NTU Computer Science:
IGP Cutoff & Entry Guide 2026
NTU CS cutoff at AAC/B — more accessible than NUS (AAA/A). Compare all 3 unis, 1,653 CS places across NUS, NTU & SMU, plus graduate salaries up to S$7,000+/month.
Why CS Is Singapore's Hottest Course
Computer Science has become the most sought-after university course in Singapore. NUS CS now requires AAA/A — the same as Medicine and Law — making it one of the hardest courses to enter in the country.
The driving forces are clear: Singapore has positioned itself as Asia's Silicon Valley, with Google, Meta, ByteDance, Stripe and Shopee all establishing their Asia-Pacific headquarters here. The government's Smart Nation initiative has created thousands of tech roles in GovTech and other agencies. And the AI revolution has sent demand for CS graduates through the roof.
Across all three autonomous universities, there are 1,653 CS places (NUS: 979, NTU: 527, SMU: 147) — and they're still massively oversubscribed every year. NTU CS at AAC/B remains slightly more accessible than NUS, but competition is fierce.
Asia's Tech Hub
Google, Meta, ByteDance, Grab & Shopee APAC HQs all in Singapore
Fastest-Rising Cutoff
NUS CS went from ~ABB/B to AAA/A in 5 years — steepest climb of any course
AI Revolution
ChatGPT, generative AI and ML have driven CS demand to record highs
NTU vs NUS vs SMU: Complete CS & CE Comparison
Here is the full comparison of all Computer Science and Computer Engineering programmes across Singapore's three autonomous universities, based on the latest AY2025/2026 IGP data.
A-Level Entry Grades (3H2/1H1)
| University & Course | 10th %ile | 90th %ile | Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUS Computer Science | AAA/A | AAA/A | 979 |
| SMU Computer Science | AAB/A | AAA/A | 147 |
| NTU Computer ScienceMost Accessible CS | AAC/B | AAA/A | 527 |
| NUS Computer Engineering | AAA/A | AAA/A | 234 |
| NTU Computer EngineeringEasiest Computing | ABC/C | AAA/A | 229 |
Polytechnic GPA Requirements
| University & Course | GPA 10th %ile | GPA 90th %ile |
|---|---|---|
| NUS Computer Science | 3.80 | 3.98 |
| NUS Computer Engineering | 3.81 | 3.99 |
| SMU Computer Science | 3.80 | 3.97 |
| NTU Computer ScienceLowest GPA | 3.75 | 3.97 |
| NTU Computer Engineering | 3.65 | 3.92 |
Key Takeaway
NTU CS (AAC/B) is the most accessible CS programme among the top 3 universities. If your grades are just short of NUS CS (AAA/A), NTU is your best bet. For even lower grades, NTU Computer Engineering (ABC/C) offers a strong computing education with a significantly lower cutoff.
Historical IGP Trends: The CS Arms Race
Computer Science cutoffs have climbed faster than any other university course in Singapore over the past 5 years. The tech boom, fuelled by COVID-era digital acceleration and the AI revolution, has sent demand soaring.
CS Cutoff Trend (10th Percentile, A-Level)
| Year | NUS CS | NTU CS | SMU CS |
|---|---|---|---|
| AY2020/2021 | ABB/B | ABB/C | ABC/B |
| AY2021/2022 | AAB/B | AAB/C | ABB/B |
| AY2022/2023 | AAB/A | AAB/B | ABB/A |
| AY2023/2024 | AAA/A | AAB/A | AAB/B |
| AY2024/2025 | AAA/A | AAC/A | AAB/B |
| AY2025/2026 | AAA/A | AAC/B | AAB/A |
Sources: Official NUS, NTU & SMU IGP publications. AY2020-2024 data based on the 90-point UAS scale; AY2025/2026 uses 3H2/1H1 format.
