Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I do not have the relevant degrees stated in the admission requirements, but I have some years of working experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Am I eligible to apply for the programme?
• Interested applicants with a university degree and relevant working experience may apply for the SAGE modules, even though they may not have the relevant degrees. The Department welcome applicants who are enthusiastic to upgrade themselves in the pharmaceutical field, and the admission committee will review the suitability of each application based on their background and merits for admission.


2. I do not have the relevant degrees stated in the admission requirements, but I have some years of working experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Do I need to apply for the bridging module PR 3301 before I can apply for the SAGE modules?
• To apply for SAGE modules, you do not need to apply for the bridging module first.


3. I am interested in doing the SAGE Certificate courses and in future, the Masters in Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, MSc.(PST). Do I need to pass any GRE exam before I apply for the SAGE modules?
• You need not pass any GRE examination at this point of time, as SAGE is unique in that it offers SAGE Certificates of Attendance for individual modules. You can explore the programme by taking a maximum of 3 such modules before formally matriculating into the MSc(PST) programme. It is only then that you will need to submit your GRE scores. You may use the GRE score taken within the last 5 years. All other information regarding the admission criteria for the MSc (PST) programme can be viewed from http://www.pharmacy.nus.edu.sg/prospective/prog_gadmcintro.html
• GRE scores to be eligible for applying into the Master’s programme:
  Verbal: 500, Quantitative: 700, Analytical writing: 3.5


4. What is the cancellation policy for this SAGE programme?
• Upon submission of your application forms and fees, you will be issued an acknowledgement via email. You may cancel the application after the acknowledgement of receipt and before the class commences. Once the class commences, there will be no refund of fees.


5. It is mentioned that either original scrolls/transcripts should be provided for application. May I know will the original documents be returned to the applicants?
• Supporting documents, originals or photocopies (which have been certified true copies), submitted for application will not be returned to applicants.


6. Certified True Copies of scrolls/transcripts have to be submitted in place of originals. May I know whom should I approach to certify the photocopies?
• Applicants may request their institutions to do the certification of true copies for their scrolls/transcripts. Alternatively, the Department of Pharmacy can also do the certification; applicants just need to bring along the originals for us to verify. Note that applicants have to bring their photocopies as the Department does not provide the service of photocopying for the applicants.


7. How many intakes per year are there for this SAGE programme?
• There are 2 intakes per year one in January and the other August. Application deadline for January intake is 3 January 09. For August intake, the application deadline is 15 April of the same year.


8. I graduated from NUS with a Bachelor's Degree. Do I need to submit originals/photocopies of the scrolls/transcripts for application? Can the Department refer to my information internally?
• Applicants who are alumni of NUS will have to submit the required supporting documents.


9. Can I make payment by CPF?
• No, you cannot make payment by CPF. Payment will have to be made in full via cheque, addressed to "National University of Singapore". Please indicate "SAGE Application fee" and your name clearly at the back of the cheque. Cheques are to be submitted together with the Application form. Applicants who are not successful in getting a place in the course will have their cheque refunded.


10. Upon graduation, will the SAGE Certificate of Attendance be of help for me to pursue a career in Pharmaceutical industry. What are the career prospects and the starting salary like?
• SAGE Certificates aims to equip the participants with versatility and basic know-how as he acquires the technical language system which is the passport for diverse career opportunities in manufacturing, clinical trial research and the regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. It definitely will form a structured background education and training that you will need in order to improve your competitiveness in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry. If you are already in the pharma industry, it may help to advance your career.