KUALA LUMPUR - Singapore has expanded its list of recognised overseas medical schools, allowing graduates from eight additional universities to apply to practise from February 1, amid growing healthcare demand driven by an ageing population.

With the latest update, the total number of overseas institutions recognised by the city-state has risen to 120, according to a joint statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), as reported by The Straits Times.

The newly recognised universities are Adelaide University, College of Health in Australia; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal in India; University of Galway, School of Medicine in Ireland; Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Medical Sciences; Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan; Tsinghua University, School of Medicine in China; City St George’s, University of London, School of Health and Medical Sciences; and the University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences in the United Kingdom.

The authorities said the expansion aims to strengthen Singapore’s healthcare workforce over the long term, even as intake at local medical schools continues to rise.

They noted that annual enrolment at Singapore’s medical schools increased from about 440 students in 2014 to 555 in 2025.

Graduates from the newly recognised institutions, regardless of nationality or year of graduation, including those graduating after 2026, may apply for registration with the SMC, subject to prevailing requirements.

MOH and SMC said the list of recognised overseas medical schools is reviewed regularly to ensure foreign-trained doctors receive education and clinical training comparable to local standards.

In evaluating overseas institutions, the SMC considers factors such as international rankings, the language of instruction and the performance of graduates who have practised in Singapore.

Newly registered foreign-trained doctors will continue to be assessed under a supervisory framework during their initial years of practice to safeguard patient safety and maintain high standards of care.

The authorities said the move reflects ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system in the face of demographic changes and rising medical needs.