Do I stand a chance at NUS MFin with an engineering background and CFA Level 1?

Question

I’m from India with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (8.2/10 GPA), 1 year of experience in corporate banking, and I’ve cleared CFA Level 1. Planning to give GMAT Focus but expecting around 615–625. Do you think this profile is competitive enough for NUS MFin, especially since I want to target investment banking or asset management in Singapore?

Hema A · Accepted Answer

Yes, your profile with an engineering background, CFA Level 1, and corporate banking experience is competitive for NUS MFin. The program admits many candidates from technical fields like engineering because they bring strong quantitative skills. An 8.2/10 GPA is solid, and clearing CFA Level 1 shows commitment to finance. A GMAT Focus score in the 615&ndash;625 range would put you near the average for admits, which helps.
For investment banking or asset management, the challenge will be less about admissions and more about placements in Singapore. Banks here prefer PRs, so internationals need strong internships and networking. Your corporate banking experience is relevant, but adding one internship or project linked directly to asset management or IB would strengthen the case. If you can highlight transferable skills &mdash; like financial modeling or credit analysis &mdash; your chances of both admission and future roles increase.

V Ritik · Answer

Many applicants with engineering plus CFA Level 1 wonder if that&rsquo;s enough, and the answer is that it gets you into the game but doesn&rsquo;t guarantee anything.

NUS MFin values quant ability, so your engineering background fits.
A GMAT Focus score around 615&ndash;625 is close to the typical admit range, though pushing it slightly higher would improve odds.
One year in corporate banking gives relevant exposure, but NUS also looks at whether you&rsquo;ve applied finance skills beyond exams. Think about showing experience with credit assessment, modeling, or industry research.
For investment banking, recruiters usually prefer candidates with prior IB internships or CFA Level 2/3, so setting realistic expectations is important. Asset management is more achievable with your profile, especially if you can link your CFA prep with practical experience.
Networking in Singapore is crucial. Many internationals who land roles do so through alumni or internship conversions.

From an ROI perspective, tuition and living costs are roughly SGD 100,000&ndash;110,000, and average salaries for NUS MFin grads start around SGD 65,000&ndash;75,000, with higher upside in IB. That makes ROI realistic in 2&ndash;3 years if you secure a local role.
For more detail you can read this blog on "NUS MFIN "

Shruti T · Answer

NUS MFin is designed for candidates who don&rsquo;t necessarily come from finance-heavy degrees, so an engineering background with solid academics (8.2/10) works fine. The one year in corporate banking already gives you a foothold in finance, and clearing CFA Level 1 strengthens your technical credibility. That combination shows both practical exposure and intent to build a finance career.
A GMAT Focus score in the 615&ndash;625 range is slightly below the average for admits (usually closer to 640&ndash;650), but still possible if the rest of your application is strong. Essays should highlight why investment banking or asset management in Singapore makes sense for you, and how your engineering skills &mdash; analytical thinking, quantitative problem solving &mdash; transfer into finance. Adding specific achievements from your corporate banking role, like supporting loan structuring or analyzing credit portfolios, will help. With clear goals and proof of progress, your profile is competitive.

D. Aarav · Answer

Plenty of NUS MFin admits come from engineering or technical fields, so your profile fits the type they look for. The CFA Level 1 pass already signals strong finance knowledge, and even one year in corporate banking shows early industry exposure.
&bull; Your GPA of 8.2/10 is solid and reflects strong academics. &bull; A 615&ndash;625 GMAT Focus is workable, but pushing closer to 640 gives you more comfort against the average. &bull; In your application, emphasize the link between your banking projects and the skills needed in IB or asset management &mdash; for example, preparing client credit reports, analyzing cash flow statements, or assisting in financial modeling. &bull; Recommendations should highlight concrete examples, such as when you analyzed a corporate client&rsquo;s risk profile or built reports that supported a lending decision.
Targeting NUS is realistic, and with clear evidence of finance ability, your background makes sense for the program.