ULTIMATE GUIDE:
How to prepare your documents for Master Degree applications at TUM Asia
Do you want to apply for a Master programme but feel unsure as to how to prepare your admission documents? The procedure may appear complicated, but it is not. Here are some tips when preparing for the necessary documents for your application:
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
For your Master’s degree application, you are required to submit one copy of the official or provisional Bachelor’s Degree Certificate that must be properly notarised and related to the programme you are applying for. To qualify for a graduate programme, TUM Asia requires this document as evidence that you have completed and graduated from your Bachelor’s programme. The certificate comes together with the official transcript showing your Bachelor results.
- Official Academic Transcript
It is essential to submit a copy of your official academic transcript while applying for your Master’s application (note that unofficial transcripts are not accepted). The academic transcript provides TUM Asia with comprehensive information about the courses and modules you have studied as an undergraduate student, along with your grades. The academic transcript also helps us better understand your academic performance and whether you have the relevant background and skills to qualify for the programme. Make sure that your academic transcript includes the minimum passing score, maximum possible score and the equivalent score or range of scores that corresponds to each grade.
- Statement of Purpose
Having a statement of purpose will help you stand out in your application. You should provide the reasons for applying to the programme you are interested in. Remember to share your academic or personal background, inspiration and motivation for enrolling into the Master programme of your choice, interests, and future personal or career aspirations. The statement of purpose should be well-written, clear, and concise.
- Recommendation Letters
Recommendation or reference letters feature your personality and work ethos that facilitate the application process. You are required to submit 2 Recommendation Letters from 2 different Professors or Employers (only required for Master of Science in Green Electronics, Master of Science in Integrated Circuit Design and Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry applications). Tips: Recommendation letters from professors will focus on your academic skills and attainments. In contrast, the recommendation letters from employers should reveal the practical experience you possess related to the Master’s programme you are applying for.
- Module Descriptions
Applicants applying for the MSc in Aerospace Engineering programme are required to submit the module descriptions of all the modules you have taken in your transcript. This can be found in your curriculum document or syllabus handbook. Note: If you are applying for other Master of Science programmes, you will not be required to submit the description of the modules.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Instead of listing down the full descriptions of each job, your resume should reflect work experience relevant to the Master’s programme you are applying for. For example, if you have taken an internship or job pertinent to the Master’s programme you are applying for, this will be a value-add to your resume. Your resume will also enable TUM Asia to assess how your experience aligns with the requirements of the programme you wish to pursue. Please include “from month and year” and “to month and year” dates for each entry on your CV, and ensure your CV is updated up till the month of your application submission. If you have taken a break at any point, indicate “Gap Year” for the period in which you have taken a break.
- Proof of English Proficiency – TOEFL or IELTS
TUM Asia requires applicants to provide proof of English Proficiency if your native language or the medium of instruction from your Bachelor studies is not English. As classes are conducted in English, we will need to know that your command of English will not be a barrier in your studies, and that you will be able to understand and apply the language at an academic level. Here are the requirements:
a) TOEFL:
Minimum 88 for pure TUM degree programmes (Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Master of Science in Rail, Transport and Logistics) and TUM-NUS joint degree programmes (Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry);
Minimum 100 for TUM-NTU joint degree programmes, i.e. Master of Science in Green Electronics and Master of Science in Integrated Circuit Design
(TOEFL Institute Code: German Institute of Science and Technology – TUM Asia (Singapore), DI Code: 7368).
b) IELTS: Overall IELTS result of a minimum of 6.5.
- Passport-sized photograph
Applicants are required to submit one recent coloured passport-sized photograph showing the full face taken on white background with a matte or semi-matte finish. The photo should be taken within the last three months. You should ensure that the image is clear and sharp. The size requirement is 400 by 514 pixels or 35mm by 45mm. Tip: You can always visit a nearby shopping mall to find a printing shop to take a quick passport photo.
- Passport Biodata Page photocopy
A Passport Biodata Page is the information page of your passport which shows your particulars like photo, name, date of birth, date of issue, expiry date, passport number, etc. What you need to do is to submit a scanned copy of your passport biodata page.
- Akademische Prufstelle (APS) Certificate
Applicants who hold a degree from China, India or Vietnam must submit the APS certificate. The APS certificate is a formal verification document for the qualitative selection process.
We hope that our guidelines on ‘How to Prepare Your Documents for Master Course Applications at TUM Asia’ will assist you in preparing to apply for our Master’s programmes. If you have any further inquiries, please email admission@tum-asia.edu.sg. If you are interested to learn more about the application process, please visit https://tum-asia.edu.sg/admissions/graduate/application-process/ or join us in our admission webinars (https://tum-asia.edu.sg/admwebinars/).
Good luck with your application!
References:
https://tum-asia.edu.sg/admissions/graduate/application-process/
https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/72112/whats-a-bio-data-page
https://www.ivisa.com/photo-blog/singapore-passport-visa-photo-requirements-and-size