The Trend Is Clear
NUS CS has hit the theoretical ceiling at AAA/A — it literally cannot go higher. NTU CS has climbed from ABB/C in 2020 to AAC/B in 2026 — a massive jump. SMU CS has similarly risen from ABC/B to AAB/A. If this trend continues, all three CS programmes may converge at AAA/A within 2–3 years.
What NTU Computer Science Offers
NTU's Computer Science programme is housed in the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS), formerly the School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE). It is a 4-year Direct Honours programme with 527 intake places, making it NTU's largest computing programme.
Core Curriculum
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Software Engineering & Systems Design
- Computer Networks & Operating Systems
- Database Systems & Cloud Computing
- Computer Vision & Natural Language Processing
Specialisation Tracks
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science & Analytics
- Cyber Security
- Software Engineering
- Multimedia & Game Development
- Networks & Distributed Systems
Industry Partners & Internship Opportunities
NTU CCDS has strong industry partnerships offering internships, research collaborations and hiring pipelines:
How the 3 CS Programmes Differ
NTU CCDS — College of Computing and Data Science
Strong research focus with world-class labs in AI, computer vision and cyber security. Known for engineering-oriented CS with hands-on projects. The CCDS merger brings together CS, CE and Data Science students for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
NUS School of Computing
Singapore's oldest and largest CS programme (979 places). Known for its rigorous theoretical foundation and strong alumni network in FAANG companies. Offers the widest range of specialisations and has the highest research output in Southeast Asia.
SMU School of Computing & Information Systems
Smallest cohort (147 places) with a business-oriented CS approach. Located in the CBD, offering strong fintech and enterprise computing focus. Mandatory internship programme and project-based learning. Strong for students interested in tech + business.
Graduate Salary: Why CS Pays the Most
Computer Science graduates in Singapore earn among the highest starting salaries of any degree — rivalling and often exceeding Medicine and Law in the early years. Based on the 2024 Graduate Employment Survey and industry data, here is what CS graduates can expect.
Fresh Graduate Salary by Role (2024/2025)
| Career Path | Fresh Grad (Monthly) | Mid-Career |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer (local tech) | S$5,000–7,000 | S$10,000–16,000 |
| Software Engineer (FAANG/Big Tech) | S$8,000–10,000+ | S$15,000–25,000+ |
| Data Scientist / ML Engineer | S$5,500–8,000 | S$12,000–20,000 |
| AI Engineer / Research Scientist | S$6,000–9,000 | S$15,000–25,000+ |
| Cyber Security Analyst | S$4,500–6,500 | S$10,000–18,000 |
| Product Manager (Tech) | S$5,000–7,000 | S$12,000–20,000 |
| GovTech / Public Sector Tech | S$4,500–6,000 | S$8,000–14,000 |
Sources: 2024 Graduate Employment Survey, NodeFlair Salary Data (2025), Levels.fyi Singapore data. Salaries include base pay; FAANG figures include stock options.
CS vs Medicine vs Law: Starting Salary
| Degree | Fresh Grad Median | Years to ROI | Course Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | S$6,000–6,600 | ~2–3 years | 4 years |
| Medicine | S$5,300–5,800 | ~5–7 years | 5 years + HO |
| Law | S$5,500–6,500 | ~3–4 years | 4 years + PLC |
CS graduates start earning a full salary after 4 years while Medicine grads are still in house officer training. CS also has faster salary growth due to global tech demand and remote work opportunities.
Why CS Salaries Are So High in Singapore
It's not a coincidence that CS graduates command premium salaries. Multiple structural factors make Singapore one of the best places in the world to be a software engineer.
Global Tech Hub Status
Google, Meta, ByteDance, Stripe, Shopee and Grab all have APAC headquarters in Singapore. These companies pay Silicon Valley-level salaries adjusted for the local market, driving up compensation across the entire tech ecosystem.
AI/ML Talent Shortage
The AI revolution has created massive demand for ML engineers, data scientists and AI researchers. Singapore has far fewer AI specialists than job openings, creating a seller's market where fresh graduates with AI skills can command S$7,000–10,000+/month.
