time and part-time study?
Full-time Study
The minimum candidature is 1 academic year (2 semesters).
The maximum candidature is 2 academic years (4 semesters).
Part-time Study
The minimum candidature is 1.5 academic years (3 semesters).
The maximum candidature is 4 academic years (8 semesters).
Compared to full-time students, part-time students take fewer courses in a semester and complete the programme over a longer period (> 1.5years).
5. What is the mode of assessment?
There are no examinations for the courses in the programme. Continuous assessment is applied to all the courses. Typical assessment components include in-class quizzes, tests, essays, projects, assignments, class participation and presentations.
6. Is the course MOE-subsidized, and if so, is there an MOE grant available?
MA Linguistics programme is a self-funding master programme which is not MOE-subsidized, therefore MOE grant is not applicable.
7. Are there any subsidy/scholarships available for the MA Linguistics programme?
As MA Linguistics programme is a self-financing programme, there is currently no subsidy or scholarship available.
8. Do I need a degree in Linguistics to apply for the MA Linguistics programme?
The MA Linguistics programme does not require applicants to have a prior academic background specifically in Linguistics. In fact, this programme is an excellent platform for non-linguistics graduates to gain a foothold in Linguistics.
9. What is the focus of the MA Linguistics programme?
Our MA Linguistics programme is interdisciplinary in nature. Rather than focusing exclusively on core or applied Linguistics, it integrates elements from both areas.
The programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive theoretical base in Linguistics while also emphasizing practical applications in various sectors such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, social sciences, journalism, education, and more.
10. In what ways does the MA Linguistics programme support career readiness and further studies?
This multidisciplinary approach is designed to enhance analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and practical skills, preparing students to effectively apply linguistic knowledge across diverse professional contexts, as well as potential future studies in various research areas.
11. Is there an intake quota for the Programme? If yes, what is the number per intake?
There is no fixed quota per intake.
12. As an international applicant, can I apply for the part-time programme?
The part-time programme is only applicable to Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and those on Employment or Dependent Pass.
International applicant, who is not on Employment or Dependent Pass, must apply for full-time programme and will be issued Student Pass to study in NTU, pending approval from Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).
13. Can I defer admission for 1 semester or 1 year, or take leave-of-absence?
No, deferment of admission is not allowed in the first semester. You will have to withdraw from the programme and apply for admission again next year. Do note that the S$5000 deposit is non-refundable. Your application will be reviewed by our MALing Admissions Panel alongside all other submissions. Admission decisions are determined by the overall quality and competitiveness of the applicant pool for each cycle. There is no guarantee of success in your application.
14. Can I withdraw from the programme after accepting the offer? Will there be financial consequences?
A withdrawal request must be sent to our office latest by the end of Teaching Week 1 of each semester. Tuition fees may be charged if the withdrawal request is submitted after Teaching Week 2 of each semester. Do note that the S$5000 deposit is non-refundable.
15. Should I have academic or professional referees?
You can have academic and/or professional referees.
16. What information should my referee include in his/her reference letter?
Your referee might like to include the following in his/her reference letter:
- Applicant’s language and communication skills
- Applicant’s passion for Linguistics
- Applicant’s suitability and motivation for taking the MALing Programme
- Work ethics and commitment
- Interpersonal skills and collaboration
- Personal qualities
17. When can I apply for hall accommodation at NTU, and how do I get my NTU student account?
Applicants must accept NTU’s offer of course admission before applying for hall accommodation. Details such as NTU Office365 EDU account (e.g. username@e.ntu.edu.sg) will only be provided after this acceptance of the offer.
18. What are the chances that I get on-campus housing at NTU?
Given that the demand for on campus housing far exceeds the vacancies available, we recommend that you plan for possible off-campus accommodation in the meantime. Please refer to https://www.ntu.edu.sg/life-at-ntu/accommodation/alternative-housing-options for more information on alternative housing options.
19. Where can I find information about applying for a Student's Pass at NTU?
Please refer to this link - Student's Pass | NTU Singapore - https://www.ntu.edu.sg/life-at-ntu/student-life/student-services/onestop/student's-pass to know more about student’s pass.
20. Can an International Student work full-time and study?
International students on Student Pass are not allowed to work full‑time.
21. How can I check my available SkillsFuture Credit balance before submitting a claim, and what is the typical approval process after I submit my claim via the SkillsFuture portal?
You can use your SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) to offset part of the tuition fees by submitting a claim via the SkillsFuture portal. The amount that can be deducted from the programme fee will depend on your available SkillsFuture Credit balance and approval from SkillsFuture. You may submit your claim after receiving an offer from NTU.