This page details all the application materials and admissions requirements for DigiPen (Singapore)’s Master of Science in Computer Science, a degree program focused on prominent topics of modern computing.
Read all sections carefully and submit your materials through an online application as instructed. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Admissions Office.
Requirements at a Glance
Academic Qualifications
All applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science program must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
- Completed a bachelor’s degree with a recommended 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
- Coursework or work experience in all of the following:
- Computer Science: data structures, algorithm design and analysis, computer architecture, principles of operating systems, and software engineering
- Programming: experience programming in a high-level language
- Mathematics: calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics
In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience with some of the following:
- Computer Science: computer networking, artificial intelligence, compiler theory, theory of computation, parallel/multi-threaded programming, computer graphics (e.g., a basic undergraduate course)
- Programming: programming in C++, programming in a teamwork environment, video game programming
- Mathematics: numerical analysis, graph theory, number theory, combinatorics, probability theory
Original documents of the applicant’s academic history must be presented to DigiPen (Singapore). Applicants must provide evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree. You may send in a copy of your official transcripts for initial application screening. You will be required to present your original documents prior to matriculation. In-progress transcripts are acceptable if you are currently completing your bachelor’s degree.
Required Documents
Bachelor’s Qualification
A relevant bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Any general engineering field, along with some experience in computer programming
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Certified true copy of diploma/bachelor’s/master’s degree certificates (if any).
- Certified true copy of the official transcripts of the diploma/bachelor’s/master’s degree.
All documents should be mailed to:
DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore
Attn: Admissions Office
1 Punggol Coast Road
Singapore 828608
Please note: The original documents of the applicant’s academic history must be presented to DigiPen (Singapore) upon successful admission to the program. In-progress transcripts are acceptable if you are currently completing your degree. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent directly to DigiPen (Singapore) by the issuing institutions. You may, however, send the transcripts yourself if they are first sealed in an envelope and stamped across the seal by the issuing institution’s registrar. Documents/transcripts that are not in English need to be translated and notarized before submission.
Personal Statement
Applicants to the Master of Science of Computer Science program should use the following outline to write their personal statements:
1. Introduction
Introduce yourself and give your general reasons for pursuing graduate study. Because our selection committee reads many applications, make your statement stand out by revealing your particular talents and individuality.
2. Qualifications
The aim of this section is to demonstrate that you have the necessary foundation and qualifications to be successful in this program. You should discuss:
- Why you chose this field and what motivated you to pursue computer science.
- Your expertise and accomplishments in your major field and any research you have performed. Mention projects and the names of professors who supervised your work.
- Your undergraduate studies in mathematics, including calculus, discrete math, linear algebra, and numerical computations, and how they relate to what you intend to do in this graduate program.
- If necessary, briefly explain any discrepancies on your transcript, which might include a lower GPA in a particular semester or year.
3. Conclusion
Provide a brief summary of why you are qualified to enroll in and will be successful in this graduate program.
Personal Statement Submission Guidelines
Follow these guidelines for submitting your Personal Statement:
- Your name and the program to which you are applying should be printed at the top of each page.
- Each page must be typed and double-spaced.
- Spelling, grammar, and legibility will be considered.
- Your completed statement should be signed and dated on the last page.
- Your statement must not exceed seven pages.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic background and/or work ethic (e.g., instructor, guidance counselor, employer) must be included. Recommendation letters from family members will not be considered.
General GRE/GATE Exam Scores
Applicants who planned to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are encouraged to complete the GRE General Test and arrange for those scores to be sent directly to DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore by the testing agency. Students applying to the Master of Science in Computer Science program should note that the preferred combined GRE verbal and math scores should be in the 70th percentile or better.
In special cases of highly qualified applicants, we will consider those who do not meet this minimum acceptable score but have other overriding strengths in the areas of specialization relevant to this program.
Proof of Proficiency in the English Language
This is needed if English is not the applicant’s first language. This requirement can be waived if the applicant has proof of completing at least four years of their most recent education at an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction.
Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:
- A minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (paper exam), 213 (computer exam) or 80 (iBT - Internet-based Test). The Institute’s TOEFL code: 1493
- A minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or higher. (www.ielts.org)
- A minimum Cambridge English: Advanced (also known as a Certificate in Advanced English or CAE) score of C1 or higher.
- Completion of four years of high school or secondary education at an English-speaking school, or an International School where the primary language of instruction is English.
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking institution.
Other Documents
Any other certified true copy of scholarships, awards or achievements that support your application.