Fintech & Banking Tech
DBS, OCBC, UOB and international banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs hire hundreds of tech graduates annually. Singapore's digital banking revolution means financial institutions compete directly with tech companies for talent, pushing salaries higher.
Startup Ecosystem
Singapore-born unicorns like Grab, Shopee, Carousell and Ninja Van all started with CS graduates. The vibrant startup scene offers equity compensation on top of salary, with potential for massive payouts if the company succeeds.
Smart Nation Initiative
The government's Smart Nation programme creates thousands of tech roles in GovTech, DSTA, CSIT and other agencies. Government tech salaries (S$4,500–6,000 fresh grad) are competitive, with excellent job stability and work-life balance.
Remote Work Opportunities
CS is unique among professional degrees in allowing remote work for overseas companies. Some Singapore-based developers work for US companies earning US$100,000–200,000+ while living in Singapore — an option unavailable to doctors or lawyers.
Career Paths for NTU CS Graduates
NTU CCDS prepares graduates for a wide range of tech careers. Based on NTU's official career data, here are the top career paths for Computer Science graduates:
ML Engineer
Build and deploy machine learning models for production systems. High demand in finance, e-commerce and autonomous vehicles.
Data Scientist
Analyse massive datasets to extract business insights. Every major company in Singapore needs data scientists.
AI Engineer / AI Scientist
Research and develop cutting-edge AI systems. Roles at Google DeepMind, A*STAR and NTU research labs.
Software Engineer
The most common career path. Build applications, APIs and systems. Roles available at every tech company.
Computer Vision Research Engineer
Work on image recognition, autonomous driving and medical imaging. Growing field with defence applications.
Data Architect / Data Analyst
Design data infrastructure and analytics pipelines. Critical role in banks, telcos and government agencies.
Business Intelligence Developer
Bridge tech and business by building dashboards and analytics tools. Strong demand in consulting and finance.
R&D Engineer
Work on next-generation technology at research labs. Roles at DSTA, DSO National Labs and A*STAR.
The Elephant in the Room: AI Is Eating Software Jobs
An honest perspective every CS applicant deserves to hear
Before you commit 4 years and S$40,000+ in tuition to a CS degree, you need to hear what the industry leaders are actually saying — because the landscape is shifting faster than any university curriculum can adapt.
“Probably in 2025… we are going to have an AI that can effectively be a sort of mid-level engineer that you have at your company that can write code.”
— Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, on the Joe Rogan Experience (Jan 2025) [Source: Yahoo Finance]
The Numbers Don't Lie
Who's Cutting? Everyone.
Meta
Cut 5% of workforce in Feb 2025 based on “performance ratings”. Then laid off ~1,500 from Reality Labs in Jan 2026. Zuckerberg explicitly stated AI will replace mid-level engineers earning six-figure salaries.[Source]
Amazon
Eliminated ~30,000 corporate roles (~10% of workforce). Aggressive push toward AI-first strategy with internal coding tools replacing teams.[Source]
Cut hundreds of roles across Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams. Redirecting investment toward AI infrastructure and Gemini development.[Source]
Salesforce
CEO Marc Benioff said Salesforce is “seriously debating” whether to hire software engineers at all in 2025, citing AI productivity gains of 30%+.[Source]
AI Coding Tools: The Numbers
Sources: Stack Overflow 2025 Survey, CIO, DX Q4 2025 Report
“Companies are laying off workers because of AI's potential — not its performance.”
— Harvard Business Review, January 2026 [Source: HBR]
Junior Developers Are Hit the Hardest
Here's the uncomfortable truth: the tasks that entry-level developers traditionally cut their teeth on — writing boilerplate code, fixing simple bugs, creating test scripts, building CRUD APIs — are precisely the tasks AI does best.
Entry-level hiring at the top 15 tech firms has dropped 25% from 2023 to 2024. A Resume.org survey of 1,000 US hiring managers found that 6 in 10 companies expect layoffs in 2026, with 4 in 10 planning to directly replace workers with AI.
