Student Concerns Over Mandarin-Taught Postgraduate Programmes: Singapore Students Wary of New Offerings at Local Universities Amid Displacement Fears

The Growing Popularity of Mandarin-Taught Postgraduate Programmes in Singapore

Singapore's autonomous universities have long been global leaders in higher education, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) consistently ranking among the top 10 worldwide and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) close behind in the QS World University Rankings. Recently, however, a notable shift has occurred: the introduction of more postgraduate programmes taught entirely in Mandarin. This development responds to surging interest from Chinese students, positioning Singapore as the second-most preferred study destination after the United Kingdom for students from mainland China, according to reports from China's Ministry of Education.

These programmes cater to working professionals and fresh graduates seeking advanced degrees without the barrier of English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Fields such as business administration, technology, fintech, and data analytics are prominent, reflecting Singapore's strengths in these areas and its strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asian markets.

Key Universities and Their New Offerings

Four autonomous universities—NTU, Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)—announced plans to launch additional Mandarin-medium postgraduate programmes in late 2025.9430

• NTU: Launching a Nanyang Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in Mandarin in October 2025 through its Nanyang Business School. Existing programmes include the Master of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation (averaging 50 students per year since 2005), Executive Master of Science in Managerial Economics, and others in public administration, totaling around 240 Mandarin-medium admissions annually.94
• SMU: Introducing a Chinese Executive MBA in January 2026, targeting Chinese-speaking professionals.94
• SUTD: Offering a bilingual Master of Science in Technology and Design starting September 2025, with Mandarin-taught courses and about 60 students enrolled, including from China.94
• SUSS: Rolling out new programmes in fintech, data analytics, and intellectual property law in Mandarin from July 2025, following strong interest in its first Mandarin postgraduate course launched in 2024. International applications rose 30% between 2024 and 2025.94

While NUS has not announced new Mandarin-specific launches, it benefits from the overall trend, with students praising its top Asian ranking.

Drivers Behind the Demand from Chinese Students

Several factors fuel this trend. Geopolitical tensions and visa restrictions in the US have diminished its appeal, while Singapore offers prestige through high global rankings—NUS at eighth and NTU at 12th globally—at roughly half the cost of equivalent US programmes (around 500,000 yuan for a one-year master's versus one million yuan stateside).94 Chinese students value the QS pedigree for job prospects back home, access to Southeast Asia's growing economies, and potential pathways to Singapore permanent residency.

Post-COVID shifts have accelerated this: Singapore hosts over 93,000 international students as of mid-2024, with an estimated 60% from China. Universities report steady or rising enrolments in Mandarin tracks, driven by professionals eyeing Mandarin-speaking markets like China and regional hubs.124

For context, Singapore's bilingual policy—English as the primary working language alongside mother tongues like Mandarin—naturally supports such offerings, promoting cultural and economic ties.

Local Students Express Wary Concerns

Despite the strategic rationale, Singaporean students have voiced apprehensions. Common worries include social integration challenges, with some noting that Chinese international students often form insular groups, limiting interactions on campus. NTU alumnus Jay Chiam remarked, "Some Chinese students will just stick with their own circle and the locals will be in another group. Most of the time, we don't even get to see them in school."84

Others fear a revenue-driven focus, dubbing foreign students "cash cows" who pay full fees without contributing to Singapore's talent pool long-term. Netizens on platforms like TikTok questioned, "Do we need their money that badly?" and accused universities of favouring profits over nurturing local talent.84

While no evidence shows direct admission displacement—programmes are additional and often part-time—concerns persist about resource allocation and campus diversity.

Parliamentary Debate Highlights Tensions

The issue reached Parliament in September 2025, where Workers' Party MP Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned Education Minister whether equivalent English-language programmes would be mandated alongside Mandarin ones.125 Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee replied that English remains the primary medium, with Mandarin programmes comprising less than 5% of postgraduate coursework offerings and small intakes relative to all master's programmes. Most have English equivalents or are bilingual, open to all qualified students, including locals interested in Mandarin markets. AUs enjoy autonomy to meet demand from both local and international applicants.126

This exchange underscores Singapore's commitment to bilingualism while prioritising market responsiveness. For full details, see the MOE parliamentary reply.126

Universities Defend Expansion as Strategic

University leaders emphasise practicality. NTU's Professor Boh Wai Fong highlighted strong interest in Chinese-speaking applicants, including Singaporeans. Dr Luke Lu from NTU's School of Humanities noted these do not replace English programmes but capture niche markets, boosting revenue that benefits all students. Dr Dennis Tay added they provide credentials and networks, though better communication could ease public discomfort.8483

Critics like Philip Altbach question quality maintenance, but proponents point to established tracks since 2005 with consistent enrolments.

Balancing Benefits and Challenges

Benefits include enhanced university revenues for facilities and research, exposure for locals to China markets, and diversified international profiles (over 80 nationalities at NTU). Mandarin proficiency aids Singaporeans in business, aligning with national bilingual goals.

Challenges: Potential silos reducing English use and integration. Universities mitigate via events like National Day celebrations. Long-term, as SMU's 2026 launch proceeds, monitoring diversity is key.

Future Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

With SMU's EMBA debuting in early 2026, expect continued growth if demand holds. Trends like US restrictions and China's postgraduate exam surge (3.9 million sign-ups) favour Singapore. Solutions: Enhanced integration initiatives, faculty development for bilingual teaching, and transparent enrolment data.

For locals eyeing postgrad, craft a strong academic CV and consider bilingual options for career edges. Platforms like Rate My Professor offer insights into courses.

Actionable Insights for Prospective Students

• Assess language fit: Mandarin programmes waive English tests but require proficiency.
• Explore subsidies: Citizens/PR eligible, programmes open to all.
• Build networks: Leverage SEA access for jobs via university jobs.
• Monitor integration: Join clubs for cross-cultural exposure.

Read more in CNA's coverage.94