This means as a fresh CS graduate in 2030 (if you enroll in 2026), your competition isn't just other graduates — it's AI agents that can code 24/7, don't take leave, and cost a fraction of a junior engineer's salary.
Sincere Advice: How to Future-Proof Your CS Career
From one engineer to another — what we'd tell our own children
We're not saying don't study CS. Technology isn't going away. But the type of CS professional the market needs is changing radically, and you need to prepare for 2030, not 2020.
1. Don't Just Learn to Code — Learn to Think
AI can write code faster than you. What AI cannot do is understand why a system needs to exist, make architectural trade-offs, navigate ambiguous requirements, or empathise with users. Focus on systems thinking, problem decomposition, and design — not just syntax.
2. Master AI Tools from Day One
The developers being laid off are those who can't use AI effectively. The ones being promoted are those who use AI to 10x their output. Learn to prompt engineer, use GitHub Copilot, build with AI APIs, and evaluate AI-generated code critically. A developer who uses AI well is 10 times more valuable than one who doesn't.
3. Specialise in What AI Can't Replace
Security, compliance, infrastructure, and architecture roles are far harder for AI to replace. A cybersecurity specialist who understands regulations, a cloud architect who designs for scale, or an ML engineer who trains and deploys models — these roles require judgement, accountability, and domain expertise that AI lacks. Aim for these, not “generic full-stack developer.”
4. Build a T-Shaped Skill Profile
Pure coders are becoming commoditised. The most valuable professionals combine CS with a deep domain: CS + Finance (fintech), CS + Healthcare (medtech), CS + Law (legaltech), CS + Urban Planning (smart city). Consider a double degree or second major that pairs CS with a domain that needs technologists.
5. Have a Plan B
The tech industry is cyclical. In 2021, every CS grad had 5+ offers. In 2025, some struggle to find one. Build transferable skills — communication, project management, business analysis — so you're not trapped if the market shifts again. The best engineers can also lead, negotiate, and sell.
The Bottom Line
CS is still a powerful degree — but it's no longer a guaranteed golden ticket the way it was in 2020. If you choose CS, go in with eyes wide open. The students who will thrive are those who don't just learn to code, but learn to leverage AI, think at the systems level, and combine tech skills with deep human judgement. The era of “learn JavaScript, get S$6,000/month” is ending. The era of “AI-augmented engineers who solve complex problems” is just beginning.
Further reading: HBR: Companies Are Laying Off Workers Because of AI's Potential (Jan 2026) | Understanding AI: New Evidence AI is Killing Jobs for Young Programmers | IEEE: How AI Is Reshaping Entry-Level Tech Jobs
More Accessible Computing Options
If your grades fall short of NTU CS (AAC/B), don't worry. There are excellent computing courses with lower entry requirements that lead to similar career outcomes.
NTU Computer Engineering
ABC/C — Much Lower!229 intake places. Combines hardware and software — learn circuit design, embedded systems, IoT and programming. Graduates work in similar roles as CS grads (software engineering, data science) with additional hardware expertise. The cutoff of ABC/C is significantly lower than CS (AAC/B), making it the most accessible computing programme at the top 3 unis.
Poly GPA: 3.65 (10th percentile)
NTU Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Also in CCDSPart of the same College of Computing and Data Science. Focuses specifically on statistics, machine learning and data analytics. Strong career outcomes with median starting salary of S$6,250 (GES 2024). A focused alternative if you want to specialise in AI/data from day one.
NUS Information Systems / Information Security
Lower than NUS CSNUS Information Systems and Information Security have lower cutoffs than Computer Science while still being housed in the School of Computing. Information Security is particularly valuable with growing cybersecurity demand. Both lead to strong tech career outcomes.
SMU Computing & Law
ABB/A — 18 placesA niche double degree combining computing with law. Only 18 places, but the entry grade (ABB/A) is lower than pure CS. Ideal for students interested in tech law, intellectual property or regulatory compliance in tech.
SIT & SUTD Computing Programmes
Alternative PathwaysThe Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers applied computing degrees with strong industry integration and mandatory work attachments. SUTD's Information Systems Technology and Design programme has a design-thinking approach to CS. Both have lower cutoffs than the top 3 and excellent employment outcomes.
Application Tips: How to Get Into NTU CS
Meeting the IGP cutoff is necessary but not always sufficient. Here's how to strengthen your application beyond grades.
Excel in H2 Mathematics
H2 Mathematics is the single most important subject for CS admission. It demonstrates the logical thinking and quantitative skills essential for programming and algorithms. An 'A' in H2 Math can compensate for a weaker grade elsewhere.
H2 Computing / Further Math (Valued but Not Required)
Having H2 Computing shows genuine interest and programming background. H2 Further Mathematics demonstrates advanced mathematical ability. However, neither is a strict requirement — many successful CS students come from Physics/Chemistry combinations.
Build a Coding Portfolio
Create a GitHub profile with personal projects: a web application, a mobile app, a machine learning model, or contributions to open-source projects. This demonstrates passion and practical skills that grades alone cannot show. Include a link in your application.
Participate in Hackathons & Competitions
Join hackathons (e.g., NTU's own hackathons, Hack&Roll, BuildingBloCS), coding competitions (NOI, CodeForces), or the Singapore Science & Engineering Fair. Competition experience shows initiative and problem-solving ability beyond the classroom.
Prepare for Aptitude Tests & Interviews
NUS has a computing-specific aptitude test for borderline applicants. NTU and SMU may conduct interviews for ABA (Aptitude-Based Admissions) candidates. Practice basic programming logic, algorithm thinking, and be ready to discuss your motivation for CS and any projects you've built.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What grades do I need for NTU Computer Science?
Based on AY2025/2026 IGP data, NTU CS requires AAC/B at the 10th percentile (minimum) and AAA/A at the 90th percentile. For polytechnic students, you need a minimum GPA of 3.75. These are indicative — actual cutoffs vary each year based on the applicant pool.
Q:Is NUS or NTU CS harder to get into?
NUS CS is harder. NUS requires AAA/A at both the 10th and 90th percentile — meaning virtually every admitted student has perfect or near-perfect grades. NTU CS at AAC/B (10th percentile) is noticeably more accessible. For poly students, NUS requires GPA 3.80 vs NTU's 3.75. However, both are extremely competitive by national standards.
Q:Can I enter NTU CS without H2 Computing?
Yes, absolutely. H2 Computing is not a prerequisite for any CS programme in Singapore. The key requirement is strong H2 Mathematics. Many successful CS students studied Physics, Chemistry or Economics alongside Mathematics. H2 Computing gives you a head start in Year 1 but is by no means essential. In fact, NTU's first-year curriculum assumes no prior programming experience.
Q:What is the starting salary for CS graduates in Singapore?
Based on the 2024 Graduate Employment Survey, the median starting salary for NTU CS graduates is approximately S$6,000–6,600/month. Top performers at FAANG companies (Google, Meta) can earn S$8,000–10,000+/month as fresh graduates (including stock options). CS is consistently among the top 3 highest-paying degrees in Singapore, alongside Medicine and Law. Mid-career CS professionals (5–10 years) typically earn S$12,000–20,000+/month.
Q:Should I choose Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
Computer Science focuses on software: algorithms, AI/ML, databases, web development and systems design. Computer Engineering combines hardware and software: circuit design, embedded systems, IoT, computer architecture alongside programming. If you want a pure software career (software engineer, data scientist, ML engineer), CS is the better fit. If you're interested in hardware-software integration, chip design or IoT, CE is ideal. Notably, NTU CE (ABC/C) has a much lower cutoff than CS (AAC/B), making it an excellent alternative if your grades are borderline. Many CE graduates still end up in software roles.
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